Huawei, the Chinese telecom giant, will face a U.S. criminal trial after a federal judge ruled that charges brought against the company can proceed. This decision marks a significant development in a long-standing legal battle that has added tension to U.S.-China relations and raised global concerns about national security, technology, and international law.
Background of the Case
The U.S. government has accused Huawei of violating sanctions, stealing trade secrets, and committing bank fraud. These charges stem from allegations that Huawei:
Misled financial institutions about its business operations in Iran, in violation of U.S. sanctions Engaged in intellectual property theft from American technology companies Obstructed justice by destroying or concealing evidence related to the investigations
Huawei has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and criticized the charges as politically motivated.
The Judge’s Ruling
A U.S. District Court judge dismissed Huawei’s request to have the case thrown out, stating that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence for the case to move forward. This ruling clears the way for a full criminal trial, where Huawei will have to formally respond to the allegations in court.
Baidu, China’s leading search engine and AI company, has unveiled a new AI video generation tool and announced a major upgrade to its search platform, marking a significant step forward in its push to become a dominant force in generative AI.
These new features are part of Baidu’s broader strategy to embed artificial intelligence more deeply into its ecosystem of products, from search to content creation.
AI-Powered Video Creation Goes Mainstream
At the core of the announcement is Baidu’s new AI video generator, which allows users to create short-form videos from text prompts, similar to the capabilities offered by OpenAI’s Sora or tools from Runway and Pika.
This tool is designed to empower:
Content creators, by accelerating video production Businesses and marketers, by enabling rapid creation of branded content Educators and media outlets, through easy-to-use storytelling tools
The AI model behind the video generator can create realistic characters, motion, backgrounds, and even lip-synced dialogue, making it suitable for a wide range of applications—from advertising to entertainment.
A Smarter, AI-Enhanced Search Engine
Alongside the video generator, Baidu also announced a revamp of its search capabilities, incorporating large language models (LLMs) to enhance user experience. The updated search engine can now:
Understand natural language queries more effectively Provide direct AI-generated answers rather than just links Surface more relevant, personalized content based on context and user intent
These upgrades are designed to keep Baidu competitive with global tech giants like Google, which are also racing to integrate generative AI into core search functions.
“Search is evolving from finding information to understanding intent and delivering intelligent responses,” a Baidu spokesperson said. “We’re building an AI-native search engine that helps users solve problems, not just locate web pages.”
China’s AI Race Heats Up
Baidu’s latest AI developments come amid intensifying competition in China’s tech sector. Local rivals such as Alibaba, Tencent, and iFlytek are also investing heavily in generative AI. Baidu, however, has been among the first to bring production-grade AI applications to market, through its Ernie Bot and now, video generation capabilities.
What’s Next for Baidu
These updates show Baidu is not just playing catch-up with Western AI giants—it’s shaping the future of digital experiences in China and beyond. As generative AI continues to redefine how people interact with technology, Baidu’s integration of these tools into everyday platforms like search and content creation puts it at the forefront of this transformation.
Intel’s New CEO Considers Major Overhaul of Chip Manufacturing Strategy
Intel, one of the world’s leading semiconductor companies, is reportedly exploring a significant shift in its chip manufacturing strategy under the leadership of its newly appointed CEO. This move could mark one of the most consequential transformations in the company’s history as it seeks to regain its edge in the highly competitive global chip market.
A Pivotal Moment for Intel
The company’s new CEO, whose appointment signals a fresh direction for Intel, is said to be evaluating structural changes to its manufacturing operations, which have long been a hallmark of its identity. Historically, Intel has been known for its integrated device manufacturing (IDM) model, designing and producing its own chips in-house. However, the new leadership is reportedly open to outsourcing more of its chip production to third-party foundries—a move that could reshape Intel’s operational and financial model.
Why This Matters
Intel has faced growing pressure in recent years from competitors like TSMC and Samsung, which have surged ahead in advanced chip manufacturing technologies. Delays in Intel’s own process node advancements, including its struggles with 7nm production, have raised concerns about its ability to keep pace with the rapidly evolving semiconductor landscape.
Outsourcing could allow Intel to:
Access cutting-edge manufacturing nodes faster through foundry partners Lower production costs and improve efficiency Focus more on chip design and architecture innovation Remain competitive in key markets like AI, data centers, and mobile computing
Balancing Innovation and Control
While outsourcing offers flexibility and speed, it also comes with risks—especially around supply chain security, quality control, and intellectual property protection. Intel’s new CEO is expected to weigh these trade-offs carefully, with strategic partnerships likely to play a key role in any new direction.
