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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

👾 OpenAI scraps o3, merging it into GPT-5 for a unified release.
📺 Apple expands its TV app to Android for wider access.
🚗 Ford’s CEO warns Trump’s tariffs are disrupting the auto industry.
🔄 The U.S. swaps a Russian cybercrime suspect for teacher Marc Fogel.
🤝 Adobe launches Firefly, its AI-powered video generator, in public beta.

TECH

• OpenAI Cancels o3 AI Model in Favor of Unified Next-Gen Release

  • OpenAI has decided to integrate its o3 model into the upcoming GPT-5, aiming to streamline its AI offerings for improved user experience.

  • CEO Sam Altman emphasized that GPT-5 will unify various technologies, eliminating the need for multiple standalone models.

  • This strategic move comes as OpenAI faces increased competition and scrutiny over its AI development and spending.

• Apple Brings Its TV Streaming Service to Rival Android Platform

  • Apple has launched the Apple TV app on Android devices, allowing users to access Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass.

  • The app offers features like offline downloads and watchlists, with subscriptions managed via Google Play billing.

  • This expansion marks Apple's effort to broaden its streaming service's reach beyond its own hardware ecosystem.

• Adobe's AI Video Generator 'Firefly' Now Available in Public Beta

  • Adobe has released its generative AI video model, Firefly, in public beta, enabling users to create videos from text or image prompts.

  • The tool offers features like Text-to-Video and Image-to-Video, with outputs currently limited to 1080p resolution at 24 fps.

  • Adobe emphasizes that Firefly is commercially safe, respecting intellectual property rights, making it suitable for professional use.

BUSINESS

• Apple Is Reportedly Exploring Humanoid Robots

  • Apple is testing humanoid and non-humanoid robots to enhance its smart home ecosystem, though the project is still in early stages.

  • Analysts suggest mass production is unlikely before 2028, indicating that Apple is taking a long-term approach to development.

  • The move positions Apple alongside Tesla and other tech giants investing in humanoid robotics for future consumer applications.

• Ford CEO Says Trump's Tariffs Are Causing 'Chaos' in Auto Industry

  • Ford’s CEO warns that new tariffs on Mexico and Canada are driving up costs, disrupting supply chains, and creating uncertainty.

  • A 25% tariff could significantly hurt U.S. automakers, making vehicles more expensive and potentially leading to job losses.

  • He argues that inconsistent trade policies are harming domestic manufacturing while giving an edge to international competitors.

• Google Calendar Removes Pride Month and Black History Month References

  • Google has removed default listings for cultural events like Pride Month and Black History Month, citing sustainability concerns.

  • The calendar now only displays national holidays, requiring users to manually add other cultural and historical observances.

  • The decision has sparked backlash from users who feel it reduces visibility for important diversity and inclusion initiatives.

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CONTENT

• Musk Trolls Altman + ChatGPT’s Deep Research

  • OpenAI's ‘deep research mode’ promises to revolutionize industries by enabling AI to conduct complex analysis in minutes instead of weeks.

  • Elon Musk's surprise $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI sparks debate on AI power struggles and the future of the industry.

  • JD Vance's AI Action Summit speech highlights policy shifts, linking AI advancements to economic strategy and global competition.

• The Right (And Wrong) Way To Spend Money At Your Startup

  • Y Combinator partners discuss responsible startup spending, emphasizing smart hiring and avoiding premature scaling.

  • Founders should focus on runway management, only hiring when necessary, and being strategic with marketing investments.

  • Common pitfalls include overspending on unnecessary tools, misallocating funds, and failing to extend financial runway.

• The Billionaire Founder Who Doesn’t Care About Money

  • Fabien Pinckaers built Odoo into a $650M ARR company while rejecting traditional corporate structures and venture capital.

  • He believes titles are unnecessary, prefers hiring young talent, and never plans to sell or take the company public.

  • Odoo scaled despite VC rejections, and Fabien argues that maintaining focus and avoiding Silicon Valley norms was key.

WORLD

• U.S. Releases Russian Cybercrime Suspect in Exchange for Teacher Marc Fogel

  • The U.S. freed Alexander Vinnik, a Russian accused of laundering $4 billion through BTC.

  • Fogel, arrested in Russia in 2021 for possessing medical marijuana, was serving a 14-year sentence before the exchange.

  • The swap is viewed as a strategic move to improve U.S.-Russia relations and potentially aid in resolving the Ukraine conflict.

• Russia Rejects Territorial Swap Proposal Amid Ongoing Kyiv Strikes

  • The Kremlin dismissed Ukraine's proposal to exchange occupied territories as part of a peace deal, stating such swaps are unacceptable.

  • This rejection coincides with intensified Russian missile attacks on Kyiv, resulting in significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

  • The continued aggression underscores the challenges in reaching a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.

• UN Reports Up to 1,400 Killed in Bangladesh Protest Crackdown

  • A UN investigation found that Bangladeshi security forces committed severe human rights violations during last summer protests.

  • The report indicates that crimes against humanity may have occurred, with numerous deaths resulting from military-grade weaponry.

  • The UN calls for urgent criminal investigations and reforms to address systemic abuses and ensure accountability.

AND MORE…

• Google Expands Family Link Parental Controls with Screen Time Tools

  • Google has enhanced its Family Link app, introducing features that allow parents to monitor and manage their children's screen time.

  • The update includes tools for setting screen time limits, approving or blocking specific contacts, and viewing app activity reports.

  • These additions aim to provide parents with greater control over their children's digital experiences, promoting safer usage.

• Talks to Form Far-Right-Led Coalition Government in Austria Collapse

  • Negotiations between Austria's Freedom Party (FPÖ) and potential coalition partners have failed.

  • Disagreements over key policy areas and ministerial appointments were central to the breakdown of talks.

  • The collapse leaves Austria in political uncertainty, with the possibility of new elections or alternative coalition discussions on the horizon.

• AI Chatbots Are Distorting News Stories, BBC Finds

  • A BBC study revealed that AI chatbots, including ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, often produce summaries containing inaccuracies.

  • The research found that over half of the AI-generated summaries had significant issues, such as incorrect statements and altered quotes.

  • The findings raise concerns about the reliability of AI in news dissemination and highlight the need for improved accuracy.