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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🛡️ Trump may ban DeepSeek over concerns tied to Chinese tech and U.S. chip access.
📱 Zuckerberg argues Meta’s acquisitions weren’t meant to stifle competition.
🧠 OpenAI’s o3 and o4-mini boost visual reasoning and agentic task capabilities.
🎧 Spotify restores service after outage hits users across the U.S. and Europe.
🎬 Google launches Veo 2, letting Gemini Advanced users create short AI videos.

TECH

• OpenAI's new o3 and o4-mini models are all about 'thinking with images'

  • OpenAI released o3 and o4-mini models, enhancing AI capabilities in visual comprehension, web browsing, and image generation.

  • The o3 model is OpenAI’s most advanced reasoning system, while o4-mini offers efficient performance in math and coding tasks.

  • Both models were evaluated using OpenAI's updated preparedness framework, emphasizing responsible and secure AI deployment.​

• OpenAI Said to Be In Talks to Buy Windsurf for About $3 Billion

  • OpenAI is reportedly negotiating to acquire Windsurf, an AI-powered coding tool, for approximately $3 billion.

  • If finalized, this would mark OpenAI's largest acquisition to date, reflecting its expansion in the AI sector.

  • Windsurf, formerly known as Codeium, was previously valued at $1.25 billion after a funding round led by General Catalyst.​

• Spotify is back online after an outage

  • Spotify experienced a widespread outage on April 16, affecting users across Europe and the United States.

  • Users reported issues with the web player, desktop, and iOS apps, encountering black screens and streaming problems.

  • By shortly after noon ET, Spotify announced that the issues had been resolved and normal service had resumed.

BUSINESS

• Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Wraps Up Testimony in Antitrust Case

  • Zuckerberg said Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions were for growth, not eliminating rivals or monopolizing social media.

  • He argued Meta still faces stiff competition from TikTok and YouTube in the broader social networking landscape.

  • The FTC may push for Meta to divest Instagram and WhatsApp if found to have violated antitrust laws.

• Trump Administration Reportedly Considers a US DeepSeek Ban

  • The administration is considering banning DeepSeek from operating in the US due to national security and IP concerns.

  • Officials are investigating DeepSeek’s ties to Chinese tech and use of sensitive AI chips from American companies.

  • Restrictions could include halting DeepSeek’s access to US hardware and blocking its partnerships with domestic firms.

• Zuckerberg: Snapchat Would Have Grown Faster if It Accepted $6B Buyout Offer

  • Zuckerberg said Meta’s tools and support could have boosted Snapchat’s growth had it accepted the $6 billion offer in 2013.

  • He compared Instagram’s success under Meta to what Snapchat might have achieved with similar backing.

  • The comment supports regulators’ claims that Meta attempts to buy or weaken rising competitors to maintain dominance.

CONTENT

• What Is America’s Brand? How AI Is Changing Work, and How Scott Records from Anywhere

  • Scott Galloway examines America’s shifting image and questions if the country is still seen as a reliable global partner.

  • He discusses how AI might reshape market research, potentially replacing analysts and traditional insight roles entirely.

  • In the Reddit segment, Scott shares personal influences, things he wants to learn, and how he records podcasts on the go.

• DeepTech Ep. 1: Navigating the AI Trade

  • Gene Munster and Doug Clinton discuss the rapid advancement of AI and its implications for investors and the market.

  • They explore the dynamics of AI investment, including the impact of models like DeepSeek on market perceptions.

  • The episode delves into the challenges and opportunities in the AI sector, emphasizing the importance of strategic positioning.

• How Our Time Online Is Changing

  • Mustafa Suleyman talks about how AI agents will become essential daily tools, embedded across both work and personal life.

  • He weighs the pros and cons of open-source AI versus proprietary models in shaping the future of development.

  • He reflects on how AI might change human connection, and the emotional dynamics between people and machines.

WORLD

• EU Names Seven Countries as Safe in Plan to Fast-Track Migrant Returns

  • The EU will label seven countries as safe to speed up migrant return processes and reduce asylum decision timelines.

  • Nationals from these countries could see decisions within three months and faster deportations if claims are denied.

  • Human rights groups warn the plan risks skipping proper evaluations for vulnerable individuals seeking protection.

• White House Increasingly at Odds Over Iran Nuclear Negotiations

  • Internal disagreements grow as officials debate whether to pursue diplomacy or increase pressure on Iran’s nuclear program.

  • Secret negotiations continue while some advisors push for harder stances, including possible military deterrents.

  • Iran continues enrichment activity, raising concerns that time is running out for diplomatic solutions to work.

• Peru's Ex-President and First Lady Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

  • Former president Ollanta Humala and his wife were sentenced to prison for laundering illicit campaign funds.

  • Nadine Heredia fled to Brazil and requested asylum, citing fears of political persecution after the ruling.

  • The case marks a major development in Peru’s broader crackdown on political corruption and elite accountability.

AND MORE…

• Jeff Bezos Sells Seattle Mansion for Record $63 Million

  • Bezos sold his historic Seattle estate for $63 million, marking the most expensive residential sale in Washington state history.

  • The property includes nearly 6 acres, a 20,000-square-foot mansion, and unmatched waterfront views of Lake Washington.

  • Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are now primarily based in Miami, where they’re reportedly building a lavish new compound.

• Microsoft Copilot Vision Now Available for Free in Edge Browser

  • Microsoft’s Copilot can now analyze what’s on your screen in real time directly within the Edge browser interface.

  • The tool works via the Copilot sidebar and supports tasks like summarizing documents or helping with complex workflows.

  • Vision features are free to all users, though Pro subscribers get deeper app integrations like Adobe Photoshop and Excel.

• Revolutionize learning with AI-powered video guides*

  • Instantly create step-by-step guides with stunning visuals, voiceovers, and call-to-actions.

  • Capture workflows using our browser extension and share them anywhere seamlessly.

  • Save time, boost efficiency, and empower your team—no manual editing required. Get started for free!

• Rippling Seeks Revolut's Help to Identify Payer in Deel Espionage Case

  • Rippling asked Revolut to identify who sent $6,000 to a Rippling employee accused of leaking company secrets to Deel.

  • Deel denies wrongdoing and claims its COO’s wife acted independently, while Rippling pursues legal discovery in the UK.

  • Revolut says it’s cooperating but needs a court order to release any private transaction information under EU data laws.