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THE DAILY INDEX

Technology, AI, software, security, crypto and business

Across today’s newsletters

Today’s Index

MUSK'S XAI BURNS ALMOST $8 BILLION IN CASH, REVEALS OPTIMUS PLAN

xAI's losses are mounting as it spends to build data centers, recruit talent, and develop software that will eventually power humanoid robots. The company reported that it spent $7.8 billion in cash in the first nine months of last year. Its revenue nearly doubled quarter-over-quarter to $107 million for the three-month period ending in September. xAI expects to do more deals soon to continue building out its Colossus data center site in Memphis, Tennessee.

THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES: HOW TO CODE CLAUDE CODE IN 200 LINES OF CODE

AI coding assistants are built on a simple core architecture that can be replicated in about 200 lines of Python. This post presents an agent that is equipped with three fundamental tools - read, list, and edit files - which the LLM learns to invoke via structured commands. The LLM decides which tool to use, executes it, and then processes the results to either continue the task or respond to the user.

ILLINOIS HEALTH DEPARTMENT EXPOSED OVER 700,000 RESIDENTS' PERSONAL DATA FOR YEARS

Illinois' Department of Human Services left an internal mapping site publicly accessible for more than four years, exposing data on over 700,000 people receiving state benefits. The leak revealed addresses, case numbers, demographic details for Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program recipients, and names and case information for tens of thousands of individuals receiving rehabilitation services.

THE MAN WHO COULD BE APPLE'S NEXT CEO

John Ternus, Apple's head of hardware engineering, could be next in line to replace Tim Cook as CEO if he steps aside. Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001, is known for his attention to detail and knowledge of Apple's vast supply network. Apple began accelerating planning for Cook's succession last year after Cook told senior leaders he would like to reduce his workload. Cook will likely become the chairman of Apple's board should he step down as CEO.

FORMER GOOGLE CEO PLANS TO SINGLEHANDEDLY FUND A HUBBLE TELESCOPE REPLACEMENT

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and his wife, Wendy, have announced major investments in four telescope projects. Each of the telescopes brings a new novel capability online. The most intriguing instrument is a space-based telescope named Lazuli that is designed to be a more capable and modern version of the Hubble Space Telescope. The Schmidts' investment, estimated to be worth half a billion dollars, has enormous potential to advance the study of astronomy and astrophysics.

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