Welcome to Startups Weekly your weekly recap of everything you cant miss from the world of startups. Want it in your inbox every Friday? Sign up here.This week was supposed to be a short one in the U.S., as it started with a holiday. But Inauguration Day kept some founders busy, and the following days brought us more than their fair share of startup news.Most interesting startup stories from the weekImage Credits:David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via GettyThis week reminded us that not all sales are created equal, and that it is often worth looking beyond the price tag. Plus, there were legal troubles for an AI decacorn.No divvy: Divvy Homes, a rent-to-own startup backed by a16z, is selling to a division of Brookfield Properties for about $1 billion. However, some shareholders may not see a dime from the sale.Beauty for sale: Consumer goods giant Hindustan Unilever agreed to acquire Peak XV-backed Indian skincare startup Minimalist for about $342 million more than the $300 million valuation it reportedly sought in a fundraising attempt last year.Big markdown: AI-powered parking platform Metropolis acquired computer vision company Oosto for a fraction of what the startup had raised to date. Formerly known as AnyVision, it had lost backers over its technology being used in controversial surveillance applications.Legal clash: Valued at $13.8 billion last year, Scale AI is facing its third worker lawsuit of 2025, with contractors claiming they suffered psychological harm from writing prompts about disturbing content. A spokesperson for Scale AI said it had numerous safeguards in place.Most interesting VC and funding news this weekImage Credits:Ati MotorsSeries B rounds announced this week varied greatly in size, with some of these exceeding other Series C rounds. And for companies that dont quite feel like going public yet, there are still more letters in the alphabet.Pre-IPO letters: Data analytics platform Databricksclosed a $10 billion Series J equity funding roundat a $62 billion valuation, with an additional $5.25 billion in debt financing. Meta is backing the company as a strategic investor.From cat to unicorn: Neko Health, the Swedish body-scanning startup co-founded by Spotifys Daniel Ek, and whose name means cat in Japanese, raised a $260 million Series B round of funding at $1.8 billion post-money.Money to move: Lindus Health, a startup backed by Peter Thiel and Creandum that is currently moving its HQ from the U.K. to the U.S., secured a $55 million Series B round to fix the broken clinical trial industry.Spending less: AI-powered SaaS spend management platform Vertice raised a $50 million Series C round of funding led by Lakestar, at a valuation close to $500 million, according to sources.Indian robotics: Indian-based autonomous mobile robots startup Ati Motors raised a $20 million Series B to grow internationally. The U.S. already dominates Atis revenues, and the company hopes to further benefit from demand for robotics manufactured outside of China.Crypto crypto crypto: Capitalizing on cryptos comeback, AngelList and CoinList teamed up to launch crypto special purpose vehicles and crypto roll-up vehicles that will let crypto founders raise capital using crypto coins.Last but not leastImage Credits:Getty ImagesAI is still red hot, but there are always subsectors that VCs are more interested in. To figure out which types of AI startups theyd most like to back this year, TechCrunch rounded up some findings from our recent survey of 20 enterprise VCs. In short: Think companies, not features.

Hundreds of creative businesses and projects across the UK are set to receive government funding, marking the first step of the Governments Sector Plan for the creative industries.Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy brought together more than 250 creative businesses and cultural leaders at the The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead earlier this month. Starting with a 60 million package of government support, investments include start-up video game studios, grassroots music venues, and creative businesses to boost British music and film exports. Nandy also announced that shorter apprenticeships will be available from August 2025.Our 60 million funding boost will support creative and cultural organizations across the UK to turbocharge growth by transforming local venues, creating jobs, supporting businesses and spreading opportunity across the country, said Nandy. But this is by no means the limit of our ambitions, which is why the creative industries are at the heart of the forthcoming Industrial Strategy and will continue to play a key part in this Governments Plan for Change.The 60 million package includes 40 million in funding over the next financial year with a further 16.3 million for the Create Growth Programme, 2.5 million for the Supporting Grassroots Music Fund, 5.5 million for the UK Games Fund, 1.6 million for the Music Export Growth Scheme, and 7 million for the UK Global Screen Fund. Four cultural projects receiving 16.2 million from the Cultural Development Fund include The Centre for Writing, Glassworks, Harmony Works, and The Tropicana.The recently held Summit aimed to identify key barriers currently holding back the sectors growth potential so that groundwork can be laid for the publication of the full Creative Industries Sector Plan in the spring.Priority regions for Creative Industries are the North East, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, West Midlands, Greater London, West of England, South Wales, Glasgow, Edinburgh-Dundee corridor, and Belfast. Additional funding will be provided as part of the Spending Review to six Mayoral Combined Authorities.The British Business Bank, which supports 17.4 billion of finance to over 64,000 smaller businesses, has committed to increase its support for creative businesses to access the finance they need to grow.Our number one mission is to grow the economy, and our creative industries are a British success story with a big part to play, said Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves. Building on our plans to boost our AI sector, this is another step as we go further and faster to deliver growth so we can put more money in peoples pockets.The Culture Secretary and Foreign Secretary David Lammy also confirmed the membership of a new Soft Power Council, which will act as an advisory board to the UK Government. Members include former rower and chair of UK Sport Katherine Grainger, former athlete and television presenter Baroness Grey-Thompson, and V&A director Tristram Hunt.Soft power is fundamental to the UKs impact and reputation around the world, said Lammy. I am often struck by the enormous love and respect which our music, sport and educational institutions generate on every continent. But we have not taken a sufficiently strategic approach to these huge assets as a country. Harnessing soft power effectively can help to build relationships, deepen trust, enhance our security and drive economic growth.Source: Animation UK Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

Movie & Games TrailersUntil DawnBy Vincent Frei - 24/01/2025 The first trailer for Until Dawn is here, delivering all the fear, suspense, and tough choices you loved in the game. But thats not alldive behind the scenes with this featurette featuring the creators and Peter Stormare as they unveil the secrets of adapting this iconic horror for the screen!The VFX are made by:UPPThe Production VFX Supervisor is Viktor Muller.The Production VFX Producer is Lenka Likarova.Director: David F. SandbergRelease Date: April 25, 2025 (USA)Screenshot Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Tucked into the end of a quiet Hanoi alley, this single-family home aspires to be a microcosm of the citys urban conditionThis project was shortlisted in the 2024 AR House awards. Read about the full shortlist hereHanois urban landscape is a patchwork of old and new. Streets and alleys, known locally as Ng, act as vital connectors between the public and private spaces. This is particularly evident on Tran Cung Street, which cuts through the former villages of Hoang 1, Hoang 2, and Hoang 4, retaining vestiges of its Lng heritage. The Lng ethos a Vietnamese term referring to traditional communal hamlets, where shared spaces foster interaction and cohesion continues to shape the citys character. Despite the encroachment of urbanisation, this spirit of communal living remains embedded in the fabric of Hanois evolving cityscape. Within this context, Loli House reinterprets these communal principles, blending tradition with the demands of contemporary living.Designed by T+M Design Office on a modest 35m plot, Loli House reimagines Hanois traditional tube house, turning its typical stacked, narrow form into a vertical home that fosters interaction, flexibility and fluidity. What appears as a conventional design on the surface is, in fact, an exploration of space that integrates private and communal living in a dense urban environment.Loli House is a vertical reimagining of Hanois traditional tube houseCredit:Hoang Le, Chimnon StudioThe entrance to Loli House introduces its central theme: connection. Set back from the street, the entrance creates a semi-public threshold that mirrors the social openness of Hanois Ng. Architect Nguyn H Thng describes this gesture as an attempt to preserve the social fabric of the neighbourhood: The Ng is where Hanois spirit comes alive. By extending this openness into the home, the design offers a space that invites interaction rather than isolation.The spatial anchor of the house is its vertical circulation. In Hanois tube houses, staircases are often purely functional, but at Loli House, they become central to family life. The staircase integrates light, airflow and activity through a central void, transforming what could have been a dead space into an active zone of engagement. Nguyn explains: Stairs are not just for moving between floors here; they are places where family life unfolds. This approach challenges the compartmentalisation typically seen in vertical homes and encourages a sense of fluidity between spaces.Natural light and ventilation are key elements of the design. Skylights illuminate the central void, while polycarbonate panels and wooden louvres enhance airflow and bring warmth to the interiors. These material choices reflect a careful balance between modern and traditional aesthetics, grounding the design in Hanois vernacular while addressing contemporary concerns for sustainability and comfort.For the family that inhabits Loli House, the design offers an array of possibilities. The ability to adapt the design to meet the needs of the moment from transforming stair landings into play areas to creatively using the voids for different activities gives them the freedom to mould their home according to their lifestyle. Nguyn articulates this flexibility as an