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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

👾 OpenAI launches GPT-4.5 Orion with improved reasoning and multimodal capabilities.
🖥️ Amazon unveils Ocelot, its first in-house quantum computing chip.
🔒 Meta fires 20 employees for leaking confidential company information.
🚨 Myanmar scam operations use Starlink to evade authorities and continue fraud.
🌍 Trump announces 25% tariffs on European imports, citing unfair trade practices.

TECH

• OpenAI Unveils GPT-4.5 Orion, Its Largest AI Model Yet

  • OpenAI has introduced GPT-4.5 Orion, boasting improved reasoning, longer context handling, and enhanced multimodal capabilities.

  • The model is designed to be faster and more cost-efficient, making it ideal for enterprise and research applications.

  • OpenAI says GPT-4.5 will roll out gradually, with API access available to select partners before wider release.

• Amazon’s Cloud Unit Builds Quantum Computing Chip Called Ocelot

  • AWS has developed its first in-house quantum computing chip, Ocelot, to compete with Google and IBM.

  • The chip aims to accelerate advancements in quantum computing and cloud-based AI workloads.

  • Amazon’s move signals growing competition among tech giants in the race for quantum supremacy.

• Microsoft’s Copilot App Now Available for Download on macOS

  • Microsoft has released a standalone Copilot app for macOS, expanding its AI assistant beyond Windows.

  • The app integrates with macOS features, offering AI-powered productivity tools for users.

  • Copilot for macOS supports multiple workflows, including coding assistance, document summarization, and automation.

BUSINESS

• Meta Fires 20 Employees for Leaking Confidential Information

  • Meta has dismissed approximately 20 employees for leaking sensitive company information.

  • The company has intensified efforts to identify and terminate leakers following a surge in unauthorized disclosures.

  • Specific details about the leaked materials and the recipients have not been disclosed.

• Elon Musk Criticizes FAA, Calls Air Traffic Control System ‘Failing’

  • Musk stated that the FAA’s current air traffic control system is outdated and inefficient.

  • He suggested that SpaceX’s Starlink could improve aviation communications and reduce flight delays.

  • The comments come as Musk continues to push for privatization of critical infrastructure.

• Instagram Apologizes After Users Encounter Graphic Content

  • An error caused Instagram’s Reels feed to display violent and graphic videos to users, including minors.

  • Some of these videos lacked appropriate ‘sensitive content’ warnings, leading to widespread user complaints.

  • Meta has resolved the issue and apologized, though concerns about content moderation persist.

CONTENT

• Design Experts Critique AI Interfaces

  • YC’s Aaron Epstein and Raphael Schaad analyze AI-powered UI from emerging startups.

  • They review adaptive interfaces, video prompts, and realistic voice APIs in action.

  • Featured companies include Vapi, Retell AI, Gumloop, AnswerGrid, Polymet, and Argil.

• An Inside Look at X’s Community Notes

  • X’s Community Notes rewards ‘bridging agreement’ instead of majority rule for fact-checking.

  • The project survived multiple CEO changes from Jack Dorsey to Elon Musk’s leadership.

  • Meta’s adoption signals industry-wide movement toward combating misinformation at scale.

• OpenAI's Chief Research Officer on GPT 4.5's Debut

  • Mark Chen discusses GPT 4.5’s launch and what it means for AI model scalability.

  • OpenAI is pushing emotional intelligence and reasoning-based approaches in AI.

  • Insights on OpenAI’s talent retention following leadership turmoil and major departures.

WORLD

• Elon Musk's Starlink Is Keeping Modern Slavery Compounds Online

  • Criminals in Myanmar are using Starlink satellite internet to maintain scam operations despite traditional connections being cut.

  • Attempts to disrupt these operations, including seizing Starlink devices, have not fully succeeded due to the adaptability of scam networks.

  • Reports indicate that Starlink is used in several scam compounds along the Myanmar-Thailand border, exacerbating issues of modern slavery and online fraud.

• Trump says after years of being 'screwed' by Europe, it will face 25% tariffs

  • President Trump announced a shift in trade policy, focusing on the European Union with proposed 25% tariffs on imports.

  • This move comes after expressing dissatisfaction with Europe's trade practices, claiming the U.S. has been disadvantaged for years.

  • The decision marks a significant change from previous policies primarily targeting China.

• February 26, 2025: Donald Trump presidency news

  • Chief Justice John Roberts paused a court-imposed deadline that would have required President Trump to disclose certain documents.

  • The administration faces legal challenges regarding its Department of Government Efficiency and other major policies.

  • These developments highlight ongoing judicial scrutiny of the administration's actions.

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• Israel’s Military Lays Out Its Oct. 7 Failures

  • Israel’s military admitted to underestimating Hamas and misreading intelligence before the Oct. 7 attack, leading to delayed responses.

  • The report outlines how troops were overwhelmed as militants stormed Israeli communities, army bases, and a music festival.

  • While the findings acknowledge systemic failures, they stop short of assigning personal blame, though accountability may come later.

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Says the Company Is ‘Out of GPUs’

  • Sam Altman revealed that OpenAI is facing a severe shortage of GPUs, limiting its ability to train AI models.

  • The lack of advanced chips has slowed AI advancements, affecting OpenAI’s ability to scale its models.

  • Altman has pushed for increased domestic semiconductor production to address long-term AI hardware needs.

• Amazon CEO Andy Jassy Calls Alexa Hardware ‘a Beautiful Business’

  • Andy Jassy defended Amazon’s Alexa division despite reports of financial struggles and reduced investment.

  • Amazon continues to invest in AI-powered voice assistants, competing against Google and Apple.

  • Jassy’s comments come as Amazon explores new AI integrations to enhance Alexa’s capabilities.