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☆ China's AI models lag their U.S. counterparts by 6 to 9 months, says former head of Google China
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Kai-Fu Lee, chairman and chief executive officer of Sinovation Ventures, speaks during the HICOOL Global Entrepreneur Summit on September 11, 2021 in Beijing, China. BEIJING — Chinese artificial intelligence models may be at least half a year behind those developed in the U.S., but Chinese AI apps will likely take off much faster, said Kai-Fu Lee, former head of Google China. The top Chinese companies' LLMs are about six to nine months behind their U.S. counterparts, while less advanced Chinese models may lag the U.S. by about 15 months, Lee said. Lee, author of "AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order,“ is a widely followed commentator on AI, and is the founder of startup 01.AI as well as venture capital firm Sinovation Ventures. "Apps, I would predict, by early next year will proliferate in China much faster than in the U.S.," Lee said, noting that the cost of training a good AI model has fallen significantly.

Persons: Kai, Fu Lee, Lee Organizations: Sinovation Ventures, Summit, Google, Equity Forum China Locations: Beijing, China, BEIJING, U.S, Google China, Silicon Valley

☆ Sergey Brin says he doesn't think Google engineers use AI for coding as much as they should
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewGoogle cofounder Sergey Brin said engineers at the tech company aren't using artificial intelligence as often as he thinks they should. Brin said he was curious about how good Google's AI model would be at Sudoku. "Because they don't honestly use the AI tools for their own coding as much as I think they ought to." As search competition continues to heat up, Google recently updated its AI Overviews, which is a feature that produces AI-generated answers in response to a Google search. Earlier this month, BI reported that junior software developers are likely to see the most immediate changes to their workflow, with AI tools potentially changing the way newbies gain developer skills.

Persons: —, Sergey Brin, Brin, David Friedberg, Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, I've, AI's, " Brin, we've, hasn't, OpenAI, Friedberg, Elon Musk Organizations: Service, Business, Google, Engineers, BI, Tesla Locations: Los Angeles, Friedberg

Deutsche Bank resumed coverage of Tesla with a buy rating, calling it a top pick. He also notched his price target $4 higher to $80, implying shares could gain 16.6% from Monday's close. Along with the new iPhone 16 line, the company unveiled Apple Intelligence for beta rollout next month, or new artificial intelligence capabilities for the iPhone. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are available for pre-order starting Friday. "At the core, we do not see Tesla as an automaker but rather a technology platform attempting to reshape multiple industries, deserving of a unique type of valuation framework," the analyst wrote.

Persons: Andrew Obin, Obin, — Hakyung Kim, David Vogt, Vogt, Morgan Stanley, Erik Woodring, Woodring, Goldman Sachs, Michael Ng, Ng, Bernstein, Douglas Harned, Harned, Daniela Nedialkova, Hakyung Kim, Tesla, Edison Yu, Yu, Fred Imbert Organizations: CNBC, Deutsche Bank, Atlantic, Costco, Bank of America, Johnson, Wall Street, Apple Intelligence, UBS, Apple, GE Aerospace GE Aerospace, GE Aerospace, GE Locations: Monday's

☆ Apple failed to mention one pretty big iPhone concern at its Glowtime event — and that's a problem
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Jordan Hart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Analysts have predicted a "golden upgrade cycle" for Apple following the official launch of the iPhone 16, complete with AI capabilities. Still, execs didn't mention the massive market — where its iPhone sales have struggled in 2024 — at the Glowtime event. AdvertisementThe reported partnership with Baidu "will fill in a missing piece of the AI puzzle in the key China market," Wedbush Securities analysts wrote in a Monday note. Apple's Chinese smartphone competitors aren't letting up in their pursuit of dethroning the giant. Related storiesApple may be experiencing a slip in smartphone sales in China, but Huawei saw its sales leap 69.7% in the first three months of 2024.

Persons: —, OpenAI, Max, It's Organizations: Service, Analysts, Apple, Business, Huawei, Street Journal, Apple Intelligence, preorder, Baidu, Wedbush Securities Locations: China, —, Greater China

☆ No signs of slowing down for sports betting, industry leaders say
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Jake Piazza | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Sports betting is continuing its integration into modern sports culture, and industry leaders do not expect the growth to slow down any time soon. As much tailwind as sports betting companies have received from growing legalization and popularity across the country, taxes and ethical concerns have presented difficulties. Several states have a 51% tax on sports betting companies, and Illinois recently approved a tax increase on sports betting revenue. Sports betting has also garnered negative headlines in recent months as professional sports leagues have struggled to effectively stop players from violating betting and gambling rules. The speakers also addressed widespread concerns about whether the nature of sports betting companies' business models discourages them from providing proper guardrails to stop gambling problems.

