🧠 Pentagon Tech Team Quits, Copilot Gets Hands, Google Goes Global
Good morning. It’s Wednesday, April 16. Today we are covering:
Pentagon's 'SWAT team of nerds' resigns en masse
Microsoft lets Copilot Studio use a computer on its own
Google Search switching to google․com around the world
Inside Mark Zuckerberg's Failed Negotiations to End Antitrust Case
Europe helped teach China to make cars. Now the tables are turning
Let’s dive in
Pentagon's 'SWAT team of nerds' resigns en masse
By Mohar Chatterjee via POLITICO
Nearly all members of the Defense Digital Service (DDS) are resigning by the end of April, effectively dissolving the Pentagon’s decade-old tech innovation unit, citing marginalization by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk’s leadership.
DDS, once the Pentagon’s “SWAT team of nerds”, was behind rapid tech deployments like drone detection and Afghanistan withdrawal tools; its functions will be absorbed by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office.
Staff say DOGE sidelined DDS and other modernization units like 18F and the U.S. Digital Service, leading to inefficiencies, layoffs, and growing bureaucracy rather than meaningful AI-driven reforms.
𝕏: Why are they being allowed to resign? Must be fired for cause. DDS is an Obama-era cancer that’s leached off the department since its inception. - Ezra A. Cohen (@EzraACohen)
Microsoft lets Copilot Studio use a computer on its own
By Tom Warren via The Verge
Microsoft Copilot Studio introduces a new “computer use” feature that enables AI agents to interact directly with websites and desktop applications, mimicking human actions like clicking, typing, and selecting menus.
This capability allows AI agents to automate tasks even without APIs, supporting workflows such as data entry, invoice processing, and market research, and adapting when app interfaces change.
Unlike the consumer-focused Actions in Copilot, which are limited to specific partners, Copilot Studio’s automation tools offer broader compatibility across apps and services.
𝕏: Microsoft lets Copilot Studio use a computer on its own. Microsoft has its own "computer use" feature for AI agents to automatically use websites and apps, much like OpenAI's Operator. - Tom Warren (@tomwarren)
The best way to reach new readers is through word of mouth. If you click THIS LINK in your inbox, it’ll create an easy-to-send pre-written email you can just fire off to some friends.
Google Search switching to google․com around the world
By Abner Li via 9to5Google
Google Search is phasing out country-specific domains (like google.fr or google.co.uk) and redirecting all users globally to google.com to streamline the search experience.
Localized results will remain unaffected, but users may need to reconfigure some Search preferences during the transition.
The change, which began as a backend update in 2017, is now rolling out visibly and will not alter compliance with national legal obligations.
𝕏: Google Search to redirect its country level TLDs to Google.com - Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick)
Inside Mark Zuckerberg's Failed Negotiations to End Antitrust Case
By Dana Mattioli via Wall Street Journal
Mark Zuckerberg personally offered $450 million to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in late March to settle an ongoing antitrust case involving Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
The proposal was significantly lower than the $30 billion the FTC was seeking, reflecting the government's broader strategy to challenge past Big Tech deals.
The FTC declined the offer, opting to take the case to trial, underlining its commitment to reining in market dominance through aggressive legal action.
𝕏: In a shocking twist, that sudden 180° that Zuckerberg did saying “the workplace needs more masculine energy” on Rogan back in early January was 100% fake. - Adam Carlson (@admcrlsn)
Europe helped teach China to make cars. Now the tables are turning
By Kana Inagaki via Financial Times
Europe’s top automakers, including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Stellantis, are increasingly partnering with Chinese EV companies to access advanced software, battery, and autonomous driving technology—reversing decades of tech transfer dynamics.
The EU’s new industrial policy aims to require Chinese carmakers entering Europe to form joint ventures or license tech, as Brussels grapples with stagnating domestic demand, overcapacity in China, and escalating US-China trade tensions.
Once mocked for copying, Chinese EV makers like BYD and Xpeng now lead in innovation; German executives and policymakers acknowledge Europe’s lag and the urgent need for tech collaboration despite geopolitical headwinds.
We're thrilled to bring you ad-free news. To keep it that way, we need your support. Your pledge helps us stay independent and deliver high-quality insights while exploring new ideas. What would you love to see next? Share your thoughts and help shape the future of Newslit Daily. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Trending in AI
DeepSeek and chip bans have supercharged AI innovation in China
Nvidia says it will record $5.5 billion charge tied to H20 processors exported to China
Huawei AI CloudMatrix 384 – China’s Answer to Nvidia GB200 NVL72
Google used AI to suspend over 39M ad accounts suspected of fraud
Thanks for reading to the bottom and soaking in our Newslit Daily fueled with highlights for your morning.
I hope you found it interesting and, needless to say, if you have any questions or feedback let me know by hitting reply.
Take care and see you tomorrow!
How was today’s email?