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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

👾 Musk and investors offer $97.4B to take control of OpenAI.
🔍 Google-backed AI partnership launches with $400M+ to support open research.
🤖 MIT unveils robotic insect drones that fly faster and longer than previous models.
⚖️ Trump’s new tariffs create uncertainty for Bitcoin, Ether, and Dogecoin.
💰 Bitcoin mining difficulty hits another all-time high, raising concerns for miners.

AI

• Elon Musk-Led Group Makes $97.4 Billion Bid for Control of OpenAI

  • Elon Musk and investors have made an unsolicited $97.4 billion bid to acquire the nonprofit entity controlling OpenAI.

  • The offer challenges Sam Altman's leadership, who quickly rejected it, reaffirming that no individual can control OpenAI.

  • Musk's group, including xAI, is prepared to match higher bids and seeks fair compensation for the nonprofit's assets.

• Google AI Chief Says DeepSeek's Cost Claims Are 'Exaggerated'

  • Google's AI Chief expressed skepticism over DeepSeek's claim of developing its AI system for under $6 million.

  • He labeled the figure as "exaggerated and a little bit misleading," questioning the cost-efficiency of their model.

  • This statement adds to discussions about the competitive landscape between major tech companies and emerging AI firms.

• Google-Backed Public Interest AI Partnership Launches

  • A new public interest AI partnership, backed by Google, has been launched with over $400 million pledged.

  • The initiative aims to promote collaboration and transparency in AI research and development.

  • It seeks to ensure that advancements in artificial intelligence benefit the broader public and adhere to ethical standards.

ROBOTICS

• MIT builds swarms of tiny robotic insect drones that can fly faster

  • MIT scientists have developed robotic insects capable of flying 100 times longer than earlier models, enhancing their endurance and agility.

  • These drones are designed to assist in pollination, potentially increasing crop yields without environmental harm.

  • The improved design reduces wing stress during flight, making them lighter and more efficient.

• China registers over 450,000 smart robotics firms

  • As of December 2024, China has registered 451,700 companies in the intelligent robotics sector, with a total capital of 6.44 trillion yuan.

  • This marks a 206.73% increase since 2020, indicating rapid growth in the industry.

  • The majority of these firms are concentrated in scientific research, IT services, and wholesale & retail businesses.

• From bridges to oil and defense, robots fix on aging infrastructure

  • Robots are increasingly being used to inspect and maintain aging infrastructure, such as bridges, oil rigs, and defense facilities.

  • These machines can access hard-to-reach areas, improving safety and efficiency in maintenance tasks.

  • The adoption of robotics in infrastructure management is expected to grow, addressing challenges posed by deteriorating structures.

CRYPTO

• New Trump Tariffs Spell Caution for Bitcoin, Ether, Dogecoin Bets

  • President Trump's new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports introduce economic uncertainty, potentially escalating trade wars.

  • Such events tend to impact bitcoin and the broader crypto market as investors move away from risk assets to safer investments.

  • Ether could be further impacted as sentiment for crypto fades, adding to an already tumultuous year for the asset.

• Supreme Court lawyer Tom Goldstein rearrested

  • Tom Goldstein, a prominent Supreme Court lawyer, was rearrested after allegedly transferring millions in undisclosed cryptocurrency.

  • Prosecutors argue these hidden assets indicate a potential plan to flee, leading to his detention as a serious flight risk.

  • Goldstein faces multiple tax-related charges linked to his poker career and is now held in federal custody pending trial.

• Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Rises to Yet Another All-Time High

  • Bitcoin's mining difficulty has reached a new all-time high, increasing the computational power required to mine new blocks.

  • This rise in difficulty can strain mining companies' profits and may lead to selling pressure in the market.

  • The increased difficulty reflects the growing competition among miners and the network's commitment to maintaining a consistent rate.

CONTENT

• OpenAI researcher on why soft skills are the future of work

  • Karina Nguyen, an OpenAI researcher, discusses how soft skills are becoming crucial as AI reshapes industries and the workforce.

  • She explains how OpenAI builds products, the role of synthetic data, and differences in approach between OpenAI and Anthropic.

  • The conversation covers AI’s impact on creativity, trust-building in AI models, and how soft skills will shape future AI-driven careers.

• Will OpenAI Go Open Source? (Clip)

  • The Startup Podcast explores how DeepSeek’s rapid rise in AI development has influenced OpenAI’s approach to openness.

  • Hosts debate whether OpenAI might move toward open-source models or maintain its competitive edge with proprietary tech.

  • The discussion highlights strategic moves by AI companies to balance innovation, transparency, and monetization.

• Deepseek is Not a Threat to OpenAI

  • Snowflake CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy argues that DeepSeek does not pose a serious threat to OpenAI’s dominance in AI.

  • He provides insights into Snowflake’s AI strategy, the competitive landscape, and lessons from Google's advertising growth.

  • The episode explores AI’s impact on business sustainability, investment trends, and innovation in enterprise software.

AND MORE…

• Apple gets into AI: all the news on iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and more

  • Apple has introduced the Apple Intelligence suite in iOS 18, featuring generative AI tools like Image Playground and ChatGPT integration.

  • The update includes writing tools that allow users to rewrite text in various styles, enhancing user experience.

  • iPadOS 18 now features a calculator app and equation-solving capabilities in notes, while watchOS 11 monitors for sleep apnea.

• 81,478 leaders in tech read this*

  • Busy leaders at Microsoft, Spotify, OpenAI, and more trust Memorandum for daily insights that cut through the noise.

  • Join the 81k+ readers staying ahead of the competition with concise, high-value updates.

  • Sign up here for free and see what it's all about.

• Macron urges Europe to fix its regulations to get back into the AI race

  • French President Emmanuel Macron advocates for streamlined European regulations to enhance competitiveness in AI development.

  • He emphasizes the need for increased investment and collaboration among European nations to keep pace with global advancements.

  • Macron highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for AI innovation within Europe.

• Is AI making us dumb?

  • The article explores concerns that reliance on AI tools may diminish human cognitive abilities and critical thinking.

  • It discusses the potential for AI to oversimplify complex tasks, leading to a decrease in problem-solving skills.

  • The piece calls for a balanced approach to AI integration, ensuring it complements rather than replaces human intelligence.