Apple Develops AI Chatbot: The Future of Interactive Search

Apple is initiating the development of an AI-powered chatbot, known internally as an “Answer Engine,” aiming to compete with platforms such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. A report from Bloomberg indicates that Apple has formed a dedicated team called “Answers, Knowledge and Information” (AKI) to lead this effort and transform how users engage with search functionalities on Apple devices.

Leadership and Goals of the AKI Team

The AKI team is under the guidance of Robby Walker, a former executive from Siri, who now serves as a senior director within Apple’s extensive AI division, reporting directly to John Giannandrea, the head of AI. This group’s primary objective is to create a streamlined AI chatbot that offers a conversational and knowledge-based search experience, a feature that Apple has traditionally lacked in comparison to its competitors in the generative AI field.

Apple’s Strategic Shift Towards AI Tools

Apple’s renewed emphasis on developing native AI solutions comes at a time when the restrictions of its recently launched Apple Intelligence platform have become increasingly noticeable. Although Apple Intelligence includes functionalities like Genmoji and smart summaries for iOS, it still relies on external providers such as OpenAI to facilitate more advanced interactions through Siri. Developing an in-house solution could assist Apple in bridging this gap by integrating Siri’s contextual awareness with the conversational abilities of generative AI.

Development Status of the Answer Engine

The proposed Answer Engine is currently in the early stages of development, with reports suggesting its capability to scan the internet and generate answers to general knowledge inquiries. Apple is considering launching it either as an independent application or as enhanced features within Siri, Safari, and Spotlight in future updates of iOS. Numerous job postings on Apple’s careers page are now specifically looking for individuals with expertise in search algorithms and engine development, indicating that the initiative is gaining momentum.

Changing Perspectives on AI at Apple

This strategic pivot comes despite prior scepticism among Apple’s senior executives who had previously minimised the value of chatbot-style AI. This shift in attitude may underscore mounting pressure to compete with leaders in generative AI and to address the mixed feedback regarding Apple Intelligence, particularly following delays in the anticipated redesign of Siri.

Testing of the iPhone 17 Pro

Simultaneously, Apple appears to be initiating real-world trials for its upcoming flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro, with prototype units spotted in San Francisco disguised in camouflaged cases. This suggests that hardware development is proceeding as planned for the company’s next significant product release, which may eventually highlight the features of the AKI chatbot.

If successful, the AKI-led Answer Engine could represent a pivotal moment for Apple’s AI strategy, not just remedying Siri’s historical deficiencies but also transforming the search experience across the Apple ecosystem.

AI’s Role in Futuristic Job Markets – Insights from Vinod Khosla

Billionaire venture capitalist Vinod Khosla has raised concerns about what he terms one of the most significant transitions in human history: artificial intelligence taking over a large share of current job roles in the next five years. In a discussion on Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath’s WTF podcast, this Silicon Valley veteran forecasted that AI could handle up to 80 per cent of the economically valuable work performed by people, presenting a major challenge to existing career frameworks.

The Death of Specialisation?

Khosla urged young professionals and students to rethink their career strategies. In an environment where machines can excel in specific tasks, he emphasised that the advantage lies in being versatile. He suggested adopting a generalist mindset, stating that AI is likely to outshine humans in specialised areas.

He highlighted that traditional roles are rapidly diminishing, and thriving in an AI-dominated landscape will require creativity, critical thinking, and the skill to make connections across various fields—abilities that machines continue to find difficult to replicate.

Pick a Problem Worth Solving

For entrepreneurs navigating this change, Khosla advised against pursuing conventional business ideas. He stated that rather than simply attempting to create a business, aspiring founders should pursue ideas that seem like dreams. As the execution of ideas becomes more manageable with AI, he asserted that true value will derive from ambition and creativity.

Education and Healthcare Could Become Free

While the job landscape is poised for substantial upheaval, Khosla is optimistic about AI’s capacity to democratise access to crucial services such as education and healthcare. He predicts that within the next 25 years, high-quality medical advice and education could be made virtually free.

He envisions a future where individuals can receive medical consultations equivalent to top-tier doctors and education matching that of the best schools, facilitated by intelligent AI tutors providing around-the-clock personalised lessons, effectively reducing the reliance on expensive universities and private tutoring.

