iPhones to Utilize Alibaba’s AI Technology in China
Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai confirmed that iPhones will integrate the company’s artificial intelligence technology within the Chinese market, marking a strategic collaboration between Apple and Alibaba amid a complex regulatory environment.
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Alibaba
During an interview at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Tsai stated, as reported by Bloomberg:
“Apple was very selective.
They spoke to several companies in China,
and ultimately, they chose to work with us.
They want to use our AI technology to power their phones.”
He added that Apple has yet to introduce its full suite of AI features in China due to regulatory constraints,
which require the company to partner with locally approved firms.
Tsai indicated that this approach would remain in place for the long term.
Despite this collaboration, Tsai did not specify whether Alibaba would be the exclusive provider of AI solutions for Apple in China.
This move represents a significant win for Alibaba, strengthening its position in China’s highly competitive AI market,
where major tech giants are vying for dominance.
Eurozone
Industrial Output Shrinks at Fastest Pace in Four Months
Data from Eurostat, released on Thursday morning, showed that industrial production in the Eurozone contracted in January at its steepest rate in four months, reflecting ongoing economic pressures in the region.
According to the report, industrial production declined by 1.1% month-on-month,
compared to December, exceeding market expectations of a 0.6% contraction.
This performance was also weaker than December’s revised 0.4% growth (previously estimated at 0.2%).
On an annual basis, industrial output dropped by 2.0% compared to January 2023,
performing better than forecasts of a 3.1% contraction.
December’s annual decline was revised to 1.8%, from a previous estimate of 1.9%.
These figures highlight a continued slowdown in industrial momentum across the Eurozone,
potentially increasing pressure on the European Central Bank (ECB) as it strives to support economic recovery amid persistent challenges.
New Zealand
Inflation Expectations Decline Despite Short-Term Increase
Data from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), released on Thursday morning,
indicated a decline in New Zealand’s inflation expectations for the first quarter of 2024.
The bank’s survey revealed that consumers anticipate inflation to average 2.06% over the next two years,
down from 2.12% in the previous survey.
However, one-year inflation expectations edged up to 2.15%, compared to 2.05% in Q4 2023,
signaling short-term inflationary concerns despite expectations of a longer-term decline.
iPhones to Utilize Alibaba’s AI Technology in China