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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🖥️ Perplexity launches Comet browser, aiming to dethrone Chrome.
🧬 DeepMind’s Genie 2 model targets faster cures and medical discoveries.
🤖 Unitree’s humanoid robot debuts human-like handshakes, hugs, and gestures.
💰 Bitcoin ETFs post seven straight days of inflows, driving BTC over $95K.
📱 Microsoft Recall and new AI search features roll out on Copilot Plus PCs.

AI

• Perplexity’s CEO on Fighting Google and the Coming AI Browser War

  • CEO Aravind Srinivas announced the launch of Comet, an AI-powered browser designed to directly challenge Google’s dominance.

  • Perplexity will embed advanced AI agents into browsing, offering comparisons, analysis, and personalized web interactions.

  • The company secured a deal to preload its AI app on Motorola Razr devices and hinted at bigger platform ambitions.

• AI could end disease says Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis

  • Demis Hassabis discussed AI’s future, emphasizing its role in accelerating healthcare breakthroughs and scientific discoveries.

  • He unveiled Genie 2, an AI model that can instantly create interactive 3D worlds from single images or sketches.

  • Hassabis said solving AI safety challenges is critical, but stressed optimism about AI’s potential to uplift humanity.

• Google’s AI Search Numbers Are Growing, and That’s by Design

  • Google said AI Overviews now reach 1.5 billion users a month globally, reshaping how users interact with search results.

  • Features like Circle to Search have expanded to 250M devices, boosting engagement with mobile-first AI experiences.

  • Despite backlash, Google’s executives insist the shift toward AI-led search is intentional and foundational to its future.

• Effortless tutorial video creation with Guidde*

  • Turn PDFs or manuals into stunning video tutorials with a single click. Instantly capture workflows with automated visuals, voiceovers, and call-to-actions.

  • Generate multilingual guides to ensure accessibility for global teams and keep your training materials relevant.

  • The best part? The browser extension is 100% free.

ROBOTICS

• Unitree G1 Humanoid Robot Performs Handshakes and Hugs

  • Unitree showcased its G1 robot demonstrating human-like gestures such as handshakes, high-fives, hugs, and waves.

  • The G1 is trained in NVIDIA’s Isaac Simulator before executing complex tasks in the physical world.

  • Unitree opened a new 10,000-square-meter facility to scale up production and meet rising demand for humanoids.

• Who Will Win the Race to Develop a Humanoid Robot?

  • China, the U.S., and South Korea are leading the race to commercialize humanoid robots for industrial and everyday use.

  • Figure AI’s robots are already deployed in BMW’s factories, while China aggressively backs Unitree and startups.

  • South Korea’s K-Humanoid Alliance targets the launch of a nationally produced humanoid by 2028.

• Flying Robots Could Construct Future Skyscrapers

  • Researchers developed drones capable of aerial 3D printing, potentially transforming skyscraper construction and repairs.

  • The drones autonomously build structures without scaffolding, reaching areas traditional crews cannot access safely.

  • This innovation could accelerate sustainable building solutions for housing shortages and extreme environment projects.

CRYPTO

• New SEC Chief Atkins Says Agency Doesn’t Have to Wait to Impose Crypto Policy

  • New SEC Chair Paul Atkins said the agency can advance crypto regulations without waiting for congressional action.

  • He signaled a shift toward clearer rules on crypto custody and special-purpose broker-dealer licensing frameworks.

  • Industry leaders view Atkins’ approach as a major improvement over previous regulatory hostility toward digital assets.

• BlackRock’s Bitcoin Holdings Near 3% of Total Supply as Inflows Spike

  • BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust now holds roughly 2.8% of Bitcoin’s circulating supply after a surge in new ETF inflows.

  • BlackRock’s rapid accumulation cements its role as the largest institutional holder of Bitcoin in the ETF ecosystem.

  • Analysts note that institutional demand remains strong despite broader crypto market volatility and regulatory uncertainty.

• Bitcoin ETF Flows Rebound for Seventh Straight Day

  • Bitcoin ETFs posted a seventh consecutive day of net inflows, totaling $2.7 billion for the week amid improving market sentiment.

  • Bitcoin’s price rallied above $95,000 as a weaker dollar, gold correlations, and technical breakouts fueled renewed optimism.

  • The resurgence highlights growing investor confidence in Bitcoin’s resilience and its emerging role as a macro hedge.

CONTENT

• Could AI Models Be Conscious?

  • Kyle Fish explores whether advanced AI systems could develop consciousness, agency, or subjective experiences.

  • The discussion covers defining consciousness, objections to AI consciousness, and practical ethical implications.

  • Fish argues it’s an open but urgent question as models grow increasingly complex and human-like in behavior.

• How To Get The Most Out Of Vibe Coding

  • Tom Blomfield shares tips on using Claude Code, Windsurf, and Aqua to build full-stack apps faster with AI collaboration.

  • He outlines best practices like setting a plan, using version control, testing often, and letting AI assist beyond coding.

  • Vibe coding is presented as a major productivity unlock, where rapid experimentation is the key to success.

• Joe Rogan Experience #2311 - Jeremie & Edouard Harris

  • Jeremie and Edouard Harris of Gladstone AI discuss AI safety, responsible development, and the risks of superintelligent systems.

  • They highlight why proactive governance and clear safety standards are crucial before powerful AI models are widely deployed.

  • The conversation emphasizes the urgency of balancing AI innovation with real-world ethical and societal safeguards.

AND MORE…

• Microsoft Recall and AI-Powered Windows Search Now Available for Copilot Plus PCs

  • Microsoft launched Recall, an opt-in feature that captures and searches snapshots of user activity with enhanced encryption.

  • New AI search and ‘Click to Do’ actions allow faster natural-language queries and real-time content editing on Windows PCs.

  • These features are rolling out first to Qualcomm-based Copilot Plus PCs, with Intel and AMD support arriving later this year.

• Chinese AI Startup Manus Reportedly Gets Funding From Benchmark at $500M Valuation

  • Manus AI raised $75M to expand its AI agent tools into new markets including the U.S., Japan, and the Middle East.

  • The company recently launched a general AI agent demo and introduced paid plans priced between $39 and $199 monthly.

  • Benchmark’s investment reflects growing global competition to develop flexible and commercial-ready AI agent ecosystems.

• Gmail App Adds Gemini Image Generator and Updates UI for Android and iOS

  • Google added Gemini’s AI image generator to Gmail’s sidebar for Workspace users on Android and iOS platforms.

  • Gmail’s Android tablet interface now includes a draggable split view, while Gmail for iOS gets a Material 3 design refresh.

  • Google Calendar on iOS also adds birthday event creation, previously only available on Android.