Google Adds SandboxAQ's Quantitative AI Models to Cloud Offerings

The logo of Google is seen outside Google Bay View facilities during the Made by Google event in Mountain View, California, US August 13, 2024. REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo/File photo
The logo of Google is seen outside Google Bay View facilities during the Made by Google event in Mountain View, California, US August 13, 2024. REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo/File photo
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Google Adds SandboxAQ's Quantitative AI Models to Cloud Offerings

The logo of Google is seen outside Google Bay View facilities during the Made by Google event in Mountain View, California, US August 13, 2024. REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo/File photo
The logo of Google is seen outside Google Bay View facilities during the Made by Google event in Mountain View, California, US August 13, 2024. REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo/File photo

Quantum startup SandboxAQ said its large quantitative models (LQMs) will be available on Google Cloud, the company told Reuters on Tuesday, as cloud providers look to AI tech to fuel growth.

LQMs are designed to handle large-scale numerical datasets, perform complex calculations and statistical analysis, and can be used to develop sophisticated financial models or to automate trading strategies.

The partnership will make it easier for enterprises to use Google Cloud to develop its LQMs and deploy them, allowing Sandbox, a firm spun off from Google-parent Alphabet in 2022, to expand the distribution of its platform to a larger pool of potential customers.

"More than 80% of the economy is run by math and quantitative relationships. And that's where quantitative AI really shines, and it's very complementary to language models," CEO SandboxAQ, Jack Hidary said.

This is the first time Sandbox will have its models available on a third-party platform.

The Palo Alto-based startup secured $300 million in a funding round last month, boosting its valuation to $5.6 billion and was backed by investor firms including Fred Alger Management, T. Rowe Price, and Breyer Capital.

SandboxAQ said its models are used in sectors such as life sciences, financial services and navigation.

Google has been intensifying its efforts in quantum computing and announced in December that it had made significant progress by developing a new generation of quantum chips, overcoming a major challenge in the field.

Microsoft also touted the potential of quantum computing earlier this month and unveiled its "Quantum Ready program", while Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang said the technology's practical use was likely two decades away.



Manga Productions to Publish 'Nioh 3' in MENA with Arabic Localization

“Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series. (SPA)
“Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series. (SPA)
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Manga Productions to Publish 'Nioh 3' in MENA with Arabic Localization

“Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series. (SPA)
“Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series. (SPA)

Manga Productions, a subsidiary of Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), announced on Tuesday its partnership with KOEI TECMO GAMES as the official publisher of the highly anticipated action title “Nioh 3” in the Middle East and North Africa region. The game is scheduled for a worldwide simultaneous launch in early 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Steam.

In a statement, Manga Production said “Nioh 3” marks the latest chapter in the acclaimed dark samurai action RPG series, celebrated for its unique blend of Japanese mythology and intense combat. With over eight million units sold worldwide, the Nioh series has established itself as a global favorite.

This new installment adopts an open field environment and a new battle system that allows players to switch between the two fighting styles "Samurai" and "Ninja" in real time during combat.

As part of the collaboration, Manga Productions will lead the Arabic localization, marketing, and regional publishing efforts. In line with the company's mission to empower local talent, Manga Productions will involve Saudi creatives in the localization process, ensuring a culturally resonant and high-quality experience for Arabic-speaking players.

Manga Productions CEO Dr. Essam Bukhary said the launch of “Nioh 3” with Arabic support for gamers in the region is another step toward delivering world-class experiences while empowering Saudi talent throughout every stage of development.

“The trust we've earned from our global partners reflects Manga Productions' strong capabilities in publishing, distribution, and marketing, as well as our continued success in delivering high-quality, culturally relevant content to audiences across the region,” he stated.

Manga Productions and KOEI TECMO GAMES remain committed to delivering high-quality entertainment that reflects the growing passion and potential of the gaming community across the Middle East.

KOEI TECMO GAMES President and COO Hisashi Koinuma stressed: “After the positive reception of DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, we're excited to deepen our partnership with Manga Productions to bring Nioh 3 to Arabic-speaking audiences, fully localized and tailored to their expectations.”

Manga Productions Business Development and Content Licensing Director Eng. Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh said: “Following our collaboration on DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, which was praised for delivering an Arabic experience that felt original rather than translated, Nioh 3 is our next step in raising that standard.”

“We're committed to offering players a seamless, fully localized journey that feels like it was made for them from day one of the worldwide simultaneous launch,” he remarked.