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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🍎 Apple schedules a February 19 event, likely unveiling the new iPhone SE.
🎥 YouTube integrates AI-generated video clips into Shorts.
🤖 Anthropic gears up to release its next major AI model.
🚀 Blue Origin to lay off 10% of its workforce to cut costs.
📈 JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon rejects employee pushback on office returns.

TECH

• Tim Cook Teases a New Apple Launch and It's Probably the iPhone SE

  • Apple CEO Tim Cook announced an event for February 19th, where the company is expected to reveal the next-generation iPhone SE.

  • The new iPhone SE may feature a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, and a design closer to modern iPhones.

  • It could include Apple's A18 chip, 8GB RAM, and the first in-house 5G modem, though it may lack mmWave 5G support.

• YouTube is Going to Let You Put AI-Generated Video Clips in Shorts

  • YouTube is integrating Google's Veo 2 AI model into Shorts, allowing creators to generate and insert AI videos.

  • The Dream Screen feature lets users enter text prompts to create short clips with various cinematic styles.

  • This feature is launching in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with global expansion planned soon.

• Anthropic's Next Major AI Model Could Arrive Within Weeks

  • Anthropic is preparing to release its next major AI model, expected to launch in the coming weeks.

  • Early tests suggest it outperforms OpenAI's latest mini model on specific programming and reasoning tasks.

  • The release is expected to fuel competition in AI development, challenging OpenAI and Google’s advancements.

BUSINESS

• Apple Resumes Advertising on X After Year-Long Hiatus

  • Apple has restarted advertising on X after pausing over a year ago due to brand safety concerns.

  • The company's ads are promoting Safari's privacy features and the Apple TV Plus show Severance.

  • This move comes despite ongoing criticisms of X's content moderation and owner Elon Musk's controversial statements.

• Jamie Dimon Dismisses Employee Petition Against RTO

  • JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon criticized a petition signed by over 1,200 employees opposing the mandate to return to the office full-time.

  • Dimon emphasized that remote work led to decreased focus and productivity, reinforcing the decision to end hybrid work policies.

  • He suggested that employees dissatisfied with the new policy are welcome to seek employment elsewhere.

• Blue Origin to Lay Off About 10% of Workforce

  • Jeff Bezos' space company, Blue Origin, announced plans to lay off approximately 10% of its workforce, affecting over 1,000 employees.

  • The layoffs aim to reduce costs and accelerate rocket launch activities following the debut of the New Glenn rocket.

  • CEO Dave Limp emphasized the need for a quicker, more agile, and customer-focused culture to compete with rivals like SpaceX.

CONTENT

• I Built a Cash Flowing Online Directory in 54 Minutes

  • Entrepreneur Frey Chu demonstrates building a profitable directory website in under an hour, using dog parks as a case study.

  • He emphasizes keyword research, idea validation through social proof, and a straightforward directory structure.

  • The video outlines monetization strategies, including AdSense and affiliate marketing, highlighting the potential for passive income.

• MrBeast Shares His Best Business Advice

  • In a discussion with Shaan Puri, YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) shares insights into his mindset and strategies that led to his success.

  • Key topics include the importance of obsession, the ‘Rule of 100’ for content creation, and reinvesting profits into the business.

  • He also discusses the significance of blocking out distractions and maintaining focus on long-term goals.

• Tips for Building AI Agents

  • Anthropic's experts discuss the potential and challenges of developing AI agents, offering practical advice for developers.

  • They cover topics such as defining AI agents, crafting effective prompts, and identifying useful applications.

  • The conversation also touches on the future landscape of AI agents and the importance of preparing for evolving technologies.

WORLD

• Trump’s Ukraine Call with Putin Leaves UK Tense

  • Trump’s call with Putin dismissed Ukraine’s NATO hopes and pre-2014 borders, contradicting UK and NATO leaders' public statements.

  • UK officials insist Ukraine remains on a NATO path, but Trump’s direct negotiations with Putin challenge that stance.

  • European leaders now scramble to prevent a Trump-Putin summit without Ukraine’s involvement, fearing a major policy shift.

• Hamas Says It Will Release Hostages as Planned

  • Hamas announced it will proceed with the release of three Israeli hostages this weekend in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

  • This decision comes after initial delays due to alleged Israeli truce violations, with five swaps already completed since January 19.

  • The move aims to ease tensions in the Gaza Strip and uphold the current ceasefire agreement.

• Hundreds of Foreigners Freed from Myanmar's Scam Centers

  • Approximately 260 individuals from 20 countries were rescued from forced labor in online scam operations in Myanmar.

  • The victims, including nationals from Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Philippines, were handed over to Thai authorities for repatriation.

  • This rescue is part of ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and online fraud in Southeast Asia.

AND MORE…

• Spyware Maker Caught Distributing Malicious Android Apps for Years

  • Italian company SIO has been distributing Android spyware called Spyrtacus, masquerading as popular apps, to government clients.

  • The spyware can access contacts, messages, and location data, posing significant privacy risks to users.

  • This activity has been ongoing for several years, highlighting challenges in detecting sophisticated spyware campaigns.

• India and France Plan Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

  • India and France have signed a declaration to collaborate on developing advanced and small modular nuclear reactors.

  • This partnership aims to enhance nuclear energy capabilities, focusing on safety and efficiency.

  • The initiative aligns with India's goal to expand its nuclear power capacity to meet growing energy demands.

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• OpenAI Releases Expanded Model Spec Addressing Controversial Topics

  • OpenAI has published a 63-page Model Spec outlining guidelines for handling controversial topics in its AI models.

  • The document emphasizes customizability, transparency, and intellectual freedom.

  • OpenAI invites public feedback on these guidelines, aiming to refine AI behavior in sensitive discussions.