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, SoftBank, and Oracle invest $500B in AI data centers.
💸 Trump pardons Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, sparking controversy.
🌱 Microsoft secures a $200M deal for carbon credits.
🤖 Scientists introduce the world’s smallest biomedical robot.
📱 Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series debuts with AI-powered enhancements.

AI

• Google introduces Gemini AI extensions for multiple apps

  • Google’s Gemini AI can now integrate with multiple apps, enhancing functionality across Google Workspace and third-party services.

  • The update includes new features like improved contextual awareness and deeper app integrations for smarter automation.

  • Samsung’s Bixby will leverage Gemini AI for its ‘Circle to Search’ feature, enhancing search capabilities on Galaxy devices.

• OpenAI Teams Up With SoftBank and Oracle on $500B Project

  • OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle are partnering on the Stargate Project, a massive AI data center initiative starting in Texas.

  • The project aims to invest up to $500 billion over four years, creating jobs and enhancing U.S. AI infrastructure.

  • Microsoft, Nvidia, and Arm are also involved, with plans to scale to 20 data centers by 2029.

• Microsoft secures deal to restore rainforest and offset AI emissions

  • Microsoft will purchase 3.5 million carbon credits from Brazilian startup Re.green to offset emissions from its growing AI-driven data centers.

  • The $200 million deal supports Microsoft's goal to become carbon negative by 2030, as its carbon footprint has surged 40% since 2020.

  • Microsoft has also invested in other reforestation projects, including a 1.5 million carbon credit purchase from Mombak.

ROBOTICS

• World’s smallest multifunctional biomedical robot unveiled

  • Scientists have developed a micro-scale biomedical robot capable of navigating the human body for medical procedures.

  • The tiny robot can perform tasks such as tissue sampling, targeted drug delivery, and real-time health monitoring.

  • Researchers aim to refine the technology for clinical use, potentially revolutionizing minimally invasive medical treatments.

• Tiny insect-like robot can flip, loop, and hover for up to 15 minutes

  • Engineers have created a small flying robot inspired by insects that can perform complex aerial maneuvers with remarkable agility.

  • The robot's lightweight design and energy-efficient wings allow it to hover and navigate tight spaces for extended periods.

  • Potential applications include environmental monitoring, search-and-rescue missions, and surveillance in hazardous areas.

• Humanoid robots will help build iPhones at Foxconn factories

  • Foxconn plans to integrate humanoid robots into its production lines to enhance efficiency and reduce labor costs in iPhone manufacturing.

  • The robots, equipped with advanced AI and dexterous capabilities, will handle complex assembly tasks with precision.

  • This automation push aligns with Apple's broader efforts to streamline production and reduce reliance on human labor.

CRYPTO

• Trump Pardons Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht

  • President Trump has pardoned Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road, vacating his life sentence after a decade in prison.

  • Ulbricht's case has been a major point of contention in crypto circles, with advocates arguing he was unfairly targeted.

  • Critics argue the pardon undermines law enforcement efforts to combat illicit online marketplaces.

• Bitcoin Price Braces for Huge Trump Earthquake

  • Bitcoin surges past $100,000 as traders anticipate a major market shift following Trump’s crypto-friendly policies, including a bitcoin reserve.

  • Trump’s pardon of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht has reignited bullish sentiment.

  • Market analysts predict Trump’s administration could accelerate mainstream bitcoin adoption, challenging China's dominance.

• Coinbase Pushes for Clarity on Crypto Regulation

  • Coinbase has filed an appeal urging the court to clarify whether crypto trading should be regulated as securities.

  • The company argues that the lack of regulatory clarity hampers industry growth and investor protection.

  • The SEC has been directed to further explain its rejection of Coinbase's request for clearer crypto rules.

CONTENT

• The Future of Foundation Models with George Sivulka

  • Hebbia CEO George Sivulka discusses the evolution of AI foundation models and the impact of scaling laws.

  • Sivulka shares insights on raising $130M in Series B funding from investors like a16z and Peter Thiel.

  • Key topics include AI job displacement, geopolitical influences, and lessons from working with major investors.

• TikTok Trolls USA + Trump’s Crypto Scam and OpenAI's Agent Strategy

  • The Startup Podcast explores TikTok's uncertain US future and Trump's new cryptocurrency launch.

  • Discussion covers OpenAI's O3 mini model, AI agents, and their impact on venture capital.

  • Guests analyze how these developments influence tech founders, investors, and social media regulation.

• AI: The Greatest Investment Opportunity Ever

  • Tech analyst Farzad discusses why AI is the most significant investment opportunity today.

  • Topics include Tesla’s AI advancements, industry disruption, and the rise of humanoid robots.

  • Insights into AI’s potential in automation, supply chain management, and financial markets.

AND MORE…

• Paralyzed Man Controls Virtual Drone With Mind

  • A paralyzed man successfully piloted a virtual drone using a brain-computer interface, marking a major milestone in neurotechnology.

  • The experiment involved implanting electrodes into the brain, allowing thought-based control of the drone in a simulated environment.

  • Researchers see this breakthrough as a potential foundation for restoring mobility for individuals with severe disabilities.

• Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Changes Stance on Crypto

  • Berkshire Hathaway has increased its stake in Brazil’s Nu Holdings, a digital bank with significant cryptocurrency exposure.

  • Despite Buffett’s past criticisms of crypto, the firm now holds over 86 million shares in Nu, valued at nearly $1.2 billion.

  • Analysts suggest the move reflects a shift in Berkshire’s investment strategy as digital finance continues to grow globally.

• Samsung Launches S25 Smartphone With Boosted AI

  • Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 series, featuring AI-driven enhancements and a custom Qualcomm processor.

  • New AI features enable cross-app tasks, such as scheduling and recommendations, integrating with third-party apps like Spotify.

  • Despite the upgrades, analysts suggest the S25 series may appeal primarily to users with older devices.