Welcome back to your daily memorandum talking tech, business, AI, markets, and more. 🗞️

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🛰️ AWS opens 400Gbps data upload terminals for NYC and LA customers.
⚡ Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger steps down amid AI and CPU market struggles.
🔋 Biden backs $7.54B EV battery loan for Stellantis and Samsung.
💣 Hezbollah tests fragile ceasefire with fresh strikes on Israel.
📱 Google Maps now displays Waze incident reports for better navigation.

TECH

• AWS opens physical outlets that let customers upload their data

  • AWS launches ‘Data Transfer Terminals’ in NYC and LA, offering secure, high-speed uploads at 400 Gbps.

  • Customers can reserve slots to transfer large datasets using specialized equipment.

  • Costs include a per-port hour fee, starting at $300 for U.S.-to-U.S. transfers.

• Google Maps is now displaying Waze incident reports

  • Google Maps integrates Waze reports, showing road closures, speed cameras, and police sightings.

  • Users can confirm incident details through prompts, enhancing navigation accuracy.

  • Google continues maintaining separate teams for Maps and Waze despite data-sharing features.

• Jeff Bezos backs AI chipmaker Tenstorrent

  • Tenstorrent raises $693M in a Series D round led by Samsung and AFW Partners, with Jeff Bezos participating.

  • Funds will expand engineering efforts and AI training server development to challenge Nvidia's dominance.

  • CEO Jim Keller confirms plans for a new AI processor every two years and customer contracts worth $150M.

BUSINESS

• Tesla CEO Elon Musk loses bid to reinstate $56 billion pay package

  • Delaware judge upheld ruling voiding Musk’s 2018 pay plan, citing flawed approval process.

  • Tesla shareholders' June vote failed to sway the court, which rejected it as a valid ratification.

  • Musk’s net worth surged $43B post-election as Tesla shares climbed 42% amid optimism for Trump’s policies.

• Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger retires after three years

  • Pat Gelsinger steps down after Intel's ongoing struggles with AI chips, CPU issues, and competitive market pressures.

  • Intel’s CFO David Zinsner and Products CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus named interim co-CEOs.

  • Gelsinger's tenure saw attempts at a turnaround with major factory investments but mixed execution.

• Biden administration plans $7.54B loan for Stellantis-Samsung EV battery plants

  • The loan will support two Indiana lithium-ion battery plants capable of powering 670,000 EVs annually.

  • Stellantis aims to start production by 2025; a second plant will follow in 2027.

  • DOE’s broader EV support includes $6.6B for Rivian and prior loans for Ford and GM partnerships.

CONTENT

• Guy Podjarny - The Future of AI Software Development

  • Guy Podjarny discusses AI-native development, challenges in AI dev tools, and agentic development.

  • Explores open vs. closed platforms, AI's role in application layers, and IPO potential for Snyk.

  • Addresses security challenges in AI dev tools and the evolving role of software developers.

• Identify Your Bullseye Customer in One Day

  • Michael Margolis outlines a process to identify ideal early adopters and refine product-market fit.

  • Shares practical insights on customer interviews, effective prototypes, and team alignment.

  • Discusses methods for applying user research beyond startups and common founder mistakes.

• Joe Rogan Experience - Mike Rowe

  • Mike Rowe explores the concept of ‘safety third,’ risk perception, and unintended safety outcomes.

  • Discusses compensatory behaviors and anecdotes from Dirty Jobs.

  • Highlights how safety protocols affect subconscious decision-making in work and life.

WORLD

• Hezbollah fires into Israel-held area amid fragile ceasefire

  • Hezbollah launched projectiles into Israeli-held territory in response to alleged ceasefire violations.

  • Israel retaliated with strikes in southern Lebanon, further straining the U.S.-France brokered truce.

  • Ceasefire mandates Hezbollah's withdrawal from southern Lebanon within 60 days, monitored by U.S. and French efforts.

• Syrian rebel coalition captures Aleppo in surprise offensive

  • Rebel groups united under ‘Deterrence of Aggression’ seized Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city.

  • Key factions include Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA).

  • Analysts highlight tensions between Turkey’s role and rebel goals, with focus shifting from Assad to Kurdish groups.

• Trump threatens steep tariffs against BRICS nations

  • President-elect Trump warns of 100% tariffs if BRICS members attempt to replace the U.S. dollar.

  • Proposal follows talks within BRICS to create a unified currency, though progress remains slow.

  • Experts view the tariffs as a potential negotiation tactic rather than an immediate policy shift.

AND MORE…

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro: Major Design Changes Coming, New Leak Claims

  • Apple is reportedly introducing thinner bezels, a titanium frame, and a smaller camera bump for the iPhone 17 Pro.

  • Expected features include periscope zoom on both Pro models, upgraded A18 Bionic chip, and USB-C port with faster data transfer.

  • Rumored to debut in September 2025, continuing Apple's trend of annual design refinement.

• Apple employee sues company over monitoring personal devices

  • Employee claims Apple accessed personal data on devices not owned by the company.

  • Lawsuit alleges the monitoring violated California privacy laws and company’s own policies.

  • Case raises questions about tech companies balancing security protocols and employee privacy.

• Sea turtle stew suspected in deaths of 8 in the Philippines

  • Eight people died and 20 were hospitalized after consuming sea turtle meat.

  • Authorities warned against eating endangered species, which can carry toxic compounds.

  • The incident highlights dangers of consuming protected marine life.