Persons: Wrigley, Michael Rubin, Matt King, CNBC's Contessa Brewer, Marie Donoghue, DraftKings, Jontay Porter, that's, Christian Genetski Organizations: Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Sports, FanDuel, CNBC, PointsBet's U.S, NBA Locations: Illinois

Asia-Pacific markets were mixed on Tuesday, following gains on Wall Street that saw both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rebound from their worst week of the year. The S&P 500 gained 1.16%, after posting its worst week since March 2023. The Nasdaq Composite also jumped 1.16% following its worst week in more than two years. China's exports grew 8.7% year-on-year in August and imports grew 0.5%, customs data showed, compared to the forecast of 6.5% and 2%, respectively, in a Reuters poll. Apple just wrapped up an event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, where it unveiled the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which join the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus the company announced earlier.

Organizations: Nasdaq, Traders, Apple Locations: Shanghai, China, Asia, Pacific, India, Cupertino , California

☆ Car giants are being forced to confront some hard truths over the EV transition
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Sam Meredith | In Samuelmeredith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The Swedish automaker said it now aims for between 90% and 100% of its car sales to be fully electric or plug-in hybrid models by 2030. "I think a lot of manufacturers are obviously going through this process [of delaying electrification targets] at the moment. The U.K., for instance, introduced a mandate that requires 22% of new car sales this year to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The mandate, which aims to reduce the number of polluting vehicles on the road, will rise annually until it reaches 100% of new car sales by 2035. A Volkswagen ID4 electric car charges at a charging station in a parking lot at Autostadt Wolfsburg.

Persons: Brandon Bell, Tim Urquhart, CNBC's, we're, Urquhart, carmaker, BEV, —, it's, Rico Luman Organizations: Volvo, Hill, Getty, Wednesday, Volkswagen, Ford, Benz Group, P Global Mobility, Volvo Cars, Autostadt Wolfsburg, Volkswagen AG, BEVs, European, ING Locations: Austin , Texas, China, Swedish, Europe

☆ Nvidia may be the AI darling, but it's time to start looking at this chip stock, one CIO says
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Amala Balakrishner | In Amala-Balakrishner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Tema ETFs' Yuri Khodjamirian is keeping a close watch on chip designer Qualcomm Inc . As AI shifts from data centers — an Nvidia "stronghold" — to the " edge ," investors should "start looking at companies like Qualcomm," Khodjamirian said. And "edge AI" is more than about chips — "it's really everything, the silicon content of our mobile phones and PCs, has to go up, because you need better memory; you need better connectivity between the different semiconductors. Qualcomm's shares are currently trading at around 15.3 times forward earnings, while Nvidia has a multiple of around 38, according to FactSet data. 'Emerging Edge AI play' Analysts at KeyBanc Capital Markets are bullish on Qualcomm and have a target price of $225 on the stock, or 55.8% upside.

Persons: Yuri Khodjamirian, CNBC's, It's, Khodjamirian, Cristiano Amon, Leswing, Arjun Kharpal, Michael Bloom Organizations: Nvidia, Qualcomm Inc, Qualcomm, Samsung, Nasdaq, CNBC, Google, KeyBanc Locations: Tema

☆ Wall Street Apple analysts underwhelmed by new iPhone's AI features
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Apple 's high stakes September launch event left some Wall Street analysts feeling unsettled. The largest company in the U.S. announced a host of new products Monday at its California headquarters, including a new Apple Watch, AirPods and the highly anticipated iPhone 16 that harnesses AI tools called Apple Intelligence. The delayed AI launch also creates uncertainty for sales volumes over the next two quarters, Long added. UBS analyst David Vogt viewed the event as "anticlimactic," adding that Apple offered no "killer" AI application. Elsewhere, Piper Sandler's Matt Farrell reiterated his neutral rating and $225 price target, noting that a slow rollout of Apple Intelligence could actually hamper enthusiasm for the features.

