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Apple Buys Israeli AI Startup That Interprets Facial Movements
MINT· 2026-01-29 18:48
Core Insights - Apple Inc. has acquired Israeli AI startup Q.ai, which specializes in technology for interpreting facial movements and silent communication [1][2] - The acquisition is valued at approximately $2 billion, marking a significant move for Apple in recent times [2] - Q.ai's technology could enhance Apple's audio products and AI features, including Siri and AirPods [1][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition price has not been officially disclosed, but it is estimated to be close to $2 billion [2] - Q.ai was co-founded by Aviad Maizels, who previously contributed to the development of Face ID technology at Apple [1][2] - Johny Srouji, overseeing Apple's custom silicon chips, expressed excitement about the innovative potential of Q.ai's technology [2] Group 2: Technology Applications - Q.ai's technology can analyze facial muscle movements to understand silent communication, which could enhance user interaction with devices [2][3] - The technology is expected to improve audio capabilities in devices like AirPods, which are anticipated to evolve into more powerful AI hardware [3] - Potential applications include enhancements for FaceTime, smart glasses, and headsets, indicating a broader impact on Apple's product ecosystem [3][4] Group 3: Company Vision - Aviad Maizels highlighted the unique combination of advanced machine learning and physics in Q.ai's technology, emphasizing the potential for innovation within Apple [4] - The integration into Apple is seen as an opportunity to push technological boundaries and enhance user experiences globally [4]
Apple acquires Israeli startup Q.ai
CNBC· 2026-01-29 18:41
Apple CEO Tim Cook joins Apple employees at the Apple store as customers line up for the release of Apple new iPhone 17 models in New York on Sept. 19, 2025.Apple has acquired Israeli artificial intelligence startup Q.ai, a company representative confirmed on Thursday. No purchase price was disclosed.Q.ai was secretive and had not publicly shared a product, but its website suggests it was working on something related to audio. The startup was led by CEO Aviad Maizels, who previously sold PrimeSense to Apple ...
Stock Market Today, Jan. 29: Dow, Russell 2000 escape Microsoft fallout; Apple reports after bell
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-29 18:19
This live blog is refreshed periodically throughout the day with the latest updates from the market.To find the latest Stock Market Today threads, click here. Happy Thursday. This is TheStreet’s Stock Market Today for Jan. 29, 2026. You can follow the latest updates on the market here in our daily live blog. Update: 4:35 p.m. ET Apple Earnings Are In Apple's earnings have landed. Here are the details: Revenue: $143.756 billion, +16% (est. $138.48 billion) iPhone Revenue: $85.269 billion (estimates wer ...
Unit Labor Costs Remain Negative
ZACKS· 2026-01-29 17:36
Economic Data Summary - Initial Jobless Claims increased to 209K, slightly above the estimated 205K, but down from the revised 210K the previous week, indicating a stable labor market with an average of 206K claims over the past six weeks [2] - Continuing Claims fell to 1.827 million, the lowest level in a year and a half, showing a significant decrease from the range of 1.9-1.974 million observed last year [3] - Q3 Productivity remained unchanged at +4.9%, marking the best quarter since Q3 2023, potentially linked to advancements in AI [3] - Unit Labor Costs stayed at -1.9%, the lowest since -2.9% in Q2 of the previous year, suggesting a favorable economic environment with higher productivity and lower labor costs [4] - The U.S. Trade Deficit for November dropped to -$56.8 billion from -$29.2 billion the previous month, significantly better than the all-time low of -$136.4 billion in March of last year [4] Company Earnings Reports - Mastercard (MA) reported earnings of $4.76, exceeding expectations by +13%, with a trailing four-quarter average beat of +3.1% [5] - Caterpillar (CAT) achieved earnings of $5.16 per share, a +10.5% surprise, with revenues of $19.13 billion, surpassing expectations by +6.6% [5] - Lockheed Martin (LMT) experienced its first negative earnings surprise since 2017, reporting $5.80 per share against expectations of $6.24, but shares rose due to a +9.1% increase in revenue [6] - Valero (VLO) delivered strong results with earnings of $3.82 per share and revenues of $30.37 billion, exceeding expectations by +18.62% and +8.24% respectively [6] Upcoming Earnings Reports - Apple (AAPL) is expected to report fiscal Q3 results with a projected earnings growth of +10.4% and revenue growth of +10.87%, having only one earnings miss in the past five years [7] - Visa (V) is anticipated to report a +14.18% increase in earnings and +12.5% in revenues, maintaining a strong track record with an average earnings beat of +2.7% over the last four quarters [8]
Apple Stock Pares Losses in Afternoon Trading
Barrons· 2026-01-29 17:14
Core Viewpoint - Apple stock experienced a slight decline of 0.2%, trading at $255.91 prior to the release of its first-quarter financial results, indicating that investors are looking for strong earnings to justify the current high stock price [1]. Group 1 - Apple stock is currently more expensive than in the past, suggesting that investor expectations for earnings are elevated [1]. - The upcoming earnings report is critical for the stock's performance, as it needs to impress investors to potentially boost the stock price [1]. - The context of the stock's performance is set against the backdrop of the company's recent financial results, which are anticipated to be significant [1].
