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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🎛 Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip unlocks a new era of quantum computing.
📱 Apple launches iPhone 16e with an A18 chip and Apple Intelligence.
✈️ JetBlue explores airline partnerships after its American deal collapsed.
💰 Musk’s X seeks funding at a $44B valuation to stabilize operations.
🎮 Xbox unveils Muse AI to generate in-game environments.

TECH

• Microsoft Announces Quantum Computing Breakthrough

  • Microsoft has unveiled the Majorana 1, its first quantum processor, leveraging Majorana particles for improved qubit stability.

  • The chip is built using a new material called a topoconductor, developed over 17 years of research to enable fault-tolerant computing.

  • With the potential to house up to one million qubits, Majorana 1 aims to revolutionize scientific simulations and complex computations.

• Apple Unveils New iPhone 16e: Here's Everything You Need to Know

  • Apple has launched the iPhone 16e, a $599 device featuring a 6.1-inch OLED screen, A18 chip, and an in-house C1 modem.

  • The phone includes a 48MP Fusion camera with 2x Telephoto, Face ID, a USB-C port, and Apple Intelligence integration.

  • Pre-orders open on February 21, with availability starting February 28, and comes in black and white color options.

• Microsoft's Xbox AI Era Starts with a new Model

  • Microsoft has introduced Muse, an AI model designed to generate gameplay and environments for Xbox in collaboration with Ninja Theory.

  • Muse can build game environments based on visuals and player interactions, streamlining early-stage development for studios.

  • While its current resolution is limited to 300×180 pixels, Muse could evolve to help preserve and remaster classic games.

BUSINESS

• JetBlue Still in Talks with Multiple Airlines for Partnership

  • JetBlue is in discussions with multiple airlines to form a new partnership, focusing on loyalty benefits and operational efficiency.

  • The talks follow the collapse of its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines, which was blocked due to antitrust concerns.

  • JetBlue's leadership is open to allocating resources to secure a beneficial deal, aiming to enhance customer rewards.

• X in Talks to Raise Money at a $44 Billion Valuation

  • Elon Musk’s X is negotiating a new funding round at a $44 billion valuation, the same price he paid for Twitter in 2022.

  • If successful, this would be X’s first external fundraising since Musk’s acquisition, signaling a shift in financial strategy.

  • The company is seeking to stabilize its revenue streams and expand business offerings amid ongoing operational challenges.

• UnitedHealthcare Offers Buyouts, Could Pursue Layoffs

  • UnitedHealthcare is offering voluntary buyouts to employees in its benefits operations unit, with a deadline of March 3.

  • If not enough employees accept, the company may resort to layoffs as part of cost-cutting measures.

  • The move comes amid rising medical costs and recent cybersecurity challenges, prompting internal restructuring.

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CONTENT

• ChatGPT Pro vs Perplexity: Building a $5M Startup from Scratch

  • Greg Isenberg compares ChatGPT Pro and Perplexity AI for startup ideation, testing their ability to generate AI business ideas.

  • Perplexity provides faster, concise responses, while ChatGPT delivers in-depth analysis but takes longer to process queries.

  • The video showcases real-time demonstrations of both tools for business planning, research, and market validation.

• Satya Nadella – Microsoft's AGI Plan & Quantum Breakthrough

  • Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shares insights on AGI, expressing skepticism while emphasizing AI-driven economic growth.

  • He discusses Microsoft’s quantum computing advances, including the Majorana 1 chip for stable, scalable qubits.

  • The interview highlights Microsoft's AI strategy, covering its research investments and product integrations.

• How AI Is Changing Enterprise

  • Box CEO Aaron Levie explores how Fortune 500 companies are adopting AI to streamline workflows and boost productivity.

  • The conversation examines the trade-off between building internal AI tools versus relying on third-party AI solutions.

  • Levie argues enterprises prioritize AI that directly enhances workflow efficiency over the complexity of AI models.

WORLD

• Brazil Charges Bolsonaro With Plotting a Coup After 2022 Election Loss

  • Brazil’s attorney general has charged former President Jair Bolsonaro with leading a conspiracy to overturn the 2022 election results.

  • The indictment alleges plots to annul the vote, dissolve courts, empower the military, and assassinate the president-elect.

  • The Supreme Court will decide whether Bolsonaro is arrested; he faces 12 to 40 years in prison if convicted.

• Migrants in Panama Deported from U.S. Moved to Darien Jungle Region

  • Migrants deported from the U.S. to Panama were relocated from a hotel in Panama City to the remote Darien jungle.

  • The group includes people from Afghanistan, China, India, and Iran, with Panama arranging their deportation.

  • Human rights groups warn of dangers, as some migrants may face persecution or violence in their home countries.

• Israel Demolishes West Bank Apartment Buildings as Military Operations Expand

  • Israel expanded military operations in the West Bank, demolishing apartments in Tulkarem to combat militancy.

  • The campaign follows similar actions in Jenin, causing displacement in Tulkarem and Nur Shams refugee camps.

  • Israel claims the demolitions target militant hideouts, but Palestinians report widespread damage to homes.

AND MORE…

• Over 150 Whales Stranded on Tasmania Beach, Dozens to Be Euthanized

  • A pod of 157 false killer whales stranded on Tasmania’s coast, with 90 set to be euthanized after failed rescue attempts.

  • Harsh ocean conditions and a remote location made it impossible for rescuers to return the whales to the sea.

  • This is Tasmania’s first mass stranding of false killer whales since 1974, when 160 whales were stranded.

• Google Chrome Introduces 'Circle to Search' Feature for iPhone Users

  • Google Chrome is adding a 'Circle to Search' feature on iPhones, letting users highlight content to search instantly.

  • Users can draw, tap, or highlight text and images to search without needing to take screenshots or copy text.

  • The feature is available via 'Search Screen with Google Lens' in the menu, with a Lens icon coming to the address bar.

• Nike Enlists Controversial New Partner to Save Troubled Business

  • Nike has teamed up with Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS to launch NikeSKIMS, a women-focused activewear brand blending style and performance.

  • The partnership is part of Nike’s plan to revive its struggling apparel sector, which saw a 9% revenue decline in 2024.

  • NikeSKIMS launches in the U.S. this spring, with global expansion set for next year through retail and online platforms.