Persons: Tim Long, Apple, Long, Bernstein's Toni Sacconaghi, David Vogt, Wells, Aaron Rakers, Samik Chatterjee, MoffettNathanson's Craig Moffett, Tim Cook, Piper, Matt Farrell, Brandon Nispel Organizations: Apple, U.S, Apple Watch, Apple Intelligence, Barclays, UBS, Beta Locations: California, China, Europe

☆ Here's why the next move in Apple stock should not be judged solely on Monday's iPhone 16 event
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The reviews on Wall Street are mixed concerning Monday's iPhone launch event. Apple Intelligence represents a paradigm shift for the company and the iPhone 16 is the ticket into this new generation. That's what will in turn drive demand, both in terms of Apple rolling out Apple Intelligence and developers taking advantage of the new hardware capabilities. The iPhone 16 and the Pro models will be equipped with versions of the new A18 chips. However,even those phones weren't built from the ground up in the way the iPhone 16 is to harness the full power of Apple's AI features.

Persons: Jim Cramer, Bernstein, Jim, Apple, Siri, Ray, Jim Cramer's, Andrej Sokolow Organizations: Apple, Citi, JPMorgan, Apple Intelligence, Nvidia, Microsoft, CNBC, Getty Locations: USA, Cupertino

☆ Apple will hit a $4 trillion market cap in 2025 as the iPhone 16 sparks big upgrade cycle, Wedbush says
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Matthew Fox | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Apple's iPhone 16 launch will drive the company to a $4 trillion valuation by 2025, Wedbush said. Pent-up demand and unchanged prices are set to fuel iPhone 16 sales, especially in China, Ives said. AdvertisementApple's upcoming launch of the iPhone 16 will help catapult the company to a $4 trillion valuation in 2025, according to Wedbush Securities. That pent-up demand among iPhone users who need a new phone will ultimately help fuel iPhone 16 unit sales of 240 million in 2025, he predicted. Apple stock is down about 1.5% since it unveiled its iPhone 16 lineup on Monday.

Persons: Wedbush, Dan Ives, Ives, — Organizations: Service, Wedbush Securities, Apple Intelligence, Apple, Baidu Locations: China, Asia

☆ CNBC Daily Open: Did Apple’s shiny new things improve market sentiment?
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Yeo Boon Ping | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Nic Coury | AFP | Getty ImagesThis report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. What you need to know todayThe bottom lineMaybe all it takes are shiny new things to lift our mood and take our minds off recession fears. Of course, Apple's event is not the sole reason markets rose yesterday. They'll also let us know if we can afford those shiny new things that Apple's dangling in front of us.

Persons: HSI, Nic Coury, I'm, Zers, CNBC's Kelly Evans, They'll, – CNBC's Pia Singh, Lisa Kailai Han Organizations: Apple, AFP, Getty, CNBC, Research, Bloomberg, Nvidia, Nasdaq, Dow Jones Industrial Locations: Cupertino , California, U.S, Cupertino

☆ Amazon makes £8 billion UK investment to build cloud and AI infrastructure
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Arjun Kharpal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Cesc Maymo | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesLONDON — Amazon Web Services (AWS), the U.S. e-commerce giant's cloud division, announced plans to invest £8 billion ($10.45 billion) over the next five years to build and operate data centers in the U.K. as it ramps up its cloud computing efforts in the country. "So this will go toward helping our customers to really be able to harness cloud computing, because you need the data centers to be able to actually provide cloud computing for our customers." AWS, along with other cloud players, has been investing heavily in infrastructure, such as data centers and Nvidia chips, in order to train and run AI models. AWS competes with Microsoft and Google in the U.K. and its investment continues the company's focus on expansion in Europe. AWS said this year it plans to invest 8.8 billion euros in existing cloud infrastructure in Germany.

Persons: Cesc Maymo, We've Organizations: Getty, Web Services, London, CNBC, Nvidia, Microsoft, Google Locations: Italy, Europe, U.S, East, Africa, Germany

☆ Deutsche Bank names Tesla a top pick, says it's in 'a league of its own'
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Hakyung Kim | In Hakyungkim | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Deutsche Bank resumed coverage of the U.S. auto industry and named Tesla a top pick in the process. Analyst Edison Yu reinstated Tesla with a buy rating and price target of $295, which indicates 36% upside from Monday's close. "Tesla is in a league of its own and represents our highest conviction secular leader," Yu wrote in a research note on Monday. "Long-term, Tesla is an emerging leader in autonomous driving (robotaxi) and humanoid robots (Optimus) ... which represent some of the most clear and lucrative applications of end-to-end AI." Back in June, CEO Elon Musk claimed Optimus robots could make Tesla a $25 trillion company one day.

