Synchron, a company revolutionizing brain implants by using a non-invasive method through the circulatory system, has successfully raised $200 million in a Series D funding round, bringing its valuation close to $1 billion. This significant investment highlights the growing interest and confidence in innovative medical technologies that could change the way we treat neurological conditions. With this funding, Synchron is poised to advance its groundbreaking technology, potentially offering safer alternatives to traditional brain surgeries.

Apple is making a significant move by partnering with Google to enhance Siri with the Gemini language model, as reported by Bloomberg. This $1 billion annual deal aims to close the generative gap between Siri and its competitors, showcasing Apple's commitment to improving user experience and staying competitive in the tech landscape. This collaboration could lead to smarter, more intuitive interactions for Siri users, making it a noteworthy development in the realm of artificial intelligence.

Snap has made a strategic move by partnering with Perplexity to enhance its presence in the artificial intelligence sector. This collaboration is significant as it positions Snap to leverage AI technologies, potentially improving user engagement and expanding its market reach. As AI continues to shape the tech landscape, this deal could be a game-changer for Snap, allowing it to stay competitive and innovative.

In October, US companies announced a staggering 153,074 job cuts, marking the highest number in over 20 years and tripling the layoffs from October 2024. This surge in layoffs is largely attributed to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, which are reshaping industries and prompting companies to cut costs. This trend is concerning as it highlights the impact of technology on employment, raising questions about job security and the future of work.

Rockstar Games has recently terminated dozens of employees, citing their involvement in leaking and discussing confidential information publicly. This decision comes amid allegations from a union claiming that the firings were unjust. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the company and its workforce, raising concerns about employee rights and transparency in the gaming industry.

Huawei has launched its new Mate 70 Air smartphone, priced at approximately $590, which is set to rival Apple's $999 iPhone Air. With a sleek 6.6mm thickness and a 7-inch display, this device runs on HarmonyOS and is expected to ship on November 11. This release is significant as it showcases Huawei's commitment to innovation in the competitive smartphone market, offering consumers a high-quality alternative at a more accessible price.

SoftBank's exploration of a potential takeover of Marvell to merge it with Arm could reshape the chip industry significantly. This move, if realized, would mark the largest deal in the sector's history, highlighting SoftBank's ambition to strengthen its position in the semiconductor market. Such a merger could lead to innovative advancements and increased competition, ultimately benefiting consumers and tech companies alike.

Shares of Pony.ai and WeRide experienced a significant drop of up to 15% during their trading debut in Hong Kong. Despite raising substantial funds—approximately $863 million for Pony.ai and $309 million for WeRide—investors reacted negatively to the listings. This decline highlights the challenges faced by new entrants in the competitive robotaxi market, raising questions about future investor confidence and market stability.