Latest news for Usha Resources (OTC:USHAF) Stock

Usha Resources Ltd is a mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality battery metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. It is engaged in acquiring and exploring interests in mineral properties located in North America. The company's portfolio includes Jackpot Lake, a lithium brine project in Nevada, and six lithium pegmatite projects in Ontario: White Willow, Triangle Lake, Gathering Lake, Lee Lake, Bluett, and Mead project.

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USHAF

The SPAC comes at a time when lithium prices are well off their highs from 2022 amid tempered expectations about the EV industry.

EXCLUSIVE: Lithium Refiner Stardust Power Expects SPAC Deal Completion In June

Usha Resources Ltd

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) is reportedly set to begin producing its advanced 2-nanometer (2nm) chips in the U.S. by 2028.
Wu Cheng-wen, head of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), confirmed the timeline during a legislative hearing when questioned whether Taiwan Semiconductor might start 2nm production in the U.S. before the prescribed period, Focus Taiwan <a target="_blank" href="https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202411290005" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
This timeline aligns with Taiwan&#8217;s policy requiring Taiwan Semiconductor to delay exporting cutting-edge technology abroad until three years after it begins mass production domestically.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42089611/taiwan-semiconductor-faces-china-challenges-amid-potential-trump-return-and-geopolitical-tensions" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan Semiconductor Faces China Challenges Amid Potential Geopolitical Tensions From Trump Return</a>
Taiwan&#8217;s government has emphasized the importance of maintaining domestic leadership in semiconductor production before allowing advanced technology exports, the report adds.
Taiwan Semiconductor has already initiated trial production of 2nm chips at its Baoshan facility in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, with mass production slated to begin in 2025. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42186138" rel="noreferrer noopener">Additional facilities in Kaohsiung</a> will likely start 2nm production in 2026. The company is concurrently constructing two advanced fabs in Arizona, with plans to mass-produce chips using 3nm and 2nm processes in 2028. A third Arizona facility could begin production by 2030. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. reportedly tapped Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s 3nm process to foray into <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42210228/taiwan-semiconductor-ramps-up-2nm-production-apple-and-amd-first-in-line" rel="noreferrer noopener">the smartphone market</a>.
The U.S. Department of Commerce recently finalized an agreement granting Taiwan Semiconductor $6.6 billion under the CHIPS Incentives Program. This funding supports Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s Arizona operations and includes commitments to deploy <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42060003/taiwan-semiconductors-us-subsidy-boosts-a16-tech-production-in-arizona" rel="noreferrer noopener">A16 nanosheet technology</a>. The A16 process features innovative backside power delivery for enhanced performance and logic density. However, like the 2nm technology, the A16 process will also adhere to the three-year rule before production in the U.S.
The contract chipmaker is eying more factories in Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taichung to ramp up domestic production of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42116366/taiwan-semiconductor-plans-new-factories-annually-boosting-domestic-chip-production" rel="noreferrer noopener">advanced technology chips</a>.
Reportedly, Taiwan Semiconductor accounts for 36% of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41140484/taiwan-semiconductor-has-soared-96-but-geopolitical-risks-persist" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan&#8217;s index weighting</a>. However, Taiwan Semiconductor remains vulnerable to the budding geopolitical tension between the U.S. and China. While Chinese leader Xi Jinping remains committed to the &#8220;reunification&#8221; with Taiwan, the U.S. sanctions on China forbid Taiwan Semiconductor from importing Nvidia artificial intelligence chips to China.
Taiwan Semiconductor stock gained over 79% year-to-date.
The chipmaker earmarked capital expenditures of $34 billion—$38 billion in 2025 to meet the advanced semiconductor manufacturing demand frenzy.
Price Action: TSM stock closed lower by 1.44% at $181.19 on Wednesday.
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Taiwan Semiconductor's Advanced 2nm Chips To Hit US Market By 2028: Report

RVNC

Revance Therapeutics Extends Tender Offer Deadline For Merger With Crown Laboratories To December 3, 2024 Amid Ongoing Discussions

JFBR

Jeffs' Brands Announces Trademark Registration Approval For Wellution, A Wellness And Personal Care Brand (49%) From The USPTO - Wellution's Skin And Hair Care Product Lines