intentional feature: We wanted the space to allow for adventure. This sense of freedom mirrors Hanois urban culture, where boundaries between home and street blur, and spaces are constantly repurposed to suit the moment.Loli House stands as both a reflection of and a response to Hanois urban trajectory. By engaging with the cultural and spatial narratives of its context, it offers an alternative that prioritises connection, flexibility and community. This project isnt just about solving spatial constraints; its about creating a place for life, Nguyn reflects. And in its ability to balance heritage with innovation, Loli House demonstrates the enduring potential of architecture to nurture both family and city.Natural light and ventilation are key elements of Loli House, polycarbonate panels and louvres enhancing airflow through the buildingCredit:Hoang Le, Chimnon Studio

sdecoret - stock.adobe.comNewsDC01UKs plan to build Europes biggest AI datacentre wins local council approvalPlans to build a hyperscale datacentre to host artificial intelligence and cloud workloads on green belt land in Hertfordshire have been waved through by local planning officialsByCaroline Donnelly,Senior Editor, UKPublished: 24 Jan 2025 17:02 A plan to build a 3.75bn hyperscale datacentre on a plot of green belt land neighbouring the South Mimms Service Station in Hertfordshire has secured local authority approval, despite more than 900 objections to the build being filed.The project is being overseen by a development company known as DC01UK, which applied to Hertsmere Borough Council in September 2024 for outline planning permission.The council has now rubber-stamped DC01UKs application for outline planning permission, which means it considers the companys plans for the site to be an acceptable use of the land in principle.As detailed on the councils planning portal, 929 objections were raised about the project, while a further 503 were submitted in support of DC01UKs plans.We want to thank Hertsmere Borough Council for their open and pragmatic approach to DC01UKs plans. They understand our ambition for both the project and the borough. It will bring huge benefits for local people through a stronger local economy, more skilled jobs and better opportunities, said a DC01UK spokesperson.Our plan will put Hertfordshire at the epicentre of the new datacentre revolution, as well as creating 3.75bn for the economy during construction and almost 14,000 indirect jobs once operational.As detailed in the planning documents, DC01UK is not an operator of datacentres, but looks set to market the site as having potential to develop it into a datacentre now that outline planning permission has been secured.As previously reported by Computer Weekly, it was confirmed in September 2024 that several parties have already been in discussions with DC01UK about the possibility of taking over the site to build a hyperscale datacentre on it tailored to their specific needs.Even so, DC01UK has previously claimed the site will be home to Europes largest cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) datacentre once it is completed.The news also comes hot on the heels of the government publishing its 50-point AI opportunities action plan policy paper, which outlines how it plans to ensure the use of AI technologies becomes more pervasive across the UK.In support of this, the government has committed to taking steps to increase the availability of AI-ready compute capacity across the UK by lowering the planning barriers to new datacentre builds.Minister for telecoms Chris Bryant MP said datacentres are the beating hearts of this modern age and are something society can no longer live without.He added: Datacentres like this will not only play a pivotal role in the AI opportunities action plan, but drive economic growth through the creation of skilled jobs across the south-east.Stephen Beard, head of datacentres at real estate advisory Knight Frank, which consulted with DC01UK on the project, described the build as the first of its kind.[It will be] the largest datacentre development in Europe in the worlds second-largest market, which is perfectly positioned in its ability to service the ever-increasing cloud demand today whilst accommodating the AI needs of tomorrow, he said.A first and great example of the UKs shift towards becoming a dominant superpower in cloud, AI and general digital infrastructure.Read more about UK datacentre developmentsThe UK government has unveiled its 50-point AI action plan, which commits to building sovereign artificial intelligence capabilities and accelerating AI datacentre developments - but questions remain about the viability of the plans.Labour government has wasted no time in lowering planning permissionbarriers to new datacentre builds, with its disclosure that two previously denied projects are being placed under review.In The Current Issue:Can the UK government achieve its ambition to become an AI powerhouse?A guide to DORA complianceDownload Current IssueA Galaxy of AI opportunities Cliff Saran's Enterprise blogQdrant squares up for real-time AI apps with GPU-accelerated vector indexing Open Source InsiderView All Blogs

