Apple has purchased the Israeli AI startup Q.ai for nearly $2 billion to enhance its audio technology, particularly in interpreting whispered speech and improving sound quality in noisy settings. This marks Apple's second-largest acquisition, following its purchase of Beats Electronics in 2014. The Q.ai team, including CEO Aviad Maizels, will join Apple as part of the deal.

Meta has acquired Waveforms, an AI audio startup, to enhance its audio technology and offerings. This acquisition is expected to bolster Meta's capabilities in creating advanced audio experiences for its platforms.