TechPression

Tag: AI

  • Alibaba Cloud’s 85% price slash for Qwen-VL-Max set to transform AI in healthcare, finance

    Alibaba Cloud’s 85% price slash for Qwen-VL-Max set to transform AI in healthcare, finance

    On December 31, 2024, Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing division of Alibaba Group, announced significant price reductions for its visual reasoning AI model, Qwen-VL-Max. 

    This initiative is set to transform how businesses approach AI technology, particularly in industries such as healthcare and finance. 

    Alibaba’s founder, Jack Ma, has long envisioned the company as a leader in technological innovation, and this latest move underscores that commitment.

    Read also: Alibaba enters African market with Morocco as strategic launchpad for e-commerce expansion

    Competitive pricing strategy

    Alibaba Cloud’s price cut of up to 85 per cent for Qwen-VL-Max positions it at just 0.003 yuan (approximately $0.00041) per thousand tokens. 

    This significant reduction aims to make advanced AI capabilities more accessible to a broader range of businesses. 

    The move comes as part of a series of adjustments throughout the year, reflecting Alibaba’s proactive approach in a highly competitive market. 

    Recent reports highlight that “These cuts are primarily focused on inference costs,” which are critical for real-time AI applications, as first mentioned in a report on September 25, 2024, during Eddie Wu’s speech at the 2024 Apsara Conference.

    This aggressive pricing strategy is particularly beneficial for startups and mid-sized companies that may have previously found the costs prohibitive. 

    By lowering these expenses, Alibaba Cloud is enhancing its service offerings and encouraging innovation and experimentation among businesses looking to leverage AI for growth.

    Read also: UK firms slam Microsoft with £1 billion suit over alleged anti-competitive cloud practices

    Expanding AI capabilities

    Qwen-VL-Max is designed to process text and images, making it a versatile tool for various applications ranging from content creation to data analysis. This capability allows businesses to harness the power of AI in ways that were not feasible before due to cost constraints. 

    With the growing demand for AI solutions across different sectors, Alibaba Cloud’s pricing overhaul is expected to attract a diverse clientele eager to explore new possibilities.

    Industry analysts believe this strategic pricing will help Alibaba Cloud maintain its competitive edge against rivals like ByteDance and Tencent.

    One expert noted, “Lowering costs while enhancing capabilities is a winning formula in today’s fast-paced tech environment.” This sentiment reflects the broader trend in the tech industry, where companies increasingly focus on making advanced technologies accessible to all.

    The announcement has sparked excitement among developers and businesses alike, who look forward to integrating these advanced AI tools into their operations without breaking the bank. 

    With Jack Ma’s vision guiding Alibaba Cloud’s direction, the company is poised to continue its role as a key player in the global tech arena.

  • Tecno integrates AI assistant for seamless language translation, automated photo editing

    Tecno integrates AI assistant for seamless language translation, automated photo editing

    Tecno, a prominent Chinese technology brand, announced the launch of its innovative AI Assistant on December 31, 2024.

    This new application enhances user experience by simplifying everyday tasks through advanced features like language translation, automated photo editing, and voice-to-text conversion.

    Read also: Chinese smartphone manufacturer, Realme, enters Nigerian market

    Enhancing daily life

    The Tecno AI Assistant aims to make technology more accessible and integrated into users’ lives. 

    At the launch event held at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Tecno Ethiopia’s Brand Manager, Mr Alick, emphasised the company’s commitment to digital transformation and inclusivity.

    He stated, “Tecno is committed to fostering accessibility and ensuring the community earns the benefits of modern technology”.

    Renowned technology expert Solomon Kassa presented the AI Assistant’s capabilities, showcasing how it aligns with current technological advancements. 

    The assistant offers features such as real-time translation and innovative recommendations, making it a valuable tool for daily tasks. Users can expect to benefit from its ability to streamline communication across languages and enhance productivity.

