Tech Time Newsletter June 2024

11 June 2024

Cloud Accounting

Apple and Microsoft announce new product updates

Both Apple and Microsoft have announced updates to their product lines in recent weeks.

Apple unveiled updates to their iPad Air and iPod Pro lines, and Microsoft have introduced Copilot + PCs as showcased by their new Surface Pro and Laptop.

These releases by both companies appear to underline the emphasis they are putting on the potential offered by generative AI.

Microsoft

In Microsoft’s case this has been placed up front and centre.

Copilot + PCs have been announced as the beginning of a new AI era, and this is underlined by the new processor chips being used by Microsoft in their new devices.

The new devices will use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon (ARM) processors that are specialised for AI rather than the Intel (x86) processors that are inside most of our current Windows machines.

ARM Processors

ARM processors are desirable for various reasons, for instance they are more power efficient, meaning that batteries last longer, and are less expensive to manufacture.

Most mobile devices run ARM processors.

Microsoft have been pioneering a version of Windows that runs on ARM processors for a number of years, however other PC and laptop manufacturers have been slow to follow suit.

Software companies have also been slow to update their software to run on the ARM version of Windows, which has made it difficult for many businesses to consider ARM processor loaded Windows machines.

What is changing?

This all looks set to change with Copilot + PCs.

In addition to Microsoft’s own devices, Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung all have Copilot + PCs on the way.

Intel and AMD will also be joining Qualcomm in making AI-powered processors.

So, there now seems to be full support across the industry.

Copilot + PCs will work just like any other conventional computer but will also use on-device AI-powered features.

These will include the ability to search using natural language, generate images locally, and improve the performance of creative apps.

Apple

Apple’s release of new iPads didn’t specifically focus on any AI features.

However, it is widely thought that the new M4 processor released in the iPad Pro is set up for AI use.

Apple’s annual WWDC event is being held in June and this usually details updates coming to Apple’s Mac, iPad and iPhone operating software.

AI is expected to be the theme of this year’s event.

For businesses considering replacing and upgrading IT equipment in the next few months, it may pay to wait until after WWDC to be able to compare what Apple and Microsoft are offering.

UK benefits from tech investments of over £2 billion in one week

HM Treasury have published a press release pointing out that over £2 billion has been invested by leading tech firms in the UK in the space of just one week.

Coreweave, the AI (artificial intelligence) firm, are investing £1 billion in the UK and have confirmed that their new European headquarters will be based in London.

Siemens Healthineers have also announced an investment of £250 million to design and manufacture superconducting magnets for MRI scanners at a new facility in North Oxfordshire.

This news follows Scale AI, the data infrastructure company for AI, announcing that it will locate its first European headquarters in London and the announcement about Wayve, a British business, receiving over $1.05 billion for developing the next generation of AI-powered self-driving vehicles in the UK.

According to statistics presented by HM Treasury, around half of all AI private capital investment in Europe is in the UK, and hundreds of AI companies are starting up in the UK every year.

The AI sector employs more than 50,000 people in the UK and contributes more than £3.7 billion to the UK economy every year.

Estimates suggest that the UK AI market will be worth over $1 trillion by 2035.

Automated Vehicles Act brings self-driving vehicles closer to reality

Self-driving vehicles are set to be on British roads by 2026 following the enactment of the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act.

Automated vehicles are expected to improve road safety by reducing human error, which is estimated to be responsible for 88% of road collisions.

The AV Act, which was first announced in the King’s Speech of November 2023, attempts to position the UK as a leader in self-driving technology regulation, that according to government estimates, will potentially unlock a £42 billion industry and create over 38,000 skilled jobs by 2035.

The legislation mandates that self-driving vehicles must meet high safety standards at least equivalent to careful and equivalent human drivers and includes rigorous safety checks before vehicles are road-ready.

This could significantly reduce accidents caused by drink driving, speeding, fatigue, and inattention.

Self-driving vehicles may also be able to help address driver shortages, such as those being experienced by the haulage industry.

It could also have real value in mining and other industries where work is dangerous.

The AV Act follows successful trials by British companies like Wayve and Oxa, which are testing self-driving cars in London and Oxford.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper hailed the law as a milestone for the self-driving industry, expecting that self-driving vehicles will enhance travel safety and boost the economy.

Key industry figures, including Paul Newman of Oxa and Alex Kendall of Wayve, praised the Act for its rigorous standards and its potential to establish the UK as a global leader in autonomous vehicle technology.

The content in this blog is correct as at 11th June 2024. See terms and conditions.