The “Assistant Axis”

Jan 20, 2026 20m

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Episode Description

Netflix ups its bid with all cash. Sony is spinning off its legendary TV business with TCL. One of the biggest seed rounds I’ve ever heard of. Reels continues to win for Zuck. And let me introduce you to the “Assistant Axis” and what it might mean for AI. Netflix revises its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery. Now, it’s all cash (CNN) Sony’s TV business is being taken over by TCL (The Verge) An A.I. Start-Up Says It Wants to Empower Workers, Not Replace Them (NYTimes) Most of Instagram’s ads ran on Reels in 2025, data shows (CNBC) Anthropic Uncovers AI Personality Crisis as Models Secretly Switch Identities (eWeek) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Netflix's All-Cash Offer for Warner Bros. Discovery

In a strategic move, Netflix has revised its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to an all-cash offer of $27.75 per share. This offer, which values the company at $82.7 billion, aims to outmaneuver Paramount's hostile takeover attempts. WBD's CEO has indicated a special shareholder meeting to vote on this deal could take place in spring 2026.

Sony Spins Off TV Business with TCL

Sony has entered a non-binding agreement with TCL to spin off its TV and home audio hardware business into a joint venture. TCL will hold a 51% stake, while Sony will retain 49%. The new company is set to utilize Sony's image processing technology alongside TCL’s innovative manufacturing capabilities, aiming to enhance customer experience in home entertainment.

Record Seed Funding for AI Startup Human And

The startup Human And, founded by former employees of Anthropic and other tech giants, has raised a staggering $400 million in seed funding. This funding, led by major investors including Nvidia and Jeff Bezos, will fuel the company’s mission of creating AI systems that empower humans rather than replace them. Human And aims to foster collaboration between humans and AI through innovative technologies.

Meta's Reels: A Dominant Force in Advertising

Meta's Instagram has seen over half of its ad revenue generated through the Reels feature, showcasing its growing importance in Meta's advertising strategy. Reels accounted for a significant share of user engagement, leading advertisers to pivot toward short-form video content. However, challenges remain in monetizing Reels effectively compared to traditional content.