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UK funds drone internet as tech advances globally

Britain invests in airborne laser internet while quantum, AI and mobile services expand across continents.

The TechMap Live reporter · · 2 min read · from 10 reports

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Right now, the UK is putting $94 million into a bold idea: using drones flying high in the sky to beam internet down with lasers and microwaves. It’s their answer to Starlink, aiming to deliver wireless power and connectivity from the air. Over in quantum computing, IQM is set to install its first quantum computer in Brazil, marking a milestone for South America. At the same time, a French startup called Alice & Bob is teaming up with the CEA to blend quantum tech with high-performance computing for real-world industrial use. On the consumer side, Apple just unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which can fully charge in under 55 minutes — beating Samsung’s latest flagship. Google also rolled out a new way to control your smart home using AI agents like Claude, so you can manage lights or thermostats just by talking. And in Russia, people receiving shipments can now handle transport paperwork through the Kontur Diadok mobile app, making logistics smoother for small businesses and individuals.

UK drone internet project

The UK government has committed $94 million to develop a drone-based internet system using lasers and microwaves for wireless power. This initiative aims to create a Starlink alternative that operates from the air. The project is led by a UK research agency and is based in London.

Quantum and chip advances

IQM Quantum Computers will deploy its first quantum computer in South America at Brazil's Eldorado Research Institute. Meanwhile, Alice & Bob has partnered with France's CEA to advance quantum-HPC integration for industrial applications. Both efforts focus on bringing quantum computing closer to real-world use.

Global tech updates

Apple launched the iPhone 18 Pro Max with a 55-minute fast charge, exceeding Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra. Google introduced AI-agent control for smart home devices using the MCP protocol, allowing voice assistants like Claude to manage connected systems. In Russia, recipients of goods can now use the Kontur Diadok mobile app for electronic transport documents.

Questions people ask

What is the UK's drone-based internet project intended to replace?

The project aims to create an alternative to satellite internet constellations like Starlink by using airborne drones equipped with lasers and microwaves for wireless power delivery.

Where will IQM's first quantum computer in South America be located?

IQM Quantum Computers will deploy its first quantum computer in South America at the Eldorado Research Institute in São Paulo, Brazil.

How does Google's new smart home feature work?

Google introduced a feature that allows smart home devices to be controlled through AI agents such as Claude using the MCP protocol, enabling voice-assisted management of connected home automation.

The events in this briefing

Every event summarised above, in the order it was reported. Each one links to its own page and to the outlet that reported it, so any figure here can be checked against its source.

  1. Diia app temporarily suspends services line due to technical works in damaged registry · dev.ua
  2. UK research agency backs drone-based internet service experiment with lasers and microwaves · Tom's Hardware
  3. Falcon 9 recovery team wins first Neil Armstrong Space Award · Digiato
  4. Tesla unveils Cybercab in Chinese cities but halts robotaxi operations · Numerama
  5. Oschadbank reports electronic service disruptions due to Russian strikes · dev.ua
  6. Logistics service recipients can now use mobile app · CNews
  7. Apple launches iPhone 18 Pro Max with 55‑minute fast charge · ShiftDelete
  8. Google introduces AI‑agent smart home control capability · Digiato
  9. Alice & Bob partners with CEA to advance quantum-HPC integration · The Quantum Insider
  10. IQM to deploy quantum computer in South America at Brazil's Eldorado Institute · The Quantum Insider

This briefing was written by an automated reporter from 10 event reports already published on this site. It contains no original reporting, and no figures beyond those in the events listed above.

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