🤖 Meta enters the AI humanoid robot race

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Greetings! Your latest quick tech update is here:

☀️ On this day: On February 15, 2007, hundreds of computer owners, predominantly Linux users, marched on Microsoft's offices demanding refunds for the copies of Windows that came pre-installed on their computers. This day became known as Windows Refund Day, as participants protested against what they saw as forced software, arguing they should not have to pay for a system they did not want.

What’s happening:

• 🤖 Meta enters the AI humanoid robot race

• 🚫 OpenAI rejects Musk’s $97B takeover bid

• 🌍 Meta launches world’s longest subsea cable

• 🔥 Trump’s DOE layoffs spark nuclear security concerns

• 🚀 Apple teases Feb 19 event, iPhone SE likely incoming

• + 📊 Daily poll and results

• + 📈 Trending tools and resources

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Hand-picked news:

🤖 Meta enters the AI humanoid robot race ↗️LINK

• What: Meta is launching a new division within Reality Labs to develop AI-powered humanoid robots. The company aims to integrate its AI model, Llama, into robotics, focusing on consumer applications.

• Why: Meta sees robotics as a way to enhance its AI and mixed-reality programs. The company has hired experts, including former Cruise CEO Marc Whitten, to lead the initiative.

• Impact: This move places Meta in direct competition with Tesla and Figure AI. Despite heavy losses in Reality Labs, Meta bets that AI-driven robots will drive future growth in automation and smart home tech.

🚫 OpenAI rejects Musk’s $97B takeover bid ↗️LINK

• What: OpenAI’s board unanimously rejected Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion bid to acquire its nonprofit governing entity. The board dismissed the offer as an attempt to disrupt competition and reaffirmed its commitment to AI benefiting humanity.

• Why: Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, is suing the company over its shift from a nonprofit to a for-profit model. He offered to withdraw his bid if OpenAI halted its restructuring, but the board rejected the demand.

• Impact: The feud intensifies the battle over OpenAI’s direction, with Musk and allies accusing Altman of betraying OpenAI’s mission. Meanwhile, OpenAI continues its transition to a public benefit corporation.

🌍 Meta launches world’s longest subsea cable ↗️LINK

• What: Meta confirmed "Project Waterworth," a 50,000 km subsea cable linking five continents, including the U.S., Brazil, India, and South Africa. The $10B+ project aims to enhance global connectivity and AI capabilities.

• Why: Meta seeks greater control over its infrastructure, avoiding geopolitical risks while supporting AI and cloud expansion, especially in India. The project aligns with U.S.-India tech cooperation.

• Impact: As Meta’s first fully owned cable, it strengthens its digital dominance, competing with Google and other tech giants. The cable will boost internet reliability, AI services, and cloud infrastructure worldwide.

🔥 Trump’s DOE layoffs spark nuclear security concerns ↗️LINK

• What: The Trump administration has laid off up to 2,000 Department of Energy employees, including 325 from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Some nuclear security layoffs were later reversed amid safety concerns.

• Why: Trump aims to shrink the federal government, citing public support for cost-cutting. The layoffs follow input from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), raising alarm over its influence.

• Impact: Lawmakers fear security risks from cuts to nuclear oversight. Critics warn that DOGE’s involvement in sensitive agencies like DOE could pose national security threats, intensifying political tensions.

🚀 Apple teases Feb 19 event, iPhone SE likely incoming ↗️LINK

• What: Apple CEO Tim Cook announced a product launch event on Feb 19, fueling speculation that the long-awaited iPhone SE 4 will be unveiled. Reports suggest pre-orders could start Feb 21, with a full release by Feb 28.

• Why: Apple needs a mid-range refresh amid slowing iPhone 16 sales and growing competition from AI-powered Android devices. The SE’s launch also aligns with Apple's push for generative AI tools.

• Impact: A strong SE release could boost Apple’s sales in 2025, offering a budget-friendly alternative with updated specs. However, Apple faces pressure to match Android’s AI advancements in its software ecosystem.

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Today’s Poll:

Vote and find out about the result tomorrow.

Yesterday’s Poll Result:

Do you think Grok 3 will surpass OpenAI and Google’s AI models?

• A) Yes – Musk’s claims seem legit - 20%

• B) No – It’s all hype - 80% 🏆

Reader’s opinion:

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