TLDR 2025-12-09
Inside OpenAI's code red π€, Google's AI glasses π, cost of software declines π
Sam Altman's Sprint to Correct OpenAI's Direction and Fend Off Google (15 minute read)
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made the call last week to pause the company's side projects for eight weeks and focus on improving ChatGPT. The decision was a major strategic course correction. Altman instructed employees to boost ChatGPT through the better use of user signals. OpenAI is set to release a new model this week, and it also plans to release another model in January with better images, improved speed, and a better personality, after which it will end the 'code red'.
Google to launch first of its AI glasses in 2026 (2 minute read)
Google plans to launch the first of its AI-powered glasses in 2026. The company has planned audio-only glasses that will allow users to speak with Gemini and glasses with an in-lens display to show users information. The glasses will be built on top of Android XR in collaboration with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker.
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Science & Futuristic Technology
Going direct: notes on Eli Lilly at a trillion (16 minute read)
Eli Lilly became the first pharmaceutical company to hit a trillion-dollar valuation on November 21. The company recently partnered with Nvidia to build an AI supercomputer. Lilly wants to position itself as a technology company. Its CEO, Dave Ricks, recently appeared on a podcast to discuss the company's aspirations. This article presents an analysis of the discussion.
Current fuel mix and uses (12 minute read)
We're in the middle of a period of rapid transition in energy. Solar is decosting at an accelerating rate, coal is shrinking, and nuclear is flat. Primary production will soon be mostly solar. Batteries will be everywhere, and the grid will shrink. Datacenters, which are already building their own captive power plants, will become power sources for their communities. Substantial cost improvements are still needed to make space AI competitive.
Apple Chip Chief Tells Staff He's Not Leaving βAnytime Soon' (2 minute read)
Apple chip chief Johny Srouji told staff on Monday that he is staying at the company for now. There were recent rumors and speculations about his future at Apple, but he doesn't plan on leaving anytime soon. Apple CEO Tim Cook has been working aggressively to retain Srouji with a campaign that included a substantial pay package and the potential of more responsibility down the road.
Paramount Skydance launches hostile bid for WBD βto finish what we started,' CEO Ellison tells CNBC (4 minute read)
Paramount Skydance is launching a hostile bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. It will go straight to shareholders with an all-cash, $30 per share offer. The offer is supported by equity financing from the Ellison family, Middle Eastern financing partners, Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, and other parties. Those partners have agreed to forgo any governance rights as part of their investment. The modifications allow the deal to be outside of the jurisdiction of the Committee of Foreign Investment in the US.
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