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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🎥 xAI acquires Hotshot, an AI video startup, to compete with OpenAI’s Sora.
📂 OpenAI tests ChatGPT Connectors, linking AI to Google Drive and Slack.
🤖 China’s PM01 humanoid robot wows audiences with Kung Fu Hustle dance.
💰 Russia proposes crypto access for ‘specially qualified’ high-net-worth investors.
📉 Tariff policies raise stagflation fears, with the S&P 500 entering correction territory.

AI

• Elon Musk's xAI Acquires AI Video Startup Hotshot

  • xAI has acquired Hotshot, a startup specializing in AI-powered video generation tools for content creation.

  • Hotshot has developed three video foundation models: Hotshot-XL, Hotshot Act One, and Hotshot.

  • The acquisition positions xAI to compete with OpenAI’s Sora in the AI-driven video generation space.

• OpenAI to Test ChatGPT Connectors for Google Drive and Slack

  • OpenAI will beta test ChatGPT Connectors, allowing users to link ChatGPT with Google Drive and Slack.

  • The integration enables AI to access and analyze files, spreadsheets, and conversations for better insights.

  • Future expansions could support Microsoft SharePoint, Box, and other workplace collaboration tools.

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• Zoom Introduces AI Companion in Latest Update

  • Zoom has launched an AI Companion feature to enhance productivity during virtual meetings.

  • The AI offers real-time assistance, summarizing discussions, generating action items, and answering queries.

  • The update aims to improve efficiency for businesses and remote teams using Zoom’s platform.

ROBOTICS

• China's Humanoid Robot Stuns with Perfect Kung Fu Hustle Dance

  • EngineAI's PM01 humanoid robot impressed audiences by flawlessly performing Kung Fu Hustle dance moves.

  • The performance blends robotics and Hong Kong cinema, showcasing advancements in humanoid motion control.

  • The viral video highlights China's progress in AI-driven robotics and entertainment applications.

• MIT's Artificial Muscle Flexes in Multiple Directions

  • MIT engineers have developed artificial muscle tissue that can flex and twitch in multiple directions.

  • This breakthrough allows soft robots to mimic organic movement with greater agility and coordination.

  • The technology paves the way for more responsive, adaptive robotic applications in healthcare and industry.

• Figure BotQ: Factory Robots That Build Other Robots

  • Figure’s BotQ system enables factory robots to construct other robots with minimal oversight autonomously.

  • This innovation streamlines production, reducing costs and human intervention in industrial automation.

  • The technology accelerates the shift toward fully autonomous robotic manufacturing ecosystems.

CRYPTO

• Russian Central Bank Proposes Crypto Investments for Wealthy Individuals

  • Russia’s central bank proposes allowing ‘specially qualified’ investors to participate in cryptocurrency markets.

  • Eligible individuals must have securities and deposits over 100M roubles or earn 50M roubles annually.

  • The plan aims to improve market transparency while keeping crypto banned as a legal payment method.

• Elon Musk’s DOGE Initiative Faces Backlash Amid Government Overhaul

  • Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency aims to cut federal spending by up to $2 trillion.

  • The initiative faces lawsuits over workforce reductions and contract eliminations affecting public services.

  • Musk’s comments on cutting Social Security and entitlements have intensified political opposition.

• Stagflation Concerns Rise Amid Tariff Policies

  • Trump’s aggressive tariffs have led to economic uncertainty, with the S&P 500 falling into correction territory.

  • The Federal Reserve is preparing revised projections, warning of lower growth and rising recession risks.

  • Analysts criticize the administration’s economic strategies, citing investor concerns over policy instability.

CONTENT

• NVIDIA In Crisis. Elon's Grok 3 to the Rescue.

  • Jeffrey Emanuel discusses his viral report predicting NVIDIA’s stock drop, which led to a record $600B loss.

  • He explores how Elon Musk’s AI firm, xAI, and its latest model, Grok 3, could disrupt the AI market.

  • The conversation highlights the increasing role of AI infrastructure in reshaping tech investments.

• Ray Dalio and Salesforce’s Benioff on AI, Trade Wars, and the New World Order

  • Ray Dalio warns that the U.S. must cut its deficit from 7.2% to 3% of GDP to avoid a debt crisis.

  • Marc Benioff predicts AI will transform business, calling digital labor the most significant tech shift.

  • The discussion covers economic uncertainty, U.S.-China tensions, and the future of global trade.

• Dylan Field: Exploring the Idea Maze, Vibe Coding, and the Power of ‘Locking In’

  • Figma CEO Dylan Field discusses AI’s impact on design and the evolution of collaborative tools.

  • He reflects on Figma’s early struggles, overcoming skepticism, and the company’s first major features.

  • The conversation explores 'vibe coding,’ creative workflows, and the importance of deep focus.

AND MORE…

• ReactWise Accelerates Drug Manufacturing with AI

  • YC-backed ReactWise is using AI to optimize chemical processes, making drug production up to 30 times faster.

  • The AI copilot reduces trial-and-error, allowing for quicker scaling from lab discoveries to clinical trials.

  • The startup aims to revolutionize pharmaceutical manufacturing by improving efficiency and lowering costs.

• Travis Kalanick’s Vision Beyond Ghost Kitchens

  • Travis Kalanick’s CloudKitchens is expanding beyond food delivery real estate into AI-powered meal logistics.

  • He envisions predictive meal planning and automation, optimizing food production, and reducing waste.

  • The company aims to reshape the restaurant industry with AI-driven kitchen operations and efficiency.

• Standard Chartered Predicts Ethereum’s Structural Decline

  • Standard Chartered forecasts Ethereum’s price will decline through 2025 due to market and regulatory shifts.

  • Analysts cite increasing competition, investor caution, and evolving financial trends as key risk factors.

  • The report raises concerns about Ethereum’s long-term stability amid uncertainty in global crypto markets.