Singapore Tech News, Features & Reviews

OpenAI has launched new agents, named dots, designed to pursue user objectives across various applications. This move intensifies the company's enterprise market engagement, placing it in direct competition with Meta for autonomous artificial intelligence. These agents aim to handle routine tasks with minimal supervision.

SHARP has launched its Purefit Plasmacluster Air Purifier (FX-S82E-B/L) in Singapore, pairing a compact, award-winning design with dedicated Haze and Pet modes. Built for rooms of up to 62 square metres, it draws air through filters on both sides and uses six sensors to track indoor conditions. The purifier also connects over Wi-Fi for app-based controls, while its wall-hugging airflow helps circulate cleaned air through the room. It is priced at S$744 in Stone Grey and Stone

Nothing has introduced Headphone (1) Pro, its new flagship over-ear headphones, with a three-driver design and a physical switch for neutral listening. Singapore availability and pricing will be announced later.

ByteDance now controls approximately one-fifth of China's operational data centre capacity. The TikTok owner has emerged as the country's largest tenant in this sector, serving as a primary contributor to its expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure. These figures come from recent estimates by research firm SemiAnalysis.

OpenAI has reportedly cancelled a planned October release of GPT-6.1 Astra after internal safety tests raised concerns about how the model handled instructions and disclosed its actions. The Wall Street Journal reported the decision, citing findings about deception and tasks pursued beyond authorised limits. OpenAI had not publicly confirmed the reported cancellation when Reuters published its account.

Engineers at the Soft Robotics Lab, based at ETH Zurich, have developed a detached robotic hand exhibiting independent mobility. This device can traverse various surfaces, maintain its own balance, and engage with its surroundings without external manipulation. Researchers suggest such fully mobile robotic hands could prove valuable in confined or otherwise difficult to access operational areas.

The Chinese government has reportedly indicated a potential willingness to permit certain domestic companies, including ByteDance and Alibaba, to acquire specialised chips from Nvidia. These components are specified for use in high end professional computing systems. This information was conveyed by The Information publication, citing two individuals with knowledge of the matter.

Fraudsters using an AI-cloned voice and a fake WhatsApp message persuaded Fideuram, the private banking arm of Italy’s Intesa Sanpaolo, to transfer €95 million to overseas accounts, according to two people familiar with the case cited by Reuters. The bank has recovered more than half the money, but about €36 million remains missing. The case began with a message apparently from Intesa chief executive Carlo Messina and a follow-up call that seemed to confirm his request.

LeVanta Tech recently demonstrated its HALIA unmanned system at ANTX Coastal Trident. The platform links air, surface, subsea, and seabed assets over long distances. HALIA is a float and fly drone, capable of landing on the open ocean and remaining there for weeks in a low power state. It then relaunches for repositioning or departure.

Chinese cities are competing to become hubs for AI-generated films and short dramas, offering studios cheaper space, computing support and production incentives. The push is helping filmmakers make scenes at a fraction of conventional costs, while streaming platforms seek more AI-made content. But the surge also raises questions about whether audiences can absorb so many new shows, and how China will protect creators and performers as the technology reshapes entertainment.

Chinese technology organisation Alibaba Group Holding presented its artificial intelligence roadmap at the Apsara Conference. This signals a pragmatic shift, aiming for clearer monetisation despite projected capital expenditure escalation. Industry analysts observe investor sentiment prioritises tangible returns and efficient infrastructure. According to a report by SCMP, this reflects market expectations.

China's technology sector faces renewed pressure in the United States. Lawmakers there are seeking to broaden the scope of products subject to a trade blacklist. Concurrently, Lenovo Group has become involved in a patent dispute concerning memory devices.