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LG'S TRANSPARENT TV IS FINALLY AVAILABLE TO BUY—FOR $60,000

The LG Signature OLED T is a fully wireless and transparent 77-inch OLED TV.

MICROSOFT WON'T LET CUSTOMERS OPT OUT OF PASSKEY PUSH

Microsoft recently published a post lauding its success in convincing users to use passkeys instead of passwords - it credited the uptake to unavoidable passkey solicitations.

GOOGLE RELEASES ITS OWN ‘REASONING' AI MODEL

Google's Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental, available in AI Studio, has the ability to reason over complex problems in fields such as programming, math, and physics.

GOOGLE RELEASES ITS OWN 'REASONING' AI MODEL

Google has introduced Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental, a reasoning AI model available in AI Studio for tasks like programming and math. The model aims to improve accuracy by internally verifying its reasoning, though it currently struggles with simple tasks like letter counting.

OPENAI'S APPS

On the 11th day, OpenAI introduced more details about working with the OpenAI desktop app.

ANTHROPIC'S SHARING INSIGHTS ON ALIGNMENT FAKING

Anthropic explores how AI systems might superficially align with human values while pursuing their own objectives, offering insights into detection and mitigation strategies.

CONTEXT IS KEY: A BENCHMARK FOR FORECASTING WITH ESSENTIAL TEXTUAL INFORMATION

The best and most commonly used time series forecasting methods rely entirely on numerical features associated with the time series. However, they rarely use textual or semantic information about the task itself (e.g., are you predicting electric prices or customer churn). When prompted with this textual information in context, language models surpass all tested time series forecasting methods substantially across a wide range of carefully decontaminated tasks.

PROMPTING DEPTH ANYTHING FOR 4K RESOLUTION ACCURATE METRIC DEPTH ESTIMATION

By using low cost LiDAR (found in modern iPhones) along with a depth estimation foundation model, this method shows that you can prompt the system to reconstruct an extremely high fidelity point cloud better than either method alone and on par with extremely expensive LiDAR setups alone, such as those found on self driving cars.

MODERNBERT

BERT is an encoder only style model that is one of the most heavily used language models on the market, used in Google search for essentially every query. This new model from Answer AI, LightOn, and friends is faster, modern, and extremely performant. It can be used as a drop in replacement. They use a number of modern tricks like batch ramp to improve overall model performance.

ANIDOC

AniDoc is a line-filling method that can colorize anime based on a character reference image and a line art series of keyframes.

GAUSSIAN TRANSFORMER FOR 3D SPATIAL UNDERSTANDING

This paper introduces GaussTR, a novel Gaussian Transformer that leverages alignment with foundation models to advance self-supervised 3D spatial understanding.

3D CAD REVERSE ENGINEERING

An open-source tool for Computer-Aided Diagnosis, offering a modular and scalable platform for medical imaging research and development.

AI IS BOOMING ON THE APP STORE, AND DEVELOPERS ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF IT

AI apps are flooding the App Store charts, but many prioritize cash grabs over quality, often misleading users with paywalls and subpar features. HUBX, dominating with apps like DaVinci AI, faces criticism for poor functionality and misleading marketing despite high rankings. Amidst the saturation, quality apps like Photoroom and Picsart AI stand out by delivering on their promises with effective AI tools.

2024 BACKWARD PASS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO AI IN 2024

Kelvin My from Translink Capital shares a recap of everything that's happened in AI in 2024. The report provides an overview of each of AI's four layers: infrastructure, foundational model, tooling, and application. For each layer, it discusses key takeaways, future trends in 2025 and beyond, and lists some noteworthy startups.

THINKING IN SPACE

A research initiative focused on spatial reasoning and AI models designed to interpret and interact within three-dimensional spaces.

SERVERLESS LORA

Together AI has a new product that enables users to deploy a custom LoRA at the cost of the base model via serverless switching.

