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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

📱 X launches a vertical video feed for U.S. users, competing with TikTok.
🌍 Meta keeps fact-checkers outside the U.S. amid regulatory challenges.
🤝 Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire, with hostages released as part of the deal.
🗣 Leaked iPhone SE 2025 images reveal a physical SIM tray and single-lens camera.
🔥 Instagram launches new video editing app as CapCut faces a U.S. ban.

TECH

• X is rolling out a dedicated vertical video feed for US users

  • X, formerly Twitter, introduced a ‘Video Tab’ for US users, offering personalized video recommendations across different topics.

  • The feature aims to enhance user engagement by competing with other algorithm video-based apps.

  • The rollout is part of X’s broader push into video content, positioning itself as a hub for multimedia consumption.

• New iPhone SE leak exposes Apple’s design decisions

  • Leaked images reveal the iPhone SE 2025 retains a physical SIM tray and mute switch, avoiding Apple's newer capacitive buttons.

  • The design mirrors older iPhones, with a single-lens camera instead of a dual-lens system for Vision Pro compatibility.

  • Apple’s focus on affordability keeps advanced features out, maintaining a clear distinction from premium iPhone models.

• CapCut hit by US ban as Instagram reveals new video editing app

  • The US banned ByteDance’s CapCut due to data privacy concerns, prompting content creators to seek alternatives.

  • In response, Instagram launched ‘Edits,’ a new app offering creative tools and analytics to enhance short-form content.

  • Instagram’s move positions it as a direct competitor to TikTok’s editing suite, aiming to retain and attract video creators.

BUSINESS

• Sam Altman urges AI fans to lower expectations with superintelligence

  • OpenAI CEO Sam Altman cautions against AI hype, stating that while AI has long-term potential, short-term expectations are unrealistic.

  • He emphasizes that the era of ever-larger AI models is ending, with future progress relying on optimization rather than sheer scale.

  • Altman encourages a focus on sustainable growth, warning that transformative AI advancements will take time to materialize.

• Meta confirms it will keep fact-checkers outside the U.S. for now

  • Meta will continue its fact-checking program globally but is replacing U.S. fact-checkers with a community notes system similar to X.

  • The move comes amid a new U.S. administration, with Meta closely monitoring the rollout before expanding the program.

  • Regulatory challenges, especially in Europe under the Digital Services Act, may complicate future global expansion plans.

• Trump’s inauguration draws billionaires and CEOs

  • Tech and business leaders, including Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, attended Trump's inauguration and pre-ceremony church service.

  • The event showcased Trump’s influence among corporate leaders, with discussions on economic policies and regulatory changes.

  • Other global figures like Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani and Google CEO Sundar Pichai were also present at the high-profile event.

CONTENT

• I discovered the perfect AI writing system (life-changing)

  • Nicolas Cole shares a framework for using AI in writing, focusing on strategic planning and collaboration with AI tools.

  • Key takeaways include the ‘Editor-in-Chief’ approach, structuring content with the ‘10 Magical Ways’ framework.

  • The episode explores how AI can enhance content creation efficiency without replacing human creativity.

• Jennifer Burns: Milton Friedman, Ayn Rand, economics, and freedom

  • Historian Jennifer Burns discusses the economic philosophies of Milton Friedman and Ayn Rand, exploring their lasting influence.

  • Topics include free-market policies, government intervention, and the moral case for capitalism in today's society.

  • Burns delves into the intersection of economic thought and personal freedom, highlighting lessons from history.

• Hussein Kanji: Why AI means London can compete with the US

  • Venture capitalist Hussein Kanji explains how AI can help the UK’s tech ecosystem compete with Silicon Valley.

  • The discussion covers fundraising strategies, investment opportunities, and challenges in the European venture scene.

  • Kanji shares insights on scaling startups, the evolving venture landscape, and his investment philosophy.

WORLD

• Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire; hostages released

  • Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire, leading to the release of several Israeli hostages, including long-held captives.

  • In exchange, Israel has begun releasing Palestinian prisoners as part of the negotiated terms.

  • International leaders urge both sides to use the truce to pursue a long-term resolution and humanitarian relief efforts.

• Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage in historic decision

  • Thailand has become the third Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage, with the law taking effect this week.

  • The landmark legislation grants same-sex couples equal rights in marriage, healthcare, and inheritance.

  • LGBTQ+ advocates celebrate the move as a step toward greater acceptance and legal recognition across the region.

• Donald Trump officially becomes the 47th U.S. president

  • Trump was sworn in at the U.S. Capitol, marking the start of his second term, with former presidents and tech leaders in attendance.

  • In his inaugural speech, he declared the beginning of a "golden age of America," promising strength, prosperity, and exceptionalism.

  • Due to extreme cold, the ceremony was held indoors for the first time in 40 years, with traditional events still taking place.

AND MORE…

• TikTok's providers risk billions in penalties for bringing it back online

  • Despite Trump's promise to extend the ban deadline, companies like Apple face up to $850 billion in fines for supporting TikTok.

  • Legal experts argue Trump's assurances lack formal authority, leaving service providers vulnerable to penalties under federal law.

  • Companies may seek legal protection, but the safest route would be congressional intervention to extend or overturn the ban.

• Canon’s new app lets you live stream from multiple cameras

  • Canon introduced the Live Switcher Mobile app, allowing users to wirelessly connect and switch between three iOS devices.

  • Surprisingly, the app does not yet support Canon’s own cameras or Android devices, though updates are planned.

  • The app aims to attract content creators seeking multi-angle streaming without complex setups.

• Colombia faces surge in violence with dozens dead and displaced

  • Armed group clashes in Colombia’s Catatumbo region have left 80 dead and displaced over 11,000 people.

  • Many displaced individuals have sought refuge in Venezuela, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

  • President Gustavo Petro is considering declaring a state of internal commotion to curb escalating violence.