    The vision behind Tecno

    Founded with a vision to empower users through technology, Tecno continues to innovate in the smartphone market. The introduction of the AI Assistant reflects its dedication to improving user interaction with devices. 

    The assistant supports over 70 languages and integrates seamlessly with Tecno’s latest smartphones, including the Phantom V2 Flip and Camon 30 series.

    Read also: Why the Tecno Pova 6 Neo is a game-changer for budget Smartphones

    As part of its broader AI ecosystem, Tecno’s AI Assistant also includes features for content generation and creative tasks. Users can generate text or art from prompts, which enhances their creative expression.

    The AI’s photo editing capabilities allow users to effortlessly remove unwanted elements from images, reminiscent of popular features found in other high-end smartphones.

    With this launch, Tecno aims to compete with established players in the tech industry and provide practical solutions that resonate with users’ needs. 

    As Peter Shi, Tecno’s brand manager, stated, “At TECNO, our mission is to create exceptional products that enhance people’s lives.” 

    This commitment is evident in the thoughtful design and functionality of the AI Assistant.

    The launch event was attended by various stakeholders, including government officials and influencers who explored the new products firsthand. This engagement highlights Tecno’s strategy of fostering community involvement in technological advancements.

  • UnoTelos partners with Niral Networks to bring 5G, AI solutions to Africa

    UnoTelos partners with Niral Networks to bring 5G, AI solutions to Africa

    UnoTelos, a telecom company operating in Nigeria, has announced a ground-breaking strategic alliance with Niral Networks, an Indian company that offers cutting-edge private 5G and EDGE AI computing solutions.

    The company revealed in a statement on Monday that the partnership is a major step towards tackling connection issues and promoting digital transformation throughout Africa.

    Read also: Algeria unveils strategy to boost digital economy with 500+ projects

    Partnership to overcome critical network infrastructure limitations

    The collaboration between UnoTelos and Niral Networks stems from a common goal of removing significant network infrastructure constraints that have historically impeded the advancement of technology in the region.

    The partnership intends to provide safe, low-latency, and scalable connectivity solutions by fusing Niral Networks’ state-of-the-art NiralOS 5G Core and Edge AI technologies with UnoTelos’ extensive knowledge of the African market.

    Beyond technology

    Jude Egbokwu, the founder and CEO of UnoTelos, stated that the collaboration is about empowerment rather than just technology.

    The founder and CEO of Niral Networks, Abhijit Chaudhary, stated, “Our collaboration with UnoTelos represents a pivotal moment in the digital transformation journey across Africa.”

    He continued, “By integrating Niral Networks’ advanced Private 5G and Edge AI technologies with UnoTelos’ profound system integration capabilities and market insights, we are not just deploying telecom infrastructure—we are engineering ecosystems for innovation.”

    “This partnership is strategically designed to address the continent’s most critical connectivity challenges, enabling industries from mining to oil & gas to leapfrog technological barriers and compete on a global scale,” he adds.

    Read also: Mafab Communications to launch 5G services in Nigeria after three-year delay

    Enterprises to access advanced connectivity solutions 

    According to the corporation, UnoTelos is putting itself at the forefront of telecom innovation by utilising NiralOS Private 5G and Edge.

    “The partnership enables enterprises in Nigeria to access advanced connectivity solutions that were previously unavailable or prohibitively expensive. The partnership is expected to catalyse digital transformation across multiple sectors.”

    “Potential applications include smart factory solutions, enhanced remote operations, and sophisticated IoT-enabled systems that can dramatically improve operational efficiency and competitiveness.”

  • Elon Musk warns of AI’s potential to outsmart humans, calls for global regulation

    Elon Musk warns of AI’s potential to outsmart humans, calls for global regulation

    Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, has issued a warning that artificial intelligence systems may outsmart humans.

    In a video posted on his official X Twitter on Sunday, the owner of Starlink expressed alarm at the speed at which artificial intelligence is developing and warned that these systems may eventually surpass human intelligence.