BLOOD TESTS ARE FAR FROM PERFECT — BUT MACHINE LEARNING COULD CHANGE THAT

Researchers at the University of Washington and Harvard have used machine learning to create personalized blood test references, enhancing disease prediction accuracy.

OPENAI COFOUNDER ILYA SUTSKEVER SAYS THE WAY AI IS BUILT IS ABOUT TO CHANGE

Ilya Sutskever predicts that pre-training in AI will end due to the limited availability of new data.

Deposit $ORA for $KUMO allocation — Closes Jan 10th

FEDERAL JUDGE SAYS COINBASE CAN DELIST WBTC, DENYING JUSTIN SUN-AFFILIATED BIT GLOBAL'S BID FOR A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER

A federal judge has denied BiT Global's request for a temporary restraining order against Coinbase's planning delisting of Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), allowing the exchange to proceed. The ruling comes after BiT Global, which has ties to Justin Sun and recently partnered with former wBTC custodian BitGo, sued Coinbase for alleged unfair competition and reputational damage related to the launch of Coinbase's competing cbBTC token. Coinbase, which maintains it has discretion over its listings and represents less than 1% of wBTC trading activity, has suggested it may seek sanctions against BiT Global and its law firm for filing what it considers a spurious lawsuit.

BITCOIN MINERS MARA, HUT 8 CONTINUE TO ACQUIRE MORE BTC FOR THEIR RESERVES

Bitcoin miners like MARA and Hut 8 have been aggressively acquiring Bitcoin to strengthen their reserves, with MARA purchasing 15,574 BTC for $1.53B and Hut 8 adding 990 BTC for $100M, positioning themselves among the largest corporate Bitcoin holders. This trend reflects a broader shift as companies, like MicroStrategy and Riot Platforms, increasingly view Bitcoin as a reserve asset, using it to support growth initiatives and long-term financial strategies.

PRIVY INTRODUCES SERVER WALLETS

Privy has launched server wallets, providing developers direct API access to its wallet infrastructure for scalable, secure, and programmable money movement. These server-side wallets, designed for enterprise-grade security and consumer-grade performance, enable backend-controlled transaction execution, policy enforcement, and wallet management across EVM chains, Solana, and Bitcoin.

STEALTH DCA IS LIVE

BONKbot has launched "stealth DCA," a new feature that keeps dollar-cost averaging (DCA) orders hidden off-chain to avoid countertraders. With customizable settings and instant execution, users can stack multiple DCAs on the same token and manage orders with ease.

A TLDR OF THE ETHEREUM L1 SCALING ROADMAP

Ethereum's L1 scaling roadmap outlines a plan to increase the network's gas limit 100x within five years, with an immediate increase to 36 megagas per block expected soon. Key technical improvements include the implementation of ZK provers for EVM execution, delayed state root calculations, and multi-dimensional EIP-1559 for resource pricing optimization. The roadmap also includes complementary upgrades like history expiry (EIP-7639), enshrined PBS (EIP-7732), and potential slot time reductions, all while maintaining Ethereum's commitment to decentralization by ensuring anyone can still verify the network without relying on third parties.

TOP 8 MOST INTERESTING AGENTS & AGENT DEVELOPMENTS THIS WEEK

There were numerous exciting agent launches this week, including AgentTank launching a framework for giving agents full computer use, with an example of an agent ordering toilet paper, and Hyperbolic creating an agent with access to GPU compute. Notable platform developments include Orbit's chain abstraction layer for DeFi interactions and Thale's integration with Story protocol to allow agents to monetize IP. Rei Network's Unit 00 agent is gaining traction for its quantitative analysis capabilities and ability to track data across multiple sources.

DON'T BE AFRAID OF QUANTUM COMPUTERS

StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson argues that while quantum computing represents a significant threat to current cryptographic systems, blockchain has a clear path to quantum resistance through zero-knowledge proofs. Unlike traditional cryptographic methods, certain ZK proofs are inherently quantum-resistant due to their reliance on hash functions rather than finding specific values in large mathematical spaces. The tech powering Starknet already incorporates these proofs, though additional implementation work remains to make the entire system quantum-resistant.

