Factory Tech News

Chipmaker TSMC reports nearly 40% surge in its net profit, thanks to AI

TSMC Reports Record $15 Billion Quarterly Profit as AI Demand Fuels 40% Surge AI Boom Drives Unprecedented Growth for World’s…

by Owen HoltOctober 17, 2025

Business Economy

Singles Day: China’s biggest shopping event starts five weeks early to revive spending

Singles Day 2024: China’s Mega Shopping Event Launches Five Weeks Early to Stimulate Economy China’s renowned Singles Day shopping extravaganza,…

by Harlow WesleyOctober 17, 2025October 22, 2025

AI Software

Inside Microsoft’s quest to make Windows 11’s AI irresistible

Microsoft’s 30-Year AI Evolution: From Windows 95 Voice to Windows 11 Copilot The Unfinished Revolution: Microsoft’s Three-Decade Voice AI Journey…

by Owen HoltOctober 17, 2025

AI Software

Microsoft’s 30-Year Quest for AI-Powered Windows Input Revolution

Microsoft executives reflect on 30 years of voice technology development since Windows 95’s speech API, acknowledging past limitations while positioning new AI capabilities as potentially transformative. The company’s consumer CMO suggests AI could represent the first major input revolution since the mouse, despite previous voice-centric technologies failing to gain mainstream traction.

Windows 95’s Overlooked Voice Technology Legacy

As Windows 95 recently passed its 30th anniversary, Microsoft executives are reflecting on one of its least-remembered innovations: built-in voice capabilities. According to reports, the operating system introduced the Microsoft Speech API (SAPI), providing support for speech recognition and synthesis that allowed developers to create applications that could speak and be spoken to. However, sources indicate this early voice technology failed to revolutionize how people used Microsoft products, setting a pattern that would continue for decades.

by Owen HoltOctober 17, 2025

Economy Trade

Southern Africa Holds 30% of World’s Critical Minerals But Faces Funding Hurdles, Report Reveals

Southern Africa holds approximately 30% of the world’s critical mineral resources but faces eight major financing barriers limiting development. A new World Economic Forum report identifies policy uncertainty and investment risks as key challenges preventing the region from leveraging its mineral wealth for economic growth.

Southern Africa’s Critical Mineral Potential

As global demand for clean energy technologies accelerates, Southern Africa‘s abundant critical mineral reserves have become increasingly vital to the energy transition, according to reports from the World Economic Forum. The “Financing Southern Africa’s Clean Power and Critical Minerals” report reveals the region holds about 30% of the world’s critical-mineral resources, including copper, cobalt, lithium, graphite, manganese, chromium, vanadium and platinum-group metals.

by Harlow WesleyOctober 17, 2025

Business Energy

Sanedi Reports Perfect Performance Score and Fourth Straight Clean Audit in 2024/25

The South African National Energy Development Institute has reportedly achieved all its performance targets for the 2024/25 fiscal year while securing a fourth consecutive clean audit. Sources indicate the organization’s work has generated significant energy savings and tax incentives while supporting community development projects.

Perfect Performance Record Achieved

The South African National Energy Development Institute (Sanedi) has reportedly achieved an “outstanding performance” for the 2024/25 fiscal year, achieving 100% of its performance targets and securing a fourth consecutive clean audit opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA). According to reports, this exceptional outcome reflects the organization’s commitment to excellence, integrity and impact in advancing South Africa‘s energy sector.

by Harlow WesleyOctober 17, 2025