Welcome back to your daily dossier talking AI, robotics, crypto and the future of tech. 👾

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

😕 OpenAI failed to deliver the opt-out tool it promised by 2025.
🪖 China unveils military-grade 5G capable of connecting 10,000 robots.
🏦 Swiss Bitcoin Group is trying to force Central Bank to buy BTC.
🔬 Optimize your learning & creativity with Science-based tools.
📚 Popeye, Tintin, and other literary classics are now in the public domain.

AI

• OpenAI failed to deliver the opt-out tool it promised by 2025

  • As of January 1, 2025, OpenAI has not delivered the opt-out tool it had promised by this date.

  • This tool would have allowed users to exclude their data from being used in AI model training.

  • OpenAI has acknowledged the delay and stated that they are working diligently to release the tool as soon as possible.

• Northern data is well positioned to take advantage of the AI boom

  • Canaccord initiated coverage of Northern Data with a buy rating and 60 euro ($62) price target.

  • Northern Data is well positioned to take advantage of the growing artificial intelligence compute cycle, the report said.

  • A potential sale of the firm's Peak Mining business could unlock significant value for the company, the broker said.

• Rembrand raises $23M to expand AI product placements to CTV and launch a free tier

  • Rembrand, a startup specializing in virtual product placement, has secured $8 million in seed funding.

  • The company utilizes AI to integrate products into streaming content, offering a dynamic alternative to traditional advertising methods.

  • This investment reflects a growing interest in innovative ad technologies that enhance viewer engagement.

ROBOTICS

• China rolls out world’s first military-proof 5G that can connect 10,000 army robots

  • China debuted a military-specific 5G base station capable of connecting 10,000 robotic units.

  • Provides secure, low-latency communication within a 3-km radius, even in challenging environments.

  • Enables large-scale deployment of unmanned combat systems like drones and robot dogs.

• The electric car boom in China shifts focus to hybrids

  • China's electric vehicle market is experiencing a significant shift towards hybrid vehicles.

  • To navigate European Union tariffs on EVs, Chinese manufacturers are exporting hybrids to Europe, as these tariffs do not apply.

  • Hybrids offer a practical solution for consumers concerned about charging infrastructure and range limitations.

• How technology could support underserved South Carolina farmers

  • SC State University launched an AI and robotics program for underserved farmers.

  • The initiative focuses on affordable, user-friendly tech for small-scale farms.

  • The program seeks to boost yields, cut labor costs, and promote sustainability.

CRYPTO

• Tron's T3 financial crime fighting unit hits $100M in frozen USDT

  • A collaboration between TRON, Tether, and TRM Labs to combat financial crimes involving USDT on the TRON blockchain.

  • The unit has frozen over $12 million in USDT linked to criminal activities, showcasing its effectiveness.

  • This initiative highlights efforts to enhance security and trust in the cryptocurrency ecosystem by addressing illicit activities.

• Spot Ether ETFs saw record-breaking December inflows exceeding $2B

  • U.S. spot Ether ETFs saw record inflows in December 2024, with a daily peak of $332.9 million, highlighting increased investor interest.

  • Ether ETFs now hold $9.7 billion in assets, accounting for 2.4% of Ethereum's market cap, reflecting growing institutional adoption.

  • Rising inflows signal strong confidence in Ethereum's role in DeFi, NFTs, and broader market dynamics.

• Swiss Bitcoin group is trying to force Central Bank to buy BTC

  • A non-profit group is trying to change to the Swiss constitution.

  • The controversial change would force its central bank to add Bitcoin to its reserves.

  • Even so, it could be years before the Swiss National Bank buys its first Bitcoin.

CONTENT

• Optimize your learning & creativity with Science-based tools

  • The episode highlights how to boost creativity and enhance learning by aligning with the body’s natural rhythms.

  • This covers tools to improve focus, explaining how to time techniques according to the day’s rhythm.

  • It discusses combining biological factors with subjective methods to tailor an approach that supports individual goals.

• Inside Gong: teamwork, design partners, pod structure, and trust

  • Eilon Reshef, co-founder at Gong, shares insights into the company’s success and his personal approach to leadership.

  • Eilon’s quick decision-making process and his “spiral method” help him learn complex topics rapidly.

  • He emphasizes extreme focus and maintaining quality while optimizing for speed in product development.

• Creating an AI internet with Richard Blythman

  • Blythman discusses the importance of decentralized AI for future development.

  • He imparts Naptha AI's plan to simulate thousands of AI agent internets.

  • It also shares his vision to run 1 million agents in a single system by Q1 2025.

AND MORE…

• Popeye, Tintin, and other literary classics are now in the public domain

  • Works from 1929, including Popeye and Tintin, have entered the public domain in the U.S., allowing free use and adaptation.

  • Literary classics from early films and like Disney's are now accessible.

  • The transition opens doors for new adaptations, scholarly research, and creative reuse of these iconic works.

• Biden says attacker appeared to be inspired by ISIS

  • On January 1, 2025, during New Year's celebrations in New Orleans' French Quarter, a tragic incident occurred.

  • A pickup truck driven by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street.

  • The incident resulted to 15 fatalities and injuring at least 35 individuals.

• Tesla struggled to sell cars in 2024, and that may continue in 2025

  • Tesla faced challenges in selling its electric vehicles, a trend that may persist into 2025.

  • To boost sales, the company offered incentives on loans, Supercharger access and use of the software.

  • Despite these efforts, Tesla's sales struggled, indicating potential ongoing difficulties in the competitive EV market.