Tech

Qualcomm is acquiring Arduino to strengthen its position in the robotics market. This acquisition aims to provide Qualcomm with access to grassroots innovators and establish its chips as the preferred solution for robotics development, fostering brand loyalty from prototype to commercialization. The deal is part of Qualcomm’s strategy to diversify revenue beyond mobile chips and capitalize on the growing robotics sector, aligning with previous acquisitions like Foundries.io and Edge Impulse. The first collaborative product, Arduino Uno Q, features a Qualcomm Dragonwing processor capable of running Linux and Arduino software, enhancing computer vision capabilities. Qualcomm commits to maintaining Arduino’s existing ecosystem.

Tesla unveiled a new FSD iteration, met with cautious Wall Street optimism despite cryptic teasers that boosted the stock. Analysts speculate on a potentially new, lower-cost vehicle or the next-gen Roadster. While the Cybertruck faces challenges, Tesla shifts focus to robotics and autonomous driving amid slower auto sales and increased competition. The Cybercab remains in development, while past promises like the Roadster and robotaxi fleets remain unfulfilled. Tesla is also developing Optimus, a humanoid robot.

Rivian, known for its R1T truck and R1S SUV, is expanding its lineup with the R2 SUV and R3 hatchback to reach a broader customer base. Targeting a $45,000 starting price for the R2, Rivian aims to compete in the mainstream SUV market. Production begins this year in Illinois, with a new Georgia factory planned for future expansion up to 400,000 units annually. This strategy addresses financial challenges and leverages streamlined design for cost-effectiveness, while the brand’s distinctive design features, such as its headlight style, help it stand out in a competitive market.

Altimeter’s Brad Gerstner views OpenAI’s partnerships with Nvidia and AMD cautiously, emphasizing the difference between announcements and actual hardware deployment. OpenAI’s pursuit of advanced silicon reflects the escalating demand for AI compute power and intensifying industry competition. Gerstner notes the world will remain “compute-constrained.” The AI hardware race between the U.S. and China is also highlighted, with concerns raised about Chinese AI firm DeepSeek’s potential government alignment and the need for increased compute capacity for U.S. firms like OpenAI to maintain competitiveness.

Figma (FIG) shares jumped 7% after OpenAI’s DevDay, where Sam Altman showcased its ChatGPT integration. This integration, enabled by OpenAI’s Apps SDK, allows ChatGPT users to leverage Figma for diagram creation and design workflows. Figma’s proactive AI assistance within ChatGPT streamlines user experience, potentially transforming product development. The stock surge, the largest since Figma’s July IPO, reflects investor optimism in AI-driven integrations and Figma’s commitment to AI-powered design tools. OpenAI plans to monetize these integrations, fostering a sustainable AI ecosystem.

AppLovin’s stock (APP) fell sharply after a Bloomberg report revealed an SEC probe into its data collection for targeted advertising. The investigation, spurred by a whistleblower and short-seller concerns, centers on potential violations of advertising agreements. AppLovin, recently added to the S&P 500, defends its practices, but the news triggered a significant stock decline after a period of substantial growth fueled by its AI-powered AXON engine. Short-sellers have previously criticized AppLovin’s data privacy and ad targeting, alleging violations of app store terms of service.

Deloitte is partnering with Anthropic to deploy Claude AI assistant to its 470,000 employees globally, Anthropic’s largest enterprise deployment to date. Deloitte aims to enhance productivity and client solutions using tailored Claude “personas” for various roles and a dedicated Center of Excellence. This investment allows Deloitte to advise clients better, demonstrating AI’s potential and fostering internal innovation. The partnership underscores Anthropic’s global expansion and growing demand for AI solutions, following its recent model unveiling and significant funding round.

Cerebras CEO Andrew Feldman addressed the withdrawal of the company’s IPO registration, citing significant improvements in the business since the initial filing. A refiling with updated financials and strategy is planned, reflecting a transformation and expansion into cloud services for AI models. Cerebras secured $1.1B in pre-IPO funding. Cerebras aims to compete with Nvidia by offering high-performance wafer-scale engines (WSE) for AI, claiming superior computational density and memory bandwidth, especially for large-scale AI models.

Instagram launched “Rings,” awarding 25 creators a gold ring and profile badge, chosen by figures like Adam Mosseri and Spike Lee. This comes as Meta ended its creator bonus program and brand deals decline, raising questions about Meta’s creator support strategy. While offering profile customization, the initiative emphasizes recognition over direct compensation. With rivals offering revenue-sharing and a decline in brand deals, the long-term viability of symbolic rewards remains uncertain for creators needing reliable income.

Firefly Aerospace (FLY) stock rose 12% after announcing the acquisition of defense contractor SciTec for $855 million in cash and stock. The purchase aims to boost Firefly’s national security capabilities, integrating SciTec’s software for advanced missile warning and autonomous control. This follows a recent stock dip after a rocket test explosion. Firefly, which went public earlier this year, also has secured significant NASA and Northrop Grumman contracts. SciTec will operate as a Firefly subsidiary post-acquisition, providing immediate access to defense technologies.