Volkswagen (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VWAGY#OTC">VWAGY</a>)&nbsp;will leverage <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41934150/rivian-shares-rise-13-in-pre-market-after-volkswagen-increases-planned-investment-to-58b">its partnership with</a> Rivian&nbsp;Automotive Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) to power its upcoming flagship electric vehicle, codenamed "Project Trinity."
What Happened: This collaboration is part of a $5.8 billion joint venture aimed at integrating Rivian&#8217;s advanced architecture into Volkswagen&#8217;s future models.
According <a href="https://insideevs.com/news/742492/vw-project-trinity-rivian-sdv/">to</a> InsideEVs, Project Trinity, initially delayed, is set to feature Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities. The delay allows Volkswagen to focus on launching an&nbsp;electrified version of the Golf,&nbsp;described as a more &#8220;iconic product.&#8221;
The Golf EV is expected to debut in 2029, with Trinity following at a later date.
Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schafer confirmed the partnership with Rivian during a media roundtable, emphasizing the importance of the new software-defined vehicle architecture.
"We&nbsp;decided on how to do&nbsp;the software-defined vehicle. It&nbsp;will happen with Rivian, the&nbsp;joint venture, where we put the new electric electronics architecture together," said Schafer.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42185887/astrophysicist-neil-degrasse-tyson-dismisses-musks-vision-to-build-self-sustaining-city-on-mars?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson Dismisses Elon Musk&#8217;s Mars Vision: SpaceX CEO Hits Back, Says &#8216;They Really Don't Get It'</a>
While Project Trinity is not intended as a mass-market vehicle, it remains a crucial part of Volkswagen&#8217;s strategy to rejuvenate its brand.
The new architecture will first appear in&nbsp;Porsche&nbsp;and&nbsp;Audi&nbsp;models by 2027, eventually extending across the Volkswagen family, including luxury SUVs and compact cars.
Why It Matters: The partnership between Volkswagen and Rivian marks a strategic move for both companies.
The joint venture, officially <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41934150/rivian-shares-rise-13-in-pre-market-after-volkswagen-increases-planned-investment-to-58b">launched earlier this month</a>, involves a $5.8 billion investment from Volkswagen, up from the previously announced $5 billion. This increase in investment underscores the importance of the collaboration for Rivian, providing a much-needed boost to its financial stability and growth potential.
The joint venture aims to advance electrical and electronic architecture technology, focusing on electronic control units, network infrastructure, and associated software. This partnership is expected to enhance Rivian&#8217;s capital roadmap, aiding in future growth and vertical integration of its software and electrical systems, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41938838/rivians-deal-with-volkswagen-will-help-ev-giant-navigate-the-ship-in-stormy-waters-says-top-analyst-maintains-outperform-rating-with-20-target">analysts</a>&nbsp;at Wedbush.
However, the deal has not been without controversy, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40772132/volkswagens-5b-deal-with-rivian-leaves-software-arm-cariad-workers-frustrated-ceo-left-out-report">reportedly causing discontent</a> among employees at Volkswagen&#8217;s software division, Cariad.
Price Action: Rivian stock closed at $12.22 on Wednesday, surging 5.8%. In premarket trading on Friday, the stock was up 1.5%. Year-to-date, the Rivian stock has declined by 42%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Analysts are bullish on Rivian, with the consensus rating being ‘Buy' on the EV giant's stock. The highest price target is $28, while the lowest is $11. The consensus price target is $16.17, which implies a 32% upside.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RIVN/analyst-ratings"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="948" height="356" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29060011/Rivian-Volkswagen.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-669845" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29060011/Rivian-Volkswagen.jpg 948w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29060011/Rivian-Volkswagen-300x113.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29060011/Rivian-Volkswagen-768x288.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px" /></a></figure>
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link.</a>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/42188994/amid-trumps-plans-to-impose-25-tariffs-mexico-fears-byd-new-factory-in-country-would-send-wrong-message-investments-from-china-have-to-be-analyzed-with-extreme-caution?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amid Trump&#8217;s Plans To Impose 25% Tariffs, Mexico Fears BYD's New Factory In Country Would Send Wrong Message</a></li>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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RIVN

VWAGY

Volkswagen Taps Rivian Partnership For Upcoming Flagship EV 'Project Trinity'

RDNT

RadNet's DeepHealth Subsidiary Expands FDA Clearance For SmartMammo Solution; Clearance Enables  RadNet's DeepHealth and GE HealthCare Collaboration To Bring Together The SmartMammo And Senographe Pristina Solutions For Breast Cancer Diagnosis

