Microsoft to buy AI firm Nuance Communications for about $16 bln in healthcare push
12 Apr 2021 - 16:30
Reuters
Microsoft Corp said on Monday it would buy artificial intelligence and speech technology firm Nuance Communications Inc for about $16 billion in cash, as it builds out its cloud strategy for healthcare.
The deal comes as both companies, which partnered in 2019 to automate clinical administrative work such as documentation, gain from a boom in telehealth services with medical consultations shifting online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nuance provides the AI layer at the healthcare point of delivery, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement, adding AI is technology s most important priority, and healthcare is its most urgent application.
US push for global tax rules could catch New Zealand s film industry
6 Apr, 2021 05:46 AM
4 minutes to read
New Zealand s tax regime attracts big budget productions. Photo / Supplied
US calls for a new global tax regime - potentially the biggest overhaul in 100 years - should be viewed as good news for New Zealand, says Professor Craig Elliffe. However the call by US Treasurer Janet Yellen for a minimum global corporate tax rate could create tension for our subsidised film industry.
It could also create issues with our current lack of capital gains tax, said Elliffe, a tax law specialist with the University of Auckland Faculty of Law.
Let them drink pints: Labour MP Kieran McAnulty s push to scrap Easter, Christmas, Anzac alcohol restrictions
6 Apr, 2021 06:12 AM
4 minutes to read
Queenstown erupts into chaos after bars shut at midnight for Easter Sunday. Video / George Heard
Labour MP Kieran McAnulty has put up a member s bill to remove restrictions on alcohol sales over Easter, Christmas and Anzac Day, saying if someone wanted a pint on those days they should be able to have one without getting a full meal.
Another MP, Act s Chris Baillie, has also prepared a bill to remove the shop trading hours and alcohol restrictions over the Easter holiday – but not Christmas or Anzac Day.
Fresh Iran nuclear talks in push to seal US return
World
April 3, 2021
BRUSSELS: World powers and Iran agreed on Friday to meet for talks next week in Vienna on the nuclear deal with Tehran, with mediators to hold separate contacts with the US, the European Union said.
The announcement came after a video conference of participants in the 2015 accord including China, France, Germany, Russia, and Britain as they look to bring Washington back on board following former leader Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw.
Officials will meet in-person in the Austrian capital to clearly identify sanctions lifting and nuclear implementation measures, including through convening meetings of the relevant expert groups , a statement from the European Union, which coordinates the deal, said.