Technology 11/6: Launching UniVentures, Apple spends 1 billion USD to use Gemini

UniVentures Launches to Promote Vietnam's Startup Generation

BLOCK71 – a unit of the National University of Singapore – in collaboration with Temasek Foundation and partners such as NIC, Golden Gate Ventures, Google Cloud, IBM… has just launched the UniVentures program in Vietnam to support young founders from universities.

Inspired by the vision of “University to Unicorn”, UniVentures connects the innovation ecosystem between Singapore and Vietnam, providing training, mentorship and funding opportunities for potential startups. In its first intake alone, the program attracted nearly 1,500 applications.

Speakers shared at the UniVentures event – a place connecting the startup ecosystem between Singapore and Vietnam, inspiring the generation of university startups to reach out to the region. (Source: UniVentures)

Golden Gate Ventures announced a $250,000 prize fund for up to 10 outstanding startups, creating a springboard for expansion and access to investors. The program has been implemented at many major universities such as Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and VinUniversity.

UniVentures is a testament to the strategic cooperation between Singapore and Vietnam in the field of innovation, contributing to promoting a wave of young startups and building a bridge between the public and private sectors.

Apple signs $1 billion deal to use Gemini

Apple is close to signing a deal worth about $1 billion a year with Google to use a customized version of its Gemini AI model to upgrade its Siri virtual assistant.

This is a notable move by Apple, as the company has traditionally developed its own technology. However, the company has chosen a temporary solution of integrating Google's AI while waiting for its internal AI system to be strong enough to replace it.

The proposed Gemini model has 1.2 trillion parameters, about eight times larger than the current version of Apple Intelligence, which has just 150 billion parameters.

Apple logo on iPhone. (Source: Getty Images)

Before choosing Google, Apple tested AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic. After the evaluation process, Apple decided to work with Google to deploy the new Siri.

The upgraded Siri is expected to launch in spring 2026. However, the schedule could change depending on the development progress.

The deal is not only a technological step forward, but also represents a strategic partnership between two industry giants, while opening up new competitive opportunities in the field of virtual assistants and consumer AI.

Motorola launches ultra-thin Edge 70 phone

Motorola has just launched the Edge 70 - a super thin phone measuring only 5.99mm but still maintaining a large battery capacity, marking a new step in the trend of designing thin and light phones without sacrificing performance.

Despite being only slightly thicker than the iPhone Air, the Edge 70 excels in battery life with a 4,800mAh battery, allowing for more than a day of comfortable use. This is the result of applying advanced silicon-carbon battery technology.

The device supports 68W fast charging and 15W Qi wireless charging. Although there is no Qi2, Motorola includes a magnetic case to support better wireless charging.

The Edge 70 is only 5.99mm thick, but its battery is almost the same as the S25 Ultra. (Source: TheVerge)

Edge 70 uses Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip - enough for most users, but not as powerful as flagships in the same segment. The biggest drawback is that the Android software has too many pre-installed applications and ads.

Motorola pre-installs more than 14 of its own apps, along with many third-party apps like Candy Crush, Pinterest, Monopoly Go... In addition, the lock screen also displays ads in the form of images and articles, annoying users.

Mr. Quang

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-nghe-6-11-ra-mat-univentures-apple-chi-1-ty-usd-de-su-dung-gemini-ar985474.html