On Wednesday, Applied Therapeutics, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APLT#NASDAQ">APLT</a>) received an FDA Complete Response Letter (CRL) for the New Drug Application (NDA) for govorestat <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/g42224414/applied-therapeutics-receives-complete-response-letter-from-u-s-fda-regarding-new-drug-application" rel="noreferrer noopener">for Classic Galactosemia</a>.
Galactosemia is a rare genetic metabolic disease resulting in an inability to metabolize the simple sugar galactose. When not appropriately metabolized, galactose is converted to the toxic metabolite, galactitol, which causes neurological complications.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/09/40921732/applied-therapeutics-stock-soars-as-fda-scraps-panel-meeting-for-its-inherited-metabolic-disorder" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Therapeutics Stock Soars As FDA Scraps Panel Meeting For Its Inherited Metabolic Disorder Drug</a>
The CRL indicates that the FDA completed its review of the application and determined that it is unable to approve the NDA in its current form, citing deficiencies in the clinical application.
Applied Therapeutics is reviewing the FDA feedback. It plans to immediately request a meeting to discuss the requirements for a potential resubmission of the NDA or appeal of the decision and appropriate next steps.
In Phase 3 registrational ACTION-Galactosemia Kids study in children with Galactosemia aged 2-17, treatment with govorestat demonstrated clinical benefit on activities of daily living, behavioral symptoms, cognition, fine motor skills, and tremor.
Govorestat also significantly reduced plasma galactitol levels in adults and children with Galactosemia.
Govorestat is also being developed for Sorbitol Dehydrogenase (SORD) Deficiency, a rare and progressive neuromuscular disease. The company expects to submit an NDA early in the first quarter of 2025.
William Blair stated that they were confident in the approval of govorestat ahead of its PDUFA date, given strong clinical data showing its effectiveness for a rare disease with no available treatments. However, the FDA&#8217;s rejection was unexpected and disappointing.
With limited details in the CRL, the next steps for govorestat in treating galactosemia remain unclear, including whether another clinical trial will be required.
As a result, William Blair has lowered its probability of success for the galactosemia program to 30% and delayed the projected U.S. launch to the fourth quarter of 2025, pending further clarification.
Despite this setback, William Blair maintained its Outperform rating, noting that the CRL likely doesn&#8217;t impact the company&#8217;s other program targeting SORD.
They emphasized that the SORD clinical trial met its key goals and offered a stronger data package. Additionally, the FDA&#8217;s alignment on an accelerated approval pathway for SORD suggests that, if granted priority review, govorestat could still begin generating revenue by late 2025.
Price Action: APLT stock is down 67.2% at $2.81 during the premarket session at last check Friday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/42222191/donald-trump-nominates-pandemic-critic-jay-bhattacharya-tapped-to-reshape-national-institutes-of-health-that-oversees-budget-of-48-billion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Taps Pandemic Lockdown Critic Jay Bhattacharya To Overhaul NIH</a></li>
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APLT

Regulatory Setback For Applied Therapeutics' Lead Program, FDA Highlights Deficiencies In Clinical Application

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BSLK

Bolt Projects Holdings On Wednesday Announced Private Placement With CEO and Other Officers Of 1.06M Shares At $0.34/Share For $360K Gross Proceeds; Closing Expected December 2, 2024