MPs and peers have launched an inquiry into the UKs ability to protect undersea internet cables that link the country with the rest of the world, following heightened threats of sabotage from Russia, China and other hostile states.The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, which scrutinises government decision-making on national security, aims to assess the UKs readiness for potential attacks on critical underseas communication cables.The inquiry follows a statement by the defence secretary John Healey in the Commons this week, warning that Russian president Vladimir Putin is targeting the UKs undersea oil, gas, electricity and internet cables after a Russian spy ship entered British waters.Healey said the research vessel, Yantar, was engaged in gathering intelligence and mapping the UKs critical underwater infrastructure, following its discovery in UK waters on 20 January 2025. He told Putin: We see you, we know what you are doing, and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country.According to the parliamentary committees chairman, Matt Western, 99% of the countrys data passes through underseas internet cables, making them a soft target for action by foreign states seeking to covertly damage the UK.As the geopolitical environment worsens, foreign states are seeking asymmetric ways to hold us at risk, he said. Our internet cable network looks like an increasingly vulnerable soft underbelly. There is no need for panic we have a good degree of resilience, and awareness of the challenge is growing. But we must be clear-eyed about the risks and consequences: an attack of this nature would hit us hard.The global internet, which is critical for international communications and commerce, relies on a network of 500 cables that carry 95% of internet traffic. The cables are often in remote places, making them difficult and expensive to monitor.The UK relies on about 60 cables to connect it with the rest of the world that provide resilience if one or two are deliberately or accidentally damaged. However, MPs and peers have raised concerns that a simultaneous attack on multiple cables, particularly during times of heightened tension or conflict, could cause significant disruption.According to the UKs 2025 National Risk Register, in a reasonable worst-case scenario, the loss of transatlantic subsea cables linking to the UK would cause considerable disruption to essential services, including financial services, that rely on offshore datacentres and offshore service providers.There have been a number of incidents in Northern European waters where cables have been severed, including links between Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Shetland Islands. Over 50 Russian vessels have been observed near areas of high cable density in the Baltic Sea, leading European countries to reassess the security of their underseas infrastructure.Read more about JCNSS inquiriesParliamentary committee criticises big tech response to election threats.The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy has accused the government of burying its head in the sand over the cyber threat to UK critical infrastructure.The UKs Joint Committee on National Security Strategy is opening an inquiry into securing the democratic process ahead of the next general election.Most recently, on 25 December 2024, Russian-linked oil tanker Eagle S dragged its anchor for 60 miles in the Baltic, damaging the Estlink-2 power cable connecting Finland and Estonia and four data cables. The tanker has been impounded by Finland.The UK, along with other military partners, announced the launch of Operation Nordic Warden in January 2025 to track potential threats to underseas infrastructure and to monitor the activities of Russias shadow shipping fleet.The operation will use artificial intelligence to analyse data from a range of sources, including the Automatic Identification System, used by ships to broadcast their position, to assess the risks posed by vessels in areas close to undersea cables.The inquiry aims to assess the UKs ability to defend subsea infrastructure, options for improving deterrence, work with military allies and the UKs resilience in the event of major disruption to internet infrastructure. The committee has set a deadline of 6 March for evidence.

ZDNET's key takeaways The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium flagship meant for users who want the most out of their phone, with a starting price of $1,299. Key improvements include new Galaxy AI features, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and a 50MP ultrawide lens. No major shifts to camera hardware, battery size, and charging speeds. more buying choices Samsung's Big Bad Galaxy phone has arrived, and it's almost everything I expected. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, which starts at the same bold price as last year, $1,299, remains the company's do-everything handset, with a more durable display, an upgraded camera system with some handy editing tricks, and the latest Qualcomm processor keeping things running. Oh, and yes, AI is everything, everywhere, all at once.Also: Samsung Unpacked 2025: Five biggest announcements, including S25 Edge and AR glassesWhile last year's Galaxy S24 series ushered in Samsung's Galaxy AI era, this year feels more like the company cementing itself as the leader in the space, besting Apple and even Google (for now) on features and capabilities. Of course, how decorative that honor is ultimately depends on how invested you are in using AI.I've spent the past 24 hours testing the S25 Ultra and wasn't too surprised to find myself equal parts fascinated, equal parts bored. After all, this is now Samsung's fifth iteration of the S-series Ultra model, and the changes