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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🚀 Apptronik secures $350M to develop humanoid robots for warehouses.
🎥 YouTube integrates AI-generated video clips into Shorts using Google’s Veo 2 model.
🤖 Anthropic’s next AI model is set to launch within weeks.
💰 JPMorgan warns Tether may need to sell Bitcoin under proposed U.S. rules.
🌍 South Korea moves to lift its ban on corporate crypto trading.

AI

• YouTube Introduces AI-Generated Video Clips in Shorts

  • YouTube is integrating Google's Veo 2 AI model into its Shorts platform, allowing creators to generate and add AI-created video clips.

  • The Dream Screen feature enables users to input text prompts to generate standalone video clips.

  • Starting today, this feature is available in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with plans for broader expansion in the future.

• Anthropic's Next Major AI Model Could Arrive Within Weeks

  • Anthropic is preparing to release its next major AI model, expected to launch within the next few weeks.

  • Early reports suggest that this upcoming model outperforms OpenAI's o3-mini-high ‘reasoning’ model on certain programming tasks.

  • The release is anticipated to further intensify competition in the AI model development landscape.

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• Ex-DeepMind Scientist Launches AI Drug Discovery Venture

  • Simon Kohl, a former DeepMind scientist has launched a start-up named Latent Labs with $50 million in funding.

  • Latent Labs aims to use generative AI to design synthetic proteins for pharmaceutical applications, such as antibody treatments.

  • Unlike other AI drug discovery ventures that collaborate directly with pharmaceutical companies, Latent Labs plans to provide a generative AI

ROBOTICS

• Apptronik Raises $350 Million to Build Humanoid Robots with Help from Google

  • Apptronik has secured $350 million in Series A funding, with Google participating, to scale production of its humanoid robots.

  • The company is developing Apollo, a humanoid robot designed for warehouse and manufacturing tasks like moving packages.

  • Future applications may include elder care and healthcare, with partnerships involving Google DeepMind, Mercedes-Benz etc.

• Apple Explores Humanoid Robots

  • Apple is in the early stages of developing humanoid and non-humanoid robots as part of its smart-home ecosystem.

  • Mass production is unlikely before 2028 as the company evaluates integration and long-term viability.

  • Apple has been unusually transparent about its robotics research, possibly to attract top talent in the field.

• Neuromechanics-Inspired Control Solution Boosts Robot Adaptability

  • Researchers have developed a bio-inspired control method that enhances robot adaptability across various tasks.

  • The approach mimics human muscle co-contraction, improving stiffness modulation without complex calculations.

  • This innovation allows robots to dynamically adjust to environmental changes, increasing performance and robustness.

CRYPTO

• JPMorgan Says Tether May Need to Sell Bitcoin Under New U.S. Stablecoin Rules

  • JPMorgan analysts estimate that only 66%–83% of Tether's reserves comply with proposed U.S. stablecoin regulations.

  • Tether's CEO, Paolo Ardoino, responded by labeling the analysts as "salty," defending the company's reserve practices.

  • The proposed regulations aim to increase transparency and stability in the stablecoin market, impacting major issuers like Tether.

• Semler Scientific Chairman Suggests Zoom Should Embrace Bitcoin Strategy

  • Eric Semler, Chairman of Semler Scientific, recommends that Zoom invest in Bitcoin to revitalize growth and enhance shareholder value.

  • He notes that Zoom's substantial cash reserves could position it as a significant corporate Bitcoin holder.

  • Semler Scientific adopted a Bitcoin treasury strategy last year, accumulating 3,192 BTC worth $305 million.

• South Korea to Start Lifting Ban on Corporations Trading Crypto

  • South Korea plans to lift a ban preventing institutions from trading cryptocurrencies, in place since 2017.

  • Non-profit organizations will be allowed to sell virtual assets by the first half of the year.

  • The move reflects increasing domestic demand for blockchain-related businesses and aligns with global trends.

CONTENT

• Tips for Building AI Agents

  • Anthropic's experts discuss the potential and challenges of developing AI agents, offering practical advice for developers.

  • They cover topics such as defining AI agents, crafting effective prompts, and identifying useful applications.

  • The conversation also touches on the future landscape of AI agents and the importance of preparing for evolving technologies.

• OpenAI Chairman on Elon Musk Bid and the Future of AI Agents

  • Bret Taylor, co-founder of Sierra and chairman of OpenAI, discusses current capabilities and future developments of AI agents.

  • He addresses the implications of Elon Musk's bid to acquire OpenAI and the organization's strategic direction.

  • Taylor emphasizes the importance of responsible AI development and the potential impact of AI agents on various industries.

• DeepSeek Computer Use AI Agents are INSANE

  • The video introduces DeepSeek's AI agents, highlighting their capabilities in automating tasks and enhancing productivity.

  • It provides a step-by-step guide on setting up and utilizing these agents for various applications.

  • The discussion includes potential use cases and the benefits of integrating DeepSeek's AI agents into workflows.

AND MORE…

• How Trump's 'Strategic Bitcoin Reserve' Could Affect the Economy in 2025

  • President Trump's proposal for a strategic Bitcoin reserve aims to hedge against inflation and accelerate cryptocurrency adoption.

  • By establishing such a reserve, the U.S. could bolster Bitcoin's legitimacy, potentially encouraging other nations.

  • However, concerns about Bitcoin's volatility and its impact on the economy persist among critics.

• Alibaba Confirms Apple Deal Bringing AI Features to iPhones in China

  • Alibaba has announced a partnership with Apple to integrate AI capabilities into iPhones sold in China.

  • This collaboration aims to help Apple regain market share in China, where it faces stiff competition from local smartphone manufacturers.

  • The partnership reflects Apple's strategy to comply with local regulations by collaborating with Chinese firms for AI integration.

• OpenAI Releases Expanded Model Spec Addressing Controversial Topics

  • OpenAI has published a 63-page Model Spec outlining guidelines for handling controversial topics in its AI models.

  • The document emphasizes customizability, transparency, and intellectual freedom.

  • OpenAI invites public feedback on these guidelines, aiming to refine AI behavior in sensitive discussions.