MicroStrategy Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) experienced a notable 4.44% increase in its share price during pre-market trading on Friday as per <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>. This rise aligns with Bitcoin&#8216;s (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) recovery from its recent dip.
What Happened: Earlier this week, Bitcoin had dropped to $92,000 but was trading at $96,596.96 by 5:26 a.m. ET. The cryptocurrency&#8217;s resurgence seems to have positively impacted MicroStrategy&#8217;s stock performance.
MicroStrategy&#8217;s consensus price target stands at $449.5, based on assessments from 12 analysts. The highest target of $690 was set&nbsp;by BTIG on December 11,&nbsp;2023, while the lowest, $140, was&nbsp;issued by Jefferies on Nov.&nbsp;10, 2022.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42206056/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-tumble-as-diamond-hands-lock-in-gains-analyst-anticipates-strong-buyback-pressure-to-follow-sell-pressure?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Tumble As &#8216;Diamond Hands&#8217; Lock In Gains: Top Analyst Anticipates BTC Rebound</a>
As per Benzinga Pro, the consensus price target for MSTR is $449.5 based on the ratings of 12 analysts. The most recent analyst ratings for MicroStrategy were provided by TD Cowen, Barclays, and Benchmark on Nov. 25. These ratings suggest an average price target of $563.33, indicating a potential upside of 38.72% for the company.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR/analyst-ratings"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29054824/Screenshot-2024-11-29-at-4.18.06%E2%80%AFPM-1024x398.png" alt="" class="wp-image-669815" /></a></figure>
Why It Matters: MicroStrategy&#8217;s stock performance is closely tied to Bitcoin&#8217;s fluctuations due to its substantial investment in the cryptocurrency. The company&#8217;s strategy of acquiring and holding Bitcoin has been both praised and criticized. Recently,&nbsp;economist and market strategist Peter Schiff <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42237876/peter-schiff-predicts-microstrategys-bankruptcy-due-to-bitcoin-investment-strategy">predicted potential bankruptcy</a> for MicroStrategy due to its Bitcoin investment approach. In an interview with Kitco News, Schiff described MicroStrategy as a &#8220;great short&#8221; and suggested that the company&#8217;s strategy could ultimately lead to bankruptcy. Schiff&#8217;s comments highlight the risks associated with MicroStrategy&#8217;s heavy reliance on Bitcoin&#8217;s market performance.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock

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MicroStrategy Shares Jumps In Friday Pre-Market As Bitcoin Rebounds To $96,000: Consensus Price Target Reveals Over 15% Upside For MSTR

On Wednesday, Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVTV#NASDAQ">EVTV</a>) disclosed that it delivered two demonstration electric delivery vans to FedEx Delivery Service Partners, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/ac42227275/envirotech-vehicles-inc-nasdaq-evtv-announces-delivery-of-electric-vans-to-fedex" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dreaming Green Corp. in Connecticut</a>.
These mid-roof electric vans will deliver packages to homes and businesses in Connecticut.
With average gasoline prices in Connecticut exceeding $3.00 per gallon and diesel approaching $3.70, Envirotech&#8217;s electric delivery vehicles present an appealing option for fleet-reliant businesses.
Dreaming Green Corp.&#8217;s owner Nelson Pinhancos said, &#8220;We are excited to begin testing the Envirotech electric delivery van. We estimate a monthly savings of $1,800 in fuel and maintenance costs. And the fact we will be generating zero emissions while serving our customers is something we are proud of as a company.&#8221;
&#8220;We expect this test program to be a success. And we look forward to then scaling up our Envirotech electric fleet. Other FedEx DSPs have already shown interest in joining us.&#8221;
Phil Oldridge, CEO of Envirotech, stated, &#8220;Envirotech is proud to serve business owners from California to Connecticut as we help them reduce their operating costs and increase their on-time delivery performance.&#8221; &#8220;First mile, last mile delivery companies know how impactful monthly saving of one to two thousand dollars per vehicle is for their bottom line. And successful deliveries with no emissions are a mark of pride for every owner of an Envirotech vehicle.&#8221;
This week, Envirotech Vehicles disclosed plans to access $25 million in funding from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/ac42201399/envirotech-vehicles-inc-nasdaq-evtv-expects-to-access-25-million-in-funding-from-yorkville-adviso" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yorkville Advisors Global LP</a>.
Price Action: EVTV shares closed higher by 6.67% at $1.44 on Wednesday.
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Small Cap

EVTV

FedEx Delivery Service Partners Test Envirotech Electric Vans In Connecticut: Details

Nordic American Tankers Reports Strong Q3 2024 with $8.7M Profit, $125M in New Long-Term Contracts, and 109th Consecutive Dividend; Fleet Expansion Planned

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India Gross Domestic Product Quarterly (YoY) For Q2 5.4% Vs. 6.5% Est.; 6.7% Prior

