📡 Zuckerberg’s Leak Woes, Google AI Calls, Trump’s Space Lasers
Good morning. It’s Friday, January 31. Today we are covering:
Everything I Say Leaks,' Zuckerberg Says in Leaked Meeting Audio
Google Search's new 'Ask for me' calls local businesses for availability, pricing
Donald Trump's plan to destroy nuclear missiles with space lasers
Andreessen Horowitz Backs Neuralink Rival in New Round
Amazon Raises Its Ad Spending on Elon Musk's X, in Major Reversal
Let’s dive in
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Everything I Say Leaks,' Zuckerberg Says in Leaked Meeting Audio
By Jason Koebler via 404 Media
Mark Zuckerberg, in a leaked Meta all-hands meeting, acknowledged that "everything I say leaks" and stated that internal discussions are now more controlled, with a poll-based Q&A system replacing direct questions.
Despite avoiding direct discussion on Meta’s $25 million settlement linked to the Trump Presidential Library, Zuckerberg noted that Meta’s platform changes now allow for easier cooperation with the Trump administration.
Zuckerberg reiterated key public statements, including AI potentially replacing software engineers, his belief that open-source AI will surpass closed-source AI, and the challenge of managing leaks while leading a large company.
𝕏: whining about leaks during all-hands meetings, definitely a common sign of a healthy company and happy employees - Samantha Cole (@samleecole)
Google Search's new 'Ask for me' calls local businesses for availability, pricing
By Abner Li via 9to5Google
Google has introduced "Ask for me", an experimental Search Lab feature that uses AI-powered calls to gather pricing and availability details from local businesses, starting with nail salons and auto repair shops in the U.S.
Users searching for services like an oil change or manicure can enter specific details, and Google's Duplex technology will call businesses, providing a summary via text or email within 30 minutes.
Currently in beta with a waitlist, "Ask for me" is available only in English and is expected to expand beyond its initial service categories if successful.
𝕏: New experiment just launched on Search Labs – you can use AI to call businesses on your behalf to find out what they charge for a service & when it’s available, like an oil change ASAP from nearby mechanics. - Rose Yao (@dozenrose)
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Donald Trump's plan to destroy nuclear missiles with space lasers
By Joe Miller via Financial Times
Donald Trump has ordered the development of a space-based missile defense system, dubbed an "Iron Dome for America", featuring satellite-mounted lasers to intercept nuclear and hypersonic missiles—a concept reminiscent of Reagan’s "Star Wars" program.
Experts warn the plan faces massive technical and financial hurdles, with costs potentially exceeding $300 billion, and could escalate tensions with Russia and China, leading to an arms race rather than increased security.
The project could be lucrative for Elon Musk’s SpaceX, given the need for hundreds of satellites, though Congress remains a significant obstacle to its approval and funding.
𝕏: The US president’s executive order, signed on Monday, gives Pete Hegseth 60 days to flesh out a plan to defend the US against ballistic, hypersonic and advanced cruise missile attack. Translation: gives cabal case officers 60 days to allocate spending. - Jamie Walters, CAIA (@JWalters314)
Andreessen Horowitz Backs Neuralink Rival in New Round
By Sarah McBride via Bloomberg
Andreessen Horowitz has invested in Echo Neurotechnologies Corp., a brain implant startup founded by Edward Chang, a leading neurosurgeon at UC San Francisco, marking the VC firm's first foray into the brain-device industry.
Echo Neurotechnologies has raised $50 million to develop next-generation neural implants, positioning itself as a key competitor to Elon Musk’s Neuralink in the fast-growing brain-interface market.
While details remain private, the startup aims to advance brain-machine interface technology, a sector with increasing investor interest and high-stakes competition in neurotechnology.
𝕏: A rival to the #ElonMusk-backed brain implant company #Neuralink has received funding from a prominent venture capital firm. Andreessen Horowitz is funding Echo Neurotechnologies Corp. headed by neurosurgeon Edward Chang. Echo has raised $50 million. - Ralph Humphrey (@RalphHumphrey)
Amazon Raises Its Ad Spending on Elon Musk's X, in Major Reversal
By Dana Mattioli via Wall Street Journal
Amazon is significantly increasing its advertising spend on X, marking a major reversal after pulling ads in 2023 over concerns about hate speech on the platform.
The decision, backed by CEO Andy Jassy, signals a renewed willingness to engage with Elon Musk’s social media platform, potentially leading to substantial ad investments.
Amazon’s move follows discussions about testing ads on X, suggesting a broader shift among major brands reconsidering their stance on the platform.
𝕏: "Amazon is ramping up ad spending on Elon Musk’s X, according to people familiar with the situation, a major shift after pulling much of its advertising more than a year ago..." - Rob Romano (@2Aupdates)
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