year-over-year have been modest, to be generous. But if you're currently using a three to four-year-old handset and considering an upgrade, take this first-hand testimonial -- I'm not calling it a full review yet -- to heart. (And if you're an enthusiast, it'll matter just as much to you.) details View at Samsung The Galaxy S Ultra has always been a big-phone, two-handed affair, and that holds true this year. When I first unboxed the S25 Ultra, it felt like the fanciest calculator ever (and I say that in a nice way), with its round-off edges and tall stature. Coming from the OnePlus 13 I recently reviewed -- which, on paper, is relatively similar in size -- the S25 Ultra had a more bold and striking presence. From left to right: iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Kerry Wan/ZDNETFortunately, the device is not as top-heavy as I remember previous models being, even though Samsung encased the four rear cameras with thicker rings this time around. In fact, the S25 Ultra is lighter than its predecessor by 16 grams, earning it the title of the thinnest Galaxy S Ultra ever. You'll likely hear more about the "thinnification" of phones later this year.Also:I went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S25 - and the AI features were surprisingly polishedThe other notable design upgrade with the S25 Ultra is the Corning Gorilla Armor 2 layered over the front display. It doesn't take away from the anti-reflection surface treatment that made headlines on last year's S24 Ultra, yet promises improved drop protection and scratch resistance. I believe it. My S24 Ultra last year had numerous micro-scratches after just days of testing, while my S25 Ultra review unit has remained pristine so far.Now if only Samsung could bring back the glory days of psychedelic Aura Glow finishes, because these S25 Ultra colors are uninspiring. Perhaps it's the nature of titanium finishes or the harsh reality that is consumers more likely to opt for safer colors with black, white, and silver hues than poppy and bright. Regardless, you'll want to slap on a case if you want to give your S25 Ultra even a touch of personality.Under the hood is a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the same processor powering competing Android phones like the OnePlus 13 and Honor Magic 7 Pro. The most notable benefit of the chipset comes in the form of AI experiences -- specifically, a 40% increase in NPU performance compared to last year's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: We tested both, and the winner is not so obviousIn layman's terms, on-device AI features should take up less bandwidth and power to operate while also functioning quickly. I saw the results in person, placebo effect or not, as my S25 Ultra has been able to swiftly remove subjects (along with their shadows) from the background of photos via Generative Edit and pull up Gemini search results in a matter of seconds.You can also chalk up the performance to the enhanced Gemini app, which can now be fired up with a long press of the power button. Previously, Samsung phones were limited to Bixby -- or Google Assistant, if you made some sketchy, backend modifications -- so this change is a breath of fresh air. It makes transitioning over from any other Android phone that uses Gemini as the default assistant much more burdenless.Speaking of which, the new Gemini-Bixby hybrid AI agent, as Samsung confusingly puts it, can handle natural-sounding, conversational chains of actions, like looking up the upcoming schedule of your favorite sports team and adding the date(s) to your calendar. While the agent-like capability mainly works across Google and Samsung apps, some third-party services like Spotify are supported, too.Also:I may finally ditch my Google Pixel for a Samsung Galaxy phone in 2025. Here's whyThe important thing is knowing how to phrase your commands. For example, when I asked the AI agent to createa Spotify playlist for road trips and send it to my wife, it responded that it was unable to do so. When, instead, I asked it to findsongs that were good for road trips, it curated the list and drafted a modifiable text message. Ladies and gentlemen, AI. Kerry Wan/ZDNETConsidering last year's S24 series introduced Google's Circle to Search feature, and this year's S25 series is doing the same for the enhanced Gemini-Bixby experience, it wouldn't be farfetched to say that Samsung, not Google, makes the best AI phone on the market right now.Some other new Galaxy AI tools like AI Select and Now Brief only reinforce that statement, with the former being an adaptive, context-aware screen selection tool, and the latter giving you daily summaries of the weather, calendar events, and news.Also: Samsung appliances are about to get smarter and wiser - thanks to AII just wish Now Brief showed me more than just political news; even with my topic preferences within my Samsung News app set to technology and sports, the app still wakes me up with an "Uplifting Morning Prep" Spotify playlist and the latest scoop on the US president signing executive orders. The new 50MP ultrawide lens pulls in four times more detail than the previous generation's 12MP sensor, according to Samsung. Kerry Wan/ZDNETOne of the key reasons to buy a Galaxy Ultra phone is still the camera, though Samsung hasn't improved the specifications much this year -- at least on paper. The only hardware change is with the 50-megapixel ultrawide lens (up from 12MP), which, from my initial