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) has introduced a new AI model, QwQ-32B-Preview, which is positioned as a competitor to Microsoft Corp.-backed (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) OpenAI&#8217;s o1 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/09/40842891/openai-unveils-o1-model-a-step-closer-to-human-like-ai-but-not-without-flaws">reasoning model</a>.
What Happened: Developed by Alibaba&#8217;s Qwen team, QwQ-32B-Preview boasts 32.5 billion parameters, enabling it to handle prompts up to 32,000 words.
This model is one of the few available under a permissive license, allowing for download and use, the company stated in a blog post on Thursday.
It reportedly outperforms OpenAI&#8217;s o1-preview and o1-mini models on specific benchmarks, such as the AIME and MATH tests. These tests evaluate AI models&#8217; performance in logic puzzles and math problems.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/11/42169194/joby-gets-toyotas-500m-dollar-lift-evtol-pioneer-making-new-highs?itm_source=parsely-api">Joby Gets Toyota&#8217;s $500M Dollar Lift: eVTOL Pioneer Making New Highs</a>
Despite its strengths, QwQ-32B-Preview has limitations. Alibaba acknowledges potential issues like unexpected language switches and underperformance in tasks requiring common sense reasoning.
The model&#8217;s reasoning capabilities allow it to fact-check itself, reducing errors but increasing solution time.
QwQ-32B-Preview is available on the AI development platform Hugging Face.
However, only certain components are released, limiting full replication or insight into its workings. The model&#8217;s responses align with Chinese regulatory standards, avoiding politically sensitive topics.
The development was first <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/27/alibaba-releases-an-open-challenger-to-openais-o1-reasoning-model/">spotted</a> by TechCrunch.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: The introduction of Alibaba&#8217;s QwQ-32B-Preview comes at a time when OpenAI is making significant strides in the AI sector. Last month, OpenAI&#8217;s valuation <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41149788/openai-valuation-soars-to-157b-in-latest-funding-round">soared to $157 billion </a>following a successful funding round.&nbsp;
Earlier this week, it was reported that SoftBank Group (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) has increased its stake in OpenAI through a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42227972/softbank-secures-bigger-openai-stake-with-1-5b-employee-share-buyout-report">$1.5 billion employee share buyout</a>.
OpenAI is also reportedly exploring the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/42130303/chatgpt-parent-openai-considers-building-its-own-web-browser-to-challenge-googles-search-monopoly-following-doj-push-to-break-up-chrome-dominance">development of its own web browser</a> to challenge Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) subsidiary Google&#8217;s Chrome browser, following a push from the U.S. Department of Justice to divest it.
Price Action: Currently, Alibaba shares are up 0.27% to $86.82 in pre-market trading on Friday, following a 1.66% rise to $86.59 during Wednesday&#8217;s regular session, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42053396/why-chinese-tech-giants-alibaba-bytedance-and-meituan-are-expanding-their-ai-footprints-in-silicon-valley-amid-us-efforts-to-block-progress?itm_source=parsely-api">China&#8217;s Tech Giants Alibaba, ByteDance, And Meituan Are Expanding Their Silicon Valley AI Footprints Amid US Efforts To Block Progress: Here&#8217;s Why</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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MSFT

SFTBF

Alibaba's New AI Model Outperforms OpenAI's o1 In Specific Benchmarks, Now Available For Free Download

BWLP

BW LPG Says It Takes Delivery Of Vessel BW Levant From Avance Gas; Five Of The 12 VLGCs Are Now Delivered

Eurozone Consumer Price Index (YoY) Preliminary For November 2.3% Vs. 2.3% Est.; 2.0% Prior

Eurozone Consumer Price Index (MoM) Preliminary For November -0.3% Vs. 0.3% Prior

Eurozone Core Consumer Price Index (YoY) Preliminary For November 2.7% Vs. 2.8% Est.; 2.7% Prior