The company has already signaled a more open and collaborative approach, as seen with its recent Intel Foundry Services (IFS) initiative and partnerships with firms like ARM and MediaTek.
Looking Ahead
Industry analysts view the potential overhaul as a bold but necessary move for Intel, which is aiming to reclaim its leadership in a market that’s more globalized and innovation-driven than ever.
“This could redefine Intel’s future,” one analyst noted. “They’re not just changing strategy—they’re reconsidering who they are.”
As the company prepares for a new era, all eyes will be on how this shift unfolds—and whether it can restore Intel’s reputation as a true trailblazer in semiconductor technology.
Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Chinese tech giant Alibaba Group, has announced plans to launch new data centres in Malaysia and the Philippines, further expanding its presence in Southeast Asia.
This strategic move is part of Alibaba Cloud’s ongoing commitment to boosting digital infrastructure across the region and supporting local businesses with secure, scalable, and high-performance cloud solutions.
Strengthening Southeast Asia’s Digital Ecosystem
With the rise of cloud adoption in Southeast Asia, the demand for localized infrastructure has grown significantly. By opening new data centres in Malaysia and the Philippines, Alibaba Cloud aims to:
Improve data latency and service reliability for regional customers Support regulatory compliance by allowing data to be stored within national borders Empower local enterprises, startups, and public sector agencies with AI-driven cloud services, including computing, storage, security, and data analytics
Focus on Regional Innovation and Digital Sovereignty
The expansion reinforces Alibaba Cloud’s position as a key player in Southeast Asia’s cloud computing landscape. It also supports broader national digital transformation agendas in both countries, which have prioritized cloud infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth and innovation.
“This move demonstrates Alibaba Cloud’s long-term commitment to helping businesses in Southeast Asia innovate and thrive in the digital age,” the company said in a statement.
Ongoing Global Expansion
Alibaba Cloud already operates data centres in several other Asia-Pacific markets, including Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. With the addition of Malaysia and the Philippines, the company is poised to further enhance its regional resilience and customer reach.
This expansion is expected to provide a boost to local economies by creating new tech jobs and fostering greater digital competitiveness among local enterprises.
SYDNEY, July 2 – Australian airline Qantas has disclosed a major cybersecurity breach that exposed the personal information of six million customers, marking the country’s largest data breach in recent years and a serious blow to the airline’s ongoing efforts to rebuild public trust.
In a statement released Wednesday, Qantas said the hacker infiltrated a third-party customer service platform linked to one of its call centres. The compromised database contained sensitive customer information, including:
Full names Email addresses Phone numbers Dates of birth Frequent flyer membership numbers
While no passwords or credit card details were exposed, the airline acknowledged the scale and sensitivity of the breach.
“We take the security of our customers’ data extremely seriously and are working closely with cybersecurity experts and regulators,” Qantas said.
A Setback Amid Recovery
The cyberattack comes as Qantas works to recover from a recent reputational crisis, including customer service issues and leadership turnover. This breach could complicate its efforts to win back loyalty and trust from the public.
The third-party platform involved in the incident was not named, but Qantas confirmed that immediate steps have been taken to isolate the system and strengthen security protocols. The airline is also notifying affected customers and offering support.
A Growing National Concern
This breach adds to a growing list of major cyber incidents in Australia, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in both public and private sector systems. It also raises questions about the security of outsourced service providers, especially those handling sensitive customer data.
Regulators and cybersecurity authorities are now involved in the investigation, and the incident is expected to prompt further scrutiny over how companies manage and protect user data.
In a significant move for the European tech landscape, French business software firm LumApps has merged with Swiss counterpart Beekeeper, creating a new unicorn valued at approximately $1.1 billion.
The deal, announced Wednesday, is set to close later this month. It is backed by British private equity group Bridgepoint (BPTB.L), which was already a major investor in LumApps and will retain a majority stake in the newly formed company.
“Midterm, an IPO or a trade sale are options,” said Cristian Grossmann, CEO of Beekeeper. “With the U.S. and Europe being our core markets, both would be great IPO venue candidates.”
The merged entity will be headquartered in Lyon, France—home to LumApps—with LumApps CEO Sebastien Ricard taking the reins of the combined business. Together, the companies will employ around 600 people globally.