Persons: Tesla, Edison Yu, Yu, ", Elon Musk Organizations: Deutsche Bank, U.S Locations: Europe, China

☆ Apple relies on carriers to drive iPhone sales. What to expect this upgrade cycle
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Morgan Chittum | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Among the offers at AT & T for new and existing customers: a free iPhone 16 or up to $830 off the iPhone 16 Plus if they meet a few eligibility requirements. Apple's list price for the Phone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus start at $799 and $899, respectively. Now consider that despite inflation, Apple left the prices of iPhone 16 models the same as the prior generation while adding AI capabilities and improved battery life, among others. "All of these things will be incremental, just enough to eventually convince millions" to upgrade their devices, Jim said. Apple CEO Tim Cook delivers remarks before the start of an Apple event at Apple headquarters on September 09, 2024 in Cupertino, California.

Persons: –, Max, Jim Cramer, Tim Cook, Cook, Bernstein, John Stankey, Stankey, aren't, Jim, Jeff Marks, Jim Cramer's, Justin Sullivan Organizations: Verizon, Mobile, Apple, Consumer Intelligence Research Partners, UBS, CNBC, Club, Markets, Apple Intelligence, Barclays Locations: U.S, China, Europe, Cupertino , California

☆ Does my old iPhone still work with Apple's new iOS 18? The answer is all about AI
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Alistair Barr | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Apple usually drops software support for some old iPhone models every year. The company unveiled its new iOS 18 operating system along with new iPhone 16 models on Monday. AdvertisementWhen Apple launched the iPhone XR, no one had heard of COVID-19 and most of us only wore masks at Halloween. And on Monday, Apple committed to supporting this device for another year, so it will work for at least 7 years. Apple usually makes some old iPhone models obsolete every year by dropping software support.

Persons: —, Apple Organizations: Apple, Service, Business

Apple on Monday charged into the artificial intelligence craze with a new iPhone lineup that marks the company’s latest attempt to latch onto a technology trend and transform it into a cultural phenomenon. The four different iPhone 16 models will all come equipped with special chips needed to power a suite if AI tools that Apple hopes will make its marquee product even more indispensable and reverse a recent sales slump. Most of Apple’s AI functions will roll out as part of a free software update to iOS 18, the operating system that will power the iPhone 16 coming out in December. English will be the featured language at launch but an update enabling other languages will come out next year, according to Apple. Although Apple is releasing a free version of its operating system to propel its on-device AI features, the chip needed to run the technology is only available on the iPhone 16 lineup and the high-end iPhone 15 models that came out a year ago.

Persons: Siri, Tim Cook, Apple, ”, Paolo Pescatore, OpenAI Organizations: Apple, Samsung, Google, Apple Intelligence, Samsung Galaxy Locations: Cupertino , California, Monday’s

Apple is hosting an event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, where it has unveiled new versions of the iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch. AppleApple just unveiled the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which join the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus announced earlier. Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, and the Apple 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display, larger than those of previous models, which measured in at 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively. The iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, and the Pro Max starts at $1,199, Apple said.

Persons: Max, ” Apple, —, Apple, Pro Max Organizations: Apple, Apple Watch, Apple Apple, Apple Intelligence, Pro Locations: Cupertino , California

People walk past an Apple store in the Americana at Brand shopping center on December 26, 2023 in Glendale, California. Apple Intelligence — the collective brandname for all of Apple’s own AI tools — is intended to be more of a personal assistant than anything else. What about your data: Since Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT will be used for largely different purposes, the amount and type of information users send to each AI may be different, too. While Apple users will have to send their personal information and AI queries to OpenAI if they want to use ChatGPT, Apple has said that most of the time Apple Intelligence won’t be sending user data anywhere. As much as possible, Apple will try to process AI prompts directly on your device using smaller AI models.

Persons: Mario Tama, you’ve, ChatGPT, Siri, Apple Organizations: Apple, Brand, Apple Intelligence Locations: Glendale , California

The company just announced what's next for all three of its AirPod models: the AirPods, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max. Apple AirPods (4th Gen) Apple's latest generation of AirPods features a new design to optimize comfort for wearers of every kind. Check price at AppleApple AirPods with Active Noise Cancellation Apple's base AirPods now come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) without the use of in-ear tips. Check price at AppleApple AirPods with Active Noise Cancellation Apple's base AirPods now come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) without the use of in-ear tips. Check price at AppleApple AirPods 4th Generation and AirPods Max specs

Persons: what's, AirPods Max, Max, Apple AirPods, AirPods, Siri, Apple AirPods Max Organizations: Business, ANC, Apple, Apple Apple, AirPods, Pro, FDA

☆ Here's everything Apple just announced: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4 and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-09 | by ( Hayden Field Ashley Capoot Kif Leswing Todd Haselton | Hayden Field | Ashley Capoot | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Apple just unveiled the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which join the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus the company announced earlier. Apple's iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, and the Apple 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display, larger than those of previous models, which measured in at 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively. The new models also have the "thinnest borders on any Apple product," Apple said, calling them "by far our best iPhone displays ever." The company also said the new iPhone 16 Pro Max has "the best iPhone battery life ever" but did not offer additional details. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, and the Pro Max starts at $1,199, Apple said.

