Tobias

Meta is integrating its generative AI assistant, Meta AI, across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to enhance ad targeting and content recommendations starting December 16th. By analyzing user interactions with Meta AI, the system will personalize experiences, potentially showing related Reels or ads based on conversations. Voice interactions via Ray-Ban Meta glasses will also contribute. While users can’t opt out, those not using Meta AI won’t be affected. The rollout begins in the UK and EU, reflecting Meta’s push to monetize AI while navigating data privacy concerns.

World Liberty Financial (WLF), a crypto venture linked to the Trump family, announced at Token2049 its plans to launch a debit card and explore tokenized commodities. CEO Zach Witkoff highlighted the debit card aiming to bridge crypto with traditional spending, and their active work on tokenizing assets like oil and timber. WLF also launched USD1, a stablecoin reportedly among the top five globally. Donald Trump Jr emphasized WLF’s independence, while Witkoff noted USD1’s potential to boost demand for U.S. Treasuries. The company plans to launch USD1 on the Aptos blockchain.

Nvidia’s stock hit a new record high, exceeding $4.5 trillion in market capitalization, driven by its dominant role in AI. The stock is up 39% year-to-date, fueled by strategic deals and its essential AI infrastructure. Rumors suggest closer ties with OpenAI, including a potential equity stake and plans for massive Nvidia-powered data centers (“Stargate”) requiring a $500B investment. Citi analysts raised Nvidia’s price target, citing increased AI infrastructure spending. Meta and Google are also increasing AI investments, benefiting Nvidia, and highlighting the competitive AI landscape.

Aetherflux, a California startup led by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt, is developing space-based solar power. They plan to launch satellites equipped to transmit power via infrared lasers to Earth-based ground stations. Initially targeting the U.S. Department of Defense, Aetherflux aims to provide secure and reliable battlefield power, backed by investors like Breakthrough Energy Ventures. While currently expensive, advancements and scaling are expected to reduce costs, making space-based solar power an economically viable energy alternative. Other companies and countries like China are also pursuing this technology.

Disney has issued a cease and desist letter to AI startup Character.AI over unauthorized use of its copyrighted characters in the chatbot platform. Character.AI, which allows users to interact with AI personas, removed the identified characters. This underscores the growing tension between media companies and AI developers regarding IP rights. Disney is also engaged in litigation against Midjourney over AI-generated content derived from Disney franchises. The legal challenge highlights increasing scrutiny over the legal and ethical boundaries of AI-generated content.

Palantir’s stock has surged over 1700% since its 2020 direct listing, transforming it into a tech powerhouse with a market cap exceeding $432 billion. Fueled by government contracts and its AI platform (AIP), revenue and customer base have grown dramatically. Despite ethical concerns and high valuation multiples that have drawn criticism, CEO Alex Karp remains optimistic, projecting Palantir to be a pivotal software company. AIP drives commercial expansion, attracting clients like Wendy’s and American Airlines, while its AI capabilities are increasingly adopted by the government.

CoreWeave (CRWV) shares jumped nearly 12% after announcing a $14.2 billion AI cloud infrastructure deal with Meta (META). This follows a $6.5 billion expanded agreement with OpenAI, totaling $22.4 billion. CoreWeave specializes in high-performance computing using Nvidia GPUs, catering to the growing demand for AI and machine learning workloads. Meta’s commitment includes options for expansion through 2032, reflecting its broader investment in AI. Meta projects significant expenses for AI initiatives, including the launch of its first supercluster, highlighting the increasing competition and opportunity in the AI cloud market.

DoorDash has unveiled “Dot,” an autonomous delivery robot designed to revolutionize last-mile logistics. Dot travels up to 20 mph carrying 30-pound payloads. Currently being tested in Phoenix, Arizona, Dot uses eight cameras and LiDAR to navigate complex environments. DoorDash is also introducing a “smart scale” to improve order accuracy. This move signifies DoorDash’s commitment to automation and enhancing customer experience in the competitive delivery market.

Cerebras, an AI chipmaker, secured $1.1 billion in funding, valuing the company at $8.1 billion, as it aims to compete with Nvidia. The funding extends Cerebras’ private status despite confidential IPO filings last year. A previous concern was reliance on a Middle Eastern customer, G42, potentially requiring CFIUS clearance. The new funding almost doubles its 2021 valuation. The capital will be used to expand U.S. manufacturing operations. Revenue jumped significantly in Q2 2024 to $70 million. Cerebras highlights partnerships with Hugging Face, Meta, and others, showcasing its wafer-scale technology’s adoption.

Google’s AI Mode is evolving to include visual search results, integrating image generation capabilities. This expansion, powered by Gemini 2.5 and other Google technologies, addresses queries better suited for visual answers, like shopping inspiration and interior design ideas. Users can refine results with follow-up prompts, tailoring visuals to their preferences. This move, driven by competition from AI alternatives, aims to enhance user experience and maintain Google’s leadership in the AI-driven search landscape, potentially impacting e-commerce and online advertising.