Good morning and happy Friday!

We are cruising into the last day of the week with plenty of fresh news on our plate.

Before we jump into the important stuff of the day, do you know what term is the most searched on Google in the history of the platform?

It’s ‘Youtube’ by a large margin. In fact, the top five google search terms of all time are the names of platforms. Are people too lazy to add ‘.com’ to the end of their term and input it into the address bar? Maybe it’s a testament to Google’s UI and the structure of the platform. Either way, the more you know!

-Wally

Technology

FTC Puts Big Tech’s AI Partnerships Under the Microscope

The FTC is stepping up its game in the tech world. They're launching an investigation into how big tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are mingling with AI startups, including OpenAI and Anthropic.

The focus? To see if these tech giants are playing fair in the AI space or if they're getting a bit too cozy, potentially sidelining competition.

This move isn't happening in a vacuum. The tech industry is on a generative AI boom, with products like ChatGPT making waves. The FTC's concern centers around whether these partnerships are giving undue influence or exclusive benefits to these big players, tipping the scales in a market that’s booming by the second.

The implications are huge. If these partnerships cross lines, it could reshape how tech giants and startups collaborate, altering the AI landscape as we know it.

All eyes are on this investigation, from Silicon Valley to European regulators, making it clear that the future of AI is just as much about playing by the rules as it is about rapid innovation.

On This Day

Jan 26, 1837: Michigan Becomes the 26th State in the Union

Today isn't just another Friday; it marks a special moment in history, especially for a Michigan native like me. On this day in 1837, Michigan joined the Union as the 26th state, a milestone that resonates with me even as I'm now soaking up life in the Southeast.

Michigan, often celebrated for its stunning Great Lakes and iconic car industry, has always been more than just a place on the map for those of us who call it home. It's where the Midwest meets innovation, nature, and a rich history. From Motown's beats to the automotive revolutions birthed in Detroit, Michigan's legacy is woven into the very fabric of America.

Happy 187th, Michigan! Your spirit and beauty remain close to my heart, even from miles away.

Business

Intel's Latest Forecast: Navigating Uncertain Tech Waters

Intel's recent earnings call had a few surprises that might shift your perspective on the tech landscape. Yes, they're back in the black after a series of down quarters, but their forecast isn't exactly setting off fireworks. The tech giant, a benchmark for the semiconductor industry, is projecting modest sales for the upcoming quarter.

It's a sign that even the industry's big players are feeling the pulse of a market that's ever-fluctuating. The bleak forecast points to broader trends and potential shifts in the tech sector, especially when it comes to hardware demands.

For those of us who keep tabs on the tech beat, Intel's cautious stance is a marker of how industry leaders are adapting to a landscape where certainty is rare and agility is key. Watching how Intel maneuvers through these times might just offer insights into the future trajectory of tech innovation and investment.

Presented By Gauss

Navigating the Digital Minefield

In the fast-paced world of Web3, brands are diving head-first into the realm of digital tokens and NFTs, eyeing the vast potential of this new frontier for marketing and engagement. Yet, this rush towards digital innovation comes with its own set of challenges, primarily in the realm of fraud and scams in the decentralized blockchain space.

The allure of blockchain for brands lies in its open nature, allowing anyone to launch a token. However, this very openness is a double-edged sword. The case of YouTube icon Mr. Beast stands as a cautionary tale. His brand was mimicked by fraudulent projects, leading to widespread confusion and deception among his followers. Such incidents highlight the vulnerability of brands and their communities in the decentralized blockchain environment, where the line between the authentic and the counterfeit is often blurred.

As brands and influencers ponder their foray into tokenized economies, the need for a secure and reliable platform becomes increasingly evident. Enter Gauss Blockchain, a curated layer 1 blockchain ecosystem developed with the specific needs of brands in mind. Gauss provides a secure alternative, ensuring that every token and project on its platform is authentic and protected from the rampant scams of the decentralized world.

Gauss is redefining the blockchain experience for brands, offering a safe haven where they can explore the benefits of digital tokens without the fear of fraud. By emphasizing security and authenticity, Gauss Blockchain emerges as a beacon of trust in the turbulent seas of Web3, enabling brands to harness the full potential of digital tokenization with confidence.

Learn more about securing your IP on blockchain with Gauss on their YouTube channel.

Decent Headlines

MrBeast's Latest Experiment: A Glimpse into the Future of Content Monetization

In this piece, delve into MrBeast's bold venture on X (formerly Twitter) and its staggering revenue outcome. Explore how this compares to traditional YouTube earnings and what it might signal for the future of digital content monetization. A must-read for understanding the evolving landscape of online content creation!

Palworld: The Indie Game Redefining 'Cool' in the Monster Genre

Get a peek into the world of 'Palworld', an indie game that's shaking up the monster genre. This article takes you through its unique blend of adventure and creature collection, setting a new bar for coolness in gaming. Perfect for gamers and enthusiasts keen on the latest trends in indie gaming!

Dollar One of Sale One: How Independent Musicians are Rewriting the Record Industry (Part 2)

Continue the journey into the changing world of independent music in Part 2 of this insightful series. Discover how indie artists are rewriting the rules of the record industry, one dollar at a time. This piece is a must for music lovers and aspiring artists looking to navigate the evolving music scene.

Decent Destinations

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, is a city where time travel seems real. Strolling through its serene Zen gardens, ancient temples, and the historic geisha district of Gion, you'll feel the pulse of a thousand years. But Kyoto is more than just its past; it's a vibrant blend of the old and new, where traditional tea houses sit alongside cutting-edge art galleries.

A lesser-known but pivotal moment in history involved Kyoto during WWII. General Douglas MacArthur, part of the team deciding the fate of Japanese cities, played a crucial role in sparing Kyoto from the list of atomic bomb targets. His appreciation for its cultural significance and history (due to time spent there during his honeymoon) altered its destiny, preserving the city's ancient beauty for generations to come.

Personal Finance

IRS's Tech-Savvy Tax Move in California

Here's something for our tech-forward readers in California. The IRS is rolling out a pilot for a free tax filing system called Direct File, starting with government employees in the Golden State.

This new tool, born from the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to simplify tax filing and is set to expand to private sector workers soon. It's a glimpse into a future where the IRS and tech converge, possibly changing the game for taxpayers nationwide.

Keep an eye on this, California; it could be the beginning of a more streamlined, tech-integrated tax season.

Social Media

TikTok’s Bold New Venture into Long-Form Video

TikTok, the platform that revolutionized bite-sized entertainment, is now eyeing the realm of longer videos. With plans to introduce 30-minute uploads, the question on everyone’s mind is: can TikTok challenge the dominance of long-form giants like YouTube?

This move marks a significant shift from their trademark quick clips, positioning them as a versatile platform that caters to diverse viewing preferences.

As TikTok gears up to expand its content horizon, it’ll be fascinating to see how this plays into the evolving landscape of digital media consumption.

What’s Not News

Man Breaks World Record by Ironing Clothes for 142 Hours

Yep, there was a World Record for that.

In a unique display of endurance and dedication, a man has taken ironing to the next level by setting a Guinness World Record. He ironed clothes for an astonishing 142 hours straight, shattering previous records and challenging our perceptions of household chores. This marathon session of ironing not only tested his physical and mental stamina but also showcased the unusual ways people pursue world records. It's a bizarre yet true story that adds a quirky twist to our daily mundane tasks.