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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

👾 Adobe launches Photoshop for iPhone with AI-powered tools and a free tier.
💻 Google makes its Gemini AI coding assistant free for individual developers.
📊 Microsoft tests ad-supported Office version with cloud-only storage.
🚢 Taiwan detains a Chinese-crewed ship for damaging an undersea cable.
⚡ Massive power outage in Chile disrupts copper mining and capital city.

TECH

• Adobe Launches Photoshop App for iPhone

  • Adobe’s new iPhone app mirrors its desktop version, offering powerful design and generative AI tools.

  • A free version includes basic features, while advanced tools require a subscription.

  • An Android release is planned for later in 2025, expanding mobile accessibility.

• Google Makes Gemini AI Coding Tool Free for Individuals

  • Google Gemini Code Assist is now free for individual developers worldwide.

  • Users get up to 180,000 monthly code completions, surpassing competitors like GitHub Copilot.

  • The tool integrates with major development environments but keeps premium cloud features paid.

• Microsoft Tests Ad-Supported Free Version of Office

  • Microsoft is trialing a free Office version for Windows with banner and video ads.

  • Users must store files on OneDrive, as local storage is unavailable in this version.

  • The test is limited to select regions, with no confirmed plans for a wider rollout.

BUSINESS

• NVIDIA's H20 Chip Orders Surge in China

  • Chinese tech giants like Tencent, Alibaba, and ByteDance are ramping up orders for NVIDIA’s H20 AI chips.

  • The demand is fueled by the growing adoption of DeepSeek’s cost-effective AI models across various industries.

  • The H20 chip was specifically designed to comply with U.S. export restrictions while maintaining strong AI performance.

• Tesla Stock Drops 8% as European Sales Plunge

  • Tesla’s stock fell 8% following a sharp 45% drop in European vehicle registrations in January.

  • Elon Musk’s political ties, including his support for right-wing figures, may be impacting European consumer sentiment.

  • The company’s valuation dipped below $1 trillion as investors reacted to weakening demand in key markets.

• Apple Shareholders Reject Proposal to Scrap DEI Programs

  • Apple shareholders voted overwhelmingly to uphold the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

  • The proposal to eliminate DEI initiatives was backed by conservative groups but was rejected by 97% of shareholders.

  • CEO Tim Cook reaffirmed Apple’s commitment to diversity while acknowledging potential legal challenges ahead.

CONTENT

• Apple Drops $500B on AI While Google Gemini Targets iOS

  • Apple’s massive $500 billion AI investment will focus on manufacturing AI chips in the U.S.

  • Google’s Gemini AI is expanding its reach, integrating deeper into iOS devices.

  • The episode explores AI’s job market impact, meme coins, and the future of autonomous vehicles.

• OpenAI’s Deep Research Team on Reinforcement Learning’s Future

  • OpenAI’s new Deep Research agent aims to automate knowledge work with improved reasoning.

  • The system replaces hand-coded logic with end-to-end reinforcement learning for adaptability.

  • Features like citations and clarification flows build transparency and trust in AI outputs.

• Perplexity CEO on Competing With Google and the Future of Search

  • Aravind Srinivas shares how Perplexity AI emerged as a real competitor in the search space.

  • The company focuses on AI-powered direct answers, positioning itself against Google’s ad model.

  • Discussion includes managing a fast-growing team and avoiding corporate bureaucracy.

WORLD

• Israel Seeks to Extend Gaza Ceasefire Amid Stalled Talks

  • Israel and Hamas agreed to extend the ceasefire to facilitate further hostage exchanges.

  • Negotiations over Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza remain stalled, with humanitarian concerns escalating.

  • Egypt continues mediating efforts, pushing for a broader phase-two discussion alongside the ceasefire extension.

• Taiwan Detains Chinese-Crewed Cargo Ship Over Undersea Cable Damage

  • Taiwan’s coastguard seized a Chinese-crewed vessel suspected of damaging an undersea communication cable.

  • Officials suspect deliberate interference as part of China’s ‘grey zone’ tactics below the threshold of war.

  • The incident follows a series of similar disruptions, raising concerns about Taiwan’s network security.

• Massive Power Outage Hits Chile, Affecting Copper Mines and Capital

  • A major blackout left millions without electricity, disrupting mining operations and shutting down Santiago’s metro.

  • The outage affected key copper mines, including Escondida, the world’s largest, forcing them onto backup power.

  • Authorities ruled out cyberattacks, citing a transmission line failure as the likely cause.

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• Apptronik's Humanoid Robots Move Toward Self-Replication

  • Apptronik is developing humanoid robots capable of assisting in their own production, reducing human labor needs.

  • The robots are designed with modular components, making replication and maintenance more efficient.

  • This marks a step toward autonomous robotic manufacturing, potentially transforming industrial automation.

• OpenAI Rolls Out ‘Deep Research’ for Paying ChatGPT Users

  • OpenAI has introduced a new "Deep Research" tool for Plus, Team, Enterprise, and Edu subscribers.

  • The feature enables comprehensive research queries, generating detailed reports within minutes.

  • It aims to assist professionals needing in-depth analysis, enhancing ChatGPT’s capabilities beyond simple queries.

• Macron’s Ukraine ‘Turning Point’ Faces Lack of U.S. Commitment

  • French President Emmanuel Macron pushed for U.S. support on Ukraine security but received no firm commitments from Donald Trump.

  • Macron emphasized the need for European-led security initiatives backed by U.S. logistical support.

  • European leaders remain concerned about Ukraine’s stability without stronger international commitments.