The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal, but said the acquisition will bring Astral's suite of developer tools into the Microsoft-backed (MSFT.O), opens new tabstartup's AI coding system, Codex. Sign up here. Sam Altman-led OpenAI, which launched its Codex platform last year, is stepping up competition, as Anthropic has gained traction with its Claude Code tool among software developers. OpenAI launched a desktop appfor its coding tools earlier this year. OpenAI to buy Python toolmake ...

Core Insights - The concept of "Asian Century" has evolved, with Asia expected to contribute nearly 55% of global GDP by 2024, surpassing earlier predictions [1] - The narrative of Asia's rise is shifting from dominance to balance, focusing on local adaptation and inclusive growth [1] - The re-evaluation of the "Galapagos Syndrome" highlights the importance of localized innovations, which are now seen as advantages rather than limitations [1] Group 1: Localized Innovations - The model of "localized innovation" is thriving across Asia, with mobile-centric platform designs and inclusive fintech infrastructure [2] - Super apps, such as WeChat and Alipay, are emerging as ecosystems that integrate various functions and are being emulated in regions like Africa and Latin America [2] Group 2: Financial Services and Digital Infrastructure - Asia is reshaping global perceptions of "scale, innovation, and inclusivity" in financial services and public digital infrastructure [3] - India's Unified Payments Interface is a global benchmark in digital payments, processing billions of low-cost, secure transactions monthly [3] - Southeast Asia's QR code payment networks are inspiring developments in the U.S. and Europe due to their compatibility and rapid adoption [3] Group 3: Diverse Economic Landscape - Asia's transition from "technology adopters" to "innovation sources" is complex, characterized by diverse economic conditions and challenges [3] - Japan's use of robotics and AI to address labor shortages in healthcare and eldercare serves as a model for other nations facing similar issues [3] - Challenges in Asia often act as catalysts for innovation rather than obstacles [3] Group 4: Global Perspective Shift - The focus has shifted from whether Asia can "Westernize" to what the next adoptable Asian model will be, indicating the true arrival of the Asian Century [4]