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Microsoft AI chief calls conscious machines absurd, Google Translate adds advanced picker, and ICC investigates killings in Sudan.

Memorandum
November 05, 2025

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

In today’s edition, we are tackling the following:

🤝 OpenAI signs $38B AWS deal for Nvidia GPUs and new cloud access.
🧠 Microsoft’s AI head calls conscious AI research a waste of time.
🌍 ICC probes mass killings after RSF seizes Sudan’s al-Fashir stronghold.
🎮 Japan’s top publishers demand OpenAI stop using anime and manga content.
💊 Kimberly-Clark buys Tylenol maker Kenvue for $48.7B.

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TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft AI Chief Warns Pursuing Machine Consciousness Is a Gigantic Waste of Time (Gizmodo)
^_More:^_CNBC^_,^_TechCrunch^_,^_Fortune
- Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman argues consciousness requires biological experience, calling research into conscious AI absurd.
- Suleyman warns that seemingly conscious AI could lead to dangerous delusions, emotional attachments, and legal debates over rights.
- Microsoft is building AI systems that clearly identify as artificial, avoiding features that simulate consciousness or suffering.
Altman and Nadella need more power for AI, but they're not sure how much (TechCrunch)
^_More:^_CNBC^_,^_Bloomberg^_,^_Fortune
- Microsoft has excess GPU chips sitting idle because it lacks sufficient power infrastructure and data center capacity.
- Demand cycles for AI compute are unpredictable, with Nadella citing inability to build data centers fast enough near power.
- Altman warns companies could face losses if cheap energy emerges soon, potentially rendering existing expensive power contracts obsolete.
Google Translate adding model picker for 'Advanced' or 'Fast' translations (9to5Google)
^_More:^_Engadget^_,^{_{Android Central}}^_,^_Phandroid
- Google Translate introduces a model picker with Advanced mode using Gemini AI for complex translations in select languages.
- Fast mode prioritizes speed for quick translations while Advanced delivers higher accuracy with contextual understanding and nuance.
- The feature is currently rolling out on iOS devices, with Advanced mode supporting only specific language pairs like English-Spanish and French.

BUSINESS

OpenAI, Amazon announce $38 billion compute deal (Yahoo)
^_More:^_CNBC^_,^_Bloomberg^_,^_TechCrunch
- OpenAI signs seven-year deal with Amazon Web Services for immediate access to hundreds of thousands of Nvidia GPUs.
- Deal follows OpenAI's restructuring, ending Microsoft's first refusal rights, enabling partnerships with other major cloud providers.
- Amazon stock hit record high adding $140 billion market value, while analysts question how loss-making OpenAI will fund deals.
Kimberly-Clark to acquire Tylenol maker Kenvue in $48.7 billion deal (CBS News)
^_More:^_CNBC^_,^_Bloomberg^_,^_CNN
- Kimberly-Clark pays a 46% premium at $21.01 per share, combining Huggies and Kleenex with Tylenol, Band-Aid, and Neutrogena brands.
- Combined company projects $32 billion annual revenue with anticipated $2.1 billion cost synergies within three years after closing.
- Deal comes weeks after Trump's unfounded autism-Tylenol claims; Kenvue shares surged 18% while Kimberly-Clark fell 14% on announcement.
Starbucks to sell control of China business to Boyu Capital in $4 billion deal (CNN)
^_More:^_CNBC^_,^_Bloomberg^_,^{_{MarketScreener}}
- Boyu Capital acquires 60% controlling stake in Starbucks China operations while Starbucks retains a 40% interest and brand licensing.
- Starbucks’ market share in China plummeted to 14% from 34% in 2019 due to competition from cheaper chains.
- Deal values the total China business at $13 billion, including sale proceeds, retained stake value, and ongoing licensing fees payable.
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MARKETS

S&P	6,263.69	+0.00%
NASDAQ	23,834.72	+0.46%
Dow	47,336.68	−0.48%
10-Year	4.10%	↑ ~0.00 pp
Bitcoin	$106,624	−3.04%
Gold	$3,784.10	+1.03%

