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

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

💰 OpenAI seeks up to $40 billion, with SoftBank leading the investment.
📱 Google offers buyouts to restructure its Platforms & Devices division.
📈 Amazon boosts ad spending on X, signaling renewed confidence.
💻 Musk’s influence on Dogecoin continues to impact its price.
✈️ American Airlines plane collides with a military helicopter, no survivors.

TECH

• OpenAI in Talks for Huge Investment Round Valuing It Up to $340 Billion

  • OpenAI is negotiating to raise up to $40 billion in a new funding round, potentially valuing the company at $340 billion.

  • SoftBank is expected to lead the investment with a contribution between $15 billion and $25 billion.

  • The funding would boost OpenAI’s $18 billion commitment to Stargate, a joint venture focused on data center construction in the U.S.

• Microsoft Makes OpenAI's o1 Reasoning Model Free for All Copilot Users

  • Microsoft is offering OpenAI’s o1 reasoning model, 'Think Deeper,' for free to all Copilot users, enhancing its ability to tackle complex queries.

  • The model, initially exclusive to Copilot Pro subscribers, processes questions in about 30 seconds.

  • Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman announced the expansion, emphasizing accessibility for all users without additional costs.

• Gmail Warns Users to Secure Accounts After 'Malicious' AI Hack Confirmed

  • Gmail users are being targeted by AI-powered phishing scams using deepfake voices to impersonate Google support representatives.

  • Victims receive convincing phone calls, followed by fake emails from seemingly legitimate Google addresses.

  • Cybersecurity experts advise users to enable 'Advanced Protection,’ which includes passkeys and smart key authentication.

BUSINESS

• Amazon Increases Ad Spending on X

  • Amazon has reversed its ad spending cuts on X, increasing investment despite previous content concerns.

  • The decision aligns with Apple and other brands re-engaging with Musk’s platform after earlier pullbacks.

  • CEO Andy Jassy reportedly backed the move, signaling Amazon’s renewed confidence in X's ad ecosystem.

• Google Offers Voluntary Exit Program to Pixel and Android Teams

  • Google is offering voluntary buyouts to U.S. employees in its Platforms & Devices division as part of a restructuring.

  • The program follows the merger of Android, Pixel, and Chrome teams to streamline AI-driven product development.

  • It is unclear how many employees will accept the offer, but the move reflects broader tech industry cost-cutting.

• Elon Musk's Influence on Dogecoin and X’s Strategy

  • Musk’s tweets continue to fuel Dogecoin price swings, raising concerns about market manipulation.

  • X’s financial strategy hints at possible crypto integrations, boosting speculation around Dogecoin’s role.

  • Critics question Dogecoin’s long-term stability, as Musk's influence remains a major factor in its valuation.

CONTENT

• 9 Experts Break Down the Real Fix to Writer’s Block

  • Experts share strategies like changing environments, setting small goals, and embracing imperfection to spark creativity.

  • Understanding personal writing rhythms and experimenting with new techniques can help maintain a steady workflow.

  • The key takeaway is testing multiple approaches to discover what best combats writer’s block long term.

• I Paid a ChatGPT Operator $200 to Build My Business

  • Greg Isenberg tests ChatGPT Operator, an AI tool that automates business tasks like price arbitrage and sourcing.

  • The AI scans marketplaces, spots pricing gaps, messages sellers, and manages operations with minimal input.

  • While effective, the tool requires clear instructions, and some platforms restrict AI-driven automation.

• Winners and Losers After DeepSeek

  • Scott Galloway and Robert Armstrong break down DeepSeek’s impact on major tech companies and AI disruption.

  • The AI model’s affordability challenges incumbents while boosting smaller players and open-source development.

  • They explore geopolitical implications, particularly how DeepSeek affects U.S.-China competition in AI.

WORLD

• Netanyahu Condemns Chaotic Hostage Handover by Hamas

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the disorderly hostage transfer ‘horrifying’ and proof of Hamas’ ‘unimaginable cruelty.’

  • Israel delayed the planned release of Palestinian prisoners, demanding assurances for safer handovers before continuing the exchange.

  • Mediators promised future hostages would be released under stricter safety measures to prevent similar chaotic incidents.

• No Survivors After American Airlines Plane Collides with Military Helicopter

  • A PSA Airlines flight crashed after a mid-air collision with a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., killing all 67 on board.

  • The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation, but no flight recorders have been recovered yet.

  • This is the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster since 2001, raising concerns about airspace safety in high-traffic areas.

• Trump’s Policy Shift Threatens Tesla’s $2.8B EV Credit Business

  • Tesla's $2.8 billion in regulatory credit sales is at risk as Trump moves to eliminate federal EV targets and emissions rules.

  • Rolling back environmental regulations could reduce demand for Tesla’s credits, impacting its profitability in the U.S. market.

  • Despite Elon Musk’s close ties to Trump, Tesla faces financial uncertainty as the administration reshapes EV policies.

AND MORE…

• Copyright Office Denies Protection for AI-Generated Works

  • The U.S. Copyright Office ruled that AI-generated works, even with detailed prompts, do not qualify for copyright protection.

  • Officials stated that AI outputs reflect the system’s interpretation, not human creativity, making them ineligible for copyright.

  • However, human-created works that incorporate AI assistance may still qualify if they include significant creative modification.

• Amazon Cuts Jobs in Sustainability Department

  • Amazon has laid off employees in its sustainability division, signaling a shift in its environmental priorities.

  • The company has not disclosed how many jobs were affected or the specific impact on its climate initiatives.

  • This move raises concerns about Amazon’s long-term commitment to its previously stated environmental goals.

• Zuckerberg Hints at a Return to Facebook’s Original Experience

  • Mark Zuckerberg said he wants to bring Facebook back to its cultural roots by revisiting its original experience.

  • He suggested that revamping the platform will be a key focus in 2025, even if it impacts short-term business growth.

  • While no specifics were given, his comments sparked speculation about a shift toward Facebook’s early appeal.