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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

📱 Google’s Gemini 2.0 update enhances AI reasoning and transparency.
⚖️ Musk pushes forward with his lawsuit against OpenAI over its profit-driven shift.
🏛️ Spain approves a shorter 37.5-hour workweek without salary cuts.
🎵 Sonos plans to launch a streaming box unifying multiple services.
🗣️ Amazon’s next-gen Alexa will feature AI-driven conversations and autonomy.

TECH

• Google's Gemini app adds access to 'thinking' AI models

  • Google introduces the Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking update, enhancing AI reasoning capabilities.

  • The update enables the AI to explain its answers to complex questions, improving transparency.

  • Gemini 2.0 Pro is also launched, aiming to boost accuracy in coding and mathematics tasks.

• Sonos may release its long-rumored streaming box this year

  • Sonos is reportedly preparing to launch a streaming box, codenamed Pinewood, in the coming months.

  • The device aims to unify various streaming services, offering a consolidated software experience.

  • Features include Sonos Voice Control, a physical remote with app shortcuts, and multiple HDMI ports.

• Amazon reportedly gears up to release next-gen Alexa

  • Amazon plans to launch a generative AI-powered Alexa, marking its first major enhancement in over a decade.

  • The updated Alexa will engage in multi-turn dialogues and act autonomously on users' behalf.

  • Initially free for a limited audience, Amazon is considering a future monthly subscription fee.

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BUSINESS

• Elon Musk says he will be irreparably harmed if OpenAI isn’t stopped.

  • Musk claims OpenAI betrayed its nonprofit mission by shifting toward profit-driven goals, violating its original intent.

  • Judge Gonzalez Rogers said Musk’s claim of "irreparable harm" was a stretch but ruled the case should go to trial.

  • The trial is expected to start in mid-2026 or early 2027, as legal tensions over AI governance continue to escalate.

• BlackRock to list Bitcoin exchange-traded product in Europe

  • BlackRock plans to launch a Bitcoin exchange-traded product in Europe within weeks, aiming to meet growing investor demand.

  • The move follows the success of its U.S. Bitcoin-linked product, IBIT, which has amassed $57.5 billion in assets.

  • This initiative reflects the increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrency investments across global markets.

• Google lifts ban on using AI for weapons and surveillance

  • Google has updated its AI principles, removing the commitment not to develop AI for weapons or surveillance technologies.

  • Executives cite the need for collaboration with governments to address national security concerns in a changing geopolitical landscape.

  • The decision has sparked internal and external debates about the ethical implications of AI in military and surveillance applications.

CONTENT

• Trump’s DOGE Disaster + Open Source OpenAI, Bluesky Beats Twitter

  • The hosts discuss DeepSeek's impact on the AI industry and OpenAI's potential move towards open-source models.

  • They analyze President Trump's tariff policies and their implications for tech companies and startups.

  • The episode explores Bluesky's rise as a Twitter alternative, highlighting its unique features and the importance of moderation.

• I went from $1/day to billionaire in 10 years... here's how

  • Nick Mowbray shares his journey from selling DIY hot air balloons to founding the world's most profitable toy company.

  • He discusses early product successes and failures, including a $30 million David Beckham Tamagotchi project.

  • The conversation covers diversification into various products and the importance of a serial entrepreneur mindset.

• Future of General Motors, Being a Good Manager, & Advice

  • Scott Galloway discusses General Motors' outlook in the evolving automotive industry.

  • He offers advice on transitioning into management roles, emphasizing effective leadership and team dynamics.

  • The episode concludes with guidance for high school seniors preparing for future academic and career opportunities.

WORLD

• Trump says US will 'take over' Gaza Strip and doesn't rule out sending troops

  • President Trump announced plans for the U.S. to assume control of the Gaza Strip, aiming to stabilize the region.

  • He suggested relocating Gaza's 2 million residents to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan to facilitate redevelopment.

  • The proposal has been met with widespread international criticism, with many condemning it as reckless and inhumane.

• Argentina says it will pull out of World Health Organization

  • President Javier Milei announced Argentina's withdrawal from the WHO, citing "profound differences" in health management.

  • This move mirrors U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to exit the WHO, reflecting a shared skepticism of the organization's role.

  • Critics express concern that leaving the WHO may hinder Argentina's access to global health resources and coordination.

• Spanish ministers agree to cut legal working week to 37.5 hours

  • Spain's government has approved reducing the standard workweek from 40 to 37.5 hours without salary cuts.

  • The proposal aims to improve work-life balance and productivity but requires parliamentary approval to become law.

  • Business groups oppose the measure, arguing it could increase costs and reduce competitiveness in the global market.

AND MORE…

• Ford lost $5 billion on EVs in 2024, teases new models

  • Ford's electric vehicle division reported a $5.1 billion loss in 2024, up from $4.7 billion the previous year.

  • The company anticipates further losses in 2025, projecting up to $5.5 billion in its EV sector.

  • Despite EV challenges, Ford's overall net income was $5.9 billion, driven by traditional gasoline vehicles.

• Stripe makes $1.1B crypto bet as it closes on Bridge acquisition

  • Stripe has completed its largest acquisition to date, purchasing stablecoin platform Bridge for $1.1 billion.

  • This move signifies Stripe's significant investment in cryptocurrency infrastructure and stablecoin technology.

  • The acquisition aims to enhance Stripe's crypto capabilities, reflecting the growing integration of digital currencies in fintech.

• Novo Nordisk predicts high demand for obesity drugs

  • Novo Nordisk reported a 107% increase in sales of its weight-loss drug Wegovy, significantly boosting its financial performance.

  • The surge in Wegovy sales contributed to a 30% year-over-year growth in the company's quarterly revenue.

  • Despite tempered growth projections for 2025, the strong performance of Wegovy has positively impacted Novo Nordisk's market position.