Apple snaps up Israel-based startup Q.ai for a reported cool $2 billion

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Apple recently acquired Israel-based startup Q.ai in a bid to accelerate its artificial intelligence efforts. While the company did not disclose the terms of the deal, reports indicate that the arrangement is valued at nearly $2 billion. If the figure is correct, the Q.ai purchase is Apple's second-largest acquisition to date, following the Beats purchase in 2014 for $3 billion.

It's unclear how Apple plans to leverage Q.ai, but the company's past work suggests Apple is doubling down on AI-powered wearables. Q.ai CEO Aviad Maizels and the other founding members of the company will join Apple as part of the deal.

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Apple blames third-party batteries for Beats headphones that exploded on its user

Apple is denying that the explosion of a pair of Beats headphones while on its user has anything to do with the product itself. Apple claims their investigation found that the “issue was caused by a third-party battery” and they are refusing to compensate the victim. The incident happened back in February to an unnamed Australian woman flying from Beijing to Melbourne. She woke up on the flight to the sound of the explosion and a burning sensation. Her face, hands, and hair were burned. But what she’s seeking compensation for is the headphones and the ruined clothes.

As mentioned, Apple doesn’t want to compensate her for these. But the woman says she was using AAA batteries bought in Australia and there weren’t that many alternatives. "The headphones don't work without batteries, yet nowhere on the headphones —or their packaging —did it specify which brand of batteries should be used," she said. The Beats headphones in question are said to be an older model bought back in 2014 that needed extra batteries to work.

Source: Engadget + Apple Insider

Apple issues voluntary recall of all Beats Pill XL speakers due to fire safety hazard

Apple, who acquired Beats Audio in 2014, issued a voluntary recall for all Beats Pill XL speakers, including a refund for customers. Apple has found that the battery in the Beats Pill XL may overheat and pose a fire safety risk. The recall does not affect any other Beats or Apple products. The Beats Pill came to market in 2013, before Apple and Beats completed their acquisition.

"Because customer safety is the company’s top priority, Apple is asking customers to stop using their Beats Pill XL speakers. Customers who purchased a Beats Pill XL speaker should visit http://www.apple.com/ca/support/beats-pillxl-recall/ for details about how to return their product to Apple, and how to receive an Apple Store credit or electronic payment of $395," said an Apple statement.

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