Mon. 12/23 – The Revenge Of Google Glass?

Dec 23, 2024 16m

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Episode Description

How about a Ring Doorbell, but from Apple? How about Meta Ray Ban’s but crossed with Google Glass? How everybody is combining forces to bid for defense contracts. How Tether won the crypto profitability wars. And how Britannica has not only survived the Internet era, but is actually thriving? Sponsors: 1Password.com/ride Links: Apple Explores a Face ID Doorbell and Lock Device in Smart Home Push (Bloomberg) Meta to add display to Ray-Bans as race over smart glasses intensifies (FT) Palantir and Anduril join forces with tech groups to bid for Pentagon contracts (FT) Tether Sees $10 Billion in Net Profits for 2024 (Bloomberg) Britannica Didn’t Just Survive. It’s an A.I. Company Now. (NYTimes)

AI-Generated Summary

Apple's Smart Doorbell and Home Initiatives

Apple is reportedly developing a smart doorbell featuring advanced facial recognition that can wirelessly connect to third-party smart locks, in a move to enhance its smart home ecosystem. Mark Gurman discusses how Apple aims to leverage its privacy commitment to gain consumer trust in home security measures. The initiative includes a smart camera system that works with Apple’s HomeKit, potentially boosting subscription sales for iCloud services. Apple is positioning itself to challenge established players like Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest, but faces risks associated with home security breaches and brand reputation.

Meta's Augmented Reality Aspirations

In an upcoming evolution of its Ray-Ban glasses, Meta is planning to integrate displays that will allow for notifications and AI responses. The Financial Times reports that these lightweight glasses have garnered popularity, and Meta is accelerating the development of its Orion AR glasses. These devices aim to overlay 3D content onto the real world and could potentially rival failed AR products from past years. However, the true release of these products remains years away.

Tech Companies Forming Defense Consortiums

As defense startups gain traction in Silicon Valley, a consortium involving Palantir, SpaceX, OpenAI, and others is forming to pursue U.S. defense contracts. This coalition may capitalize on a renewed interest and funding in military modernization following geopolitical tensions. Participants are focused on offering innovative technology solutions that can enhance U.S. defense capabilities, breaking the traditional reliance on long-established defense contractors.

Tether's Financial Success in the Crypto Market

Tether is on track for a record $10 billion net profit in 2024, driven by the surge in demand for its USDT stablecoin, which is pegged to the dollar. With significant investments into various sectors and continued growth in market capitalization, Tether's strategy includes maintaining liquidity and exploring investment opportunities. The report highlights a major focus on the intersection between favorable regulations and the burgeoning crypto landscape.

Britannica's Successful Transition to EdTech

Britannica, originally known for its encyclopedias, has successfully transformed into an educational software and AI firm. Following the decline of print publications, Britannica Group now offers online educational tools, including AI-based software for educational institutions. This shift has not only allowed Britannica to survive in the digital age but also achieve profitability, with a potential IPO on the horizon.