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Microsoft turns to the Middle East for its latest bet on AI Microsoft will invest $1.5 billion in Abu Dhabi’s G42, an artificial intelligence group that has faced questions over its ties to China. The companies will collaborate on AI and digital infrastructure, in a move that sees Microsoft’s AI empire expand into the Middle East for the first time. The move could attract sizeable scrutiny from regulators. G42 — led by Peng Xiao, a Chinese businessman and former CEO of Pegasus, a cybersecurity firm — has reportedly faced questions over its links to Beijing. In November, the New York Times reported that US officials were concerned G42 could be used to share American technology and data with the Chinese government. Xiao denied those claims, calling them “misinformation” in an interview with CNN in January. G42 and Microsoft say they have committed to comply with US and international trade rules as part of their partnership. Microsoft President Brad Smith will join the G42 board as part of the deal. “Our two companies will work together not only in the UAE, but to bring AI and digital infrastructure and services to underserved nations,” he said. Last year, G42 unveiled an Arabic-language AI model named “Jais,” which is available on Microsoft’s Azure platform. Microsoft has forged high-profile partnerships with several AI companies, in an attempt to position itself as a leader in the technology. Its partnership with OpenAI is credited as being one of the main drivers of Microsoft’s growth in the past year, but it has attracted interest from regulators in the United States and Europe who fear Microsoft is becoming too dominant. Microsoft has also made a host of high-profile AI investments overseas in recent months. In February, it announced a partnership with Mistral, the leading French AI startup. The same month, it also pledged billions of dollars in funding for AI projects in Spain and Germany. “It’s all about this new AI era,” Smith told CNN in February. “Fundamentally, a new sector of the economy is being born.” Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/16/tech/microsoft-g42-ai/index.html

Apple’s smartphone sales tumbled a stunning 10% last quarter, according to market research firm IDC. The main cause: iPhone sales in China fell sharply. The company has lost momentum in China as nationalism, a rough economy and increased competition have hurt Apple over the past several months. “It’s a steep drop for Apple, but if you think of where we have been in the past four years, Apple has probably been the most resilient brand, overcoming supply chain issues and macro challenges, more than other brands,” said Nabila Popal, research director at IDC, told CNN. Samsung had been the top smartphone manufacturer for the past 12 years. Apple took the crown last year – but only for one quarter. Samsung took the top spot back in the first quarter of 2024, IDC reported. “It’s also very significant that Samsung is back at the top,” Popal said. “This year, we are expecting Android to grow at twice the pace of iOS.” (Android is the operating system used by Samsung systems, while iPhones use iOS.) That’s because Android had a strong decline over the past few years, so it has more room to grow now. Both Apple and Samsung did not respond to a request for comment. Overall, IDC said global smartphone shipments increased 7.8% year over year to about 289 million devices in the first quarter of 2024, indicating the smartphone market is reemerging after two years of macroeconomic challenge. Samsung occupied about 20.8% of market share (or 60.1 million shipments) during the quarter, followed by Apple with 17.3% (50.1 million shipments). Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi made up 14.1% (40.8 million shipments). In December, Apple overtook Samsung as the highest performer in the smartphone category, ending Samsung’s 12-year run at the top, with 20% market share (compared to Samsung’s 19.4% market share). Samsung's new Galaxy S24 Ultra model phones offering AI functions displayed at the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose, California, U.S. January 17, 2024. Samsung's new Galaxy S24 Ultra model phones offering AI functions displayed at the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose, California, U.S. January 17, 2024. Loren Elliott/Reuters Although IDC said in its latest report that it expects Apple and Samsung to maintain their hold on the market, the resurgence of Huawei and other companies in China, including Xiaomi and OPPO/OnePlus, will likely continue. Chinese consumers who once would have considered Apple are now turning to national brands in China. China remains an important market for Apple as it is the largest market behind the US. The company continues to offer discounts in China to help boost sales. Last year, Huawei’s popular Mate 60 smartphone made headlines when the US government sought more information about the Pro model, which included a sophisticated processor. Its debut shocked industry experts who questioned how the company could make such a chip following sweeping efforts by the United States to restrict China’s access to foreign chip technology because of perceived national security concerns. Popal also noted Apple has not articulated a strong message about artificial intelligence, at a time when many tech companies are doubling down on related strategies and features. “We’re hoping to hear some messaging around this at its June developer conference,” she said. “We’re hopeful if they do provide something for the consumers … they should gain more interest that they’ve seen challenges with.” Samsung, however, has already gone all in on AI. For its most recent flagship Galaxy S24 lineup, which was announced in January, the company emphasized bringing AI advancements to its messaging, photos and games. “As the overall smartphone market recovers this year, with a strong focus on AI, Samsung is in good position to grow further this year,” she added. Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/15/tech/iphone-sales-plunging/index.html

