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- Google said to take on Anthropic with AI “Jarvis” for browser-based tasks automation
Google said to take on Anthropic with AI “Jarvis” for browser-based tasks automation
Top stories today:
- Google said to take on Anthropic with AI “Jarvis”
- Apple said to overhaul Mac lineup with M4 chip this week
- Oil falls 5% as Israel restricts Iran strike to military targets
- U.S. labor market expected to have cooled in Oct.
- Billionaires donate $695M, 18% of total funds raised in U.S. election
0. Data and calendar
All values as of 6 AM ET / 3 AM PT, other than S&P500 and NASDAQ close (4 PM ET / 1 PM PT).
All times are ET.
Listen to our AI-generated podcast summarizing today’s newsletter (beware the few hallucinations):
1. Google said to take on Anthropic with AI “Jarvis” for browser-based tasks automation
The AI would take over browsers for tasks like online research and purchases.
Dec.: when its preview is speculated to be out.
Also Dec.: when Gemini 2.0 as Google’s next flagship AI model is said to debut.
Last week, Anthropic announced “Computer Use” capability for automation.
The new moves could take AI agents to a new level.
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3. Apple said to overhaul Mac lineup with M4 chip this week
New 24-inch iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro are expected.
“Dramatic improvement in day-to-day use” is speculated via the M4 chip.
Apple Intelligence will be across all devices.
Last week, Apple SVP Greg Joswiak teased a “week” of Mac announcements.
Mac mini is speculated to get significant updates this time
2 revamped Mac mini versions are expected, including an M4 Pro variant.
Smaller, Apple TV-like size.
5 USB-C ports in total, with 2 on the front.
Ray tracing graphics technique to deliver more realistic images.
In parallel, Apple is reportedly testing a blood-sugar app to help people with prediabetes.
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5. Oil falls 5% as Israel restricts Iran strike to military targets
Brent $73, West Texas Intermediate $69 after paring losses.
Oct. 15: Israel assured U.S. it won’t strike Iranian oil site.
Up to 4% of global oil supplies come from Iran.
Israel is quietly boasting strategic gains from its counter-attack on Iran.
6. U.S. labor market expected to have cooled in Oct., hit by hurricanes, Boeing strike
+111K payrolls are expected in Fri employment report, -50% of 2023 average 200K.
4.1% unemployment rate predicted, the same as in Sep.
+0.3% MoM in average hourly earnings forecasted, down from 0.4% in Sep.
7. Billionaires donate $695M, 18% of total funds raised in U.S. election
Trump has been more reliant on allied super Pacs, which can take unlimited contributions:
34% ($568M) of Trump campaign funds came from U.S. elites, vs. 6% ($127M) of Harris funds.
Harris groups outraised pro-Trump groups by $2.2B to $1.76B in total.
133 of 800 U.S. billionaires reportedly using wealth to sway election.
Dustin Moskovitz, Reid Hoffman, and Michael Bloomberg are funding Harris.
Tim Mellon, Elon Musk, and Miriam Adelson are among Trump backers.
8. VC deals in digital health space globally continue to decline
112 deals were closed in Q2 2024, vs. 149 a year ago.
$1.5B raised in total in Q2, about the same that was raised a year ago.
Foodsmart ($200M), Sword Health ($130M), and Pelago ($58M) were among the recent deals.
YTD, $3.1B has been raised by digital health startups
246 deals have been closed so far, vs. 617 in 2023.
Exits in the digital health space have been muted, with merely 16 deals closed in 2024 to date
Truepill-LetsGetChecked worth of $525M was the recent deal.
IPO window may be reopening, with some startups planning to go public soon.
9. China smartphone sales +2.3% in Q3, on track to see 1st annual growth in 5 years
Vivo continued to lead the market with a 19.2% share.
Huawei came 2nd, with a 16.4% share.
-2.6% YoY by Apple, with a 13.5% share.
Q4: updates in flagship models by all major brands are expected.
10. Interesting videos, posts, and memes
11. Other headlines
AI
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Tech
TSMC halted shipments to China firm after chip found on Huawei SoC: sources.
Waymo raises $5.6B, led by parent Google.
WeRide +7% after U.S. IPO.
Accel files with SEC to tap thriving secondary market.
General Atlantic opens Saudi office to scout Mideast deals.
Saudi Aramco’s venture arm allocates $100M for AI investments.
monday.com connects and empowers teams to excel in every aspect of work. Get started now!*
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Tech & law
Biotech
Neuralink rival Science Corp. says its eye implant restored vision in blind people.
Eli Lilly gets nod to launch weight-loss drug Mounjaro in Hong Kong.
Business
Crypto
FTX settles suit against crypto firm Bybit for $228M.
U.S. politics
World
Ukraine shaking down nightlife spots for draft.
UK’s Starmer to embrace “harsh light of fiscal reality” in key budget.
Japan in political turmoil after dramatic defeat for ruling party.
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