Apple Acquired AI Startup Q.ai for $2 Billion
Apple acquired Q.ai, an artificial intelligence audio startup, for $2 billion, making it Apple's second-largest acquisition ever, according to a report by the Financial Times on January 29, 2026. Q.ai, a four-year-old company, specializes in using facial expressions to understand users without spoken words.
The acquisition follows Apple's largest acquisition to date, the $3 billion purchase of Beats in 2014. Richard Lawler, a senior editor at The Verge, reported that Apple did not disclose the specific terms of the deal.
In other tech news, Google has expanded access to its AI world model, Project Genie. According to Ars Technica, Project Genie allows users to create interactive worlds from a photo or prompt. Last year, Google showcased Genie 3, an updated version of its AI world model with long-term memory capabilities. The technology, which generates a dynamic environment that responds to user input, was initially available to a limited group of testers but is now accessible to those paying for Google's most expensive AI subscription.
Meanwhile, the ongoing evolution of mobile technology continues with foldable phones. Allison Johnson, a senior reviewer at The Verge, noted on January 29, 2026, that while foldable phones offer great rewards, they also come with responsibilities. She pointed out that these devices are generally heavier, pricier, and may have less capable cameras compared to standard smartphones. Durability remains a concern, although improvements have been made.
In healthcare news, a study published in JAMA Network Open revealed a potential link between high-deductible health plans and decreased survival rates for cancer patients. Ars Technica reported that individuals facing high out-of-pocket costs, coupled with a cancer diagnosis, experienced worse overall survival and cancer-specific survival compared to those with standard health plans. The findings highlight the challenges Americans face as healthcare costs continue to rise.
For entertainment options, Wired magazine recently published a list of the 45 best movies available on HBO Max. The list includes a range of films, from documentaries to Oscar-nominated hits.
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