The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), has launched a new ITU Focus Group to establish a basis for ITU standardisation to assist machine learning (ML) in bringing more automation and intelligence to ICT network design and management. Machine learning algorithms are helping operators to make smarter use of network-generated data. These algorithms enable ICT networks and their components to adapt their behaviour autonomously in the interests of efficiency, security and optimal user experience. Fixed and mobile networks generate a huge amount of data both at the network infrastructure level and at the user/customer level, which contain a lot of useful information such as data on location, mobility and call patterns. New ML methods for big data analytics in communication networks can extract relevant information from the network data, and then leverage this knowledge for autonomic network control and management as well as service provisioning.

LONDON: Chinese technology giant Huawei and the University of Edinburgh, UK, have signed a research cooperation agreement to investigate the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) robotics systems to operate over next generation 5G wireless networks. Researchers at Huawei's Wireless X Labs and University of Edinburgh's new Bayes Centre will investigate together how AI systems can inform and adapt wireless 5G networks to provide optimum wireless support to meet the needs of connected robotics and systems. The areas of initial focus include healthcare robotics and mobile video. "We are delighted to continue working with the world-leading team at the University of Edinburgh to help understand how improvements within mobile broadband can foster innovation within wireless robotics systems," Peter Zhou from Huawei said in a statement. "AI is a key feature of 5G networking, and we are excited to deepen our understanding of how the interaction between applications and networks can create new benefits and enhancements."

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup SenseTime Group said on Wednesday it has sealed an investment from chipmaker Qualcomm Inc as part of a funding round that will close later this year. SenseTime and Qualcomm had announced a strategic tie last month to collaborate on AI, which will see SenseTime's proprietary algorithms deployed in smart devices. Qualcomm, in a statement, confirmed the investment in SenseTime. The two firms did not disclose the size of the investment. Reuters reported earlier in November that SenseTime plans to raise about $500 million in a new funding round, in what would be the biggest ever such fundraising by an AI startup.

The federal government is considering allowing private companies to use its national facial recognition database for a fee, documents released under Freedom of Information laws reveal. The partially redacted documents show that the Attorney General's Department is in discussions with major telecommunications companies about pilot programs for private sector use of the Facial Verification Service in 2018. The documents also indicate strong interest from financial institutions in using the database. The government has argued that the use of facial recognition is necessary for national security and to cut down on crimes such as identity fraud. The Attorney General's Department says private companies could only use the service with the person's consent.

Technology has revolutionized the way our world operates. The pace of its adoption is getting faster in each and every industry. For Example, smartphones have started integrating virtual assistants to make life easier and save valuable time. Similarly, many companies are leveraging artificial intelligence to give the best experience by making smartphones smarter. The technology is set to play a crucial role in driving innovation in the technology space.

Believe it or not, the contributions of small businesses to the global economy of the United States are far better than larger companies. This is why NumberAI, a startup corporation known for helping small businesses, continues to create bold solutions that would help the industry reach its prime. In just a short amount of time, NumberAI has already proved its excellence because of the effort to evolve small and medium businesses. Recently, Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), a venture capital firm that invests in companies focusing on technology, provided NumberAI a seed funding worth $1.6 million. The raise is going to help the Oakland, California-based company develop additional features to its system, which makes landline numbers smarter.

We are entering a new era of commerce fueled by younger consumers, mobile devices and high demand for more personalized shopping experiences. Millennials are now the largest generation in the U.S. workforce, and their income and buying power are rising. This generation, along with the next tide of digital natives, is putting pressure on enterprises to deliver customer service with the usability and simplicity of consumer apps, and without the inconvenience of phone calls. Companies are investing in artificial intelligence (AI) technology that can provide these experiences through bots, thus ensuring that customers get what they need -- when, how and where they like. Although AI is a solution to customer service problems, intelligent automation is difficult and expensive to develop.

This Tuesday, we're testing concrete speakers, blissful Dreamcast games reimagined in VR, and a robot that will copy your moves. The FCC's plan to undo net neutrality is about to be revealed According to reports, Ajit Pai will unveil the details of his plan to roll back Title II net neutrality protections later today. Timed during a short holiday week, the plan is expected to follow what we heard in April -- with rules preventing ISPs from blocking, slowing down or charging extra for different kinds of content removed, and responsibility for managing disputes pushed to the FTC. Concrete speakers are heavy on the wallet. Master & Dynamic's concrete speaker is equal parts sound and spectacle If you're a fan of well-designed headphones that have a unique aesthetic, Master & Dynamic should be at the top of your list.

SoftBank Group Corp. said it has upgraded the customer service capabilities of its Pepper humanoid robot, aiming to create demand in the business sector as Japan struggles with manpower shortages. The upgraded Pepper can take orders in English and Chinese, a new feature mainly designed to attract the restaurant industry, which is expected to see more foreign customers thanks to an increase in visitors from abroad, SoftBank said Monday. Customers can select a language on a screen located on Pepper's chest. The robot can recommend the day's special in the customer's preferred language. Orders can be placed via Pepper's chest screen, the company said.

Rumors continue to back up claims that Samsung will include 3D facial recognition technology on the upcoming Galaxy S9 smartphone. Most recently, Korean media shared reports that Samsung has ordered the components needed for 3D technology upgrades on the Galaxy S9 front camera. These upgrades are expected to improve both facial recognition and iris scanning technology Samsung already uses on its predecessor devices. News of Samsung using 3D facial recognition technology surfaced after the announcement and release of the iPhone X, which features Face ID as its sole biometrics option. Meanwhile, Samsung's recent flagships, including the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 include 2D facial recognition and iris scanning technology, in addition to a rear fingerprint scanner. Though Samsung has not confirmed any rumors about the Galaxy S9, the device will likely include this same biometrics configuration with the aforementioned upgrades.