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 invests $3B in India, targeting AI-driven advancements.
🤖 Nvidia’s Cosmos AI helps robots and autonomous cars self-learn and adapt.
🏖️ Thailand tests crypto payments in Phuket, boosting tourism with Bitcoin.
📉 Bitcoin drops below $93,000 as inflation fears heighten economic uncertainty.
🧠 Omi AI wearable redefines emotional support devices.

AI

• Microsoft Backs Its $3B AI Push in India with Public and Private Sector Deals

  • Microsoft is investing $3 billion in India, targeting partnerships with public and private sectors to enhance AI development and adoption.

  • The initiative includes collaborations in education, agriculture, and healthcare, aiming to modernize industries with advanced AI solutions.

  • The move reinforces Microsoft's strategy to position India as a global AI hub while driving regional digital transformation.

• Omi AI: Wearable Friend and Companion

  • Yukai Engineering unveils ‘Omi AI,’ a wearable device designed as a personal companion offering real-time emotional support and interaction.

  • Omi combines advanced AI with biometrics to recognize emotions, suggest activities, and maintain conversational engagement.

  • The innovative device aims to redefine wearables as emotionally intelligent companions, catering to mental health needs.

• AI Is Helping Scientists Predict Virus Evolutions

  • AI models like CoVFit and EVEscape are being used to forecast viral evolution, improving vaccine and antiviral design.

  • Tools trained on vast SARS-CoV-2 datasets predict viral fitness and mutation combinations, aiding future pandemic preparedness.

  • Challenges remain in forecasting long-term mutation patterns, but advances promise transformative applications.

ROBOTICS

• This Tiny Robot Cat Will Blow on Your Coffee to Cool It Off

  • Yukai Engineering unveils a palm-sized robot cat at CES 2025 that interacts playfully, including blowing on hot beverages.

  • The robot features temperature sensors and reactive behaviors, showcasing advancements in cute, practical robotics.

  • Designed for companionship and utility, it highlights the trend toward emotionally intelligent and functional consumer robots.

• Serve Robotics Raises Additional $80M as It Scales Sidewalk Delivery Robots

  • The company secured $80M in funding to expand its autonomous sidewalk delivery services in urban areas.

  • The investment supports deployment growth, new partnerships, and improvements in safety and efficiency for last-mile logistics.

  • The company leads in the delivery robotics market, emphasizing scalability and cost reduction for local deliveries.

• Nvidia Cosmos AI Helps Robots and Self-Driving Cars Get Smarter

  • Nvidia debuts ‘Cosmos AI’, a platform enabling robots and autonomous vehicles to self-learn and adapt in real time.

  • By integrating advanced perception, reasoning, and decision-making tools, Cosmos elevates autonomous system performance.

  • The initiative underscores Nvidia's commitment to empowering diverse AI-driven applications in robotics and mobility.

CRYPTO

• Thailand Pilots Crypto Payments for Tourists in Phuket

  • Thailand is testing crypto payments in Phuket, allowing tourists to use Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

  • The initiative aims to boost tourism and provide seamless payment options for visitors.

  • Deputy Prime Minister ensures the program complies with Thailand's legal frameworks.

• Ripple's President Hints at Imminent XRP ETF Amid RLUSD Expansion

  • President Monica Long teases a potential XRP-based ETF, reflecting growing institutional interest.

  • Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin sees expanded adoption on XRP Ledger and Ethereum blockchains.

  • This move aligns with Ripple's mission to modernize global financial systems.

• Bitcoin Falls Below $93,000 Amid Inflation Concerns

  • Bitcoin's price drops below $93,000 due to macroeconomic concerns about inflation.

  • Investors react to mixed economic data, causing heightened market volatility.

  • Analysts predict short-term pressure on Bitcoin amidst continued inflation jitters.

CONTENT

• LIVE: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella On How AI Is Reshaping Lives & Work Everywhere

  • Satya Nadella highlights AI’s role in transforming industries globally, including workforce shifts and regional advancements.

  • Microsoft’s leaders discuss strategies for adapting to AI-driven innovation, emphasizing tools for businesses to thrive.

  • Nadella outlines Microsoft's pivotal role in enabling global AI leadership while addressing workforce transformation challenges.

• Nvidia CEO Presents The Next ChatGPT Moment

  • Jensen Huang introduces groundbreaking developments like the RTX Blackwell Series and NVIDIA Cosmos for robotics and enterprise AI.

  • Key topics include AI scaling, agentic AI solutions, and the integration of AI assistants into everyday technology.

  • Nvidia's advancements in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and AI supercomputers mark the next wave of innovation.

• TWIST News: Fusion, Rural Investment, and Applied AI | E2068

  • Sam Altman discusses the potential of fusion energy alongside U.S. oil production and innovations in energy risk-taking.

  • Ro Khanna promotes rural business subsidies, debating their long-term impact on economic revitalization and infrastructure.

  • Cybersecurity concerns regarding Chinese hacking into U.S. infrastructure and domestic production challenges are explored.

AND MORE…

• This Could Be Your AI Robot Girlfriend for $175,000

  • A $175,000 AI-powered robot companion, MirAI, offers advanced conversational and emotional interaction capabilities.

  • The robot is marketed for companionship, with developers emphasizing ethical considerations and customization options.

  • Critics highlight ethical concerns about human dependency on AI and the potential for misuse of such technology.

• AI Could Replace Over 300 Million Jobs by 2030

  • Analysts predict that AI advancements could displace over 300 million jobs globally, particularly in administrative and service roles.

  • Governments and companies face pressure to provide reskilling programs and ensure equitable access to AI-era opportunities.

  • Despite job losses, AI could create new industries, fostering economic growth if properly managed.

• ChatGPT Creator Denies Sister's Childhood Rape Claim

  • Ann Altman accuses her brother, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, of sexual abuse between 1997 and 2006 in a lawsuit filed in Missouri.

  • Sam Altman denies the claims, citing efforts to support his sister financially while managing her mental health challenges.

  • The allegations have drawn significant media attention, given Altman's prominence as a tech leader and innovator.