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 has launched a shopping AI to rival Google.
🥇 MicroStrategy makes record Bitcoin purchase.
🦿 Robot runs a marathon in South Korea.
🔎 Google’s new AI launches to rave reviews.
📉 Ethereum's Ether has fallen out of investor favor.

AI

• Perplexity introduces a shopping feature for Pro users in the US

  • The company debuted a feature for its paid customers in the U.S. that offers shopping recommendations within Perplexity’s search results.

  • Consumers can also store their address and credit card details in Perplexity for easy checkout.

  • Alongside the launch of its shopping tools, Perplexity is introducing a merchant program.
    

• OpenAI’s take on AI agents could come in January

  • OpenAI plans to launch autonomous AI agents in January to execute complex tasks for users.

  • These agents can handle complex tasks with minimal human intervention, improving automation capabilities.

  • Designed for enterprise users, the agents focus on automating workflows, customer service, and business operations.
    

• ElevenLabs now offers the ability to build conversational AI agents

  • ElevenLabs introduces new tools for building conversational AI agents that can interact in a more human-like manner.

  • The company integrates voice cloning technology, enabling AI agents to respond in a personalized, natural-sounding voice.

  • Emphasis is placed on multilingual capabilities, allowing users to create AI agents that speak multiple languages fluently.

ROBOTICS

• Robot runs a marathon in South Korea

  • Four robot dogs completed a marathon, demonstrating advancements in robotics and AI coordination.

  • The event highlighted the resilience and adaptability of robot technology across challenging terrains.

  • Such achievements suggest future applications in areas like search and rescue, surveillance, and remote monitoring.
    

• Nvidia Readies Jetson Thor Computers for Humanoid Robots in 2025

  • Nvidia plans to release Jetson Thor computers for humanoid robots in 2025, targeting advanced AI integration.

  • Jetson Thor will offer enhanced processing power to handle complex robotic tasks and AI-driven decision-making.

  • The tech aims to accelerate humanoid robotics, boosting sectors like healthcare, customer service, and manufacturing.
    

• Superhuman vision lets robots see through walls

  • Researchers develop technology that allows robots to see through walls, smoke, and obstacles, enhancing situational awareness.

  • The system uses radio signals and AI to help robots detect people and objects even in low visibility.

  • This breakthrough could be pivotal for rescue missions, providing safer navigation through hazardous environments.

CRYPTO

• MicroStrategy Taps Stock Market to Fund Record Bitcoin Buy

  • MicroStrategy bought a record $4.6 billion in Bitcoin, making good on plans announced last month.

  • The firm announced later Monday it will be offering an additional $1.75 billion in convertible senior notes maturing in 2029.

  • MicroStrategy co-founder and Chairman Michael Saylor decided to invest in Bitcoin in 2020 as a hedge against inflation.

• Crypto Valley exchange to go Live in January

  • The new Crypto Valley Exchange is set to go live in January, offering futures and options trading.

  • The platform will provide cheap, on-chain trading to attract users seeking low transaction costs.

  • Crypto Valley aims to make derivatives trading accessible globally through decentralized technology.

• Ethereum's Ether has fallen out of investor favor and how

  • Ethereum's ether (ETH) has seen a decline in investor interest, affecting its market position.

  • Analysts cite increasing competition, regulatory scrutiny, and a shift in investor sentiment as key reasons.

  • Many investors are moving to newer blockchain projects that offer different incentives and better scalability.

CONTENT

• The Seductive Promise of Love on Demand

  • Emily Chang dives into the emerging trend of relationships-on-demand, where tech meets human emotions.

  • Looks at the idea that AI companions could replace human connections in our increasingly isolated lives.

  • And how AI is transforming loneliness into connection today.
    

• Microsoft‬ AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman sits down with Times Techies

  • Suleyman highlights AI as a cornerstone of technological advancement for the next decade, with applications ranging from health to finance.

  • The CEO suggests collaboration between tech giants is crucial for responsible AI development, despite the competitive landscape.

  • He advocates for proactive regulatory measures to ensure AI benefits society while mitigating potential risks.
    

• Nvidia Founder and CEO Jensen Huang on the AI revolution

  • Jensen joins Goldman Sachs chairman and CEO David Solomon, at the Communacopia + Technology conference in San Francisco.  

  • Jensen shares the company’s story and discusses what the future could bring in accelerated computing.

  • Also touching on the data center market, customer ROI, AI use cases, Asia supply chain, Nvidia’s responsibility and more.

AND MORE…

• A company wants autonomous helicopters

  • New Hampshire company is working to develop a fleet of autonomous helicopters that it hopes can be used to put out fires.

  • These would carry out tasks with high precision, potentially reducing chemical usage and improving efficiency.

  • The startup is looking to expand operations, leveraging AI and autonomous tech to meet the needs of large-scale agriculture.
    

• Coca-Cola causes controversy with AI-made ad

  • Coca-Cola’s new AI-generated ad sparked mixed reactions, with viewers questioning its creativity and authenticity.

  • The advert drew criticism from many creatives who argued that it was distasteful for the company to use AI technology.

  • The video was meant to pay homage to a classic 1995 Coca-Cola commercial.
    

• Morgan Stanley expands AI chatbot tools to its Wall Street division

  • OpenAI’s generative AI technology has been swiftly adopted by Wall Street’s largest players.

  • The firm began rolling out another version called AskResearchGPT this summer in its institutional securities group.

  • The bank wants to push adoption further in light of the productivity gains it’s seeing.