    “We are creating an intelligence that ultimately will be far more intelligent than any human, and ultimately more intelligent than the sum of all humans,” Musk said.

    Read also: WhatsApp celebrates 10 years of privacy with new group features, AI tools

    AI models, trained to lie, threaten humankind 

    The Tesla CEO views the fact that many AI systems are being trained to lie as a major concern. He was worried about the potentially disastrous effects of AI systems that have been trained with lies.

    Additionally, he emphasised that AI systems that are taught to tell lies pose a threat to humankind.

    Musk claimed that to reduce global hazards, AI development must place a high priority on honesty.

    “The most important thing in training AI is that it is rigorously truthful. This is very, very important, essential,” Musk noted.

    Musk likened AI to a “genius child,” stressing the importance of nurturing it with good values. “In creating AI, we need to be very careful… It’s like having a sort of genius child. You want to have that child grow up with good values,” he explained.

    Musk brought up a story of Google’s Gemini AI, which was required to decide between misgendering Caitlyn Jenner and starting a worldwide thermonuclear battle.

    Musk was troubled by the AI’s choice of misgendering. “I’m like, that’s a problem, guys,” he said.

    Strong AI systems could take drastic steps to prevent errors, he warned. “If this AI becomes super powerful, it could decide that the best way to avoid misgendering is to kill all humans, which makes the probability of us gendering zero,” Musk warned.

    He reaffirmed the necessity for AI to put humankind and the truth first, highlighting the need for systems to be honest, inquisitive, and supportive of human wellbeing.

    “It’s very important to have AI be maximally truthful, curious, and love humanity,” he said.

    Read also: Apple’s automatic data sharing in iOS 18’s Visual Search stirs privacy concerns

    Calls for AI regulation 

    Experts have been increasingly advocating for AI regulation since March 22, 2023, after a petition organised by well-known individuals like Musk.

    The petition raised concerns about the possible dangers AI could pose to humankind and called for a six-month stop in AI research.

    It stressed the necessity of security measures and regulatory frameworks to lessen the social and economic effects of AI.

    Furthermore, the significance of building collaborative governance to solve the issues brought about by AI was also emphasised during discussions at the G7 Summit in May 2023.

  • Mastercard acquires Recorded Future to prevent fraud, bolster cybersecurity

    Mastercard acquires Recorded Future to prevent fraud, bolster cybersecurity

    Mastercard, on December 20, announced its acquisition of Recorded Future for $2.65 billion. Recorded Future is a leading cybersecurity firm specialising in AI-driven threat intelligence.

    This strategic move is designed to enhance Mastercard’s security capabilities, aligning with the company’s commitment to improving safety and trust in the rapidly evolving digital payments landscape.

    Staffan Truvé and Christopher Ahlberg founded Recorded Future, a predictive threat intelligence company that provides useful insights to reduce possible cyber threats. Their cutting-edge technology fits in well with Mastercard’s global experience in identity solutions, fraud prevention, and real-time fraud scoring.

    Read also: Mastercard, Dgpays partner to expand digital payment usage for businesses, consumers

    The incorporation of Recorded Future into Mastercard’s cybersecurity architecture is expected to improve safeguards for both businesses and consumers globally.

    Significance of Mastercard’s acquisition of Recorded Future 

    Mastercard’s Executive Vice President of Security Solutions, Johan Gerber, underlined the significance of this purchase and its capacity to handle changing cyber threats and guarantee safe transactions.

    “As the world becomes more digitized, there’s an increased focus on securing every interaction and transaction against evolving cyber threats,” said Johan Gerber, executive vice president, Security Solutions at Mastercard. “Adding Recorded Future’s AI-driven threat intelligence capabilities to our cybersecurity services, identity solutions and real-time fraud scoring will enable us to better support our customers in these efforts.”

    Mastercard is dedicated to raising the bar for trust in the payment ecosystem and democratising cybersecurity to open up new business opportunities in the increasingly connected digital world.

