Big Tech Microsoft April 12, 2021 Microsoft splashes almost $20B on Nuance buy Microsoft confirmed reports it was set to acquire AI speech recognition specialist Nuance Communications, penning a transaction worth $19. 7 billion including net debt. By Chris Donkin
5G+ April 12, 2021 Realme aims to scale up 5G device rollout Chinese smartphone maker Realme laid out ambitions to advance adoption of 5G across India, South East Asia and Europe, with plans to scale up rollout of suitable next-generation products at affordable prices. By Kavit Majithia
Big Tech Google April 12, 2021 Google shuts Shopping app Google reportedly planned to pull the plug on its Shopping app in the near future, potentially due to an inability to cement its position in a segment largely dominated by big-name rivals including Amazon. By Yanitsa Boyadzhieva
5G+ Europe Operators Vodafone April 12, 2021 Vodafone Germany pulls trigger on SA 5G Vodafone Germany teamed with Ericsson, Qualcomm and Oppo to commercialise its 5G standalone network in Europe, in what was claimed as a first for the region, covering several cities. By Kavit Majithia
AI & Cloud Big Tech Microsoft April 12, 2021 Microsoft mulls $16B buy of AI speech specialist Microsoft reportedly entered discussions to acquire AI speech recognition specialist Nuance Communications, which provided technology for Apple’s Siri assistant, for around $16 billion. By Chris Donkin
Huawei Network Tech RAN Vendors April 12, 2021 Huawei chief warns of spike in chip prices HUAWEI GLOBAL ANALYST SUMMIT 2021: Huawei rotating chairman Eric Xu (pictured) highlighted the need to rebuild trust and restore cooperation across the global semiconductor supply chain to bring the industry back on track and avoid rising prices. By Joseph Waring
Middle East and North Africa MTN Operators April 12, 2021 MTN eyes $6B valuation for money unit MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita (pictured) told Financial Times (FT) the company targeted a valuation of between $5 billion and $6 billion for its mobile money arm, as it prepared the sale or listing of a minority stake in the… By Chris Donkin