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’s Sam Altman says ‘we know how to build AGI.’
📈 Analysts say Bitcoin ETF inflows to hit $70B in 2025.
🔩 Samsung pays $181M to become largest investor in Rainbow Robotics.
👯‍♂️ Winklevoss twins’ Gemini to pay $5M to end CFTC case.
🇵🇭 Chinese hackers target Philippine president to steal military data.

AI

• OpenAI’s Sam Altman says ‘we know how to build AGI’

  • OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated the company understands how to build Artificial General Intelligence as we have traditionally understood it.

  • OpenAI is actively pursuing the development of superintelligence as part of its long-term vision.

  • Altman emphasized the goal of creating a "glorious future" through advancements in AI technology.

• Instagram Begins Randomly Showing Users AI-Generated Images of Themselves

  • Meta AI put a Redditor into "an endless maze of mirrors" as an example of the feature.

  • “Used Meta AI to edit a selfie, now Instagram is using my face on ads targeted at me,” the person posted.

  • People on Reddit initially did not even believe that these were real.

• Apple says it will update AI feature after BBC complaint

  • Apple has said it will update Apple Intelligencer after it generated inaccurate news alerts on its latest iPhones.

  • On Monday said it was working on a software change to "further clarify" when the notifications are summaries that have been generated by AI.

  • The tech giant is facing calls to pull the technology after its flawed performance.

ROBOTICS

• Toyota is teaching robot arms to fold t-shirts the Japanese way

  • Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has developed a new AI-based method that enables robots to learn complex tasks, such as folding T-shirts.

  • This approach utilizes a 'Large Behavior Model' (LBM), similar to Large Language Models in AI, allowing robots to acquire new skills rapidly.

  • The technology aims to enhance robots' dexterity and adaptability, making them more effective in assisting with everyday tasks at home.

• Samsung pays $181M to become largest shareholder of Rainbow Robotics

  • Samsung Electronics has increased its stake in South Korean robotics firm from 14.7% to 35% making it the largest shareholder.

  • This move aims to accelerate the development of advanced humanoid robots by combining Samsung's AI and software.

  • Additionally, Samsung has established a Future Robotics Office, reporting directly to the CEO, to focus on next-generation robotics.

• The 6 most WTF robots at CES 2025

  • Groundbreaking robots, included Yukai Engineering's Mirumi, a cuddly, interactive bot mimicking a baby.

  • Also; Mirokai for elderly care, Tombot's robotic puppies for companionship, and John Deere's autonomous farming equipment.

  • Roborock unveiled Saros Z70, a vacuum with an arm for moving obstacles, highlighting robotics' increasing role in daily life.

CRYPTO

• Winklevoss Twins’ Gemini to Pay $5 Million to End CFTC Case

  • Gemini settled a $5 million lawsuit with the CFTC over misleading statements about Bitcoin futures.

  • The settlement avoids a trial set for January 21 and includes no admission of liability.

  • This case is part of broader regulatory efforts against the cryptocurrency industry.

• Bitcoin ETFs shrug off BlackRock’s bad day: analysts say inflows to hit $70bn in 2025

  • Bitcoin ETF inflows are projected to double their inflows in 2025.

  • BlackRock’s IBIT leads and Thursday’s record outflows are seen as a temporary hiccup.

  • Analysts predict Bitcoin will hit $200,000 in 2025.

• Current SEC crypto lawsuits could be dropped, lawyer says

  • As SEC Chair Gensler's term ends, there’s speculation about dismissing non-fraud crypto lawsuits and revising the agency's stance.

  • Future crypto regulation may focus on clearer compliance guidelines rather than restrictive measures.

  • Changes depend on new SEC leadership, likely unfolding gradually over time.

CONTENT

• Debate with a former OpenAI Research Team Lead — Prof. Kenneth Stanley

  • Prof. Kenneth Stanley was a former Research Science Manager at OpenAI and led the Open-Endedness Team from 2020-2022.

  • He coauthored "Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned," arguing that setting objectives hinders the ability to achieve them.

  • In the episode, Stanley debates the idea that superintelligent AI won't be driven by goals and discusses differing perspectives on AI doom.

• Predictions for 2025 | Prof G Markets

  • Scott Galloway shares his predictions for the year ahead, including his picks for the top investment, technology, and media platform.

  • Scott also ventures into uncharted territory with his prediction for the ‘chemical of the year.’

  • He also forecasts what could become the standout IPO of the year.

• How Europe Sabotaged Its Own Economy

  • Europe has faced nearly two decades of economic stagnation, trailing behind the USA in raw output.

  • Despite high living standards and education, the continent struggles with its innovation, immigration, industry, integration, and energy.

  • The video explores why Europe's growth has stalled, how it differs from the USA, and potential solutions to address these challenges.

AND MORE…

• Chinese Hackers Target Philippine President, Steal Military Data

  • Hackers penetrated the executive branch of the Philippines government and stole sensitive data as part of a yearslong campaign.

  • Cybersecurity experts discovered an infiltration of the executive branch and reported it to Philippine officials in 2023.

  • Some stolen documents related to dispute over the South China Sea, and most of the hacks took place from early 2023 to June 2024.

• Google calls out Microsoft for trickery over Bing’s response to ‘Google’ search query

  • Bing has been displaying a page resembling Google's homepage when users search for "Google" while logged out.

  • Google's Chrome VP/GM, Parisa Tabriz, criticized this tactic, labeling it as deceptive and part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to limit user choice.

  • This is part of a broader pattern of competitive strategies employed by Microsoft to encourage users to prefer Bing and Edge over Google.

• OpenAI is losing money on its pricey ChatGPT Pro plan, CEO Sam Altman says

  • OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admitted the company is losing money on its $200/month ChatGPT Pro plan due to higher-than-expected usage.

  • Despite raising billions, OpenAI is not yet profitable, with costs like AI training and staffing contributing to losses.

  • To reach profitability, OpenAI may increase subscription prices or explore usage-based pricing for certain services.