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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🔐 Google buys Wiz for $32B, the biggest cloud security deal yet.
🤖 Meta’s Llama AI hits 1B downloads, driving open-source adoption.
📉 Tesla drops 6% as weak global sales raise investor concerns.
🇨🇦 Trump’s Canadian tariffs hit Vermont businesses, driving up costs.
🪖 Israel resumes Gaza airstrikes, signaling an end to the ceasefire.

TECH

• Google Acquires Wiz for $32 Billion in Largest Cloud Security Deal

  • Google is acquiring cloud security firm Wiz for $32 billion, marking its biggest-ever acquisition.

  • The deal strengthens Google Cloud’s security offerings, integrating Wiz’s advanced threat detection.

  • Regulators will review the acquisition amid Alphabet’s ongoing antitrust challenges in multiple markets.

• Meta’s Llama AI Models Surpass 1 Billion Downloads

  • Meta’s Llama open-source AI models have reached 1 billion downloads, up from 650 million in late 2024.

  • Llama powers Meta’s AI assistant on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, with enterprise adoption growing.

  • Meta plans to release new Llama models with reasoning capabilities and multimodal functionality soon.

• Invest in this revolutionary leap in AI technology*

  • ChatGPT makes massive mistakes and doesn’t truly know anything. That’s because computers can’t learn or think as humans do.

  • This is about to change thanks to New Sapience, a company led by rocket scientists and entrepreneurs responsible for $350M+ in previous exits.

  • They’ve developed the necessary breakthrough for machines to think and learn.

• Google Adds New Healthcare-Related Features in Search

  • Google expands health-related search tools, adding new knowledge panels in multiple languages.

  • A 'What People Suggest’ feature compiles user experiences to provide diverse health perspectives.

  • Health Connect now integrates medical records, allowing users to access key health data in one place.

BUSINESS

• Frontier Airlines Introduces Free Bags as Southwest Ends Perk

  • Frontier launches a promotion offering free carry-ons, seat selection, and flight changes on nonstop flights.

  • Travelers flying between May and August will also receive a free checked bag as part of the campaign.

  • The move follows Southwest’s decision to end its long-standing free bag policy and introduce fees.

• Tesla Stock Drops 6% as Sales and Leadership Concerns Grow

  • Tesla’s stock has dropped over 50% since December, with weak sales reported in Europe and China.

  • Investors fear Musk’s political distractions could negatively impact Tesla’s leadership and operations.

  • Analysts have lowered Tesla’s price targets, citing demand issues and increasing market concerns.

• Trump’s Canadian Tariffs Squeeze Vermont’s Small Businesses

  • U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports have disrupted supply chains, increasing costs for Vermont businesses.

  • Small business owners report shrinking profit margins and growing concerns about future stability.

  • Many fear they will struggle to compete if trade tensions remain unresolved in the coming months.

CONTENT

• Why AI Voice Feels More Human Than Ever

  • Advancements in AI voice technology have led to more natural-sounding interactions, making digital assistants feel more human-like.​

  • These improvements enhance user experience, allowing for more seamless and engaging conversations with AI systems.​

  • As AI continues to evolve, voice interfaces are becoming integral in various applications, from customer service to personal assistants.

  AI-Powered Coding & Space Tugboats? Inside the Future of Satellites

  • AI is revolutionizing software development by automating coding tasks, increasing efficiency, and enabling developers to focus on problems.​

  • Innovations like space tugboats are emerging, aiming to service satellites, manage space debris, and extend operational life.

  • These technological advancements are opening new frontiers in both software engineering and space exploration, driving industry growth.​

  Controlling Powerful AI

  • As AI systems become more advanced, ensuring they align with human values and intentions becomes increasingly critical.​

  • Researchers are developing methods to monitor and control AI behavior, aiming to prevent unintended consequences.

  • Ongoing evaluations and protocols are essential to maintain trust and reliability in AI technologies as they integrate deeper into society.

WORLD

• Israel Resumes Airstrikes in Gaza After Ceasefire Collapse

  • Israeli forces launched airstrikes across Gaza, ending a ceasefire, and killing over 400 people, including many women and children.

  • Prime Minister Netanyahu said the operations are "only the beginning," signaling a prolonged military campaign against Hamas.

  • Families of hostages are raising concerns over their loved one's safety as the conflict escalates with no resolution.

  Honduran Plane Crash Kills 12, Including Aurelio Martínez

  • A Lanhsa Airlines flight crashed into the sea after departing Roatán Island, Honduras, killing 12 of 17 people.

  • Among the victims was Aurelio Martínez, a musician and former congressman, known for preserving Garifuna culture.

  • Aviation authorities are investigating the cause, with early reports pointing to possible mechanical failure.

  Lebanon and Syria Agree to Ceasefire After Clashes

  • Lebanon and Syria agreed to a ceasefire after two days of border clashes that left multiple people dead or injured.

  • Violence escalated when militants allegedly linked to Hezbollah crossed into Syria, abducting and killing soldiers.

  • Both nations now plan to improve coordination to prevent further incidents and stabilize their shared border.

AND MORE…

• Google Introduces 'Canvas' and 'Audio Overview' to Gemini

  • Google has added 'Canvas' to its Gemini AI, offering an interactive workspace for drafting and editing documents or code in real-time.

  • The 'Audio Overview' feature transforms written materials into podcast-style discussions, enhancing content accessibility.

  • Both features are now globally available to Gemini users, with 'Audio Overview' initially supporting English only.

  Elon Musk's Starlink Installed at White House, Sparking Concerns

  • Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service, has been installed at the White House to improve Wi-Fi connectivity, raising concerns.

  • The installation led to a security alert when a Musk employee accessed a federal building's roof without prior coordination.

  • Critics highlight potential cybersecurity risks and ethical issues due to Musk's growing influence on government operations.

  Google-Backed FireSat Launches First Satellite to Detect Wildfires

  • FireSat, supported by Google, successfully launched its first satellite to enhance early detection and monitoring of wildfires globally.

  • The constellation aims to detect fires as small as 5x5 meters, providing near real-time updates to firefighting efforts.

  • Once fully operational, over 50 satellites will cover nearly all of Earth's surface every 20 minutes, revolutionizing wildfire management.