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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🖼️ ChatGPT now creates images from prompts directly in conversation.
🧠 Gemini 2.5 boosts reasoning and supports multimodal inputs.
📺 Netflix adds HDR10+ support for better visuals on Samsung TVs.
💰 Trump-backed stablecoin USD1 raises $550M for crypto expansion.
📉 GameStop shifts strategy by adding bitcoin to its treasury.

TECH

• Google Unveils Gemini 2.5, Its Next-Gen AI Reasoning Model

  • Google introduced Gemini 2.5, an advanced AI model that ‘thinks’ before responding, enhancing accuracy and performance.

  • The model excels in coding and multimodal reasoning, interpreting text, audio, images, and video inputs effectively.

  • With a 1 million token context window, Gemini 2.5 can process extensive data, soon expanding to 2 million tokens.

• Netflix Adds HDR10 Plus Support, Enhancing Viewing on Samsung TVs

  • Netflix now supports HDR10 Plus, offering Samsung TV users improved picture quality with dynamic tone mapping.

  • This update is available to Premium plan subscribers, initially covering about half of eligible viewing hours.

  • Netflix plans to expand HDR10 Plus content to all HDR titles by the end of 2025, enhancing the streaming experience.

• OpenAI's ChatGPT Integrates Image Generation Capabilities

  • OpenAI's ChatGPT now includes image generation, allowing users to create visuals from text prompts within conversations.

  • This integration enhances user experience by combining text and image generation in a single AI platform.

  • The feature positions ChatGPT competitively against other AI models offering similar multimodal functionalities.

BUSINESS

• World Liberty Financial Launches USD1 Stablecoin Backed by U.S. Treasurys

  • Donald Trump’s new crypto firm announced USD1, a stablecoin fully backed by Treasurys and dollar reserves.

  • The token will run on Ethereum and Binance chains, supporting cross-border payments with added stability.

  • USD1 has already raised $550 million, signaling early investor confidence in the project’s structure.

• GameStop to Invest in Bitcoin as Treasury Reserve Asset

  • GameStop will add bitcoin to its treasury, shifting toward digital assets amid business model challenges.

  • The company didn’t set a limit on BTC holdings, indicating a potentially long-term crypto strategy.

  • GameStop stock jumped over 6% after the announcement, reflecting a strong investor reaction to the move.

• Instagram Partners with Schools to Expedite Removal of Student Posts

  • Instagram launched a new program letting U.S. schools quickly report and remove harmful student content.

  • Verified schools get expedited moderation and feedback when flagging posts violating platform guidelines.

  • Participants gain a partner badge and access to educational tools for safer student social media use.

CONTENT

• Tesla's Humanoid Robot Will Change Everything

  • Tesla’s Optimus robot is built to take over repetitive, dangerous, or boring tasks across many industries.

  • The humanoid bot stands 5'8", weighs 125 lbs, and can carry up to 45 lbs with advanced physical balance.

  • Optimus runs on Tesla’s AI software, aiming to transform sectors like logistics, factories, and retail.

• If I Wanted to Build a $1M+ AI Startup in 2025, I'd Do This

  • Greg Isenberg and Andrew Wilkinson explore how to build scalable AI businesses by owning distribution.

  • They share tactical ideas like secure data tools, web design automation, and ‘message maxing’ apps.

  • The biggest takeaway is that execution and niche focus matter more than tools in today’s AI world.

• The Future of Digital Workers

  • 11x CTO Prabhav Jain explains how digital workers like Alice and Mike reshape enterprise sales teams.

  • These agents blend voice, data, and AI orchestration to drive measurable outcomes, not just automation.

  • The episode breaks down scaling challenges, design trade-offs, and what defines real AI agents today.

WORLD

• Hundreds Join Protest Against Hamas in Northern Gaza

  • Hundreds of Palestinians protested Hamas rule in Gaza, demanding a ceasefire and political accountability.

  • Demonstrations erupted in Beit Lahia and Jabalia, sparked by social media calls for civil resistance.

  • Protesters risked arrest and retaliation, marking one of Gaza’s boldest anti-Hamas movements in years.

• Doctors Nearly Withdrew Care as Pope Francis Faced Deadly Pneumonia

  • Pope Francis faced life-threatening respiratory failure after inhaling vomit during a five-week hospital stay.

  • Doctors debated halting aggressive care but ultimately chose to continue, stabilizing his condition.

  • The Pope, now discharged, continues recovery following the most serious health crisis of his papacy.

• China Named Top Military and Cyber Threat to the U.S. in New Report

  • A U.S. report identified China as the leading global threat in military, cyber, and space domains.

  • Analysts warn China could cripple U.S. infrastructure and aims to dominate AI by the year 2030.

  • Officials highlight China’s evolving capabilities, including precision strike and surveillance technology.

AND MORE…

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  BuzzFeed CEO Discusses New AI-Native Social Media Platform

  • Jonah Peretti is building ‘BuzzFeed Island,’ an AI-first platform designed to foster creativity and positivity online.

  • The project is backed by $10 million in funding and aims to combat toxicity found in legacy social media apps.

  • Peretti sees the platform as a tech-forward evolution of BuzzFeed’s mission and long-term strategic pivot.

• Otter.ai Introduces Voice-Activated Meeting Agent

  • Otter launched a meeting agent that answers questions and takes action using company-specific voice commands.

  • It currently works with Zoom, with plans to expand to Teams and Meet for wider enterprise integration.

  • Two new tools, Sales Agent and SDR Agent, support outreach efforts during product demos and calls.

• Emergence Capital Closes $1B Fund for B2B Companies

  • Emergence Capital raised $1 billion to back early-stage B2B startups, especially those focused on AI tools.

  • It’s the firm’s first new fund since 2020, reflecting renewed interest in enterprise software innovation.

  • Emergence has previously backed major wins including Zoom, Salesforce, Bill.com, and other unicorns.