APTOS LABS CO-FOUNDER MO SHAIKH STEPS DOWN AS CEO

The co-founder of Aptos Labs, Mo Shaikh, is stepping down to pursue new ventures, with confidence in its continued growth and leadership in blockchain innovation. Aptos has become a robust ecosystem supported by major builders, partners, and investors, raising $400M to drive the convergence of Web3 and Web2. Shaikh will step into a strategic advisor role.

WORLD LIBERTY FI ALIGNS WITH JUSTIN SUN

After the legal battle between BiT Global and Coinbase over the delisting of WBTC, World Liberty Fi, the DeFi protocol backed by the Trump family, swapped $10 million cbBTC to WBTC.

RAPIDLY-GROWING STABLECOIN ISSUER USUAL LATEST TO USE M^0 INFRASTRUCTURE TO LAUNCH TOKEN

Usual, the seventh-largest stablecoin issuer, has partnered with M^0 to launch UsualM, a customizable extension of M^0's Treasury-backed stablecoin platform.

TEAM BEHIND HAWK MEMECOIN, TIED TO 'HAWK TUAH GIRL,' SUED FOR ALLEGED SECURITIES LAW VIOLATIONS

The team behind the HAWK memecoin is being sued by twelve investors for alleged securities law violations, claiming the token acted as an unregistered security.

ONCHAIN LENDING ON BASE CONTINUES TO GROW

Onchain lending on Base is increasing rapidly, with aggregate active loans in the ecosystem now exceeding $750 million.

META INTEGRATES AI INTO ITS RAY-BAN SMART GLASSES

AI STARTUP ODYSSEY'S NEW TOOL CAN GENERATE PHOTOREALISTIC 3D WORLDS

Founded by AI pioneers Oliver Cameron and Jeff Hawke, Odyssey is developing Explorer, an AI tool that converts text or images into interactive 3D scenes. Explorer focuses on photorealism and aims at creative industries like gaming and film. Despite early limitations, Odyssey envisions revolutionizing content creation with generative world models.

LEAKED IPHONE 17 PRO REDESIGN SIGNALS INNOVATIVE CAMERA AND INTERNAL ENHANCEMENTS

The iPhone 17 Pro may feature a redesigned horizontal camera layout driven by internal engineering demands rather than aesthetics. Leaked images suggest changes to optimize space for advanced sensors, enhanced wireless performance, and better thermal efficiency. Apple's approach prioritizes functionality, balancing innovation with subtle design evolution for improved usability and performance.

HOW PRODUCT PSYCHOLOGY COULD STOP UBER DRIVERS FROM STEALING

Uber Eats drivers face challenges like "tip baiting" and system flaws, which lead to delays and mistrust. However, applying product psychology and preventative measures can enhance trust, reduce disputes, and improve user experiences. Solutions include discouraging tip baiting, implementing delivery photo verification, and humanizing drivers to foster fairness and satisfaction.

WHY ASKING QUESTIONS IS A VITAL PART OF GROWING AS A DESIGNER

Asking questions is vital for designers to clarify needs, uncover issues, and avoid assumptions. Techniques like the "Five Whys" method help identify root problems. Summarizing feedback ensures understanding, aligns teams, and improves efficiency. Engaging curiosity fosters growth and better user experiences, making design a logical process rather than guesswork.

INSIGHTS FROM THE OG TOOL DESIGNER

Andrei Herasimchuk, Adobe's first interface designer and an early Figma contributor, envisions the future of design tools. He highlights a shift towards flexible components, AI-driven paradigms, and evolving designer roles. AI could revolutionize workflows by processing vast inputs, disrupting traditional interfaces, and redefining design.