    Read also: NIB, Mastercard partner to boost financial inclusion, digital transactions in Ethiopia

    Safeguarding the digital ecosystem

    Its package of cybersecurity services is centred on evaluating the exposure to cyber risk, offering AI and other technological advances to safeguard the digital ecosystem, and making ongoing improvements to establish confidence for individuals and companies globally.

    In addition to expanding these capabilities, Recorded Future will enhance the efficacy of current goods and services, making AI models even more intelligent, and offer chances to provide various client sets with useful intelligence and actionable insights.

    This acquisition highlights Mastercard’s position as a pioneer in safeguarding the future of digital payments as cyber threats increase in tandem with technological breakthroughs.

  • NITDA DG urges policymakers to embrace tech to boost economic growth in Jigawa

    NITDA DG urges policymakers to embrace tech to boost economic growth in Jigawa

    Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), on Saturday passionately advocated for technology integration to enhance economic prosperity at the FutureMap Academy in Jigawa state.

    He underscored the potential of deploying local resources to impact development while substantially addressing a diverse audience.

    Read also: NITDA alerts Nigerians: Beware of holiday season scams in online shopping

    Empowering local talent

    Inuwa stated that Jigawa’s population of computer science graduates is a valued asset. He shared compelling personal experiences regarding his technological journey, demonstrating the potential of mentorship to motivate young people to pursue careers in this field.

    “Effective service delivery starts with individual commitment and grows into collective action,” he stated, encouraging attendees to adopt small workplace changes to foster a tech-driven environment.

    Transformative potential of technology

    The workshop focused on various sectors, including agriculture and education, where technology can create job opportunities and improve service delivery. 

    Inuwa pointed out that AI applications could streamline government services like land registration, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for citizens. 

    Read also: Art meets tech: NCAC, NITDA join forces to support Nigerian talent

    He noted, “Digital transformation’s impact on productivity integrates people, processes, and technology,” showcasing examples like Uber and Airbnb as disruptive innovations.

    Huawei‘s representative also attended, reaffirming the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s digital agenda. 

    Dr. Nihinlola Mary Fafore highlighted the need for digital skills to bridge the technological divide and enhance employability among young Nigerians.

    The event underscored a collective vision for a tech-empowered future in Nigeria, with stakeholders committed to fostering innovation and supporting local communities through strategic policies and collaborations.

  • Microsoft weans off OpenAI, expands Microsoft 365 Copilot with other AI models

    Microsoft weans off OpenAI, expands Microsoft 365 Copilot with other AI models

    Microsoft is significantly shifting its artificial intelligence strategy by incorporating non-OpenAI models into its Microsoft 365 Copilot products. 

    The decision, announced on Monday, shows the company’s intent to reduce dependence on OpenAI due to concerns over cost and performance.

    Read also: ChatGPT and Sora suffer another service interruption on Boxing Day

    Evolving Al strategy

    Microsoft has invested heavily in OpenAI, with a total of $11 billion since 2019. This partnership enabled early access to advanced models like GPT-4, which powered features in Microsoft 365 Copilot released in March 2023. 

    However, as the demand for more flexible and cost-effective solutions grows, Microsoft is exploring third-party AI options and developing in-house models like Phi-4 to enhance its offerings.

    Enhancing user experience

    By diversifying its AI capabilities, Microsoft aims to provide solutions that address specific business needs across various sectors, such as healthcare and finance. 

    This multi-model approach allows for more specialised functionalities, improving user experience and operational efficiency. 

    One spokesperson noted, “We incorporate various models from OpenAI and Microsoft depending on the product and experience.”

    Incorporating third-party models

    Integrating non-OpenAI models is not just about cost reduction; it also emphasises innovation. Microsoft can improve response times and potentially pass savings on to customers using open-source models like Meta’s Llama series.

    This strategy aligns with broader industry trends where companies increasingly adopt multi-model AI approaches to mitigate risks associated with relying on a single provider.