A Rare European Unicorn
The term unicorn refers to private startups valued at $1 billion or more—a status still relatively rare in Europe’s tech ecosystem. The union of LumApps and Beekeeper marks a milestone not only for the firms involved but for the broader European enterprise software sector.
LumApps specializes in software designed to power company intranets, aiming to modernize or even replace traditional tools like Microsoft’s SharePoint. Its platform is used by major global companies such as Airbus and LVMH.
“We are trying to augment or even replace products like Microsoft’s SharePoint,” said Elie Melois, Chief Technology Officer at LumApps.
Beekeeper, meanwhile, is known for its mobile-first platform that connects frontline workers with management and internal systems—offering a complementary value to LumApps’ more desktop-centric solutions.
Strategic Synergy and Global Ambitions
The merger brings together two complementary technologies and customer bases, positioning the new firm to scale rapidly across key markets in North America and Europe. Backing from Bridgepoint provides the financial firepower and strategic support needed for international growth and potential IPO ambitions in the near future.
The iPhone 17 Pro models are reportedly getting an expanded camera bar, which could significantly change the device’s appearance.(kanedacane tweets/X)
iPhone 17 Pro Max Leaks Reveal Apple’s Shift to Battery-First Design The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to undergo significant changes, prioritizing battery life over sleek design. Here are the key takeaways¹:
Increased Thickness: The iPhone 17 Pro Max will reportedly feature a body thickness of 8.725mm, up from 8.25mm on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, to accommodate a larger battery.
Improved Battery Life: This design change is expected to result in better battery endurance, potentially giving the iPhone 17 Pro Max the best battery performance in iPhone history.
No Major Camera Upgrades: Unlike previous years, the Pro Max model won’t have significant camera upgrades exclusive to it, with power and practicality being the primary selling points.
Design Philosophy Shift: Apple seems to be rethinking its design approach, valuing usability and battery life over elegance and uniformity.
Potential Impact: This shift could signal a new era for flagship smartphones, where “flagship” means fully powered, not just ultra-thin.
This change in design philosophy could redefine what users expect from a flagship smartphone, prioritizing functionality and usability over aesthetics.
Apple iPhone 17 Series: What to Expect Before September Launch The Apple iPhone 17 series is just around the corner, and excitement is building up among tech enthusiasts. The series will include four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Let’s dive into what we know so far about these upcoming devices.
Design and Display
iPhone 17 Air: Touted as the slimmest iPhone ever, with a thickness of around 5.5mm to 6mm. It will feature an ultra-thin aluminum frame with flat edges and a 6.6-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate.
iPhone 17: Expected to have a similar design to its predecessor with a pill-shaped sensor and a 6.3-inch ProMotion display.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Thicker chassis to accommodate larger batteries, with the Pro Max potentially featuring a 5x optical zoom and 8K video capabilities.
Cameras
iPhone 17 Air: Single 48MP rear camera and 24MP front camera.
iPhone 17: Dual 48MP rear cameras and 24MP front camera.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Triple 48MP camera setup, including ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses.
Specifications and Performance
A19 Chip: Expected to power the iPhone 17 series, with the A19 Pro chip potentially powering the Pro models.
Fast Charging: Up to 25W fast charging capability.
Apple Intelligence Features: Integration of AI features to enhance user experience.
Pricing – iPhone 17: Starting price around ₹79,900 ($799).
iPhone 17 Air: Expected price around ₹89,900 ($899).
A US federal judge has rejected Apple’s bid to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), accusing the tech giant of unlawfully dominating the US smartphone market. Here’s a breakdown¹ ²:
Allegations: The DOJ alleges Apple uses restrictions on third-party app and device developers to prevent users from switching to competitors, thereby unlawfully dominating the market.
Judge’s Decision: US District Judge Julien Neals denied Apple’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, allowing the case to proceed.
Potential Consequences: The decision could lead to a years-long fight for Apple against enforcers’ attempts to lower barriers to competition with Apple’s iPhone.
Apple’s Response: An Apple spokesperson stated the company believes the lawsuit is wrong on the facts and law and will continue to vigorously fight it in court.
DOJ’s Stance: The DOJ, along with several states and Washington, D.C., argues Apple’s practices destroy competition and should be blocked from continuing them.
This case is part of a series of US antitrust cases against Big Tech companies, and its outcome could have significant implications for the industry.
