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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🧵 a16z invests $24M in Raspberry AI to transform fashion design workflows.
🚗 Mercedes partners with Google for an advanced virtual assistant in its next vehicles.
🇬🇧 UK reveals an ambitious AI strategy with supercomputing and global talent attraction.
🤖 Japan’s moon rover-inspired robot supports aging farmers with crop monitoring.
📉 Bitcoin drops below $90K, reflecting fears of Fed rate hikes and U.S. Bitcoin sales.

AI

• Raspberry AI raises $24M to accelerate fashion design

  • The company secured $24 million from Andreessen Horowitz to advance AI-driven fashion design.

  • The funding will help streamline design processes and bring AI capabilities to more brands globally.

  • Raspberry AI aims to revolutionize the industry by enabling faster and more innovative design workflows.

• Mercedes-Benz partners with Google for next-gen virtual assistant

  • Mercedes integrated Google’s conversational AI into its new MB.OS operating system.

  • The updated MBUX Virtual Assistant offers natural, context-aware interactions for smoother driving experiences.

  • The upcoming Mercedes CLA will be the first vehicle to showcase this cutting-edge AI assistant.

• UK unveils strategy to lead global AI innovation

  • The UK has announced plans to expand supercomputing, create AI growth zones, and enhance public sector AI use.

  • The strategy prioritizes education, training, and attracting global talent to fuel AI research and development.

  • Officials aim to position the UK as a global leader in artificial intelligence with robust national investments.

ROBOTICS

• Moon rover-inspired robot tackles Japan’s farming challenges

  • Kisui Tech’s AI-assisted robot ‘Adam’ helps Japan’s aging farmers with tasks like transporting produce and spraying pesticides.

  • Inspired by lunar rovers, the robot navigates uneven terrain, offering solutions for declining agricultural labor.

  • Kisui Tech is also developing a platform to give farmers real-time insights into crops, diseases, and farm management.

• Multiverse simulation engine predicts futures for AI training

  • Nvidia’s Cosmos platform generates synthetic data to train robots and autonomous vehicles using real-world physics.

  • By simulating every possible future scenario, the platform helps AI systems adapt to complex environments.

  • Cosmos aims to democratize robotics development with open-source tools for training humanoids and self-driving cars.

• CES showcases cutting-edge robot vacuums for 2025

  • Roborock and Dreame unveiled vacuums with robotic arms that can move objects and clean more efficiently.

  • Features like retractable lidar, extending mops, and StarSight navigation enhance cleaning capabilities.

  • Innovations focus on better obstacle navigation and multi-room cleaning with minimal human intervention.

CRYPTO

• Jamie Dimon criticizes Bitcoin as the 'criminals’ choice'

  • JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon reiterated his criticism of Bitcoin, claiming it is widely used for illegal activities.

  • Dimon highlighted Bitcoin's lack of intrinsic value but acknowledged the potential of blockchain technology.

  • He emphasized that JPMorgan uses blockchain while maintaining his skepticism about cryptocurrencies overall.

• Bitcoin dips below $90k amid market uncertainty

  • Bitcoin's price dropped below $90,000 for the first time since November, reflecting heightened market volatility.

  • Concerns about potential Fed rate hikes and the U.S. government's Bitcoin sales contributed to the decline.

  • Analysts note that market uncertainty is likely to persist as investors react to macroeconomic developments.

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• 2025 poised to be a pivotal year for crypto ETFs

  • The success of spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024, attracting $65 billion, has sparked optimism for further crypto ETFs.

  • Pro-crypto sentiments in the new administration could lead to relaxed regulations and more investment products.

  • Experts predict that an expanded ETF market could drive wider adoption and new capital into cryptocurrencies.

CONTENT

• CES 2025 roundtable: AI, robots, and more

  • The Verge team discusses standout CES trends, including smart glasses, AI chatbots, and home robots.

  • Notable products include the Circular Ring 2, portable TVs like LG’s StanByME 2, and innovative laptops.

  • The roundtable highlights under-the-radar tech like wildlife cameras and experimental audio technologies.

• NVIDIA CEO discusses AI, robotics, and future tech

  • Jensen Huang explores NVIDIA’s innovations, including Cosmos and Omniverse, for virtual robot training.

  • He details advancements in autonomous vehicles, emphasizing Toyota partnerships and safety systems.

  • Huang discusses AI's transformative role across industries and offers advice for aspiring tech professionals.

• FTC chair Lina Khan reflects on tenure and big tech challenges

  • Lina Khan reviews her time at the FTC, focusing on monopoly powers, AI regulation, and tech industry oversight.

  • She addresses cases like Microsoft-Activision and previews potential policy shifts under a Trump administration.

  • Khan highlights the importance of antitrust enforcement, feedback-driven policymaking, and non-compete reforms.

AND MORE…

• Biden’s new AI rules spark concerns among chipmakers

  • The Biden administration introduced rules limiting AI chip exports to over 120 countries, citing national security.

  • Chip stocks like Nvidia and Micron fell, while critics argue the rules may benefit China’s AI competitiveness.

  • The incoming Trump administration is expected to reverse these policies, potentially boosting U.S. chipmakers.

• Adobe’s Firefly AI expands with bulk creation tools

  • Adobe launched the Firefly Bulk Create API to automate high-volume content creation for developers and businesses.

  • The API supports rapid generation of images and text effects, improving workflow efficiency and consistency.

  • This expansion solidifies Adobe’s position as a leader in AI-powered creative tools for modern content needs.

• Bitcoin mining difficulty hits a historic high

  • Mining difficulty for Bitcoin has reached 110 trillion, marking the eighth consecutive increase and a record high.

  • The rise highlights network security and strong miner participation despite ongoing market challenges.

  • Growing competition among miners may impact profitability, especially for those with older or less efficient hardware.