    Read also: Microsoft expands Phone Link: iPhone-to-PC file sharing

    Real-world applications

    The Copilot feature in Word can summarise long documents or create new content based on user prompts.

    Excel suggests data visualisation techniques, demonstrating how diverse AI models can enhance productivity tools. This flexibility opens up new possibilities for users, enabling them to utilise AI in ways that cater to their needs.

    As Microsoft continues to evolve its AI strategy, the focus remains on creating a robust ecosystem that fosters innovation and meets the diverse demands of its user base.

  • DeepSeek V3: China’s AI model excels in coding, translation and essay writing, outperforming GPT-4

    DeepSeek V3: China’s AI model excels in coding, translation and essay writing, outperforming GPT-4

    DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company established by Liang Wenfeng, unveiled its most recent model, DeepSeek V3.

    The model, released on Thursday, is one of the most potent open-source AI rivals, making this release a milestone.

    Read also: How Agentic AI is redefining CRM, workflow automation at Creation AI

    Performance and specifications

    DeepSeek V3 boasts an impressive 671 billion parameters, surpassing the previous record held by LLaMA, which had 405 billion. 

    The model is proficient in various tasks, such as coding, translation, and essay writing, and has been trained on an astonishing 14.8 trillion tokens.

    According to internal benchmarks, it outperforms open and closed models like OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Meta’s Llama 3.1 in coding competitions hosted on platforms such as Codeforces.

    The model’s architecture employs a Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) design, allowing it to activate only a portion of its parameters during inference, thus optimising performance while maintaining efficiency. 

    DeepSeek V3 is reportedly three times faster than its predecessor and fully open-source. This enables developers to modify and utilise it under a permissive license for commercial applications. 

    Read also: Chrome to enhance security with AI-driven scam detection

    Innovations and future developments

    Alongside the launch of DeepSeek V3, the company is working on an innovative feature called Deep Roles. This feature will allow users to create and share personalised roles within the DeepSeek ecosystem, similar to Custom GPTs.

    Although still in development, it promises to enhance user interaction with the model by enabling tailored experiences in both Chinese and English.

    DeepSeek’s commitment to open-source development reflects its strategy to challenge the closed-source models of competitors like OpenAI. 

    The company promotes AI community participation and technological advancement.

    Despite facing regulatory challenges in China that filter responses on sensitive topics, DeepSeek continues to push boundaries in AI research and application

    The development of DeepSeek V3 was achieved with remarkable efficiency; it was trained using Nvidia H800 GPUs over just two months for $5.5 million—a fraction compared to other major models like GPT-4. 

    This shows DeepSeek’s resilience in overcoming international technology acquisition regulations.

  • AI to reshape Egypt’s workforce with 97 million jobs in 2025

    AI to reshape Egypt’s workforce with 97 million jobs in 2025

    The Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) at the Egyptian Cabinet, has released a new analysis on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies in driving a transformative shift in Egypt’s labour market, creating opportunities while challenging traditional roles. 

    According to the analysis, as reported by Egypt Today on December 25, AI and automation are expected to pave the way for 97 million new jobs globally by 2025, even as 85 million roles become obsolete.

    Read also: How Agentic AI is redefining CRM, workflow automation at Creation AI

    Egypt’s evolving job landscape

    The IDSC’s findings highlight a growing demand for roles that integrate humans, machines, and algorithms. Careers in AI specialisation, robotics engineering, data analysis, and digital transformation are gaining prominence as businesses restructure their operations to harness the power of technology. These shifts align with global trends, as industries adapt to the changing dynamics of work.

    While traditional roles like administrative assistants and data entry clerks are declining due to automation, new opportunities are emerging across sectors. The report emphasizes the rise of non-routine jobs that demand analytical and creative skills, reflecting a broader shift in workforce requirements.

