Recent developments in the tech industry have highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors. Apple investors are seeking clarity on the company's AI strategy and its impact on the business, particularly in the context of declining iPhone sales and potential tariffs. Meanwhile, Apple has shifted production of US-bound iPhones to India to mitigate tariffs and has seen strong demand for its budget-friendly iPhone 16e in India. In other news, Perplexity AI has made its chatbot available on WhatsApp, allowing users to access its capabilities within the messaging platform. Additionally, various companies such as BrainChip, Capably AI, and Spearsoft are making significant advancements in AI technology, including security solutions, intelligent automation, and AI-powered platforms. The use of AI is also being explored in other areas, such as weather research, fire departments, and horse racing. Furthermore, Google is facing scrutiny from the US Department of Justice over its control of search and its potential impact on the development of AI products.
Key Takeaways
- Apple investors are seeking clarity on the company's AI strategy and its impact on the business.
- Apple has shifted production of US-bound iPhones to India to mitigate tariffs.
- Perplexity AI has made its chatbot available on WhatsApp, allowing users to access its capabilities within the messaging platform.
- BrainChip has collaborated with Chelpis-Mirle on a security solution using its Akida AKD1000 chips.
- Capably AI has secured $4 million in Seed funding to accelerate the adoption of Agentic AI and Intelligent Automation.
- AI is being used in various areas, including weather research, fire departments, and horse racing.
- Spearsoft has launched its next-generation AI-powered platforms for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Altron Arrow has secured the rights to distribute ASUS AI GPU hardware in South Africa.
- Google is facing scrutiny from the US Department of Justice over its control of search and its potential impact on the development of AI products.
- The use of AI is expected to drive growth in various industries and enable businesses and entrepreneurs to access the hardware and expertise needed to build AI solutions.
Apple Investors Seek Clarity on Tariffs
Apple investors are seeking clarity on tariffs and AI strategy as iPhone sales decline. The company is shifting production of US-bound iPhones to India to mitigate tariffs. Apple's cautious approach to AI deployment has slowed its roll-out, leaving the company playing catch-up. Despite challenges, strong demand for the iPhone 16e in India helped Apple take the top spot for global smartphone sales. Apple's revenue is expected to rise 4.2% in the January-March period, driven by upbeat iPad demand and growth in the services business.
Apple Faces Investor Concerns Over AI
Apple is grappling with investor anxiety over its deliberate AI development and the looming threat of US tariffs, compounded by an ongoing dip in iPhone sales. The company's relatively slow AI deployment is straining its presence in the Chinese market. Apple is shifting some production of US-bound iPhones to India to sidestep potential tariff-induced price hikes. Despite these hurdles, Apple's budget-friendly iPhone 16e has seen robust demand, preserving its edge in global smartphone sales.
Apple Investors Seek AI Clarity
Apple investors are expected to face a string of questions over the delayed roll-out of key AI features and the impact of the Sino-US tariff standoff on its business. The company is shifting production of US-bound iPhones to India to mitigate tariffs. Apple's cautious approach to AI deployment has slowed its roll-out, leaving the company playing catch-up. Despite challenges, strong demand for the iPhone 16e in India helped Apple take the top spot for global smartphone sales. Apple's revenue is expected to rise 4.2% in the January-March period, driven by upbeat iPad demand and growth in the services business.
Perplexity AI on WhatsApp
Perplexity AI chatbot is now available on WhatsApp, allowing users to access its capabilities within the messaging platform. The integration eliminates the need to download another app, conserving device storage and data. Users can interact with Perplexity on WhatsApp for tasks such as answering questions, researching topics, and generating custom images for free. The move aims to make AI answer bots more accessible to users worldwide, especially in regions where WhatsApp is a primary communication tool.
Perplexity AI Images
Perplexity has added AI image generation to its platform, using the OpenAI model. The images are produced using the same model as ChatGPT, and the feature is available on the web platform. Perplexity quietly added the feature, offering three image generations per day for free users and unlimited generations for Perplexity Pro users. The company has also added other models to its stable, including xAI's Grok 3 model and OpenAI's o4-mini model.
