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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

📺 Netflix introduces feature allowing iOS users to download entire TV seasons.
☕ Starbucks cuts 30% of its menu to streamline operations and improve service speed.
🚗 Waymo expands robotaxi testing to 10 new cities, advancing autonomous taxi trials.
🔐 OpenAI accuses DeepSeek of using its model to train a competitor, raising concerns.
🏠 Zuckerberg reportedly eyeing mansion near Trump to influence tech policy.

TECH

• Netflix Adds a Convenient Feature for iOS Users

  • Netflix has introduced a new feature for iPhone and iPad users, allowing them to download an entire season of a TV show with a single click.

  • This update simplifies offline viewing by eliminating the need to download episodes individually.

  • The feature is particularly useful for users preparing for travel or with limited internet access.

• DeepSeek App Unavailable in Apple and Google App Stores in Italy

  • The Chinese AI application DeepSeek has been removed from Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store in Italy.

  • This action follows inquiries from Italy's data protection authority regarding DeepSeek's data collection and storage practices.

  • Despite its removal in Italy, DeepSeek remains accessible in other European countries and the UK.

• Google Play Will Now Verify VPNs That Prioritize Privacy and Safety

  • Google Play has introduced verification badges for VPN apps that meet specific security and privacy standards.

  • To qualify, VPNs must undergo a Mobile Application Security Assessment and opt into independent security reviews.

  • This initiative aims to help users identify trustworthy VPN services amidst a growing number of available options.

BUSINESS

• Starbucks to Cut 30% of Menu Items in 'Back to Basics' Initiative

  • Starbucks plans to reduce its menu by approximately 30% to streamline operations and improve service speed.

  • The initiative includes reintroducing condiment bars and requiring purchases for in-store amenities.

  • CEO Brian Niccol aims to enhance the customer experience and address operational inefficiencies.

• Alibaba Releases AI Model Claiming to Surpass DeepSeek V3

  • Alibaba has unveiled Qwen 2.5-Max, an AI model it asserts outperforms DeepSeek's latest version.

  • The release underscores the competitive pressure in the AI sector, particularly following DeepSeek's recent advancements.

  • Alibaba's move highlights the intensifying race among tech giants to lead in AI development.

• OpenAI Accuses DeepSeek of Using Its Model to Train a Competitor

  • OpenAI claims DeepSeek used its proprietary models for training, potentially violating intellectual property rights.

  • The AI firm has previously blocked accounts suspected of distillation, a method of extracting knowledge from larger models.

  • Industry insiders say using outputs from established AI models is common, but OpenAI seeks stronger protections.

CONTENT

• Uber May Buy Expedia And Is Europe Falling Behind The US?

  • Scott Galloway discusses why Uber’s rumored acquisition of Expedia could turn it into an all-in-one travel platform.

  • He examines why Europe struggles to compete with the U.S. in business innovation and tech growth.

  • The episode wraps up with strategies for outsourcing work to scale a business efficiently.

• 48 Hours With MrBeast and 11 Billionaires

  • The My First Million podcast hosts share insights from a weekend spent with MrBeast and high-net-worth entrepreneurs.

  • Topics include the importance of confidence, working smarter versus harder, and the latest billionaire investment strategies.

  • The episode explores health as a new status symbol and how unconventional thinking leads to success.

• Reid Hoffman on AI Investments and Big Tech’s Future

  • LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman makes the case for AI’s long-term value, despite massive upfront investments.

  • He discusses OpenAI’s $6.6 billion funding round and the rise of China’s DeepSeek as a competitor.

  • The conversation covers AI regulation, Microsoft’s evolving role in AI, and the potential impact of TikTok on global markets.

WORLD

• Mark Zuckerberg Explores Washington D.C. Property Purchase

  • Meta's CEO is reportedly considering buying a mansion in Washington D.C. to strengthen ties with President Donald Trump's administration.

  • This aligns with his efforts to influence tech policy, particularly AI regulation, as he positions Meta in key political conversations.

  • Zuckerberg has also made strategic hires, bringing in individuals with close connections to Trump's inner circle.

• Thirty Killed in Crowd Crush at India's Kumbh Mela Festival

  • A massive stampede at the Kumbh Mela, one of India's largest religious gatherings, resulted in at least 30 deaths.

  • The incident occurred as thousands of pilgrims rushed to participate in a ritual bathing in the Ganges River.

  • Authorities are investigating overcrowding and poor crowd control measures as possible causes of the disaster.

• Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Oil Facilities

  • A recent Ukrainian drone strike reached 500 miles into Russia, damaging 5% of the country’s oil refining capacity.

  • The attack is part of Ukraine's strategy to disrupt Russian military logistics, leading to significant fires and refinery shutdowns.

  • The strike highlights the evolving role of drone warfare in the ongoing conflict, increasing pressure on Russian supply chains.

AND MORE…

• Startups Tackle LA’s Growing Wildfire Risk Amid Climate Change

  • With LA’s wildfire season growing longer, startups are developing AI-driven early detection systems and fire-resistant materials.

  • Companies like RainGrid and Perimeter Solutions aim to mitigate fire risks through automated suppression technology.

  • Venture capital interest in wildfire prevention is surging as climate change accelerates the frequency and intensity of fires.

• EU Launches 'Simplification Agenda' to Compete with US and China

  • The European Union is introducing sweeping regulatory reforms to streamline bureaucracy and accelerate business innovation.

  • The plan aims to make it easier for startups and corporations to scale, addressing concerns over complex EU regulations.

  • Officials hope this initiative will enhance competitiveness in AI, green tech, and industrial sectors against the US and China.

• Waymo Expands Robotaxi Testing to 10 New Cities in 2025

  • Alphabet’s Waymo is set to expand its autonomous taxi trials to 10 additional cities, signaling confidence in its self-driving tech.

  • The company is focusing on varied urban environments, from high-density downtowns to suburban neighborhoods.

  • This expansion comes as regulators debate safety and liability concerns, with some cities more welcoming than others.