shots, yields greater detail and vividness, especially when capturing macro photos. The rest of the lenses, such as the 200MP wide, 50MP 5x telephoto, and 10MP 3x telephoto, are identical to last year's S24 Ultra.Also:The best Android phones to buy in 2025There's a bigger focus on the software side of things, with Samsung introducing helpful photo and video features like 10-bit HDR video recording by default to capture a wider dynamic range, a new Audio Eraser feature that lets you adjust the volumes of various frequencies (classified as audio subjects like voices, wind, and noises), and the ability to record in Galaxy Log mode.The latter feature allows you to better spot overexposed areas and adjust the dynamic range as you're recording videos, while also applying LUTs in post for better color and light control. I'll be testing the shooting mode more in the coming days.ZDNET's buying advice (for now)My first full day of testing theSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultraconfirms several things for me. While most aspects of the phone, such as the vibrant, glare-free display and versatility across the cameras and AI features, are easy to appreciate, the upgrades this year feel iterative and safe.In ways, Samsung has even taken a few steps back, with the S Pen stylus no longer supporting Bluetooth controls and gestures, and the company opting for Qi2-ready cases instead of embedding the actual technology within its phones.In a vacuum that is early adopters and tech enthusiasts, it's understandable to feel underwhelmed by the S25 Ultra. But when I consider consumers who are coming from an S21 series, Pixel 6 or 7, or even an older iPhone, Samsung's new flagship handset checks almost every box you can think of. And you may even score a generous trade-in deal through your local carrier or retailer.Featured reviews

Yana Iskayeva/Getty Images*** Deep sigh ***This is the part of the article where I usually drop a witty line to spark your curiosity or offer a fresh perspective on something intriguing.But today, I'm literally at a loss for words. (If you know me, you know how hard it is to leave me speechless.)Let me explainThere I was, minding my own bidness and getting some work done, when I got a Slack notification from Jason (ZD's big boss). He sent me an article about Meta's plans to integrate AI-generated user profiles and content across its social media platforms.Also: Operator isn't worth its $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro subscription yet - here's whyHis caption: "What do you think about this?"That's corporate talk for, "I'm subtly telling you what to do, and you should write about this" Not gonna lie, I had to check the date because it had to be April 1st.Why would Meta want to generate AI users? It's a social platform.What they do is literally in the name SOCIAL! So why would you make it anti-social with AI?It's not hard to see why I was at a loss for words and momentarily paralyzed by disbelief.To be clear, this article isn't about bashing AI or Meta.Also: No, AI won't revolutionize shopping - but this willFor the most part, Meta is an incredible company. Even though they piss me off from time to time, their advertising platform has been essential to what I've built, and for that, I'm grateful. So this isn't an "I hate Meta" piece it's more of a "let's discuss a disturbing pattern in Big Tech" piece.Today, we will discuss:What Big Tech seems to be missing with every so-called innovationWhat you should really be paying attention to in this AI revolutionMy insights on how you can thrive in the current landscapeIf you're wondering what's next in AI and how you should adapt, I got you.Feel free to share this article with a friend who's keeping an eye on AI developments.Quick introBefore we get into it, I will share a little about myself.The name's Mapp, Lester Mapp, but my friends call me Les. I'm a founder with a successful exit and currently the Executive Chairman of a group of ecom brands but I'm an award-winning performance marketer at my core, and spotting trends is my thing.If I had to sum up my "marketing superpower," it's two-fold.Also:There's a new king of online shopping, and it's built an unstoppable monopolyFirst, I've gotten pretty good at spotting trends, so much so that we operate more like a data company than a traditional online business.Second, and more importantly, my real edge comes from connecting the dots between data and what it means for our customers.Our success has come from sitting at the intersection of data and human emotion. That's where we've found the magic of decoding both rather than relying on just one. (If you read until the end, I'll share my secret on how we do it)Needless to say, I've got some strong opinions on what I see from Big Tech and AI.If you enjoy marketing and business insights like this, consider joining my free No Fluff Just Facts newsletter.Big Tech's Disturbing PatternYou may be wondering what Big Tech is up to and what this so-called disturbing pattern is. As my little brother would say, "They're doing too much."Does this sound familiar:Blockchain is the next big thingThe Metaverse is the next big thingWeb3 is the next big thingNFTs are the next big thing (still laughable) And now AI is the next big thing.Each of these breakthroughs has its role in society and contributes to our progress as a species.Also: Could AI make you a billionaire in 2025?These are indeed massive advancements.But it seems like big tech is sidestepping the basics, and we, the people, are an afterthought. Why is the "next big thing" not focused onCaring for our users?Doing right by our users?How do we connect with our users?We've entered an era where AI is overhyped and overused in some cases. For example, the other day, I was browsing Amazon and stumbled upon an AI toaster, bruhSeriously?