Germany Unemployment Rate For November Unchanged At 6.1%

Germany Unemployment Change For November 7K Vs. 20K Est.; 27K Prior

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk endorsed Apple Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) latest health technology innovation, responding &#8220;This is cool&#8221; to CEO Tim Cook&#8216;s announcement of AirPods Pro 2&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40786879/apples-airpods-pro-2-bring-clinical-grade-hearing-aid-without-the-stigma-or-high-cost-heres-what-peo">new hearing aid capabilities</a>.
What Happened: Cook had shared his pride in Apple&#8217;s teams developing &#8220;powerful technologies that are improving people&#8217;s lives,&#8221; specifically highlighting the AirPods Pro 2&#8217;s personalized hearing aid feature. This development comes as Apple transforms its popular wireless earbuds into <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40786879/apples-airpods-pro-2-bring-clinical-grade-hearing-aid-without-the-stigma-or-high-cost-heres-what-peo">clinical-grade hearing assistance devices</a>.
The new functionality addresses a significant global health challenge, with the World Health Organization estimating that 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from hearing loss. Traditional prescription hearing aids typically cost between $2,000 and $7,000, making them <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40786879/apples-airpods-pro-2-bring-clinical-grade-hearing-aid-without-the-stigma-or-high-cost-heres-what-peo">inaccessible to many potential users</a>.
Apple&#8217;s comprehensive hearing health solution includes active hearing protection, an at-home hearing test, and hearing aid capabilities that adjust sound in real time based on personalized hearing profiles.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">This is cool
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1862332184645779458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42237670/meta-tiktok-snapchat-could-face-32m-fines-as-australia-enforces-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-while-exempting-youtube">Meta, TikTok, Snapchat Could Face $32M Fines As Australia Enforces Social Media Ban For Under-16s</a>
Why It Matters: The features are awaiting marketing authorization from health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and are expected to launch <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40786879/apples-airpods-pro-2-bring-clinical-grade-hearing-aid-without-the-stigma-or-high-cost-heres-what-peo">this fall in over 100 markets</a>.
This development <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/11/29780663/apple-airpods-pro-as-hearing-aids-it-may-be-closer-than-you-think">builds on earlier research</a> published in iScience journal, which found that AirPods Pro met four out of five standards for personal sound amplification products. 
The AirPods line remains crucial to Apple&#8217;s wearables segment, which generated $9.04 billion in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41666494/apple-q4-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-installed-base-hits-new-highs-iphone-sales-rise-as-apple-in">fiscal fourth-quarter revenue</a>. 
While Apple maintains its leadership in the true wireless stereo market with a 17% share, this represents a significant decrease from its 48.1% share in 2019, reflecting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42182829/apple-could-keep-airpods-max-headphones-around-without-meaningfully-updating-them-says-analyst-heres-why">increased competition in the space</a>.
The innovation comes as Apple continues to dominate the tech sector, with the company reporting overall fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $94.9 billion, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42182829/apple-could-keep-airpods-max-headphones-around-without-meaningfully-updating-them-says-analyst-heres-why">exceeding analyst expectations</a> and demonstrating strong performance across its product ecosystem.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/42238773/cathie-wood-sees-tesla-as-largest-ai-project-on-earth-heres-why-shes-not-worried-about-tech-investments">Cathie Wood Sees Tesla As &#8216;Largest AI Project On Earth&#8217; — Here&#8217;s Why She&#8217;s Not Worried About Tech Investments</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>

AAPL

Elon Musk Lauds Apple AirPods Pro 2's Hearing Aid Feature As Tim Cook Highlights The Affordable Solution To What Otherwise Costs Up To $7,000

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Douglas Tsao reiterates Outlook Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OTLK#NASDAQ">OTLK</a>) with a Buy and maintains $30 price target.

Price Target

OTLK

HC Wainwright & Co. Reiterates Buy on Outlook Therapeutics, Maintains $30 Price Target

Usha Resources Ltd. (TSE:USHA) has released an update. Usha Resources Ltd. has completed the acquisition of the Abiwin Property, adding 38 mineral ...

Usha Resources Expands Lithium Exploration Territory

Usha Resources Ltd. (TSE:USHA) has released an update. Usha Resources Ltd. is advancing its White Willow Lithium Pegmatite Project in Ontario with ...

Usha Resources Advances Major Lithium Project

Usha Resources Ltd. (TSE:USHA) has released an update. Usha Resources Ltd. has announced its intention to divest up to 90% of its Jackpot Lake Lith...

Usha Resources Plans Major Lithium Project Sale

Usha Resources (TSE:USHA) has released an update. Usha Resources Ltd., a North American lithium exploration company, has partnered with Hillside Co...

Usha Resources Boosts Visibility with Strategic Marketing Move

Usha Resources (TSE:USHA) has released an update. Usha Resources Ltd. has secured an option to acquire a full interest in the Southern Arm property...

Usha Resources Expands with Southern Arm Property Acquisition

Usha Resources (TSE:USHA) has released an update. Usha Resources Ltd. has announced a significant digital marketing initiative by signing an agreem...

Usha Resources Boosts Marketing and Exploration Efforts

Usha Resources (TSE:USHA) has released an update. Usha Resources Ltd. has announced their congratulatory message to Stardust Power, Inc. for its NA...

Usha Resources Outlines Jackpot Lake Project Deal

Usha Resources (TSE:USHA) has released an update. Usha Resources has announced the discovery of spodumene at its White Willow project and is gearin...

