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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

💰 OpenAI debuts o1-pro, its priciest AI model with premium performance.
🤖 Nvidia buys Gretel to expand its AI synthetic data training capabilities.
🚗 Mercedes-Benz tests humanoid robots to assist in car production.
🪙 Bitcoin surges past $85K after the Fed maintains rates and signals cuts ahead.
📉 Treasury expands financial surveillance, raising concerns for crypto regulations.

AI

• OpenAI's o1-pro is the company's most expensive AI model yet

  • OpenAI launched o1-pro, an advanced version of its o1 AI model, designed to provide more accurate responses.

  • Pricing is set at $150 per million input tokens and $600 per million output tokens, significantly higher than in previous models.

  • Despite enhancements, early user feedback suggests that o1-pro's improvements over the standard o1 model are marginal in some tasks.

• Nvidia reportedly acquires synthetic data startup Gretel

  • Nvidia acquired Gretel, a San Diego-based AI training startup, for a nine-figure sum above its $320M valuation.

  • Gretel’s 80-person team will integrate into Nvidia, strengthening its suite of generative AI services for developers.

  • The deal aligns with Nvidia’s push to offer tools for realistic, privacy-preserving datasets, addressing AI data scarcity.

• Andor creator refuses to publish scripts thanks to AI

  • Tony Gilroy, creator of Andor, won’t publish scripts to prevent their use in AI training without consent.

  • His stance reflects rising concerns over AI models utilizing copyrighted content without permission.

  • The move fuels debates on AI ethics and protections against unauthorized exploitation of creative work.

ROBOTICS

• Mercedes-Benz trains humanoid robots to aid workers in car-making

  • Mercedes-Benz is testing Apptronik's ‘Apollo' humanoid robots to assist workers with moving parts and quality control.

  • The robots are deployed at the Digital Factory Campus in Berlin and a plant in Hungary, and there are plans for expansion.

  • This initiative aims to address labor shortages and boost efficiency by automating repetitive, hazardous tasks.

• A squirrel-inspired robot that can leap from limb to limb

  • UC Berkeley researchers developed Salto, a one-legged robot mimicking squirrel agility by leaping onto narrow perches.

  • It uses control strategies observed in squirrels to navigate tough environments, aiding search-and-rescue operations.

  • This tech could lead to more agile robots capable of traversing areas difficult for existing robotic systems.

• E-waste turned into smart DIY robot to teach kids robotics

  • A robotics enthusiast built ‘Esghati,’ a smart robot made from e-waste to teach children about robotics affordably.

  • The robot includes features like a camera and face recognition, showcasing repurposed materials as functional devices.

  • The project promotes sustainability by reducing e-waste while offering accessible STEM learning opportunities.

CRYPTO

• Bitcoin Reclaims $85K Following Fed Decision; Analyst Urges Caution

  • Bitcoin surged past $85K after the Fed held rates steady, boosting investor confidence in risk assets like crypto.

  • The Fed signaled potential rate cuts by year-end, aligning with a stock market rally and increased market optimism.

  • Despite bullish sentiment, analysts warn of volatility, citing economic uncertainties and unpredictable crypto swings.

• Treasury Expands Financial Surveillance of Cash Transactions—What About Crypto?

  • The U.S. Treasury tightened cash transaction surveillance to combat money laundering, raising concerns in crypto.

  • The move fuels speculation that stricter crypto regulations may follow, increasing compliance risks for exchanges.

  • The industry expects clearer guidelines as regulators weigh security concerns against financial innovation.

• Coinbase Stock a Buy With Over 60% Upside Amid Trump’s New Crypto Regime

  • Bernstein rated Coinbase ‘outperform’ with a $310 target, citing regulatory shifts favoring U.S. crypto adoption.

  • Analysts say Coinbase is positioned to benefit from mainstream integration and shifting political sentiment.

  • Expected regulatory clarity may reduce uncertainty, strengthening Coinbase’s market position and growth outlook.

CONTENT

• Why Can't AI Make Its Own Discoveries?

  • Yann LeCun, Meta’s chief AI scientist, discusses AI models' limitations, focusing on their lack of abstract understanding.

  • He argues AI systems must develop world models to predict and understand reality, moving beyond basic data processing.

  • LeCun dismisses fears of superintelligent AI, saying risks are exaggerated and humans will remain in control.

• An Unfiltered Conversation with Dwarkesh Patel

  • Dwarkesh Patel, host of the Dwarkesh Podcast, discusses AI's societal impact and its rapid evolution over two years.

  • The conversation explores AI-generated content, infinite dimensionality, and maintaining human authenticity in an AI world.

  • Topics also include fully automated firms, AI’s explosive growth, and its influence on the future of work.

• How AI Models Steal Creative Work — and What to Do About It

  • Ed Newton-Rex warns generative AI often uses unlicensed creative work as training data, threatening artists' livelihoods.

  • He proposes a licensing model ensuring fair pay for creators, allowing AI companies and artists to coexist.

  • Newton-Rex stresses the need to balance AI progress with ethical protections for creative industries.

AND MORE…

• Real professionals delivering real impact with zero hiring risk*

  • Hire industry experts who know how to drive growth, instead of unreliable virtual assistants with no track record.

  • Enjoy risk-free hiring with no upfront costs, paying only when you find the right professional for your team.

  • Scale your business efficiently with pre-vetted professionals, ensuring high performance and seamless team integration from day one.

• Microsoft Appoints Kathleen Hogan as Chief Strategy Officer

  • Microsoft promoted Kathleen Hogan, former chief people officer, to chief strategy officer, reflecting its AI-driven direction.

  • In her new role, Hogan will guide Microsoft's strategy, collaborating with leadership to navigate technological shifts.

  • The move aligns with Microsoft's efforts to adapt to rapid industry changes, particularly in the AI era.

• AI Researchers Question Tech Industry's 'Scaling' Approach to Achieving AGI

  • A recent survey shows 76% of AI researchers doubt scaling current models alone will lead to artificial general intelligence.

  • Despite major investments, experts believe increasing model size may not be enough for real AI breakthroughs.

  • Findings highlight the need for alternative approaches beyond scaling to reach true AGI capabilities.

• Synchron Integrates Nvidia AI into Brain-Computer Interface

  • Synchron integrated Nvidia's AI into its brain-computer interface, improving signal decoding speed and accuracy.

  • The technology allows paralyzed individuals to control devices using thought, enhancing their interaction with tech.

  • Synchron plans to build a cognitive AI model using brain data to further enhance BCI functionality.