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WORLD

Public barred as Tanzanian president sworn in (BBC/Yahoo)
^_More:^_NPR^_,^{_{Al Jazeera}}^_,^{_{ABC News}}
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in at a closed military ceremony after winning disputed election with 98% vote.
- Opposition claims hundreds killed in post-election violence, with a nationwide internet shutdown still in place since election day.
- Hassan's two main rivals were imprisoned or barred from running, prompting opposition to reject the results as a sham.
Israel rocked by scandal as top military lawyer resigns (The Washington Post)
^_More:^_NPR^_,^{_{Al Jazeera}}^_,^{_{Yahoo News}}
- Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi was arrested after admitting she leaked surveillance video showing soldiers abusing a Palestinian detainee.
- Video shows soldiers at Sde Teiman prison assaulting a detainee with a knife, causing multiple injuries requiring surgery.
- Netanyahu called the leak perhaps Israel's worst public relations attack in history, with the focus on the leaker overshadowing abuse allegations.
ICC prosecutors probing reports of mass killings in Sudan's al-Fashir (US News)
^_More:^{_{NBC News}}^_,^_PBS^_,^{_{Al Jazeera}}
- ICC is collecting evidence of alleged mass killings and rapes after Rapid Support Forces seized al-Fashir, Darfur's last military stronghold.
- Over 70,000 people fled al-Fashir, with reports of men being separated and killed, 460 killed at the hospital.
- Prosecutors warn atrocities may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity as part of a broader Darfur violence pattern.

FUTURISM

Studio Ghibli and other Japanese publishers want OpenAI to stop (TechCrunch)
^_More:^_Variety^_,^_GameSpot^_,^_GamesRadar
- Japanese trade group CODA representing Studio Ghibli, Bandai Namco, Square Enix demands OpenAI stop using copyrighted content for Sora.
- CODA argues OpenAI's opt-out system violates Japanese copyright law, requiring prior permission, not subsequent objection for use.
- The Japanese government formally requested that OpenAI prevent infringement, with officials calling anime and manga irreplaceable national treasures.
ChatGPT will no longer give health or legal advice (Yahoo)
^_More:^{_{Legal IT Insider}}^_,^_IBTimes^_,^{_{Artificial Lawyer}}
- OpenAI updated its usage policy on October 29, banning ChatGPT from providing tailored medical, legal, or financial advice.
- ChatGPT, now classified as an educational tool rather than a consultant, will only explain principles and refer users to professionals.
- Policy change aims to limit liability amid regulations and lawsuit fears, though ChatGPT still performs many legal tasks in practice.
Coca-Cola Is Trying Another AI Holiday Ad. Executives Say This Time Is Different (Hollywood Reporter)
^_More:^{_{Marketing Dive}}^_,^{_{Marketing Week}}^_,^{_{Whiskey Riff}}
- Coca-Cola releases second AI-generated version of iconic ‘Holidays Are Coming’ ad after 2024 backlash over labor ethics and aesthetics.
- New version features only animals watching trucks with Santa appearing at end, using 20 people versus 50 last year.
- Executives claim craftsmanship is ten times better, though critics argue the issue was AI use itself, not the quality of output.

CONTENT

Cohere’s Chief AI Officer, Joelle Pineau (20VC)
- Joelle Pineau explains how Cohere advances efficient LLM training and why scaling laws still drive AI performance gains.
- She outlines the promise and limits of synthetic data, capital efficiency, and enterprise adoption of responsible AI systems.
- Insights include lessons from Meta, the economics of data, and where the next generation of AI investment should focus.
Using Existing Drugs in New Ways to Treat & Cure Diseases of the Brain & Body (Andrew Huberman)
- Dr. David Fajgenbaum reveals how drug repurposing saved his life and could revolutionize treatments for rare and chronic diseases.
- He details methods to identify overlooked compounds with curative potential and the mindset needed for medical breakthroughs.
- The episode reframes longevity and health through creativity, persistence, and the democratization of scientific discovery.
How America Wins the AI Race Against China (a16z)
- David Sacks joins Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz to dissect U.S. AI and crypto policy under the Trump administration.
- They argue that open source innovation, energy investment, and deregulation are key to maintaining America’s technological edge.
- The conversation covers China’s rise, infrastructure bottlenecks, and how political shifts could redefine the AI landscape globally.

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