Big Cities No Longer Gatekeepers of Opportunity

The influence of AI will extend beyond individual jobs; it has the potential to redefine the geography of opportunities. Khosla believes that AI will lead to a decentralisation of economic access, enabling smaller towns and remote regions to compete with prominent urban centres like New York and London. He remarked that the necessity of physical proximity to job opportunities is on the verge of becoming obsolete.

In a climate where global tech firms are downsizing under the banner of restructuring, Khosla’s insights clarify an important point: AI is not just approaching the workforce; it is already present. Instead of fearing these changes, he encourages individuals to confront them with curiosity, courage, and a readiness to adapt.

Khosla stated that AI is merely a tool, and how that tool is utilised depends entirely on humanity’s choices.

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Artificial Intelligence Talent Acquisition Soars

The quest for supremacy in artificial intelligence is sparking an unprecedented hiring spree within Silicon Valley. In a remarkable development that is capturing attention throughout the tech sector, Meta has purportedly extended offers exceeding $200 million in total compensation to Ruoming Pang, a former senior executive from Apple who was at the forefront of the company’s AI models team.

This figure not only surpasses the yearly earnings of most Fortune 500 CEOs, but it also signifies the lengths to which Big Tech is prepared to go to attract the innovators responsible for the next generation of generative AI and artificial general intelligence (AGI).

However, Pang is not the only target. Meta’s newly established Superintelligence Labs has been known to present offers in the nine-figure range, sometimes nearing $300 million, to recruit AI engineers and researchers from industry giants like Apple, Google DeepMind, OpenAI, and Anthropic.

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, recently remarked that Meta was offering signing bonuses of $100 million to lure talent away from his organisation. While some individuals declined, others accepted the offers, leading many in the industry to refer to this time as an “AI draft season”.

OpenAI Responds with Top-Level Recruitment from Tesla, xAI, and Meta

In retaliation, OpenAI has undertaken high-profile recruitment efforts of its own. Recently, four senior engineers have joined its scaling team, which oversees OpenAI’s backend infrastructure and plays a vital role in the company’s ambitious Stargate project.

Included in the new team members is David Lau, the former VP of software engineering at Tesla. He is joined by Uday Ruddarraju and Mike Dalton, both formerly of Elon Musk’s xAI, where they contributed to the development of Colossus, a supercomputer powered by over 200,000 GPUs. Prior to xAI, both also worked at Robinhood. Completing this impressive group is Angela Fan, a former researcher at Meta AI.

In a discussion with Wired, Ruddarraju articulated OpenAI’s infrastructure aspirations as “where research meets reality” and described the Stargate programme as “a perfect match” for the challenges he enjoys. Lau mentioned that constructing safe, well-aligned AGI is “the most fulfilling mission” he could envision at this point in his career.

An OpenAI representative stated that the new hires are part of a comprehensive effort to harmonise “world-class infrastructure, research, and product teams” aimed at propelling its mission forward.

High Compensation, Talent Wars, and the Journey to AGI

The fierce talent acquisition efforts and eye-popping salaries have elicited both admiration and apprehension. LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman labelled these practices as “economically rational” for individuals who might pioneer trillion-dollar advancements, yet others are raising alarms.

In an interview on the BG2 podcast, Michael Dell cautioned that the growing pay disparity between new hires and existing staff could lead to cultural frictions within organisations. Meta is said to have developed intricate vesting schedules and internal communication strategies to mitigate the consequences, yet tensions are reportedly escalating across tech workplaces.

With top AI professionals now earning salaries akin to those of hedge fund managers and startup entrepreneurs, the pivotal question is shifting from whether a reckoning will occur to when it will take place. As companies like Meta and OpenAI continue to recruit from one another, the next significant advancement in AI might hinge not just on algorithms, but on who can afford to attract and retain the talent that creates them.

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Sennheiser’s Commitment to Audio Innovation: Celebrating 80 Years

Sennheiser, the renowned German audio brand, is commemorating its 80th anniversary with an enhanced emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and global growth. In a special interview with Startup Superb, co-CEOs Daniel and Andreas Sennheiser discussed the company’s journey, from leading the charge with the first wireless microphone in 1957 to integrating spatial audio and artificial intelligence in 2025.

