Apple has chosen Google’s Gemini AI to power Siri in a $1 billion-per-year deal, signaling a temporary partnership as Apple develops its own AI, while also sparking major stock movements and industry debate. The episode also covers Nvidia’s $1 billion AI-driven drug discovery lab, ongoing media merger battles, EU’s approach to Chinese EVs, advancements in robotics and venture capital, and updates from major tech companies and policy proposals.
On this episode of Bloomberg Tech, the major breaking news was Apple’s decision to select Google’s Gemini AI model to power Siri, as confirmed by a statement cited by CNBC. This move, reportedly costing Apple $1 billion per year, is seen as an interim solution while Apple develops its own foundational AI models. The announcement caused significant movement in Alphabet’s stock price, briefly pushing its market cap above $4 trillion before settling. The hosts discussed the broader implications for the AI industry, Apple’s strategy, and the ongoing competition among tech giants in the AI space.
Another major story covered was Nvidia’s $1 billion investment, alongside Eli Lilly, to establish a new Silicon Valley lab focused on accelerating AI-driven drug discovery. The partnership aims to leverage AI for breakthroughs in gene therapy and treatments for hard-to-treat diseases. Experts noted that while AI has already improved clinical processes and internal efficiencies in pharmaceuticals, the real opportunity lies in using AI for novel drug discovery. Nvidia’s continued dominance in AI infrastructure and its strategic investments in various verticals, including healthcare and autonomous driving, were highlighted as key drivers for future growth.
The program also examined the evolving landscape of media mergers, focusing on Paramount’s increasingly hostile bid to thwart a merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix. Paramount has filed a lawsuit to force Warner Bros. to disclose more information about the proposed buyout, arguing that shareholders need transparency to evaluate competing offers. The discussion emphasized the complexities of valuing cable assets and the regulatory hurdles facing both the Netflix and Paramount bids, suggesting that the saga is far from over.
In the global technology and automotive sectors, the show explored the European Union’s consideration of minimum prices for Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) as an alternative to steep tariffs. This move is seen as a compromise to balance climate goals and reliance on Chinese battery supply, potentially allowing Chinese EV makers to expand their market share in Europe and emerging markets. The conversation also touched on the challenges Chinese EVs face entering the U.S. market, ongoing advancements in autonomous driving technology, and the importance of in-car consumer experiences over full self-driving capabilities.
Finally, the episode featured updates on robotics and venture capital. 1X Technologies unveiled a new AI model for its humanoid robot, Neo, enabling it to learn new tasks from scratch with minimal data, thanks to its human-like design and safety features. Lux Capital announced its largest fund to date, emphasizing investments in frontier tech, physical AI, and robotics. The show wrapped up with news on Meta’s new AI leadership, Anthropic’s push into healthcare, Walmart’s partnership with Alphabet for AI-powered shopping, and President Trump’s proposal for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates, which could disrupt the credit industry and create opportunities for fintech alternatives.