(Ten bucks says a subscription-based toaster is coming next.)Ever since AI became the hot topic, companies keep pushing solutions to non-existent problems. It's like pandering, but for tech. They over-complicate and overhype everything while ignoring the fundamentals.Also:3 lucrative side hustles you can start right now with OpenAI's Sora video generatorDon't get me wrong, I love tech. I'm all in on AI. I've gone on record more than once saying that nothing will come between my OpenAI subscription and me.But here's my question: Why isn't Big Tech focusing more on the people they're supposed to serve? It's giving out of touch.Spend just two seconds in any comment section, and it's clear more AI isn't what people want.What should you focus on?For the foreseeable future, I'm focused on building deeper connections with our customers, no matter what form that takes.Here's why: During the pandemic, we witnessed a wave of innovation aimed at keeping us connected while we were stuck at home. Companies thrived, fortunes were made, and "work-from-home" tech dominated the scene.But what happened as soon as we could step outside again?Experiences skyrocketed! Also: ChatGPT Search could destroy online businesses - how you can stay aheadAmerican consumer spending on experiences during the previous 12 months ending on August 31, 2024, has surpassed pre-pandemic levels by an impressive 32% compared to the same period ending January 1, 2019.This shift highlights that people crave real-life connections and experiences over mere transactions. As we move forward, it's clear that authentic engagement with our customers will be key to thriving in this evolving landscape.The team and I are doubling down on media channels that we own, which help us genuinely connect with our customers. Here's how we're doing it and how you can benefit from these strategies.1. More email marketing: Incredible but underestimatedEmail is an incredibly powerful tool that often goes underappreciated. Did you know that consumers who receive email offersspend 138% more than those who don't? Plus, 88% of email users check their inbox every day, with 39% checking multiple times a day. Pro Tip: If your emails aren't performing, it's not because email is dead. It might be because your content is boring! Make your emails engaging and fun, as if you're writing to a friend. Capture their attention first, then present your offer.2. SMS Marketing: A cost-effective game changer no one talks aboutWe recently turned $20,291.87 in spend into an impressive $556,314.10 through SMS campaigns. Compared to platforms like Google and Meta, SMS is more cost-effective, with 72% of consumers purchasing after receiving a brand's text.Pro Tip: Remember that SMS cadence differs from email. Sending 10 messages a day isn't just excessive; it's overwhelming! Keep your texts short and direct with a strong call to action.3. Human-centric customer serviceCall me old school if you want, but we're committed to enhancing our customer service experience by prioritizing human interaction.For me, any AI tool that tries to handle communication is absolutely out of the question. While I'm all for using automation for FAQs and basic inquiries, we want our customers to connect with real people whenever they want to.I've never subscribed to the idea that customer service should be a hassle. Customers are either trying to buy something or resolve an issue with a purchase.Why would I entrust such an important responsibility to AI?Customers give us their money; we should treat them with the respect they deserve by engaging with them personally. My two centsAs I step down from my soap box, I leave you with this. In an era where acquisition costs are rising and the competitive landscape is increasingly noisy, it makes little sense to distance ourselves from the people who keep our businesses afloat, our customers.Instead, we should lean into building genuine connections with them.I encourage you to rethink your AI strategy. Yes, AI can enhance efficiency and streamline processes, but let's not forget that people do business with people. Looking at 2025 and beyond, we should focus on getting closer to our customers rather than insulating ourselves behind technology. Also: What's really destroying your productivity - and 3 simple ways to focus better todayOh, and I almost forgot to share our secret: it's incredibly simple: we care about our customers. Hope this helps - - I'm rooting for you.P.S. If you enjoy marketing and business insights like this, consider joining my No Fluff Just Facts newsletter. I'm currently working on a fascinating case study that reveals how one of our brands uses these exact strategies to achieve impressive results. If you're interested in that kind of stuff, click here to sign up; it's completely free!DISCLOSURELes owns shares in Meta. This ownership does not influence his content, and he is committed to providing objective and unbiased coverage to the best of his ability.Featured

Experts say the journey to quantum-safe infrastructure will likely be slowed by multiple technical, operational and strategic hurdles.