Audio Innovation Through the Decades

Sennheiser’s advancements are highlighted by Daniel, who remarked that each decade introduced revolutionary technology that significantly enhanced the user experience. From the pioneering wireless microphones to shotgun mics that revolutionised film production, the company has persistently challenged the status quo. The brothers believe that their latest technology, Spectera, may be equally groundbreaking.

Daniel acknowledged its significance as the first major advancement in wireless transmission since 1958, enabling increased versatility in stage setups and conferencing environments.

AI and Smarter Audio Experiences

Artificial intelligence is central to the firm’s current product innovations. Andreas mentioned that AI contributes to making products more intelligent, citing examples such as a ceiling microphone capable of differentiating between human voices and background sounds through speech recognition.

Moreover, AI is streamlining the development process. Daniel explained that AI acts as a facilitator for smarter products and accelerates product iterations, enhancing both speed and creativity. He stated that while AI might manage 80-90% of tasks in various applications, the essential final touches from humans add a special essence to the product.

A Family-Led Future

As co-CEOs and co-owners, Daniel and Andreas each bring distinct approaches to leadership. Daniel explained that they share all responsibilities without rigid divisions. Their contrasting backgrounds allow them to approach challenges from various perspectives. He stressed the importance of listening to one another and merging viewpoints to achieve superior solutions.

Andreas shared that it is a privilege to run the family business with his brother.

Sustainability and Diversity Built In

Before environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals gained prominence, Sennheiser had been committed to sustainability through the longevity of its products. Andreas remarked that the company still produces items designed in the 1960s and 1970s, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and efficient resource management.

The company also values diversity, as highlighted by Andreas, who noted that over 50 nationalities are represented across the firm, with 33 based at their headquarters. He clarified that this was not pursued to fulfil any diversity quotas; it has always been a natural aspect of their operations.

Betting Big on India

India has emerged as one of Sennheiser’s most promising markets for growth. Daniel indicated that it has been a significant contributor to recent expansion. He remarked that while challenges exist, possibilities are vast.

With a dedicated workforce across three cities, the company is optimistic about opportunities in corporate communications, education, and India’s vibrant Bollywood audio scene. Daniel expressed enthusiasm, saying that there remains substantial growth potential in India, with limitless possibilities ahead.

Local Manufacturing and Development

When asked about the potential for local manufacturing or product development in India, Andreas noted that while it is not an immediate priority, it remains a possibility worth exploring. He elaborated that maintaining quality has led the company to keep engineering and manufacturing in-house. However, he admitted that evolving opportunities are constantly reevaluated.

Nonetheless, Sennheiser collaborates with Indian software partners and has been doing so for over ten years.

As Sennheiser sets its sights on the future, one message resonates clearly: while technologies may evolve, the company’s core mission endures—transforming the audio landscape, one innovative breakthrough at a time.

AI-Powered Web Browser by OpenAI

OpenAI is on the verge of launching an AI-powered web browser in the near future, as reported by Reuters, referencing three insiders with knowledge of the situation. This pioneering browser aims to transform how users engage with the internet by incorporating artificial intelligence at its core, potentially allowing users to interact through a ChatGPT-like interface without being diverted to third-party websites.

Transformative Potential for Users

If widely embraced, particularly among ChatGPT’s 500 million weekly active users, this new browser could disrupt Google’s lucrative market, particularly the Chrome browser. Owned by Alphabet, Chrome plays a crucial role in fuelling traffic to Google Search while amassing essential user data that supports its advertising revenue, which constitutes nearly 75% of Google’s income.

Part of OpenAI’s Comprehensive Ecosystem Strategy

As detailed by one of the sources mentioned by Reuters, this browser is a component of OpenAI’s broader strategy to weave its AI into daily applications for both personal and professional use. OpenAI aspires for its AI to transition beyond just being a chatbot; it seeks to evolve into a more integral digital assistant.

Integration with Hardware

This overarching vision also encompasses hardware developments. In May, OpenAI acquired AI device company io for $6.5 billion, a firm founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive. This acquisition indicates OpenAI’s aim to create AI-native devices that complement its software ecosystem, thereby broadening its influence beyond just models and APIs.

Advanced Functionalities

The forthcoming browser is anticipated to include OpenAI’s “Operator” agent, designed to carry out tasks like booking tickets, completing forms, or navigating websites directly on behalf of the user.

