BUTTERFLY EFFECT STARTUP
This startup is selling a Rs 94,835 mosquito trap that uses a powerful blue laser and sensors similar to those in self-driving cars to track and kill mosquitoes while detecting people, pets and nearby surfaces to prevent accidental firing
Photon Matrix has introduced a laser device that identifies and eliminates mosquitoes effectively. The products are priced at around $1,000 each, with a delivery estimate of 120 days. Both the indoor and outdoor models utilize advanced A.I. for mosquito detection and targeting. The system is designed to be safe for humans and pets, although independent safety testing is pending. This technology aims to revolutionize traditional mosquito control methods.
Manus raises more than $500 million after Meta exit
Manus, the AI startup formerly under the umbrella of Meta, has achieved a remarkable funding milestone, securing over $500 million in its latest financing round. This pivotal moment occurred after the company unhinged from Meta due to a recent reversal of acquisition. The round saw support from Boyu Capital and IDG Capital among other existing investors.
ETtech Explainer: How the Meta-Manus deal came apart, and Tencent moved in
Chinese regulators ordered Meta to reverse its $2 billion acquisition of the company. Tencent is working with Manus' early investors, including ZhenFund and HSG, to buy the company back from Meta for at least $2 billion.
China’s Meta backlash renders Manus model ‘officially dead’
Beijing's order for Meta to unwind its $2 billion takeover of AI startup Manus signals a new era of regulatory scrutiny for China's tech industry. The move highlights Beijing's determination to prevent sensitive technology transfer to geopolitical rivals, forcing entrepreneurs and investors to re-evaluate global expansion strategies and corporate structures.
Meta to backtrack acquisition of AI firm Manus after China block: report
Meta is reportedly reversing its acquisition of AI startup Manus. China has banned the deal, citing national security. The AI agent was founded in China but is now based in Singapore. Meta stated the transaction complied with law. Analysts had warned of regulatory issues amid US-China tech rivalry.
Acko's $250 million IPO; Infosys' market cap plunge
New-age insurer Acko will soon confidentially file draft papers for its stock market debut. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
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China orders Meta to unwind $2 billion buy of AI startup Manus
China's top economic planner has blocked Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus, citing a prohibition on foreign investment in the project. The National Development and Reform Commission has ordered the parties involved to withdraw the transaction, following earlier reports of travel restrictions on two cofounders.

China deepens review of Meta’s landmark $2 billion Manus buyout
Chinese officials had begun looking into whether the December takeover of the agentic AI startup violated tech export or national security regulations. The central issue is whether Chinese technology or user data could have been compromised or shared with an American company. Regulators are now also investigating potential violations of rules governing cross-border currency flows, tax accounting and overseas investments, people familiar with the matter said.

China probes Meta’s $2 billion AI deal amid reports that its highest-paid employee Alexandr Wang finds Zuckerberg’s micromanagement ‘suffocating’
Zuckerberg vs. Wang amid China probes Meta: China is investigating Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus. This probe examines potential violations of laws concerning overseas technology transfers. The investigation adds to challenges for Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. He is investing heavily in artificial intelligence. Internal leadership issues are also surfacing. Alexandr Wang, a key AI hire, reportedly finds Zuckerberg's control stifling.

Meta to acquire Chinese startup Manus to boost advanced AI features
Meta is acquiring Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus. This move aims to speed up the integration of advanced AI across Meta's platforms. Manus develops a general-purpose AI agent capable of independent task execution. Meta plans to operate and sell the Manus service. It will also be integrated into Meta's consumer and business products.

As global scrutiny grows, Chinese firms look to call Singapore home
The trend, billed as "Singapore washing" by some analysts, started gaining traction near the end of U.S. President Donald Trump's first presidency and has since accelerated, spreading to various sectors from critical minerals to tech and biotechnology, analysts and experts said.

Manus AI launches monthly subscription plans, mobile app for iOS users
The Beijing-based autonomous AI agent has rolled out a $39 per month plan called Manus Starter and a $199 premium option named Manus Pro, the latter matching OpenAI's ChatGPT Pro. The membership service is still in the beta testing stage and is, therefore considered quite competitive.

What to know about Manus, China's latest AI assistant
A powerful new AI tool Manus is making waves in China, fuelling hopes that it could replicate the success of DeepSeek, which earlier this year rattled the global tech industry with its state-of-the-art chatbot. - Whether Manus can achieve mainstream success like DeepSeek will depend on its ability to scale to meet demand, RSIS's Harjani told AFP. But Manus is unlikely to be the next DeepSeek as they are different types of AI applications, he added.

Debut of Manus AI digital assistant from China causes stir
A new Chinese artificial intelligence agent billed as able to work independently from humans has sent insiders buzzing -- some with concern and others with disappointment. "We see it as the next paradigm of human-machine collaboration, and potentially a glimpse into AGI," he said, referencing general artificial intelligence that aims to think the way humans do.

52 places to go in 2025
The article showcases diverse global destinations with unique experiences and recent developments. From Jane Austen's anniversary celebrations in England to the reopening of the Alishan Forest Railway in Taiwan, these destinations offer rich cultural explorations. It highlights future events like the Year of Cézanne in France and WorldPride in Washington, D.C.

Best Mixer Grinders under Rs. 15,000 for Home and Commercial Kitchens (2024)
Explore this curated list of the best mixer grinders under 15,000, designed to elevate your kitchen experience. These high-performance appliances offer powerful motors, multiple jars, and attachments to handle everything from grinding spices to making smoothies. With user-friendly designs and robust build quality, these mixer grinders are perfect for both everyday cooking and elaborate meal preparations. Discover the ideal blend of efficiency, durability, and value that suits your culinary needs while ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience.

World Hypertension Day: Identifying risks, monitoring high BP, and adopting preventive measures to address this silent killer
To address the ticking bomb called hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, The Economic Times, in collaboration with USV, brings a special World Hypertension Day episode titled ‘The Brain, The Heart, and The Kidney: The Trifecta of Hypertension’, featuring a panel of esteemed experts, Dr. Ajit Mehta, Dr Soumik Chaudhuri, and Dr. Basavaraj G S. This significant discussion aimed to address the critical connection between hypertension and our vital organs. Here are the highlights.

A fab idea: Designing, not manufacturing, maybe India’s route into the semiconductor business
India is focussing a lot on semiconductor manufacturing. Some MSMEs show why the government should give more impetus to chip designing than inviting foreign fabs.

Looking for Diwali Dhamaka? Not consumer durables, play it via logistics: Digant Haria
“I do not think insurance is a space where earnings growth is going to surprise you meaningfully. There are many more sectors like banking, NBFCs, autos, or capital goods where the earnings are going to be much higher. So the excitement is going to be there. I do not think excitement is going to be very high in insurance for the next one or two years.”
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