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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

💻 OpenAI’s ChatGPT Operator can control computer tasks for improved productivity.
🛢️ Trump urges OPEC to lower oil prices to address inflation.
📱 TikTok seeks data oversight deal to avoid full US divestment.
🧠 Perplexity AI unveils Android assistant to compete with Google Assistant.
🏬 US reaches historic store closures, but retail jobs grow as the industry adapts.

TECH

• OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Operator to Control Computers

  • OpenAI introduced Operator, an AI agent that can browse and interact with websites by clicking, typing, and scrolling.

  • The tool, available first for ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the US, uses reinforcement learning to enhance reasoning.

  • Operator will collaborate with platforms like DoorDash and Uber but struggles with complex interfaces like slideshows and calendars.

• TikTok Deal May Stop Short of Full US Sale, Says Shareholder

  • A TikTok shareholder suggested that the company might avoid a complete US divestment by negotiating with regulators.

  • The ongoing negotiations follow pressure from the US government over security concerns related to data privacy and Chinese ownership.

  • Analysts speculate that a compromise could include stricter data oversight without ByteDance fully relinquishing ownership.

• Perplexity AI Launches Mobile Assistant for Android

  • Perplexity AI has released a mobile assistant for Android, offering real-time AI-powered search and information retrieval.

  • The assistant aims to rival Google Assistant and Siri by providing contextual, in-depth responses based on user queries.

  • The app features an intuitive interface and leverages AI to personalize recommendations and streamline mobile tasks.

BUSINESS

• Store Closures Hit Highest Level Since Pandemic

  • U.S. store closures surged in 2024, with projections hitting 15,000 in 2025 as struggling retailers like Party City and Macy’s downsize.

  • Major players like Walmart and Amazon gain market share, while specialty retailers and department stores face growing challenges.

  • Despite closures, retail jobs remain stable, and store openings hit a record high in 2024, with chains like Dollar General expanding.

• BOFA CEO says financial industry will embrace crypto

  • Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan says the financial industry is ready to adopt crypto if regulatory approval is secured.

  • BlackRock’s CEO Larry Fink believes SEC approvals for tokenizing assets could significantly boost Bitcoin’s value.

  • Regulatory uncertainty remains the largest challenge for institutions looking to expand into digital assets.

• Trump urges OPEC to lower oil prices, warns of tariffs at Davos

  • Trump demands OPEC take action to reduce oil prices, warning of possible tariffs on imports.

  • He argues that rising energy costs threaten economic stability and contribute to inflation pressures.

  • OPEC leaders remain cautious, emphasizing the need for balanced production strategies to ensure stability.

CONTENT

• How Scaling Laws Will Determine AI's Future

  • Y Combinator’s Garry Tan explores AI scaling laws, questioning whether larger models continue to improve performance.

  • The episode highlights the shift from traditional scaling approaches to new paradigms that could shape AI’s future.

  • Topics include data and compute limits, the Chinchilla scaling model, and the potential of robotics integration.

• How Foods & Nutrients Control Our Moods

  • Dr. Andrew Huberman explains how nutrients influence emotions, mood regulation, and cravings via neurotransmitters.

  • The discussion covers omega-3 fatty acids, gut microbiome health, and the biological effects of food choices.

  • Practical takeaways include dietary tools like probiotics, ketogenic diets, and strategies to optimize gut-brain health.

• Inside Anthropic's Race to Build a Smarter Claude and Human-Level AI

  • Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei discusses the company’s pursuit of human-level AI at Davos with WSJ.

  • The next phase of Claude AI includes improved web browsing, voice capabilities, and more sophisticated reasoning.

  • Amodei predicts AI could reach human intelligence soon, emphasizing the need for responsible development.

WORLD

• Southport Attacker Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

  • Axel Rudakubana, 18, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 52 years for murdering three girls in Southport.

  • The attack took place during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July 2024, shocking the local community.

  • Rudakubana also pleaded guilty to ten attempted murder charges and two terror-related offenses.

• World's Largest Iceberg Threatens South Atlantic Ecosystem

  • Iceberg A23a, twice the size of Greater London, is drifting toward South Georgia Island, raising ecological concerns.

  • Scientists warn it could block access to feeding grounds for penguins and seals, potentially causing mass deaths.

  • The iceberg, which calved from Antarctica in the 1980s, has been moving slowly due to shifting ocean currents.

• Israel Voices Concerns Over Hezbollah Ceasefire Implementation

  • Israel has expressed concerns over Hezbollah’s slow withdrawal from southern Lebanon under the ceasefire terms.

  • The U.S. and France-brokered deal requires a full withdrawal within 60 days, with UN forces overseeing it.

  • Lebanese officials warn that delays could strain diplomatic ties and complicate military redeployment.

AND MORE…

• Substack Introduces $20M Funding Guarantee to Attract Creators

  • Substack announced a $20 million funding guarantee to incentivize top creators to switch to its platform.

  • The company will offer upfront payments based on estimated subscription revenue to ease financial uncertainty.

  • This initiative aims to compete with platforms like Patreon and Ghost, strengthening Substack’s market presence.

• Adidas to Cut Up to 500 Jobs Amid Cost-Cutting Measures

  • Adidas plans to cut up to 500 jobs to streamline operations and reduce costs amid financial challenges.

  • The company has struggled with declining sales and unsold Yeezy inventory, impacting profitability.

  • Cost reductions will focus on corporate roles, while Adidas invests in product innovation and digital growth.

• Spacium Raises $6.3 Million to Develop Space Refueling Technology

  • The company raised $6.3 million in seed funding to advance orbital refueling technology for satellites.

  • The company aims to extend the operational lifespan of space assets by providing in-orbit fueling solutions.

  • Investors include top venture firms and aerospace veterans backing the growing in-space logistics sector.