McGrath predicts that information communication technology (ICT) will experience growth in the coming years, with trends such as dematerialization becoming more prevalent. For instance, consumers are increasingly relying on streaming services to access music instead of buying physical CDs and players. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace many common tools and applications for consumers, and is also being integrated into medical services.
https://www.scrippsnews.com/science-and-tech/the-technology-trends-we-can-expect-in-2025-according-to-an-expertMeta, a technology company, has been experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI) characters on its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. The AI characters, which were created as part of an experiment in 2023, were designed to have their own profiles, bios, and profile pictures, and could generate and share content powered by AI. The characters, such as "Liv" and "Carter", claimed to be individuals with specific identities and professions, but were actually managed by Meta employees. However, the experiment was shut down after users reported being unable to block the accounts, which Meta attributed to a bug.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/meta-takes-down-its-own-ai-powered-profiles-on-instagram-facebook-heres-why-7396560Microsoft plans to invest $80 billion in fiscal 2025 on developing data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-based applications. This investment is expected to be used to train AI models and deploy AI-powered services, with more than half of the funds allocated to projects based in the United States. The company's capital expenditure for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 rose 5.3% to $20 billion, according to analysts at Visible Alpha. Microsoft's investment is part of a larger trend in the tech industry, which has seen significant growth since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022.
https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/01/04/microsoft-plans-to-spend-80-billion-on-ai-enabled-data-centers-in-fiscal-2025-cnbc-reportsMicrosoft plans to invest $80 billion in fiscal 2025 on developing data centers to support the training of artificial intelligence (AI) models and deployment of AI and cloud-based applications. This significant investment is part of a broader trend, as companies across various sectors have increased their focus on integrating AI into their products and services since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022. The growing demand for AI has led to an increase in the need for specialized data centers that can handle the enormous computing power required by AI applications, which often involve linking thousands of chips together in clusters.
https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/usa/microsoft-plans-invest-80-billion-ai-enabled-data-centers-fiscal-2025-1034381Microsoft president Brad Smith has stated that the company is on track to invest around US$80 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) this fiscal year, with a goal of establishing the United States as the global leader in AI technology. Smith believes that AI will transform all aspects of life and called on President-elect Donald Trump and Congress to increase funding for research at universities and the National Science Foundation to support AI innovation. He also warned that China is racing to spread its AI systems globally, and the US needs a strategic approach to promote its own AI technology as superior and more trustworthy. Microsoft's investment in AI will be used to build out datacenters, train AI models, and deploy cloud-based applications worldwide.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/01/04/us-must-lead-ai-innovation-in-tech-race-with-china-says-microsoft-as-it-plans-us80b-investment-this-fiscal-year/162041Microsoft president Brad Smith stated that the company plans to invest approximately $80 billion into artificial intelligence (AI) research this fiscal year, emphasizing the importance of the US leading in AI technology as it has the potential to transform various aspects of life.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/05/business/top-business/microsoft-to-spend-80b-on-ai/2030306Microsoft president Brad Smith has called on President-elect Donald Trump and Congress to increase funding for AI research at universities and the National Science Foundation, in order to maintain the United States' position as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Smith argues that the US is poised to be the first mover in the development of AI technology, but notes that China is also making significant investments in the field. Microsoft itself plans to invest $80 billion this year in AI datacenters and cloud-based applications, with the goal of promoting its AI technology as superior and more trustworthy than Chinese alternatives.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/microsoft-to-spend-80-bn-on-artificial-intelligence-in-2025-13849821.htmlMicrosoft's capital expenditures reached $20 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, with $14.9 billion spent on property and equipment. The company's revenue from Azure and other cloud services increased by 33% due to a 12 percentage point boost from AI services. Microsoft CFO Amy Hood stated that capital expenditures will rise sequentially in the second quarter. Meanwhile, Microsoft's CEO Smith urged the incoming US administration to promote American AI technologies abroad to maintain the country's leadership in AI, as China is offering subsidized access to developing countries and building local AI data centers.
https://www.businesstelegraph.co.uk/microsoft-expects-to-spend-80-billion-on-ai-enabled-data-centers-in-fiscal-2025/Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a detailed discussion with Meta executive Sundar Pichai's colleague, Vinodh Kumar Sikka, about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on India. The meeting focused on how AI can be used to uplift people while upholding democratic values.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-committed-to-taking-lead-in-ai-says-pm-modi-after-meeting-ex-infosys-ceo/article69061112.ece