What’s New Today Qualcomm has unveiled two 2nm Snapdragon platforms designed to bring more AI processing directly to smartphones. Meanwhile, AI infrastructure startups Modal Labs and Baseten are reportedly discussing funding rounds at valuations of around USD 15 billion and USD 26 billion respectively. India’s hiring outlook is also improving, with employers projecting 5.4% workforce growth in the second half of FY27. Tap Global’s Tap Earn crypto programme has crossed USD 8 million in assets under management. Qualcomm has also introduced Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, a platform designed to bring on-device AI and advanced connectivity to earbuds and other audio wearables.
Qualcomm introduces two 2nm Snapdragon platforms for AI smartphones.
Modal Labs and Baseten discuss funding at sharply higher valuations.
India’s workforce growth outlook reaches 5.4% for H2 FY27.
Tap Earn crosses USD 8 million in assets under management.
Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 targets AI-powered earbuds and wearables.
Qualcomm has introduced two 2nm Snapdragon platforms aimed at expanding on-device AI capabilities in premium smartphones. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 sits at the top of the range, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 targets a broader premium segment. Nine smartphone brands, including Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi, have been named as participants. Qualcomm shares fell about 1% following the announcement.
AI infrastructure startups Modal Labs and Baseten are reportedly in talks to raise fresh capital at valuations of around USD 15 billion and USD 26 billion respectively. Bloomberg reported that the proposed valuation for Modal would be roughly triple its level four months earlier, while Baseten’s potential valuation would double from USD 13 billion in June. Neither round has closed, and the funding amounts remain undisclosed.
India’s employers expect workforce growth of 5.4% between October 2026 and March 2027, according to TeamLease Services. The figure is up from 4.7% in the previous six months and 4.4% a year earlier. E-commerce, tech startups, travel and hospitality and retail show strong hiring intentions. However, talent shortages remain a challenge, particularly in IT, sales and marketing, and engineering.
Tap Global’s Tap Earn crypto yield programme surpassed USD 8 million in assets under management. The figure is 43% higher than the USD 5.6 million reported on August 20 and 129% above the USD 3.5 million recorded shortly after its May launch. The programme generated about USD 141,000 in cumulative yield revenue and offers rates of up to 8% annually on supported stablecoins.
Qualcomm has announced Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2, a platform designed specifically for Personal AI in audio wearables. It offers up to twice the AI capability of the previous generation, integrated micro-power Wi-Fi 6E and support for AI earbuds, audio glasses, camera-enabled earbuds and other multimodal devices. Qualcomm says the platform can support experiences such as real-time translation, contextual assistance and personalised hearing.