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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

📉 23andMe files for bankruptcy and CEO exits following a major data breach fallout.
📹 Google rolls out live video tools in Gemini for real-time AI interaction.
🛡️ Microsoft launches Security Copilot agents to automate key cybersecurity tasks.
🇪🇬 Egypt proposes phased hostage release and Israeli pullback in Gaza truce bid.
🎧 Apple adds lossless, low-latency audio to AirPods Max via firmware update.

TECH

• Google Rolls Out Gemini's Real-Time AI Video Features

  • Google adds real-time tools to Gemini Live, letting users interact with screens and cameras using AI.

  • Built from Project Astra, the tools let Gemini ‘see’ video feeds and respond instantly to visuals.

  • Features are live for Gemini Advanced subscribers through the Google One AI Premium subscription.

• Microsoft Introduces Security Copilot AI Agents

  • Microsoft launched six AI agents for Security Copilot to help teams manage daily security overload.

  • The agents handle phishing alerts, incident triage, and vulnerability checks with minimal guidance.

  • Third-party partners like OneTrust and Tanium will provide extensions for added functionality.

• Apple Enhances AirPods Max with Lossless and Low-Latency Audio

  • Apple will bring lossless and low-latency audio support to AirPods Max via a firmware update.

  • The features target audiophiles and creatives, offering better playback for music and gaming.

  • This keeps Apple competitive in premium audio as rivals improve their headphone ecosystems.

BUSINESS

• 23andMe Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy as CEO Steps Down

  • 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced the resignation of CEO Anne Wojcicki.

  • The company faced growing financial strain after a major 2023 breach exposed 7 million user profiles.

  • 23andMe pledged to maintain data privacy throughout the transition as restructuring efforts begin.

• AI Chip Startup FuriosaAI Rejects Meta's $800 Million Offer

  • FuriosaAI declined Meta’s $800 million acquisition offer, choosing to remain an independent company.

  • The startup aims to scale operations alone as competition in the AI chip space rapidly intensifies.

  • Meta had been in talks since early 2025 but couldn’t reach terms acceptable to Furiosa’s leadership.

• Hyundai Announces $21 Billion U.S. Investment

  • Hyundai will invest $21 billion across U.S. facilities through 2028 to expand local manufacturing.

  • The company plans to raise annual output to 1.2 million vehicles and boost EV production capacity.

  • Funds will also support new tech development, battery partnerships, and charging infrastructure.

CONTENT

• Sam Altman on the Future of AI

  • Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, discusses AI's advancements in creativity and empathy, highlighting their transformative potential.​

  • He addresses ethical challenges in AI development, emphasizing the importance of human oversight and responsible innovation.​

  • Altman shares strategies for adapting to technological changes, aiming to enhance human progress while upholding core values.​

• ThePrimeagen: Programming, AI, ADHD, Productivity, Addiction, and God

  • Michael Paulson, known as ThePrimeagen, shares his journey in programming, discussing the intersection of AI and development.​

  • He explores challenges with ADHD and addiction, offering insights into maintaining productivity and mental health in tech.​

  • The conversation delves into philosophical topics, including the role of faith and purpose in a technology-driven world.​

• Moore’s Law for AI Agents, OpenAI's New Audio Models, o1-pro API & When Will AI Replace Us?

  • This podcast discusses the application of Moore's Law to AI agents, analyzing the exponential growth in AI capabilities.​

  • It reviews OpenAI's latest audio models and the release of the o1-pro API, highlighting their impact on AI development.​

  • The episode contemplates the timeline and implications of AI potentially surpassing human roles in various industries.

WORLD

• Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu Jailed Amid Corruption Charges

  • Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was arrested on corruption charges, which he denies, leading to widespread protests across Turkey.

  • The opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has nominated İmamoğlu as its presidential candidate for the 2028 elections.

  • Demonstrations have erupted nationwide, with supporters demanding his release and denouncing the charges as politically motivated.

• Egypt Proposes New Gaza Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Israeli Airstrikes

  • Egypt has proposed a new truce deal involving phased Israeli withdrawal and staged hostage releases by Hamas.

  • The plan suggests five hostages per week in exchange for reducing Israel’s military presence across Gaza.

  • Meanwhile, Israeli strikes killed at least 65 Palestinians within 24 hours, including women and children.

• South Korean Constitutional Court Reinstates Prime Minister Han Duck-soo

  • South Korea's Constitutional Court has overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president.

  • Han pledges to focus on navigating the economy through ongoing trade disputes and internal political challenges.

  • The court's decision precedes an anticipated ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, which could lead to new elections.

AND MORE…

• Hyundai Announces $21 Billion Investment in U.S. Manufacturing

  • Hyundai will invest $21 billion in U.S. operations, including a $5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana.

  • The new facility is expected to create 1,300 direct jobs and over 4,000 in related local industries.

  • The move supports U.S. manufacturing expansion ahead of potential tariffs on international imports.

• United Airlines Raises Fees for Credit Cards and Lounge Memberships

  • United is raising annual fees for its rewards cards and airport lounges as part of a revenue strategy.

  • The United Club card will jump from $525 to $695, reflecting added perks and rising service demand.

  • New benefits include hotel loyalty upgrades and monthly rideshare credits to offset higher costs.

• Smart hiring for fast-growing businesses that need top talent now*

  • Get top-tier engineers, product managers, and data scientists without waiting weeks or months to fill key roles.

  • AI-powered vetting and matching ensure quality candidates who fit your culture and hit the ground running.

  • Reduce hiring costs and time by streamlining your process with fast, seamless access to global professionals.

• Ray Dalio Joins Advisory Council of Indonesia's Sovereign Wealth Fund

  • Ray Dalio has joined Indonesia’s Danantara fund, aimed at managing nearly $900 billion in state assets.

  • The sovereign wealth fund will consolidate state enterprises and attract foreign strategic investors.

  • Transparency concerns persist, with critics worried about political influence over fund governance.