Despite the uncertainty expressed at the end of July, consumers' self-reported tech spending expanded significantly according to August interviewing. In the latest round of results from IDC's Consumer Purchase & Subscription Index survey, consumer tech spending blew past the April benchmark as COVID-19 concern stabilized and optimism won out. Once again, consumer spend on devices led the way as respondents reported a 17% increase in their device expenditures, up 22% over the April baseline. Outlays with services rose 2%. Most devices saw gains, with video game consoles, phone accessories, and PCs/tablets as particularly strong performers.

The Indian government on Friday announced to postpone the nation's first summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI) that was scheduled to be held in the Capital in October amid the growing new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Titled'RAISE 2020 (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020),' the summit on October 5-6 was announced as a global meeting of minds to exchange ideas and charter a course to use AI for social transformation, inclusion and empowerment in key areas like healthcare, agriculture, education and smart mobility, among other sectors. "The registrations are open for all participants and the process will remain the same as before. All AI startups are welcome to participate through the same procedure for the Startup Pitchfest," said Abhishek Singh, President and CEO, National e-Governance Division (NeGD), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). "The step to postpone the summit is a public health measure for containment and mitigation of the current COVID-19 outbreak," he added.