The Observation Engine

Microsoft and OpenAI have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) that paves the way for a significant restructuring of their partnership, as OpenAI seeks to transition into a for-profit entity and expand its future business. Key Points of the New Partnership From Nonprofit to For-Profit: OpenAI is moving toward a more traditional governance and fundraising model, with plans to go public in the future. Microsoft’s approval is crucial due to its prior investments and contract structure. Microsoft Remains a Key Partner: Microsoft has invested over $13 billion in OpenAI since 2019 and will continue to offer cloud support and infrastructure. However, Microsoft is also building its own AI models and exploring partnerships beyond OpenAI. Expanded Cloud Capacity: OpenAI can now engage additional partners, evidenced by its recent $300 billion data center deal with Oracle and a cloud partnership with Google, marking an end to Microsoft’s exclusive rights as OpenAI’s...

  Alterego, a startup founded by MIT Media Lab alum Arnav Kapur and neurotechnology exec Max Newlon, has unveiled Silent Sense , the world's first near-telepathic wearable device that aims to revolutionize communication between humans and machines, as well as person-to-person interactions. What is Silent Sense? The device detects faint neuromuscular signals sent by the brain to the speech system before actual words are spoken, allowing users to communicate silently but effectively. It promises to enable typing at the speed of thought , silent web browsing, real-time language translation , and private conversation without speaking a word. Importantly, Silent Sense does not read raw thoughts , easing privacy concerns. Demonstrated Capabilities The founder demonstrated typing reminders without a keyboard. Real-time, silent messaging between co-founders speaking different languages (English and Mandarin) showcased powerful translation abilities. The wearable can ...

OpenAI has signed what is reported to be one of the largest cloud computing contracts in history, a $300 billion agreement with Oracle spanning roughly five years starting in 2027. This deal is a cornerstone of OpenAI’s ambitious infrastructure initiative called Project Stargate, aimed at building massive AI data centers across the United States. Key Details The $300 billion contract covers computing resources Oracle will provide to OpenAI to power its AI models and services. The deal aligns with building 4.5 gigawatts of new data center power capacity , which is enough electricity to power more than four million U.S. homes. Project Stargate involves partners including OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and former President Trump and envisions investing over $500 billion into AI infrastructure over the next few years. This cloud computing pact far exceeds OpenAI’s current revenues and signals the skyrocketing costs and scale required to develop and deploy advanced AI systems. ...

Netflix and Amazon have announced a major new advertising partnership launching in Q4 2025. Advertisers using Amazon’s Demand-Side Platform (DSP) will gain direct access to Netflix’s premium ad inventory, enabling them to buy and manage Netflix ads alongside other media buys from Amazon DSP in a single platform. Key Details of the Partnership Global Rollout: The integration will be available in 12 major markets, including the US, UK, France, Spain, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Italy, Germany, and Australia. Simplified Ad Buying: Marketers can now plan, buy, and measure ads on Netflix’s ad-supported streaming tier easily with Amazon’s leading DSP technology. Advanced Audience Targeting: Amazon DSP leverages its unique first-party shopper data and AI-powered tools for better targeting, efficiency, and privacy-safe measurement. Complementary Strengths: The partnership blends Netflix’s premium streaming inventory with Amazon’s sophisticated advertising tech and shopper ...

Amazon has officially launched its ultra-fast delivery service, Amazon Now , in select parts of Mumbai, after successful pilots in Bengaluru and Delhi. This move places Amazon head-to-head with major rivals like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart in India's rapidly growing $7 billion quick commerce market. What Is Amazon Now? 10-Minute Deliveries: Amazon Now promises to deliver essentials, groceries, personal care, electronics accessories, baby and pet supplies, festive items, and more, in just 10 minutes. Extensive Micro-Fulfillment Network: Over 100 dark stores (tech-enabled mini warehouses) are already set up in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, with plans to add hundreds more by year-end to support fast delivery in various neighborhoods. Robust Growth: In Bengaluru and Delhi, daily orders grew by 25% month-over-month, and Prime members tripled their shopping frequency using Amazon Now. Amazon’s Strategy and Market Impact Competitive Push: Amazon’s quick commer...

Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO) and Vinod Khosla (Khosla Ventures) recently discussed the future of AI, moving from today’s chatbots toward AGI (artificial general intelligence), the rapid change of technology, and how AI may rewrite what it means to build, learn, and create in the upcoming decades. Major Takeaways 2035 and Beyond: An Unrecognizable World? Altman and Khosla imagine a world by 2035-2050 where technology changes so fast it’s hard for today’s minds to even grasp the pace or consequences. Software may be created “just in time”; type what you want, and a new app appears instantly, possibly rendering many traditional software companies obsolete. Physical world changes (like manufacturing) will lag behind, but over the next 10+ years, both software and some physical industries may be radically reshaped. Companies and Jobs: Who Will Survive? Large, slow Fortune 500 firms may face their “fastest demise ever,” with new companies forming and scaling faster than ever befo...

Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event on September 9, 2025, brought an exciting lineup of brand new hardware and feature upgrades, highlighted by the debut of the thinnest iPhone ever, next-gen AirPods, and major Apple Watch improvements. iPhone Air & iPhone 17 Series iPhone Air: The slimmest and lightest iPhone yet (just 5.6 mm thick), replacing the former Plus model. Features pro-level performance, breakthrough camera systems, and new color options. iPhone 17 Series: Includes the regular iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. This year, all models now start with 256GB storage and feature higher quality OLED displays, always-on ProMotion screens (for the first time even on non-Pro models), and significant camera improvements, three 48MP rear cameras on Pro models with up to 8x optical zoom and 40x digital zoom, and a new 18MP Center Stage selfie camera. AirPods Pro 3 New ergonomic design with five eartip sizes for better fit and comfort. Major upgrades: Industry-leading acti...