WHAT’S AT STAKE TODAY ⚡

• 🍎📝 OpenAI spills the tea on Apple data usage. Privacy policies get complicated!
• 🏴‍☠️🌐 Google's Project Mariner is sailing the web for you. AI agents become digital sailors!
• 😴💤 ChatGPT and Sora took an unexpected nap. Even AIs need downtime!
• 💰🤝 Finny is playing matchmaker for financial advisors. Money talks, AI listens!
• 🎭✨ Google's Gemini 2.0 does it all. Text, images, speech - a triple threat!
• 🔥💼 Lumen Orbit has VCs fighting for seats. Hot startup gets the popular vote!
• 🍎💻 Apple and Broadcom cooking up AI chips. Silicon Dreams get fruity!
• 🎥🤖 Ex-Snap AI guru launches video chatbots. Social media meets AI personality!
• 📱🧠 Apple Intelligence giving Siri a makeover. Your iPhone's getting smarter!

⚡ Latest in AI

Here’s how OpenAI uses your data when you use ChatGPT through Apple’s integrations

Apple's new ChatGPT integration explained

OpenAI has provided comprehensive information about how it handles user data when accessing ChatGPT through Apple's new integrations in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. The company's approach varies significantly based on whether users access the service with or without a ChatGPT account.

Privacy and Data Management

For users accessing ChatGPT through Apple's integration without an account, OpenAI maintains minimal data collection. The company doesn't collect IP addresses, store requests, or use interactions to train its AI models. These conversations are processed solely to provide safe responses and ensure compliance with applicable laws.

However, this privacy-focused approach changes if users continue their Apple-initiated conversations through the ChatGPT app or website. In such cases, OpenAI's standard privacy policy takes effect, allowing the company to collect various data points including IP addresses, browser information, time zone, country, and device details.

Account Integration Features

Users who connect their ChatGPT accounts to Apple's integrations gain access to additional features but also subject themselves to their existing OpenAI data preferences. Conversation history settings and preferences for AI model training remain consistent across platforms.

OpenAI also makes certain account information available on the device, including name, email, profile image, workspace names, and billing plan details.

Why it matters: OpenAI's integration with Apple offers a balance between functionality and privacy, allowing users to make informed decisions about their data-sharing preferences. This model could influence how other AI services approach integration with major platforms, setting standards for data handling and user privacy in AI-enhanced operating systems.

⚡ The companies of the future

Google unveils Project Mariner: AI agents to use the web for you

Google's AI agents revolutionize web interaction

Google has unveiled Project Mariner, a Gemini-powered AI agent that can control Chrome browsers to perform web tasks like shopping and travel booking. Currently available to select testers, the agent takes control of cursor movements and form filling but cannot handle payments or accept terms of service.

The system, which requires users to watch its actions in the active tab, works by sending browser screenshots to Gemini for processing. Google also announced other AI agents: Deep Research for complex topic exploration, Jules for coding tasks on GitHub, and a gaming assistant in development.

While this represents a "fundamentally new UX paradigm shift," according to Google executives, the slow performance and potential impact on website engagement raise questions about its broader implementation.

Why it matters: AI agents like Project Mariner could significantly reshape how we interact with the web, automating routine tasks and enabling more efficient workflows. However, questions about privacy, user trust, and long-term adoption remain critical for its success.

⚡ The companies of the future

ChatGPT and Sora experienced a major outage

OpenAI services faced temporary disruption

OpenAI experienced a major outage affecting ChatGPT, Sora, and its API from around 3 pm to 9 pm PT on Wednesday. According to OpenAI developer community lead Edwin Arbus, the outage was caused by a configuration change that made many servers unavailable and was unrelated to the company's "12 Days of OpenAI" event or its new Apple Intelligence integration in iOS 18.2.

The downtime occurred on day five of OpenAI's holiday product launch event and followed the public release of Sora, which had already faced capacity issues due to unexpected user demand. Services were gradually restored starting around 7 pm PT.