Usha Resources Ramps Up Exploration Efforts

Usha Resources (TSE:USHA) has released an update. Usha Resources has completed initial fieldwork at its Southern Arm copper-gold VMS property in Qu...

Usha Resources Completes Initial Work at Southern Arm

Usha Resources (TSE:USHA) has released an update. Usha Resources is set to conduct an Induced Polarization survey at its Southern Arm copper-gold p...

Usha Resources Plans Survey at Quebec Property

Press Releases

Copper Price Set to Rebound Amid Supply Shortages and EV Demand Surge, Miners Respond

Usha Resources Commences Fieldwork at the Drill-Ready Southern Arm Copper-Gold VMS Property

Opinion

Copper Miners Expand Operations to Address Global Supply Shortages

Commodities

Usha Resources Makes Discovery at the White Willow Project, Prepares for Drilling at the Southern Arm Copper-Gold VMS Property

Usha Resources Announces Completion of Phase 1 Fieldwork at the Southern Arm Copper-Gold VMS Property

Usha Resources Announces Induced Polarization Survey Ahead of Maiden Drill Program at the Southern Arm Copper-Gold VMS Property

MTAL

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Usha Resources

Lithium refining company Stardust Power is expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq in June following the completion of a $490 million <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38865748/struggling-chinese-ev-maker-aiways-stages-comeback-via-400m-us-spac-deal-after-zeekrs-stellar-ne">blank-check deal</a>, CEO Roshan Pujari told Benzinga.



The company is currently building a lithium refinery in Oklahoma. 



The SPAC comes at a time when lithium prices are well off their highs from 2022 amid tempered expectations about the electric vehicle industry. Demand for the battery metal is expected to strengthen over the long term as more electric vehicles (EVs) are adopted. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/24/03/37857275/exclusive-battery-companies-back-small-miners-for-long-term-provide-bright-spot-as-funding-ma">EXCLUSIVE &#8211; Battery Companies Back Small Miners For Long Term, Provide Bright Spot As Funding Market Crashes</a>



"We remain bullish on EV growth," Pujari said.



One reason is that states including California are phasing out the sale of new cars with purely internal combustion engines, he said.



New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Virginia and the District of Columbia have followed California's lead in a full ban of new sales of pure internal combustion engine vehicles in 2035. Europe is also clamping down on those types of automobiles.



Expectations for strong EV demand helped lift lithium prices to record highs in 2022. Since then, major automakers have tempered their expectations for EV production as consumers worry about EV expense, range and charging time. EV sales are still growing, just at a slower rate.



In the meantime, the Biden administration has been looking to bolster supply chains for minerals critical to the energy transition from outside China, which dominates lithium refining.



Pujari said he is "cautiously optimistic" about lithium prices rising as Chinese processors have been destocking.



"Chinese processors working through excess inventory tightens the market," he said.



The ability to manufacture battery grade lithium outside China is important, Pujari said.



To that end, Stardust Power is developing a lithium refinery in Oklahoma that is expected to be able to produce up to 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium from American brine sources.



To help raise capital for the project, Stardust plans to go public on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol SDST via a combination with special purpose acquisition company Global Partner Acquisition Corp II (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPAC#NASDAQ">GPAC</a>), also known as a blank-check company.



Pujari said he expects the deal to close and the new listing be effective in June.&nbsp;



In addition to the refinery, Stardust is developing upstream lithium supply lines to become a more vertically integrated company.&nbsp;



Last week, Vancouver-based Usha Resources Ltd. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USHAF#OTC">USHAF</a>) said it had signed a letter of intent granting Stardust the right to earn up to a 90% interest in Usha's Jackpot Lake lithium brine project minus a 2% royalty.



In February, Australia-based QX Resources Ltd.&nbsp;said it and Stardust signed a letter of intent to assess brines from QXR's Liberty lithium brine project in California.



Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/02/37203466/energy-transition-metals-at-stake-potential-us-mining-law-update-pits-industry-against-environmental" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Energy Transition Metals At Stake &#8211; Potential US Mining Law Update Pits Industry Against Environmentalist</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/02/37203466/energy-transition-metals-at-stake-potential-us-mining-law-update-pits-industry-against-environmental" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s</a>



Benzinga Mining is the bridge between mining companies and retail investors. Reach out to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:licensing@benzinga.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="mailto:_licensing@benzinga.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">_licensing@benzinga.com</a>_&nbsp;to get started!

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