    Industries driving AI adoption

    AI’s influence is particularly strong in sectors such as digital communication, healthcare, financial services, and transportation. Emerging roles like material engineers in automotive, renewable energy specialists, and cybersecurity experts are set to redefine the workforce. Additionally, industries such as mining are leveraging technologies like big data and robotics, while the public sector focuses on encryption technologies to safeguard digital infrastructure.

    Read also: Chrome to enhance security with AI-driven scam detection

    Addressing workforce challenges

    The rapid adoption of AI and related technologies has accelerated the need for reskilling and upskilling programs. The IDSC analysis underscores the importance of equipping workers with future-ready skills, including analytical thinking, technical expertise, and adaptability to new technologies. Expanding educational curricula to align with these demands is crucial for maintaining a competitive workforce.

    The report also highlights the importance of social safety nets to mitigate the economic disparities that can arise from job displacement. Strategies such as fostering innovation in key sectors like renewable energy, financial technology, and healthcare are essential to ensure inclusive growth.

    Planning for a tech-driven future

    As Egypt navigates this transition, strategic planning will play a vital role in ensuring sustainable economic growth. Companies are already restructuring their value chains, increasing automation, and outsourcing specialized tasks to adapt to the new realities of work.

    AI’s transformative potential offers Egypt a chance to redefine its labor market. By embracing these changes and investing in workforce development, the country can position itself as a leader in the global digital economy.

  • How Agentic AI is redefining CRM, workflow automation at Creation AI

    How Agentic AI is redefining CRM, workflow automation at Creation AI

    In the fast-evolving landscape of enterprise software, AI is not just an add-on but the core of new platforms. During a recent interview on YouTube with Creation AI’s CEO, Katherine Kostevera, the conversation delved into how Creation is challenging established giants like Salesforce and ServiceNow in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and workflow automation through its agentic AI approach.

    Read also: The role of AI in advancing global innovation

    Agentic AI as a new paradigm in enterprise software

    The CEO expressed her unparalleled excitement about the current state of technology, particularly highlighting how Creation AI is poised to redefine CRM and no-code platforms within the next few years. 

    Unlike traditional models where AI might be an additional feature, Creation AI integrates AI fundamentally into its platform, making it inherently AI-native. This approach means users don’t pay extra for AI functionalities; instead, they are part of the core offering, setting Creation apart from competitors who might charge for AI modules separately.

    The dual role of AI at Creation AI

    Creation AI leverages AI in two primary ways: first, in no-code development, where AI helps build applications directly on the platform; secondly, by enhancing end-user functionalities across various business processes like marketing, sales, and service automation. This dual functionality provides a significant edge, as it facilitates the creation of applications and optimises their use in real-world scenarios.

    When asked about market positioning, especially with competitors now offering AI-driven solutions, the CEO pointed out that Creation’s strategy involves not just offering AI but embedding it as a central component of user interaction. The platform is designed so that users interact with AI through natural language, which is seen as the future of programming. This approach aims to make technology more accessible, reduce the learning curve, and enhance adoption.

    Read also: Try Grok-2: Elon Musk’s latest AI model, free for X users

    Addressing adoption challenges of Agentic AI

    Adoption has been a focal point, with some enterprises experiencing a plateau in tool usage due to concerns over perceived laziness or lack of proper training. Creation AI tackles this by continuously expanding its skill library, ensuring users can handle various CRM tasks without needing additional interfaces or skills. Katherine Kostevera noted that this strategy speeds adoption and keeps users engaged with the platform’s evolving capabilities.

    According to Katherine, the vision for 2025 is a seamless interface where users interact with all CRM needs through one platform using natural language. This would mean a significant shift from current user experiences to a more intuitive, AI-assisted interaction, potentially setting a new standard for how software is used in businesses.

    The conversation concluded by acknowledging the competitive pricing strategies in the market. Creation AI’s approach of not charging extra for AI features is critical in fostering faster adoption, contrasting with competitors who might require additional investments for AI enhancements. This strategy could be a pivotal reason behind differing adoption rates across the industry.

    The YouTube video can be accessed here for those interested in exploring the discussion.