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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

💻 Microsoft plans to spend $80B on AI data centers this year.
🐕 Spirit Blockchain Capital plans to generate yield from its Dogecoin holdings.
🤖 Unitree’s humanoid robots dance like humans.
🗣️ Executive Coach Alisa Cohn on navigating difficult conversations.
🇬🇧 Elon Musk criticizes UK populist Nigel Farage after targeting Labour Party.

AI

• Microsoft will spend $80B on AI data centers this year

  • Microsoft are racing to build capacity, and will invest $80 billion in fiscal 2025 to expand its AI-enabled data centers.

  • The move aligns with surging demand for AI technologies, driven by tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT.

  • Over half of the investment will be allocated to projects confirmed by Microsoft's Vice Chair and President, Brad Smith.

• Meta’s AI-generated bot profiles are not being received well

  • Meta's introduction of AI-generated profiles on Instagram and Facebook has led to user confusion and frustration.

  • These AI personas, such as "Jane Austen" and "Carter," were intended to enhance engagement but have been criticized for irrelevance and offensiveness.

  • A bug preventing users from blocking these profiles exacerbated the situation, prompting Meta to pause the feature to address the issue.

• Healthcare turns to AI for medical note-taking ‘scribes’

  • Investment in AI-powered medical note-taking applications doubled in 2024, reaching $800 million.

  • Tech companies introduced AI co-pilots that utilize large language models and speech recognition to auto-generate clinical notes.

  • Early trials have shown promising results in time savings and improved consultation, prompting further adoption across healthcare systems.

ROBOTICS

• Unitree’s humanoid robots dance like humans

  • Unitree Robotics has released a dataset featuring synchronized dance movements performed by its humanoid robots.

  • The dataset includes precise motion capture data for robot coordination and agility.

  • This initiative underscores Unitree's commitment to enhancing humanoid robot capabilities.

• RoboSense to showcase lidar and a humanoid platform at CES 2025

  • RoboSense introduced its AI robotics strategy at CES 2025, showcasing a humanoid development platform.

  • It unveiled three lidar products: the EM4 for long-range detection, the E1R for robotics, and the compact Airy.

  • These innovations aim to enhance precision and performance in automotive and robotics applications.

• Could this bird-like robot aid in rescues and remote deliveries?

  • Researchers developed a bird-like robot capable of perching on branches, which could be utilized for rescues, remote parcel deliveries.

  • The robot's design mimics avian anatomy, allowing it to navigate complex environments with agility.

  • This innovation holds potential for enhancing access to hard-to-reach locations, improving efficiency in various applications.

CRYPTO

• Spirit Blockchain Capital plans to generate yield from its Dogecoin holdings

  • Spirit Blockchain Capital is aiming to enhance returns on its digital assets.

  • The company plans to expand this yield-generating approach to include Bitcoin and Solana, diversifying its investment portfolio.

  • This initiative positions Spirit Blockchain Capital as a significant player in the cryptocurrency market.

• Hyperliquid leads the pack as DEX futures hit $285 billion in 2024

  • In 2024, decentralized exchange (DEX) futures trading volume reached $285 billion, with Hyperliquid leading the market.

  • This growth indicates a significant shift towards decentralized platforms in the cryptocurrency derivatives market.

  • The increasing adoption of DEX futures highlights the evolving landscape of crypto trading.

• Yeung predicts significant growth and opportunities for crypto in Hong Kong.

  • Edith Yeung, a prominent venture capitalist, anticipates significant growth in Hong Kong's cryptocurrency sector.

  • She highlights the city's strategic position as a bridge between Eastern and Western markets, making it an attractive hub for crypto innovation.

  • Yeung also notes the potential for Hong Kong to become a leading center for blockchain technology and digital assets in the coming years.

CONTENT

• Executive coach Alisa Cohn provides scripts for navigating difficult conversations

  • Alisa Cohn, a renowned executive coach for startups and Fortune 500 companies, shares insights on leadership and navigating challenges.

  • She provides specific scripts for managing basic difficult conversations, and outlines three key questions to conclude every meeting.

  • Alisa debunks leadership myths, reflects on career failures, and discusses her award-winning book and podcast.

• Explore venture concentration, high-skill immigration, and potential buyers of Lyft

  • Jason and Alex analyze Instacart's funding, early-stage investment focus, and the impact of large funds on seed rounds.

  • They also had a topic including social media weaponization, H1B visa reforms, and predictions for startup failures by 2025.

  • They explore potential mergers in the autonomous sector, tech giant dominance, and major company valuations

• Investing wisdom from Nassim Taleb, plus ChatGPT questions that will change your life

  • Sam and Shaan discuss personal philosophies, popularizing the phrase ‘No Small Boy Stuff,’ and its impact on their mindset and life decisions.

  • They delve into using ChatGPT and AI tools as assistants, thought partners, and even life coaches to optimize personal and business decision-making.

  • Topics range from venture capital strategies to amusing takes on AI's potential to replace creative and intellectual roles.

AND MORE…

• Elon Musk criticizes UK populist Nigel Farage after targeting the Labour Party

  • Reports suggest that Musk plans to donate $100 million to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party

  • Musk has called for the release of far-right activist Tommy Robinson from prison.

  • Elon Musk has recently intensified his involvement in UK politics.

• Shutterstock and Getty Images consider merger

  • Shutterstock and Getty Images are in early discussions about a potential merger, which could reshape the stock photo industry.

  • A merger would combine two of the largest visual content libraries, potentially streamlining services for media and creative industries.

  • Talks are still preliminary, with no confirmed agreement or timeline for the potential deal.

• 'Doom' CAPTCHA transforms online security into a demon-slaying nightmare challenge

  • A developer has created a CAPTCHA that requires users to play a brief the classic first-person shooter game 'Doom' to verify humanity.

  • This innovative approach aims to enhance online security by leveraging the game's demon-slaying challenges as a test.

  • The 'Doom' CAPTCHA offers a more engaging alternative to traditional text-based CAPTCHAs.