Manchester City vs Real Madrid: Champions League Showdown at Etihad Stadium Welcome to our live blog, where we’ll be covering the thrilling Champions League quarter-finals second leg clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the iconic Etihad Stadium. Last week’s face-off at the Bernabeu was nothing short of spectacular, ending in a six-goal draw. Now, the stakes are high as the teams vie for a coveted spot in the semi-finals. Manchester City, fresh off their victory against Luton Town, are riding high on a 27-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, including their recent Premier League triumphs. Their confidence is bolstered by Liverpool and Arsenal’s recent missteps. On the other hand, Real Madrid, no strangers to the Champions League’s extraordinary challenges, are also unbeaten in this year’s competition. They’ve won all four away games by a single goal, contributing to their impressive 15-match unbeaten run across all competitions, including their recent victory against Mallorca. Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s coach, emphasizes the need for a well-rounded approach against Manchester City. "We have to have a complete game, to attack well and defend well, not to lose the ball when it’s not necessary. We have to focus on all the aspects of the game,” Ancelotti told the media. Ancelotti also praised Jude Bellingham, stating, "Bellingham is really good, he will be one of the most important players for the future of Real Madrid, also because he’s 20 years old. He’s really mature and very professional. A fantastic player for us.” As we look forward to another exciting match, Ancelotti assures fans, “I think Real Madrid fans are calm, they know that they always compete. They shouldn’t be worried, they should be the happiest. Our atmosphere is of confidence.” Stay tuned for more updates as we bring you the latest from the world of football, including updates on FC Barcelona’s matches against PSG and Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund’s clash with Atletico Madrid, and more from La Liga and Bundesliga.

Manchester City 0-1 Real Madrid LIVE: Crossbar prevents Haaland equalizer - Champions League 23/24 Good evening everybody and welcome to another MARCA in English live blog, this time taking you through the Champions League quarter-finals second leg clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid from the Etihad Stadium. There was no shortage of fireworks when the two teams met at the Bernabeu last week, as they battled to a draw in a six-goal thriller. Now, a place in the semi-finals awaits for whoever comes out on top on Wednesday. Manchester City enter the match full of confidence, unbeaten in their last 27 matches across all competitions and on track to defend their Premier League crown after slips by Liverpool and Arsenal over the weekend. However, Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid are no strangers to extraordinary feats in the Champions League. They enter Wednesday's match unbeaten in this year's competition. They've also won all of their four away games by one goal, to go along with a 15-match unbeaten run in all competitions. Ancelotti on having led more Champions League games than anyone else “Football is for the players. Despite the very competitive and entertaining game in the first leg, tomorrow I think the players will be the stars with so much quality on the pitch.” Ancelotti on previous ties with Manchester City “I think we’ve forgotten what happened. We are focused only on tomorrow, thinking about what happened a week ago. We have to compete and believe, which is what we’re trying to do today. The tie is level and we survived 90 minutes and anything can happen. We have to have the quality to create problems.” Ancelotti on what stops him sleeping “Nothing stops me sleeping, unless I eat too much tonight. Nothing will stop me believing about my players, because we are very good and are having a good season.” Ancelotti on the changes to Bellingham’s role “What I ask my players to do is to work for the team. That means commitment and attitude. What he did in the first half of the season is a plus because he scored a lot of goals. I only ask the players in attack to keep working and you see that more because they score. We are the team with fewest goals conceded in the league, that shows our commitment.” Ancelotti on Erling Haaland “If we talk about individual players, Haaland is still one of the most dangerous players Manchester City have. If he didn’t stand out in the first half, that’s our defensive merit. He’s still a very dangerous player.” Ancelotti on rivalry with Manchester City “There are many teams in Europe who are very strong and can fight for this title. In the last three years we’ve faced City and they’ve been spectacular games, tomorrow will be the same.” Ancelotti on Jude Bellingham “Bellingham is really good, he will be one of the most important players for the future of Real Madrid, also because he’s 20 years old. He’s really mature and very professional. A fantastic player for us.” Ancelotti on statistics “Statistics can be understood in any way. They are there to be proven or broken. I think they exist to be broken.” Ancelotti on any surprises “I think Pep can be relaxed, there won’t be magic.” Ancelotti on what fans should be feeling “I think Real Madrid fans are calm, they know that they always compete. They shouldn’t be worried, they should be the happiest. Our atmosphere is of confidence.” Ancelotti on Eduardo Camavinga “Are you sure he’s going to play? I think so, ah... For young players this is a game where they have to take advantage of the experience you get from these games. On an emotional level, he has a lot of confidence in himself. He has done a good job but he has to improve too, with the quality he has, he will.”