Microsoft’s new “strategic partnership” with French artificial intelligence company Mistral AI faces scrutiny in Europe, with some critics in the parliament saying they are “furious” about it as the EU AI Act was changed to meet the demands of companies such as Mistral.
The French AI champion unveiled its new large language model (LLM) on Monday, with it set to become available to Microsoft’s Azure cloud customers in a dramatic shake-up for the start-up.
“On a technical level and a political level in the [European] Parliament, we are extremely furious because the French government for months was making this argument of European leadership, meaning that those companies should be able to scale up without help from Chinese or US companies,” said Kai Zenner, head of office and digital policy adviser for Axel Voss, an MEP from the European People’s Party (EPP).
“They were always blaming the Parliament that we are making it kind of impossible, for those national champions, unicorns to try to compete with their global competitors,” he told Euronews Next.
EU countries recently agreed on the technical details of the EU’s AI Act, but only after mammoth negotiations during which France in particular pushed for concessions for open source companies like Mistral.
Zenner also said Mistral AI was making the argument that if their wishes were not fulfilled they would be forced to cooperate with companies like Microsoft.
“Now they got all their wishes, and they do it anyway and I find this is just ridiculous”.
In the [European] Parliament, we are extremely furious because the French government for months was making this argument of European leadership.
He claims that the EU AI Act’s final version was rushed and the rules will be “attacked in front of courts” due to the concessions.
The partnership is also set to be looked into by the European Union’s competition watchdog, which also last month began looking into Microsoft’s multibillion-dollar deal with OpenAI.
“The Commission is looking into agreements that have been concluded between large digital market players and generative AI developers and providers,” a European Commission spokesperson told Euronews Next in an email.
“In this context, we have received the mentioned agreement, which we will analyse”.
Fair play and blurred government lines?
Mistral AI could also come under scrutiny as it is unclear if they were in talks with Microsoft as the EU AI Act was being written.
“If this is the case and then certain lobbying happened or certain things were said by the French government, then of course certain things could indeed be further evaluated,” said Zenner.
“There are certain red lines when it comes to how you do lobbying or how as a member state, how you are trying to push forward your narrative or a certain policy,” he said.
Euronews Next has reached out to Microsoft and Mistral AI for comment but did not receive a reply at the time of publication.
Another point of interest is the line between governments and tech. France’s former digital secretary of state Cedric O now serves on the board of Mistral.
“I think actually the French government was surprised. I think Cedric was maybe not telling them that this will happen, or maybe not everyone,” said Zenner.
“We also had this feeling that the French government is not really well coordinated right now, because there were a lot of different players speaking very differently and having also very different views and perspectives”.
A spokesperson from France’s economy, finance and digital ministry said that they had only found out about the deal on Monday but that it did not come as a shock as Mistral was always transparent about its business model.
“Mistral is a source of pride for France and Europe and it aims to be a global leader in the AI sector,” the spokesperson told Euronews Next, adding that Microsoft’s investment in the company is a small amount and Mistral would remain independent.
Asked about if it was frustrating for French negotiators in the EU AI Act, the spokesperson said the country did not favour Mistral during the negotiations.
Big Tech takeover
Central to France’s arguments was that the EU AI Act in its earliest form could stifle innovation, forcing European companies to look for foreign investment.
“It’s just another example of this general trend that we’ve seen in AI, where essentially all the kind of smaller independent startups are signing deals with the Big Tech companies, primarily because of all the concentration that you have when it comes to computing power, especially cloud computing,” said Max von Thun, Europe director of the non-profit Open Markets Institute.
“And if you want to develop a cutting-edge AI model, you basically need access to that,” he added.
If you try and buy someone outright, it’s going to be really difficult. Whereas, these partnerships are a lot more nebulous.
Von Thun said the partnership is “ironic and concerning” as what makes Mistral’s case more interesting is that the company is “supposedly Europe’s best hope when it comes to AI”.
The EU has made a push to level the playing field when it comes to its technology companies, creating regulations such as the Digital Services Act.
But the issue of keeping Europe’s tech talent is largely down to funding and not the rules and regulations, because Europe cannot compete with the venture capital scene in the US or the Big Tech giants.
“You can do what you want in regulation, but what really determines whether you have companies that can compete and succeed at the European level is whether you have companies that have the infrastructure and the investment that they need at the European level,” said von Thun.
“And that’s not the case right now”.
Mistral’s deal with Microsoft is not a merger, which is probably intentional, von Thun said.
“If you try and buy someone outright, it’s going to be really difficult. Whereas, these partnerships are a lot more nebulous,” he said, explaining that it is a way for Microsoft to still compete with Mistral while avoiding antitrust scrutiny through these deals.
Despite Microsoft announcing on Monday it is opening access to its AI models for programmers to develop them, von Thun argues it is unlikely Microsoft is allowing open source models for the greater good or fairer competition.
“If you open up these models, you allow different people to experiment with them. But I think when it’s on the Big Tech platform’s terms that raises questions about what the access looks like.
“Can you trust these companies to maintain their open access over time if that company actually starts to lead and challenge them?
“I would say no”.
This article was updated to add a response from the French government.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
