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A "Tech News Roundup" in PrudentJ2 is a daily brief summary of the latest and most important updates in the tech world, covering developments in software, hardware, cybersecurity, and major tech companies.
Boeing's Starliner Launches Successfully
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft successfully launched today, carrying two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station. After multiple delays, Boeing's first crewed Starliner spacecraft lifted off from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station shortly before 11 a.m., entering a stable orbit 30 minutes later.
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Starliner was carried by the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, which released the Starliner capsule in orbit. The spacecraft is carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who are scheduled to reach the ISS on Thursday after a 25-hour journey.
They will spend eight days aboard the ISS and conduct tests of Starliner, including "launch, docking, and return to Earth." Starliner is also transporting 760 pounds of cargo, including 300 pounds of food and supplies for the ISS crew.
Starliner's initial May launch was postponed due to a valve problem, followed by cancellations in mid-May due to a propellant leak and minutes before takeoff on Saturday due to a computer issue.
The test is Boeing's final step in its goal to transport astronauts regularly to and from the space station, competing with SpaceX. In 2014, both companies were chosen to build spacecraft for commercial flights to the ISS. SpaceX has completed nine crewed missions.
Nvidia Surpasses Apple in Market Cap
Nvidia's stock reached record highs on Wednesday, elevating its market cap beyond $3 trillion to overtake Apple. If the valuation holds, Nvidia will become the world's second most valuable company after Microsoft.
What the numbers show: Nvidia's shares have surged around 147% this year, adding $1.8 trillion to its market cap amid soaring demand for its AI chips. During Wednesday's intraday trading, Nvidia's market value briefly reached $3.007 trillion, edging out Apple's $3.005 trillion. Microsoft remained the world's most valuable company with a market value of $3.15 trillion.
The bigger picture: Apple was the first to achieve $1 trillion and $2 trillion market caps, holding the title of most valuable company until Microsoft surpassed it earlier this year. Meanwhile, Nvidia's stock has surged over 24% after its Q1 earnings report in late May. Its quarterly data center business, including AI chip sales, skyrocketed by 427% YoY to $22.6B. Conversely, Apple's shares are up only by about 5% this year, reflecting a slowdown in its iPhone sales growth.
AT&T and Verizon Resolve Outage
AT&T and Verizon resolved an outage that prevented some customers from completing calls between carriers. The "interoperability issue" began around 11 a.m. ET Tuesday and was resolved nine hours later, according to Downdetector.
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Neither company has specified the reason for the outage. AT&T and Verizon customers reported dropped calls and difficulties reaching contacts of other phone carriers. The FCC said on Tuesday it was investigating reports of widespread wireless call failures across multiple states. By 8 p.m. AT&T declared the issue resolved, citing collaboration with "the other carrier." AT&T denied that it was a “nationwide outage," noting that calls between its own customers were not affected.
SAP Acquires WalkMe for $1.5B
German business software giant SAP has acquired Israeli SaaS company WalkMe for $1.5B in cash. The deal is expected to boost SAP's AI offerings for enterprise customers.
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The acquisition aims to enhance SAP's capability in providing AI-driven solutions to its enterprise clients. WalkMe's technology focuses on digital adoption platforms, helping businesses increase the efficiency of their software usage.
Alphabet Hires Former Eli Lilly Executive as CFO
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has appointed Ruth Dunlap as its new Chief Financial Officer. Dunlap previously served as the CFO of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly.
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Dunlap brings extensive experience in finance and strategic planning to Alphabet. Her appointment is seen as a move to strengthen the company's financial management and strategic initiatives, particularly in healthcare and AI.
AI Employees Urge Stronger Whistleblower Protections
A coalition of employees from major AI companies has called for stronger whistleblower protections to safeguard those who expose unethical practices within the industry.
The group argues that current protections are insufficient and that stronger measures are needed to ensure that employees can report misconduct without fear of retaliation. They propose new regulations and support systems to encourage transparency and accountability in AI development.
