What’s New Today: Qualcomm is stepping up with an 18-core processor capable of 80 TOPS AI performance, targeting next-gen compute needs.
Fast-Track Insights: Emergent AI has raised $23 million, further advancing its mission to enable users to build apps using natural language.
Here’s a quick rundown of the biggest tech headlines making waves today, from Qualcomm’s AI chip to Australia’s new crypto rules.
Qualcomm is developing an 18-core processor capable of delivering up to 80 TOPS of AI performance, positioning it as a powerhouse for next-generation compute tasks. The chip is designed to accelerate AI workloads, enabling advanced on-device intelligence across various use cases, from AR/VR to autonomous systems, highlighting Qualcomm’s push into high-performance AI hardware.
Emergent AI has raised $23 million in a funding round led by Lightspeed and Together Fund, along with Y Combinator and angel investors. Its total funding now stands at $30 million. The startup, founded in 2025, enables users to build apps using natural-language prompts and will deploy the new capital toward hiring, product enhancements, and scaling.
In July, India added 21 lakh formal jobs, reflecting a sharp acceleration in employment generation. EPFO payroll data shows strong recovery and widening formal sector engagement, signaling underlying strength in labour market fundamentals. Continued momentum suggests improving economic health and positive trends for wage-earning segments.
PayPal and Venmo have partnered with Perplexity AI to offer select users a complimentary $200 Perplexity Pro subscription, valid until December 31, 2025. The deal includes early access to Perplexity’s ‘Comet’ AI browser. Users can check eligibility via the PayPal app’s Subscriptions Hub. The offer aims to expand Perplexity’s reach while promoting its research-centric, citation-based AI model.
Australia has introduced draft legislation that would require crypto exchanges to obtain Australian Financial Services Licenses and register with the corporate regulator. The bill would establish new legal categories for platforms handling digital assets and custody. Exemptions apply to lower-risk operators, while violations could incur steep penalties. The government is now seeking feedback on the draft.