Noah Wyle in The PittCredit: HBO / MaxI suspect that many people currently watching The Pitt on HBO and Max are longtime fans ER, an NBC medical drama that ran from September, 1994 to April, 2009, dropping over 300 episodes across its 15 seasons.I am not one of those people. The first time I watched ER was after watching the fourth episode of The Pitt. My curiosity was piqued. I wanted to know a bit about the spiritual predecessor of this great new drama.A few brief thoughts on the ER series premiere:My goodness, TV has changed since 1994. I genuinely liked the ER premiere and its funny to see George Clooney without grey hair. But TV was not the premium experience it is today. The ER premiere was well-shot and clearly made by people who knew what they were doing but it has that cheaper vibe about it that used to be pretty standard with TV, even great TV.The music might be the thing that jumped out at me the most. Theres a style of music used in the 80s and much of the 90s in TV shows, movies and trailers that dates them even more than the hair or costumes. Lots of very dramatic music. This is a stark contrast to The Pitt, which essentially has no music. This adds to the shows realism, as you will not find music playing in an ER (Im not a medical professional but Ive spent plenty of time in emergency rooms).In any case, as a newcomer to ER and someone only vaguely familiar with Noah Wyle, I have to say that Im genuinely surprised at how much Im enjoying The Pitt, which has aired just four episodes so far, with new episodes dropping each Thursday. I would say that Im only a casual fan of medical dramas in general (I also recently started watching House which is great so far, combining medical drama with Sherlock Holmes basically, and Hugh Laurie is one of my all-time favorites).The PittCredit: HBOThe shows title is a reference to the ER unit itself, referred to by the people who work there as The Pitt (a play on words, since it takes place in Pittsburgh and is down on the bottom floor of the hospital).MORE FOR YOUThe Pitts central gimmick is that its also a spiritual successor to 24. Each episode is one hour of real-time. The first season covers a single 15-hour emergency room shift. This means that events play out in real-time, beginning at 7am at the start of the shift and progressing throughout the day. If a patient showed up at the beginning of episode 1 and theyre still in the waiting room by episode 4, you know theyve been waiting out there for 3+ hours.Where the show really shines is in its ability to tell a whole bunch of different stories with a sprawling cast of characters in a way that is still incredibly easy to follow. Its remarkable, in fact. There are a bunch of doctors, student doctors, nurses, techs, medics and EMTs working the shift, and a rotating cast of patients and families filtering in and out of the ER throughout the day. Somehow The Pitt balances all of the chaos and interpersonal relationships perfectly, making it easy to follow along despite how much is happening and how quickly things can change. The pacing is just right, moving between slower character moments and intense emergencies deftly.A lot of the cases are mundane, too. Sure, theres a gunshot wound or a heart attack here and there, or something goes wrong or a patient dies. But a lot of the time, the cases we see are far less dramatic. A baby who wont stop crying isnt actually suffering from some mysterious illness. A strand of her mothers hair has just tightened around one of her toes, cutting off circulation, and nobody noticed. A repeat visitor with a blood alcohol level that would kill a normal person chats cheerfully with doctors and nurses who know him all too well.The PittCredit: HBOTheres lots of well-written banter interspersed throughout the more serious dialogue. Medical students ribbing one another. Techs placing bets on a stolen ambulances fate. Wyles character, Dr. Michael Robbie Robinavitch cracking wise at the busy-body hospital administrator. Its not a comedy, but the show balances its heavier moments out with some well-placed humor that always feels very human and natural.As noted above, I am not a medical professional but Ive heard from many in the field that despite some details not quite lining up, The Pitt is surprisingly accurate when it comes to both medical terms and procedures and the minute-to-minute workings of an ER. Sure, a really busy ER might have more background noises, but the show also has to make it easy to follow and listen along, so it makes sense to fine-tune a bit and make changes for TV. But a lot of the medical procedures and diagnoses that you see in the show are very accurate and not dramatized. This certainly makes it all feel more authentic and real.Ive also noticed myself getting genuinely emotional at times in places I wasnt expecting. There are really touching moments of human grief and struggle, but also of hope and warmth and kindness. The entire cast is doing a great job but Wyle in particular is a real gem. Hes so natural as the ERs head doctor, its hard not to think of him as a real physician. But hes also just a well-crafted character, with his own trauma and stress and the many ways he copes with it all and manages to juggle so many people and cases and problems without breaking.The PittCredit: HBOI have no idea where all of this is going. With 11 more hours in the season/shift, anything could happen. Theres a ticking clock element that I hope doesnt really lead to anything (I wont spoil it) but certainly adds to the overall sense of tension we feel as we watch. But mostly, you just feel like youre spending a long day in an ER, watching countless little stories play out, curious to see where each one will end up. The characters are mostly likeable (with a few exceptions, as in life) and while theres not really a plot in the traditional sense, just following each character and story as it unfolds is incredibly satisfying television.The Pitt is my first pleasant surprise of 2025. This wasnt on my radar at all, and now its one of the shows I look forward to most each week. Give it a watch.