Apple

AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid features will be released next week with iOS 18.1, approved by the FDA as an OTC hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing impairments. These features include prevention, awareness, and assistance, transforming AirPods Pro into a clinical-grade hearing aid.

Surgeons adopt Apple Vision Pro in ORs for enhanced visualization and precision.

Apple discontinues Powerbeats Pro ahead of Powerbeats Pro 2 release, expected next year with spatial audio, noise canceling, and heart rate monitor. Apple shares rise 1.5% post-announcement.

Apple's AirPods, FDA-approved as hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, offer an affordable alternative. Regulatory approval delayed market entry, highlighting challenges in medical device innovation.

Wearable AF monitoring devices are widely used, with FDA approval for clinical trials of budiodarone, a drug by XYRA LLC showing promise in reducing AF symptoms and episodes. The FDA's guidance includes using these devices for dosage adjustment and patient eligibility, aiming to prevent long AF episodes and reduce stroke risk. Budiodarone's development integrates digital AF monitoring technology, highlighting a shift towards personalized AF management.

Happy Health, co-founded by Tinder’s Sean Rad, gains FDA clearance for a medical-grade smart ring focusing on sleep, brain activity, and chronic condition management. The company partners with hospitals for clinical programs, entering a competitive smart ring market with Samsung, Oura, Zepp Health, and CUDIS.

Apple is developing AR glasses, AirPods with cameras, and a cheaper Vision Pro, aiming to integrate Vision Pro's visual intelligence technology into future products. Competitors like Meta and Google are also advancing in AR tech, with Meta's Ray-Ban Meta glasses serving as a precursor to true AR glasses. Apple plans to launch a more affordable Vision Pro next year, potentially without EyeSight tech and using cheaper materials, followed by a second-generation Vision Pro. Apple's AR glasses and AirPods with cameras are expected to launch by 2027.

NVIDIA launches 'AI Tech Community' initiative in Pittsburgh, establishing tech centers with Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh to foster AI innovation. The centers aim to enhance robotics, autonomy, and computational health sciences using NVIDIA's latest technology. Pittsburgh seeks to position itself as a global AI leader and job creator.

New AirPods Pro can function as hearing aids, approved by US regulator, with Australia expected to follow. Users have been using them as such for years, aided by apps like Mimi and noise-cancelling features.

Viking Therapeutics and Summit Therapeutics are promising biotechs with no sales revenue but significant cash reserves and pipeline strategies. Viking is developing an obesity treatment, VK2735, with potential market size of $105 billion by 2030. Summit aims to commercialize ivonescimab for non-small cell lung cancer, targeting a $26 billion market by 2032. Investing $1,500 in Viking is recommended due to its larger market potential and internal R&D capabilities, though it is riskier without a collaborator like Summit's Akesobio.