Apple, Broadcom strike multi-bln dollar deal; Google backs OpenAI rival Anthropic’s $450 mln funding
Apple yesterday announced a new partnership with Broadcom to develop 5G radio frequency components and wireless connectivity components. Separately, Wistron, a contract manufacturing supplier to Apple, has shut its operations in India, Mint reports. Also in this brief, Infosys Topaz is a new suite of services based on generative AI with specific use cases in different industry verticals; Microsoft is showcasing Jugalbandi, an AI assistant in local Indian languages; And Matrix Partners India is raising the target for its fourth fund to $525 million, TechCrunch reports. Notes: Apple yesterday announced a new multi-billion-dollar partnership with Broadcom to develop 5G radio frequency components and wireless connectivity components. Broadcom will design and build FBAR filters in the US, the company said in a press release. These investments align with Apple's 2021 commitment to invest $430 billion in the US economy over five years, the company said. The components Apple is sourcing from Broadcom are different from the 5G modems that are made by Qualcomm, CNBC points out. Apple, which already makes its own processors, has also been trying to make its own 5G modems to cut its dependence on Qualcomm. It’s not immediately clear if this deal with Broadcom will help Apple further that aim. Meanwhile, Apple’s contract manufacturer Wistron has halted iPhone production in India due to its inability to make profits under Apple's terms, Mint reports. Wistron, a smaller company compared with Foxconn and Pegatron, was unable to negotiate higher margins with Apple, according to the report. Anthropic, an AI startup founded by former OpenAI executives, has raised $450 million in funding, making it the largest AI funding round this year, CNBC reports. Lead investors include Google, Salesforce Ventures, Zoom Ventures, and Spark Capital. Anthropic, known for its chatbot Claude, aims to develop generative AI models aligned with human values. Meanwhile, Microsoft is showcasing an example of how generative AI could help far-flung rural Indian communities. Jugalbandi, an AI assistant developed by AI4Bharat, an Indian AI for development initiative, backed by the government, and supported by Microsoft and Infosys Chairman Nandan Nilekani, is using generative AI to develop a mobile assistant that provides information on government schemes in multiple languages. Microsoft Build, the company’s annual flagship conference concludes tomorrow. The company has announced the expansion of several projects, including its copilot products and ChatGPT plugins. Infosys yesterday launched Infosys Topaz, an AI-based suite of services, solutions, and platforms that use generative AI technologies. Infosys Topaz combines the company’s suite of cloud services, called Cobalt, and AI to drive business growth, foster connected ecosystems, and unlock efficiencies at scale, the company said in a press release. Matrix Partners India has increased its current fund target to $525 million, surpassing its initial disclosure of $450 million, TechCrunch reports. Indian American entrepreneur Naval Ravikant has co-founded a new social media app called Airchat. The app, currently in beta testing, attempts to offer a new approach to social media by focusing on conversations and interactions.