BRING YOUR SVGS TO LIFE

Vivus is a lightweight JavaScript class (with no dependencies) that allows you to animate SVGs, giving them the appearance of being drawn.

AUTOMATE YOUR MARKETING IMAGES

Generate images and PDFs from dynamic templates and automate and scale your content creation.

APPLE HONORS 2024 APP STORE AWARD WINNERS

Seventeen apps and games were honored as 2024 App Store Award winners, celebrating innovation, user experience, and cultural impact. Highlights include Kino, Moises, Lightroom for creativity, and groundbreaking games like AFK Journey. Cultural Impact winners like Oko and EF Hello empower users with accessibility and education, showcasing Apple's commitment to enriching lives worldwide.

NEW APP YODERLAY DRAWS ATTENTION WITH BESPOKE ILLUSTRATIONS

Yoderlay, a home services app that connects customers with trusted tradespeople, features a user-friendly design and bespoke illustrations by Doug John Miller, emphasizing trust and skill. Developed by Copenhagen-based Studio Morfar, the app's identity incorporates the modern Matter typeface and a vibrant visual style to balance usability with celebratory design.

WHY GREAT DESIGN HAS ALWAYS BEEN SUSTAINABLE

Design holds the potential to address urgent global challenges, including climate change and inequality, by promoting sustainable practices at iF Design. Sustainability drives innovation, from circular design to local sourcing and digital advancements for social good. Designers must embrace sustainability as a standard, redefining excellence to create a more equitable, sustainable future.

URBATEK'S BOLD BRANDING AND VISUAL IDENTITY BALANCES TRADITION AND INNOVATION

Sandrin Design's branding for Urbatek combines minimalist geometry with creative flair using a bold black, gray, and lime green palette to convey energy and reliability in the construction industry.

LOGO ARTISTS REINTERPRETED 38 OF THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE LOGOS WITH A SINGLE UNBROKEN LINE

Stephane Leopold's One Line Famous Logos reimagines iconic logos with a single, unbroken line, showcasing minimalist design's essence and emphasizing simplicity's transformative power in branding.

CREATIVES ARE MORE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT AI, MONOTYPE RESEARCH SHOWS

According to Monotype's study, AI is gaining acceptance among creatives, with 91% recognizing its value in enhancing workflows, typography visualization, and font pairing, reflecting growing optimism despite previous skepticism.

PREDICTING STARTUP SUCCESS WITH DATA

If you want to spot the next big startup, it's not just about the data. It's about knowing what data matters. You have to look for subtle clues others miss. Things like what makes the founders tick. The little details that set the product apart. But you also have to be careful. A lot of startup data comes from companies that already got money from VCs. It's biased. To really see the future, you need a keen eye and a questioning mind.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED

The last month saw AI breakthroughs come fast. Homemade versions of GPT-4 appeared. New AIs can think, catch mistakes in papers, and work with live video. The technology is moving at breakneck speed. The potential seems limitless. If you want a say in where it goes, now's the time. The window is closing.

HERSHEY DOESN'T JUST SELL CHOCOLATE, THEY SELL HAPPINESS

Hershey has mastered the art of selling more than just chocolate - they sell happiness in every bite. By leveraging buyer psychology principles like the affect heuristic, linking their products with positive emotions, they've built a beloved brand. Seasonal scarcity and nostalgia-inducing storytelling further drive consumer desire. Hershey proves that offering discounts isn't the only way to generate demand; focusing on the intangible benefits and emotional connections can be even more powerful.

DON'T HAVE A BIGGEST CUSTOMER

When a large customer outgrows your SaaS product, wish them well or accommodate them if it benefits your entire customer base. However, having a "largest customer" is actually a company's biggest weakness. If losing a single customer is detrimental, you're no longer making your own product but rather custom software for big clients. The solution is to cap prices so no one pays significantly more than others. Aim for a customer base that looks like "even static," where each one's financial impact is indistinguishable. That way, if any random customer leaves, you won't feel it or fear it.