Apple sales surge 16% on ‘staggering' iPhone demand
CNBC· 2026-01-29 21:37
Apple CEO Tim Cook gestures as he departs after a business leaders reception with the US President on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026.Apple reported fiscal first-quarter earnings on Thursday that surpassed expectations, with revenue soaring 16% on an annual basis. Shares of the company were up as much as 3% in extended trading. Here are the results versus what Wall Street was expecting according to LSEG consensus estimates for the quarter ending i ...
Ross Gerber Demands Tim Cook Resign: ‘He Hasn't Done a Thing in Years' on AI
247Wallst· 2026-01-29 16:34
Core Viewpoint - Ross Gerber, an investor in Apple Inc., has called for CEO Tim Cook to resign, criticizing the company for missing opportunities in the AI sector and relying on partnerships with Google for AI features [1]. Financial Performance - Apple has reported earnings that beat estimates for eight consecutive quarters, with an annual revenue of $416 billion and operating margins of 31.7% [1]. - The company achieved a year-over-year revenue growth of 7.9% and a profit margin of 26.9% [1]. - Analysts expect Apple to report $2.67 EPS and $138.5 billion in revenue for Q1 FY2026 [1]. Stock Performance - Apple’s stock has declined by 5.7% year-to-date, contrasting with Microsoft’s 8.5% gain over the same period [1]. - Prediction markets indicate only a 36% probability of Apple’s stock closing above $260 by the end of the month [1]. Market Position and Strategy - The partnership with Google for Gemini AI features highlights Apple's late entry into the AI market [1]. - Despite strong profitability, there is a concern regarding Apple's modest revenue growth, raising questions about whether the company is optimizing its existing business or innovating for the future [1]. - Analyst consensus remains largely positive, with 64% rating Apple as a buy or strong buy, while 42% rate it as hold or sell [1].
Ross Gerber Demands Tim Cook Resign: ‘He Hasn’t Done a Thing in Years’ on AI
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-29 16:34
Quick Read Apple (AAPL) beat earnings estimates in eight consecutive quarters with $416B annual revenue and 31.7% operating margins. Apple stock declined 5.7% year-to-date while Microsoft gained 8.5% over one year. Apple partnered with Google for Gemini AI features after arriving late to the AI race. Investors rethink 'hands off' investing and decide to start making real money Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) investor Ross Gerber, CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, dropped a bombshell ...
iPhone Sales, Siri & Google Gemini: AAPL Earnings Preview & Options Trade
Youtube· 2026-01-29 16:30
Core Viewpoint - The focus is on Apple's upcoming earnings report, with high expectations set by the company itself regarding iPhone sales and overall financial performance [3][4]. Earnings Expectations - Apple is expected to report a record EPS of $2.65, up from $1.85 last quarter and $2.40 last year [3]. - Revenue expectations are set at $137.81 billion, reflecting an 11% year-over-year increase [4]. Market Reactions - The market has shown mixed reactions to recent earnings from other major tech companies, with Apple being the last of the "Mag 7" to report [1][2]. - Investors are particularly focused on iPhone sales performance, especially in China, where Apple faces competitive pressures [5]. Strategic Focus - Apple's services segment is anticipated to be a key stabilizer and margin driver, leveraging its large installed base [7]. - The company is expected to announce a formal partnership with Alphabet to integrate AI initiatives into its ecosystem [7][8]. Competitive Landscape - Analysts are concerned about memory chip shortages potentially impacting margins, which is a critical factor to monitor [8]. - The overall market is experiencing volatility, with shifts in investor sentiment affecting tech stocks [11][12].
AT&T Earnings May Provide Clues About Apple iPhone Sales
Barrons· 2026-01-29 15:23
Core Insights - AT&T's fourth-quarter earnings report may provide insights into Apple's iPhone sales performance, as noted by a Wells Fargo analyst [1] Financial Performance - AT&T reported equipment operating revenue of $7.4 billion, reflecting a 12.7% increase compared to the same period last year, driven by higher wireless device sales volumes [1] Analyst Commentary - Wells Fargo analyst Aaron Rakers views the increase in AT&T Wireless Equipment sales and year-over-year upgrade rate improvements as a net positive for Apple [1] - Rakers has rated Apple as Overweight with a price target of $300 [1]