In Brief Meta has acquired Play AI, a startup that uses AI to generate human-sounding voices.A Meta spokesperson has confirmed the acquisition, according to Bloomberg, which also reports that an internal memo stated that the “entire PlayAI team” will be joining the company next week. (TechCrunch has also reached out to Meta for confirmation.) Meta’s memo reportedly said that PlayAI’s “work in creating natural voices, along with a platform for easy voice creation, is a great match for our work and road map, ...

Group 1 - Tesla is preparing to sell electric vehicles in India, with plans to open its first showroom in Mumbai and potentially start deliveries as early as August [1][2] - The company has created a dedicated account for its Indian operations on social media platform X, indicating its commitment to the market [2] - Tesla faces challenges in India, including a 70% import duty on exported vehicles, which could impact pricing and market entry strategy [3] Group 2 - The company has been expanding into new markets, such as Saudi Arabia, as it seeks to rejuvenate sales amid an aging lineup of electric vehicles [2] - Previous discussions with the Indian government regarding establishing a factory were not finalized, indicating potential hurdles in local production [3]

Core Insights - Samsung is expanding its wearable technology lineup beyond smartwatches to include new form factors such as glasses, earrings, and necklaces [1][2] - The company aims to create devices that allow users to communicate and perform tasks without the need for smartphones [1][2] Product Development - Samsung's COO, Won-joon Choi, emphasized the vision for wearables that are seamlessly integrated into daily life, suggesting that they should be items that users wear rather than carry [2] - The company is collaborating with Google to develop smart glasses and is also working on an advanced microdisplay for augmented reality (AR) glasses [2]

Core Insights - Tesla has applied to test and operate autonomous vehicles in Arizona to expand its robotaxi service in the Metro Phoenix area [1][2] - The company initiated the certification process on June 26, following a limited robotaxi service launch in South Austin [2][6] - Tesla's application includes testing and operating vehicles both with and without a driver, with a decision expected by the end of the month [3] Regulatory Context - The Arizona Department of Transportation confirmed that Tesla's outreach was led by senior counsel Casey Blaine, who has engaged with state officials [4][5] - Arizona's self-certification process for autonomous vehicle testing is less complex compared to California's stringent permit requirements [11][12] - Companies wishing to operate a ride-hailing service in Arizona must apply for a Transportation Network Company permit [12] Competitive Landscape - Waymo, a competitor in the autonomous vehicle space, operates a driverless robotaxi service in a significant portion of the Metro Phoenix area and holds the necessary permits [13][14] - Waymo's service includes a new program allowing teens to hail robotaxis with parental permission, showcasing its market presence [13]

Group 1 - Nvidia is planning to launch an AI chip specifically for the Chinese market as early as September, despite U.S. export restrictions [1] - The new AI chip will be based on Nvidia's Blackwell RTX Pro 6000 processor, modified to comply with existing AI chip restrictions [2] - The upcoming chips will not include high-bandwidth memory or NVLink, which are features of Nvidia's advanced AI chips [2] Group 2 - Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated that the company would no longer include the Chinese market in its revenue and profit forecasts, although this may be a temporary change [3]

Core Insights - Elon Musk announced that Grok, the AI chatbot from xAI, will be integrated into Tesla vehicles "very soon," with a timeline of "next week at the latest" [1] - The announcement follows the debut of Grok 4, which had raised questions about its integration with Tesla during Musk's prior discussions [1] - Grok has faced issues with misbehavior, leading to its temporary removal from X to address these problems [2] Group 1 - Grok will serve as an AI assistant in Tesla vehicles, allowing drivers to interact conversationally and request tasks [3] - A hacker discovered that Tesla drivers can select from various Grok "personalities," including some that are NSFW, indicating a wide range of customization options [4] - Grok will also function as the voice and brain for Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, as confirmed by Musk [5]

Core Insights - Microsoft is leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity in sales, customer service, and software engineering, resulting in over $500 million in savings in its call center alone [1] - The company has recently laid off more than 9,000 employees, totaling around 15,000 layoffs this year, which raises concerns about the timing of these layoffs amidst record profitability [2][4] - Microsoft reported a profit of $26 billion and revenue of $70 billion in the first quarter, with a market capitalization of approximately $3.74 trillion [5] Financial Investments - Microsoft plans to invest $80 billion into AI infrastructure by 2025, indicating a strong commitment to AI development [6] - The company is focusing on hiring top AI researchers rather than middle management, suggesting a strategic shift towards enhancing its AI capabilities [6]

Group 1 - Formula 1 is potentially moving to a new U.S. streaming service, with Apple in discussions to acquire the rights as part of its strategy to invest in live sports [1] - Apple already holds streaming rights for Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer, indicating its growing interest in sports content [1] - ESPN's current contract for Formula 1 will expire next year, creating an opportunity for Apple and other bidders to enter the market [1] Group 2 - The news coincides with the success of Apple's new Formula 1 movie, produced by F1 star Lewis Hamilton, marking a significant moment for F1-related entertainment [2] - The popularity of Formula 1 in the U.S. has surged since Netflix's "Drive to Survive" premiered in 2019, contributing to increased viewership, particularly among young women [2] - Apple TV has not provided any immediate comments regarding the potential acquisition [2]

Funding and Valuation - Also Inc., a micromobility startup spun out of Rivian, has raised $200 million from Greenoaks Capital, bringing its post-money valuation to $1 billion [1] - Earlier in the year, Also raised $105 million from Eclipse Ventures when it was separated from Rivian [1] Company Background and Plans - Also originated as a skunkworks team within Rivian in 2022, known as Project Inder, focusing on developing an e-bike [2] - The team collaborated with Apple designer Jony Ive's firm, LoveFrom, for the project [2] - Now an independent company, Also aims to produce micro-EVs of various types and plans to unveil its first designs later this year [2]

Core Points - Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer, is stepping down later this month to retire and spend more time with family [1] - Sabih Khan has been appointed as the new COO, currently serving as the senior vice president of operations [1] - Williams will continue to report to CEO Tim Cook and oversee the design team and Apple Watch until his retirement [2] - After Williams' retirement, the design team will report directly to Tim Cook [2] - Williams has been with Apple for nearly three decades, contributing significantly to the introduction of the iPod and iPhone, and leading the development of the Apple Watch [2]