Why it matters: While outages are common with rapid product scaling, this incident highlights the challenges OpenAI faces in maintaining service reliability as demand for its products continues to surge. The event raises questions about how AI infrastructure providers can adapt to unforeseen user activity at scale.

⚡ Insights on AI Today

1. 💼 🤝 YC-backed Finny helps financial advisors find new clients
2. 🧠 🎭 Gemini 2.0, Google’s newest flagship AI, can generate text, images, and speech
3. 🚀 💼 200 VCs wanted to get into Lumen Orbit’s $11M seed round
4. 🍎 💻 Apple is reportedly developing AI server chips with Broadcom
5. 📹 🤖 Founder who built Snap’s AI launches a snappy new take on video chatbots
6. 📱 🧠 How Apple Intelligence is changing the way you use Siri on your iPhone

⚡ Trends for the Future

Albert Invent Raises $22.5M to Transform Chemical Research with AI

The details:

In a significant development for the chemical sciences, Albert Invent has secured $22.5 million in Series A funding led by Coatue to advance its AI platform for chemical research. The company's innovative approach combines structured data with proprietary AI models to accelerate and improve chemical development processes.

The platform, Albert Breakthrough, stands out for its specialized focus on chemistry, training on over 15 million chemical structures rather than relying on general internet data. The system can perform real-time toxicology predictions and claims to outperform standard industry models, attracting major clients including Chemours, Solenis, and Henkel.

Unlike many AI startups that rely heavily on existing models like OpenAI's, Albert Invent has developed its own foundational models specifically for chemistry, though it does utilize general AI models for secondary features like chatbots. This specialized approach has resonated with industry leaders – Nouryon's CTO Johan Landfors notes that the platform has become integral to their product development process.

With backing from prominent investors including TCV, Index Ventures, F-Prime, and Homebrew, Albert Invent aims to do for chemical science what data scientists have long enjoyed: powerful tools to accelerate innovation and discovery. As CEO Talken notes, "This is a SaaS product that's being used by the largest chemical companies in the world to reinvent the physical world fundamentally."

⚡ AI Playground: Code & Craft

🔧 This Week’s Tool: AI Apply 🔧

Overview:
AI Apply is a powerful AI tool designed to streamline the job application process. It automates resume creation, tailors cover letters, and optimizes applications based on job descriptions. Perfect for job seekers, freelancers, and career professionals, it saves time while maximizing your chances of landing interviews.

Why Is It Better Than Other Tools?

• Tailored Applications: AI Apply crafts personalized resumes and cover letters that align perfectly with job postings.
• Time-Saving: Automates repetitive tasks, allowing you to apply to multiple roles in minutes.
• Optimization for ATS: Ensures your resume is optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems, increasing visibility.

What Does It Do Best?

• Resume Building: Generate professional, keyword-optimized resumes in minutes.
• Cover Letter Creation: Tailor compelling cover letters for any job description.
• Job Matching: Analyze job postings and suggest ways to improve your application.

Applications:

• Job Hunting: Quickly create and submit applications customized for specific roles.
• Freelance Opportunities: Craft tailored pitches and resumes to win projects.
• Career Transitions: Adapt your skills and experience for new industries or roles.
• Time Management: Apply to multiple jobs in less time without compromising quality.

Follow This Simple Guide to Get Started with AI Apply:

1. Sign Up: Visit aiapply.co and create a free account.
2. Upload Your Details: Add your existing resume or input your skills and experience.
3. Analyze Job Descriptions: Use AI to optimize your resume and generate tailored cover letters.
4. Refine Your Application: Review AI suggestions to ensure your documents align with your voice and goals.
5. Apply Confidently: Submit your optimized applications with confidence and track your progress.

📝 Challenge: Use AI Apply to craft a tailored cover letter or optimize your resume for a specific job. Share your results by replying to this email, and we’ll pick one winner for a special prize! Best of luck!