A Challenging Rivalry with Chrome

Despite these ambitious plans, OpenAI is set to encounter a formidable opponent. Google Chrome commands over two-thirds of the global browser market, boasting more than 3 billion users. As per StatCounter data referenced by Reuters, Safari ranks a distant second with a 16% share.

Emerging Competitors

Other companies are also exploring this competitive landscape. AI search engine Perplexity has recently unveiled Comet, a premium browser with similar autonomous functionalities. Similarly, Brave and The Browser Company are introducing their own AI-enabled web browsers.

Technological Foundation

OpenAI’s browser is being developed on Chromium, the open-source platform underpinning both Chrome and Microsoft Edge. While OpenAI previously considered acquiring Chrome in case of regulatory pressures, Reuters reports that the ultimate decision was to create its own browser to exert greater control over user data. In contrast, Google has denied any intentions to sell and is currently appealing an antitrust ruling regarding its search monopoly.

Isomorphic Labs: Pioneering AI in Drug Discovery

Isomorphic Labs, a company driven by AI technology under Alphabet, is set to make a significant move into the real-world application of drug discovery. After a lengthy development phase, the firm has announced its preparations for human clinical trials regarding cancer treatments, created through artificial intelligence.

Founded in 2021, Isomorphic Labs originated from Google DeepMind and is built upon the revolutionary AlphaFold system. This AI model captured the attention of the scientific community by accurately predicting the three-dimensional structure of proteins, which are essential to biological processes. The advancement has now progressed to AlphaFold 3, which is adept at modelling protein interactions with DNA, RNA, and potential drug compounds. This capability allows researchers to simulate parts of the drug development process prior to conducting any laboratory tests.

This transformation has the potential to significantly hasten, reduce costs, and enhance the precision of medicine development, offering a groundbreaking alternative to the conventional process that often spans over ten years and requires billions of pounds to bring a single drug to the market.

AI-Driven Cancer Drug Trials on the Horizon

In a conversation with Fortune, Colin Murdoch, President of Isomorphic Labs, mentioned that the company is “very close” to initiating clinical trials. He shared that personnel in their King’s Cross office in London are actively collaborating with AI to design cancer drugs, a process currently in progress.

Collaborations and Funding Boost

The company’s methodology fuses advanced AI capabilities with established pharmaceutical knowledge. Beyond developing its own drug programmes, Isomorphic is conveniently partnering with industry leaders such as Novartis and Eli Lilly, both of which engaged in multi-year research arrangements in 2024. Recently, in April, Isomorphic secured $600 million in its inaugural external funding round, spearheaded by Thrive Capital. This financial boost is being utilized to advance internal drug candidates, focusing initially on oncology and immunology.

Aiming for a Revolutionary Drug Design Engine

Murdoch expressed ambitions to create a “world-class drug design engine,” aimed at altering the odds for pharmaceutical companies that often contend with high failure rates and enormous research and development expenses. He stated that they aspire to accelerate processes, minimise costs, and importantly, enhance the likelihood of success.

Challenges of AI in Healthcare

The integration of AI into healthcare, particularly during such a pivotal stage of drug development, raises as many concerns as it offers opportunities. While the potential for quicker treatments is appealing, several issues regarding transparency, access, and accountability are surfacing.

The “black box” characteristic of AI, where results are derived without a transparent understanding of the underlying methodology, could be particularly troubling in the medical field, where trust, reliability, and adherence to regulations are crucial. Wider questions are also at play: Who will hold the rights to drugs developed with AI assistance? Will these treatments remain affordable and accessible, or will they become ensnared in patent and licensing complexities? Additionally, in the event of a mishap, who assumes responsibility: the developers, the AI system, or the organisation itself?

When reached out to by Gizmodo, Isomorphic Labs stated that it had “nothing more to share” at this juncture.

A Turning Point for the Pharmaceutical Industry

This development signifies a pivotal moment not just for Alphabet but for the entire pharmaceutical sector. Should Isomorphic’s trials prove successful, it may transform the methodologies of medicine discovery and delivery. However, the acceptance of this future will rely not just on the AI’s capabilities but also on the readiness of regulators, ethicists, and the public to embrace such changes.