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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

💰 MicroStrategy snaps up 15,350 Bitcoin, growing its stash to 270,000 coins.
🌐 OpenAI’s real-time search now available to all ChatGPT users.
📹 Google DeepMind challenges OpenAI with its latest AI video generator.
🤖 Huawei pours $413M into robotics innovation to dominate the industry.
📈 Bitcoin smashes $106k milestone as Trump’s crypto-friendly agenda fuels optimism.

AI

• Google Whisk: AI generator for remixing pictures as plug-in

  • Google introduces Whisk, an AI tool enabling dynamic photo remixes directly within Chrome.

  • Users can edit and combine images for creative projects and social media.

  • Aimed at casual creators, Whisk integrates AI features into everyday browsing.

• OpenAI rolls out ChatGPT search features to all users

  • OpenAI has made real-time search capabilities available to all ChatGPT users, including free-tier subscribers.

  • The feature allows ChatGPT to access and retrieve up-to-date information from the web.

  • Previously limited to paid tiers, the update democratizes access to the latest advancements in AI tools.

• Google DeepMind unveils a new video model to rival Sora

  • Google DeepMind has launched a cutting-edge video AI model to compete with OpenAI's Sora.

  • The model aims to streamline video generation, enabling high-quality content creation with minimal input.

  • Potential applications include entertainment, education, and automated video production at scale.

ROBOTICS

• Huawei invests $413M into robotics subsidiary

  • Huawei pours $413M into its robotics unit to accelerate innovation in industrial automation.

  • Funds will enhance AI integration and expand the subsidiary’s product portfolio globally.

  • Move reflects Huawei’s strategy to diversify amid geopolitical tech competition.

• Chinese robots hit the factory floor

  • China’s industrial robot usage surges, addressing labor shortages and improving efficiency.

  • Domestic brands like Siasun and Estun ramp up production to challenge global competitors.

  • Experts see government support and AI advances driving a robotics manufacturing boom.

• A faster, better way to train robots

  • New software by US researchers speeds up robot training by combining real-world and simulated learning.

  • System adapts to diverse manufacturing tasks, reducing errors and improving efficiency.

  • Industry sees potential for broader adoption in assembly lines and logistics.

CRYPTO

• MicroStrategy adds 15,350 Bitcoin to its holdings

  • MicroStrategy invests $460M to purchase 15,350 BTC, increasing its total to 270,000 coins.

  • CEO Michael Saylor reaffirms the company’s commitment to Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset.

  • Move aligns with optimism about Bitcoin's long-term value amid market fluctuations.

• Bitcoin hits new record high of more than $106,000

  • Bitcoin reaches an all-time high, soaring past $106,000 after Trump’s election win boosted crypto optimism.

  • Trump signals a pro-crypto stance, considering a national Bitcoin stockpile and appointing crypto-friendly leaders.

  • Analysts predict Bitcoin could hit $120,000 by year-end, with speculation of $150,000 by mid-2025.

• How Trump Can Help Crypto on Day One

  • Proposal urges Trump to issue an executive order halting crypto enforcement actions on his first day as president.

  • Suggested reforms include pausing cases without fraud or national security threats and reviewing outdated regulations.

  • Advocates claim this could revive U.S. crypto leadership, making America the global crypto hub.

CONTENT

• Tech in 2025: Who's In and Who's Out

  • Nilay Patel and David Pierce predict 2025's tech winners and losers, joined by Joanna Stern.

  • Explore tech trends, Democratic Party shifts, and how AI and self-driving cars will shape the future.

  • The episode gamifies predictions with a mix of truths and intentional fabrications.

• How to Build a Big Business Without Social Media

  • Jonathan Courtney shares strategies for client growth without relying on social media.

  • Covers relationship-driven tactics like the Dream 100 and personalized gifting for lead generation.

  • Offers advice on audience engagement, from joining communities to offering valuable content.

• 2024, The Year the GPT Wrapper Myth Proved Wrong | Y Combinator

  • Lightcone hosts recap 2024's biggest startup trends, including voice AI and robotics.

  • Discuss major wins, failures, and AI coding advancements reshaping the industry.

  • Features insights on hiring shifts, YC’s in-person Demo Day, and renewed San Francisco optimism.

AND MORE…

• Europe Signs €10.6bn Iris² Satellite Deal to Rival Elon Musk’s Starlink

  • Europe secures a €10.6bn agreement for Iris², aiming to challenge Starlink's dominance.

  • The satellite system will focus on connectivity, security, and addressing digital divides.

  • EU officials call it a key step in achieving tech sovereignty and enhancing global competitiveness.

• Temu Becomes 2024’s Most Downloaded App in the U.S.

  • Temu, known for its budget-friendly shopping deals, tops the U.S. app download charts for 2024.

  • The platform combines competitive pricing with engaging gamification features to attract users.

  • Its rise highlights growing consumer interest in mobile-first, value-driven e-commerce platforms.

• Ray-Ban and Meta Smart Glasses Add Live AI Translation and Shazam

  • Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses receive upgrades, including live AI translation and Shazam song detection.

  • The new features enhance the glasses’ appeal as versatile tech gadgets for everyday tasks.

  • Meta continues to push wearable tech as a seamless extension of the user’s digital ecosystem.