Tech Titans Unite: Google and Apple Collaborate on AI Innovations
Tech is buzzing with fresh AI partnerships, Salesforce supercharges Slackbot, and Etched raises $500 million to push chip innovation forward.
EDITION #98, Jan 13
Tech is buzzing with fresh AI partnerships, Salesforce supercharges Slackbot, and Etched raises $500 million to push chip innovation forward.
Image Source: Reuters
Key Tech Developments (Jan 12-14)
Apple has struck a multi-year deal with Google to integrate its Gemini AI models into Siri and other future AI features, enhancing capabilities across Apple’s 2 billion active devices. This collaboration, announced on January 12, 2026, positions Apple to compete more aggressively against OpenAI, which had previously integrated ChatGPT into its devices.
In related news, OpenAI signed a $10 billion compute deal with Cerebras to boost AI performance, marking a significant investment in infrastructure. This partnership is expected to enhance response times and efficiency in AI inferences, further intensifying the competitive landscape in AI technology.
- Apple's Siri will utilize Google's Gemini models, aiming for a major upgrade in AI features.
- The partnership is seen as a strategic move against OpenAI's ChatGPT integration in Apple products.
- OpenAI's $10 billion deal with Cerebras will provide crucial compute resources for enhanced AI capabilities.
- Cerebras will supply 750 megawatts of compute, enabling faster AI inferences starting this year.
Image Source: Reuters
AI POWERHOUSE PARTNERSHIP
Google and Apple Join Forces on AI
In a groundbreaking multi-year partnership, Apple will integrate Google's Gemini AI models to enhance Siri and other AI features, marking a significant shift in Apple's AI strategy. This collaboration is expected to leverage Google's technology across Apple’s 2+ billion active devices, positioning Gemini as the core of Apple’s AI initiatives.
Analysts predict that this deal, potentially worth around $1 billion annually, will not only improve Siri but also expand AI capabilities across Apple's ecosystem. As Apple aims to catch up with competitors like OpenAI, this partnership reinforces the trust in Google’s AI framework, with privacy safeguards remaining a priority throughout.
Image Source: TechCrunch
AI-POWERED ASSISTANT
Salesforce Transforms Slackbot into a Smart AI Agent
Salesforce has officially upgraded Slackbot into a fully functional AI agent, enhancing its capabilities for Business+ and Enterprise+ customers. Now, Slackbot can draft emails, schedule meetings, and connect with other enterprise applications like Microsoft Teams and Google Drive. This transformation, powered by Anthropic's AI model, allows Slackbot to provide context-aware responses by understanding conversations and files within Slack.
CTO Parker Harris highlights this as a significant leap towards making Slackbot an essential tool for daily workflows, aligning with Salesforce's broader Agentforce 360 strategy. The rollout follows extensive internal testing, ensuring that the assistant is ready for widespread enterprise adoption.
Source: Bloomberg
FUNDING BOOST
Etched Raises $500 Million to Compete with Nvidia
Etched, an AI chip startup, has successfully raised $500 million in a funding round led by Stripes, with notable participation from Peter Thiel, Positive Sum, and Ribbit Capital. This investment values the company at approximately $5 billion and highlights the growing competition in the AI processor market, particularly against established players like Nvidia.
The fresh capital will enable Etched to advance its chip designs and pursue innovative architectures, positioning itself strategically in a landscape where demand for AI accelerators is surging. With the AI accelerator market projected to exceed $600 billion by 2033, Etched aims to carve out a significant share amidst increasing investor interest in alternatives to Nvidia.
Image source: TechCrunch
DEEPGRAM EXPANDS
Deepgram Secures $130M and Acquires OfOne
Deepgram has raised $130 million in Series C funding, reaching a valuation of $1.3 billion. This round, led by AVP, includes participation from notable investors like Tiger Global and Y Combinator. The funding will enhance Deepgram's voice AI capabilities and support international expansion into Europe and APAC.
Additionally, Deepgram acquired OfOne, a drive-thru voice AI platform, to strengthen its offerings in the restaurant sector. This acquisition aligns with the increasing demand for voice-powered solutions, as Deepgram serves over 1,300 organizations, including clients like Twilio and NASA.
