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Microsoft revenue up 18% after ‘infusing AI’

The Big Tech giants Microsoft and Alphabet – the parent company of Google – released earnings on Jan. 30 for the previous quarter, with highlights including developments in AI and cloud computing, among others. 

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The Big Tech giants Microsoft and Alphabet – the parent company of Google – released earnings on Jan. 30 for the previous quarter, with highlights including developments in AI and cloud computing, among others. 

Over the last year, AI was one of the most prominent topics in the tech industry, with a global market size reaching $196.6 billion in 2023. Microsoft and Google were among the leaders in the AI development space in 2023, both releasing their own high-level chatbots.

Microsoft saw accelerated sales at the end of the year, with its AI tools being a major factor. According to the report, the company revenue rose 18% year-on-year from September to December to more than $60 billion.

Along with its AI offerings, Microsoft’s sales of its cloud computing service of Azure rose 30% year-on-year, which was a better result than predicted by industry analysts. The company’s overall profits for Q4 were up 33% year-on-year, coming in at $21.9 billion. 

Microsoft entered 2024 launching the pro-version of its AI chatbot Copilot, which includes the capabilities to create custom GPTs and Office integration. However, it also entered the new year caught in a major copyright lawsuit against the New York Times, along with OpenAI.

Google started the year by outlining a plan for cutting jobs, in exchange for reaching its ambitious goals in areas including AI. In January 2023, it announced a cut of 6% to its global workforce and by September 2023, the company had laid off 182,381 employees globally. 

Nonetheless, Google started the year with the release of a new realistic AI text-to-video generator called “Lumiere,” which uses a time-space diffusion model to transform text and images into realistic AI-generated videos with on-demand editing capabilities.

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Bitcoin price risks drop to $71K as Trump tariffs hurt US business outlook

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Bitcoin is setting its sights on the $71,000 mark as market conditions shift in response to geopolitical and economic developments, including a new tariff agreement and weakening U.S. business sentiment.

Recent market activity suggests that Bitcoin is benefiting from concerns over traditional economic indicators, with investors turning to digital assets as a hedge against economic uncertainty. A rare slump in U.S. business outlook has fueled speculation that risk assets, including Bitcoin, could see increased inflows.

Additionally, ongoing global trade negotiations and tariff adjustments have contributed to market volatility, prompting investors to seek alternative stores of value. Analysts suggest that if macroeconomic pressures persist, Bitcoin could continue its upward trajectory, potentially testing the $71,000 resistance level.

Despite short-term fluctuations, Bitcoin remains a focal point for investors navigating inflation concerns, regulatory shifts, and global economic trends. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Bitcoin can sustain its momentum and break through key price barriers.

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Crypto donations top $1B in 2024, gain traction after Myanmar, Thailand quake

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Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, has donated 1,000 BNB to aid relief efforts following a powerful earthquake that struck the Thailand-Myanmar border region. The donation, valued at approximately $600,000, aims to support those affected by the disaster and assist in recovery operations.

The earthquake caused significant damage in several areas, displacing residents and impacting local infrastructure. CZ’s contribution highlights the growing role of cryptocurrency in humanitarian aid, providing fast and transparent relief funding.

The donation will be distributed to organizations working on the ground to deliver emergency assistance, including shelter, food, and medical supplies. Crypto-based aid is increasingly being utilized in disaster response efforts due to its efficiency in reaching affected communities without the delays of traditional banking systems.

As the affected regions begin the recovery process, the crypto community continues to demonstrate how blockchain technology can play a meaningful role in global humanitarian initiatives.

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Hackers are selling counterfeit phones with crypto-stealing malware

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Security researchers have uncovered a wave of counterfeit Android devices preloaded with malware designed to steal cryptocurrency, posing a significant threat to users worldwide. The infected devices, which mimic popular smartphone brands, contain malicious software capable of hijacking digital wallets and siphoning funds.

The malware, embedded at the firmware level, allows attackers to gain remote access, intercept sensitive data, and execute unauthorized transactions. Because the malicious code is deeply integrated into the device’s operating system, it is difficult to detect and remove, making it a persistent threat.

Cybersecurity experts warn that unsuspecting buyers may unknowingly expose their crypto holdings to risk by purchasing these compromised devices from unverified sellers. Users are urged to exercise caution by only purchasing smartphones from trusted retailers and manufacturers.

The discovery highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals targeting the cryptocurrency sector. As mobile-based crypto transactions become more common, security measures such as hardware wallet usage and multi-factor authentication are increasingly essential to safeguard digital assets from emerging threats.

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