Persons: Max, Apple, Pro Max, — Hayden Organizations: Apple, Apple Intelligence, Pro, preorder

Learn moreApple officially announced the Apple Watch Series 10 and a design update to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 during its "Glowtime" event on September 9. AdvertisementThe Apple Watch Series 10 and the refreshed Apple Watch Ultra 2 are available to preorder now from Apple's website. AdvertisementApple Watch Series 10: New featuresThe Apple Watch Series 10 contains a range of upgrades. AppleThe Apple Watch Series 10 is available in a larger size than the Apple Watch Ultra 2, with 30% more screen area than the previous generation Series 9. AppleAll Apple Watch Series 10 models run on Apple's new S10 processor to support new features, like suppressing background noise during a phone call.

Persons: Slate, Apple, There's Organizations: Business, Apple, Apple Watch

Both the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro will be available for pre-order on Friday and in stores on September 20, Apple announced. They’re also available in two sizes: 6.1 inches for the iPhone 16 and 6.7 inches for iPhone 16 Plus. IPhone 16 ProThe new iPhone 16 Pro. From AppleThe iPhone 16 Pro, Apple’s higher-end iPhone, features even more AI features than the iPhone 16. Price: The new Apple iPhone 16 Pro will cost $999 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max will be $1,199, the company announced Monday.

Persons: Dan Ives, Wedbush, haven’t, Apple, ” Craig Federighi, Siri, Erica, ultramarine, Max, AirPods Organizations: CNN, Apple, Apple Watch, Apple Apple, Apple Intelligence, Pro, US Food and Drug Administration, Apple Watch Apple

☆ Mate XT: China’s Huawei set to launch new tri-fold smartphone, its answer to Apple’s iPhone 16
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-09 | by ( Juliana Liu | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Successful sales of the Mate XT tri-fold smartphone, which began pre-orders on Saturday, would be another indication of the company’s sustained resurgence. It also comes after Chinese smartphone makers dominated the top five spots domestically on a quarterly basis for the first time ever, she said, pushing Apple to sixth place. “The close timing of Huawei and Apple’s product launches signals the start of a new competitive wave in the Chinese premium market,” Liu told CNN. Apple said that generative AI, like ChatGPT, on its iPhone 16 would allow users to create text and images with natural-language prompts. Last year, it launched an electric sedan to take on Tesla’s Model S. And it has big ambitions in AI.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN —, Richard Yu, ”, Amber Liu, ” Liu, Apple, Liu, Yu, It’s Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Huawei, Apple, CNN, Counterpoint Research, Google, Nvidia Locations: China, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Washington, Beijing, Weibo

☆ There's tons of hiring activity in media ad sales right now, but there's a catch
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-09 | by ( Lucia Moses | Lara O'Reilly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

While it might look like there's a flurry of advertising hiring, industry insiders say the reality is more sobering. AdvertisementLegacy media companies have sharply cut staff in recent years, including sales, and those jobs aren't coming back. Disney has said it plans to automate half its ad sales. "The number of good job opportunities are few and far between because the large media companies are not hiring as quickly. "Ad sales is no longer ad sales," said Gary Stolkin, global CEO of The Talent Business, a global executive search firm specializing in the creative industries.

Persons: —, they've, Jean, Paul Colaco, aren't, Dave Morgan, Lisa Valentino, David Lawenda, David Zaslav, David Ellison's, Christopher Vollmer, Simon Francis, Peter Naylor, Brian Lesser, Lesser, WPP's, Roku, Harry Kargman, Kargman, Krishan Bhatia, Gary Stolkin, Stolkin, who's Organizations: Service, Netflix, Business, Disney, Paramount, Warner Bros, NBA, Companies, MediaLink, TV, Media, Flock Associates, Progressive, Mobile, The Talent Locations: Teads, NBCUniversal

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