AI Picks Kentucky Derby
A Louisville entrepreneur is using artificial intelligence to pick the Kentucky Derby. The AI platform, called DerbyPicks.AI, uses data to simplify the process of picking a winner. The platform takes every piece of data available about a race and uses computing power to make predictions. The entrepreneur has also created a simple concept that allows users to access the platform and make predictions without needing to be an expert in horse racing.
BrainChip Breakthrough
BrainChip has collaborated with Chelpis-Mirle on a security solution using its Akida AKD1000 chips. The chips will serve as the processor for built-in post-quantum cryptographic security. Chelpis is developing an M.2 card using the AKD1000 that can be inserted into targeted products to support cryptographic security solutions. The partnership aims to develop an AI-PQC robotic chip that fulfills next-generation security and AI computing requirements.
Capably AI Investment
Osborne Clarke has advised Capably AI on its $4 million Seed funding round. Capably AI is an Intelligent Automation platform that helps businesses delegate work to artificial intelligence. The funding round was led by Boost Capital Partners, with participation from other major funds. The investment will accelerate the adoption of Agentic AI and Intelligent Automation, empowering employees to work smarter and more efficiently.
AI at Fire Department
Artificial intelligence is transforming the world, and the fire service is no exception. AI can streamline operations in various areas, such as incident briefings, CRR outreach materials, and staff reports. To implement AI, fire departments must consider change management, data preparation and security, use cases, de-risking threats, and governance. A case study demonstrates how AI can be used to write a policy, highlighting the importance of considering these factors.
AI in Weather Research
The US National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research has released a new platform to make AI weather models more accessible. The platform, called CREDIT, aims to lower the barriers to using artificial intelligence in weather research. CREDIT has three important parts: a library of AI models, pre-prepared datasets, and access to high-performance computing. The platform allows researchers to choose between different model architectures and databases and train the model without extensive knowledge of high-performance computing.
Spearsoft AI Products
Spearsoft has launched its next-generation AI-powered platforms for small and medium-sized businesses. The comprehensive suite of intelligent automation tools is engineered to optimize software development lifecycles, streamline talent acquisition, and enhance customer engagement. The launch aims to position SMBs for accelerated digital transformation and growth.
AI Supercomputer in South Africa
Altron Arrow has secured the rights to distribute ASUS AI GPU hardware in South Africa, making it easier to set up AI supercomputers in the country. The company has also brought in a leading AI consultant to provide expertise and develop skills to deploy AI infrastructure successfully. This development is expected to drive growth in the local AI market and enable businesses and entrepreneurs to access the hardware and expertise needed to build AI solutions.
Google's AI Search Engine Trial
The US Department of Justice is arguing that Google's control of search helps improve its AI products, creating a cycle that maintains the company's dominance and blocks competitors. The DOJ is proposing remedies that could prevent Google from using its search engine to strengthen its monopoly in online search and AI. Google rejects the argument, saying competition in the AI race is healthy, with many companies developing chatbots and AI products.
Sources
- Apple investors seek clarity on tariffs, AI strategy as iPhone sales decline
- Apple Faces Investor Concerns Over AI Strategy And Tariff Hurdles
- Apple investors look for AI clarity and tariff resilience as private equity confidence endures
- Perplexity AI chatbot is now available on WhatsApp, more features to follow
- Perplexity will make AI images for you, but ChatGPT is the one doing the work
- Using artificial intelligence to pick the Kentucky Derby
- BrainChip's Breakthrough: AI Chip Powers Quantum-Safe Security and Advanced Robotics Development
- Osborne Clarke advises Intelligent Automation platform Capably AI on its $4 million Seed investment round
- AI at the fire department: 5 factors to consider
- Platform seeks to lower the barriers to using artificial intelligence in weather research
- Spearsoft Unveils Next-Gen AI-Powered Comprehensive Testing and AI Products for SMBs, Launches Globally
- Setting up your own AI supercomputer in South Africa just got much easier
- Why Google's search engine trial is about AI