🧠 AI double-take

👋 Good morning! Today we’re exploring OpenAI’s new reasoning duo, robots reporting for Pentagon duty, and a biotech breakthrough that’s straight out of sci-fi. Plus, find out why summer jobs are breaking records, shoppers are beating the tariff clock, and Ed Sheeran’s secret to bouncing back. And in our Big Think: Could your AI companion soon know you better than you know yourself?

Let’s jump in!

OpenAI unveils AI reasoning duo. OpenAI released two new reasoning models, o3 and o4‑mini, enabling them to think with images and use ChatGPT tools autonomously.

Pony.ai faces investor lawsuit. Autonomous driving startup Pony.ai’s stock fell 8.1% as a class‑action lawsuit alleges it issued misleading financial information.

Protein design’s AI breakthrough. Biotech startup Profluent claims a groundbreaking “scaling laws” discovery for AI‑driven protein design models. If validated, this approach could radically speed drug discovery—reshaping medicine by developing precise, personalized therapies faster, cheaper, and in higher volumes globally.

Medicare boosts AI in healthcare. A proposed federal bill seeks consistent Medicare reimbursement for FDA‑approved, AI‑powered devices used in hospitals and clinics. Clearer rules could accelerate innovation—bringing advanced AI health tools like radiology, smart diagnostics and personalized treatments to patients faster.

Infinite Reality is going all-in on lifelike AI avatars. Infinite Reality is buying Touchcast—an AI startup behind lifelike virtual avatars—in a $500 million deal. It’s their biggest move yet, highlighting how seriously immersive tech companies are investing in realistic digital interactions. If you’re considering a future in AI or virtual worlds, keep an eye out: this merger suggests plenty of career opportunities ahead in creating smarter, friendlier digital experiences.

A new AI startup just unleashed robots for the Pentagon. Startup Scout AI just launched “Fury,” an AI-powered brain that controls autonomous robots on land and in the air—backed by $15 million and Pentagon support. As Scout AI rapidly grows its team, it’s clear that robotics and national security are converging fast. For anyone eyeing careers in robotics or AI, this news signals exciting new job paths at the intersection of advanced tech and defense.

Construction careers promoted in Detroit. A Detroit event is tackling labor shortages by encouraging locals to explore careers in construction, showcasing union opportunities, training programs.

New roadmap for data scientists. Interview Kickstart released its updated Data Science Career Roadmap, spotlighting surging demand for hyperautomation skills. The guide offers practical advice to help aspiring pros navigate the rapidly changing job market—and land more future‑proof roles.

Want a summer job? Better act now—searches just broke records. “Summer job” searches just hit a record high, according to Google Trends, meaning seasonal hiring is kicking off much earlier this year. If you’re planning to snag a job in retail, hospitality, or leisure, it’s time to jump in—employers are already lining up interviews. Businesses, take note: speed matters if you want the best talent this summer.

Nvidia warns of $5.5B charge. Nvidia expects a $5.5 billion hit this week due to strict new U.S. export controls on AI chips bound for China.

Shoppers beat tariffs with spree. U.S. retail sales jumped 1.4% in March as consumers rushed to buy cars and big‑ticket items ahead of President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs—the largest gain since January 2023. Economists warn this pre‑tariff spree could fizzle once higher prices bite.

Interest rates are on pause—here’s what it means for your wallet. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell just confirmed rates won’t change until it’s clear how new import tariffs are affecting the economy. For now, borrowing costs (think: loans, mortgages) stay steady. If you’re a young adult planning big purchases—like a home or starting a business—this offers breathing room. But stay tuned: tariff impacts could shift things again soon.

Chicago opens National Public Housing Museum. A $17.5 million renovation transformed a former housing project into the National Public Housing Museum, preserving residents’ stories and artifacts.

Rare colossal squid spotted. For the first time ever, researchers filmed a live colossal squid nearly a foot long, 2,000 feet beneath the South Sandwich Islands. This unprecedented glimpse sheds light on one of the ocean’s most elusive, enigmatic giants.

Ed Sheeran’s comeback is all about rediscovering joy. After a challenging period marked by personal loss, legal battles, and profound grief, Ed Sheeran is gearing up to release his new album, Play, later this year. Sheeran, now focused on smaller performances and global collaborations, says he’s stepping away from chasing massive success and toward creating music that genuinely brings him joy. His shift underscores the power of pursuing meaningful, authentic experiences—a timely message if you’re seeking clarity or purpose on your own journey.

Imagine waking up to an AI companion gently nudging you to stretch at 7:15 am, already brewing your coffee just the way you like it and cueing your favorite morning playlist without a prompt. This isn’t sci‑fi—a new reality Sam Altman sketched out in his TED 2025 talk

Altman discussed ChatGPT’s updated “memory” feature, which retains key details—your project deadlines, workout preferences, even that you hate soy milk—and weaves them into every interaction. “You will talk to ChatGPT over the course of your life… and it’ll become this extension of yourself, this companion… that just tries to help you be the best you can,” he said.

Altman envisions AI not as mere tools, but as intimate companions—extensions of ourselves, constantly present and evolving alongside us. “You don’t have to just go to ChatGPT and say, ‘I have a question, give me an answer.’ You're getting proactively pushed things that help you, that make you better,” Altman explains. Imagine your AI nudging you mid‑afternoon when your focus fades, suggesting a quick walk. Or scanning your draft emails and offering tweaks before you hit send. Or gently reminding you days in advance to prep for that big presentation you've been putting off.

Yet this intimate partnership raises crucial questions. What happens to our sense of agency when algorithms anticipate our every need? Could we lose confidence in making decisions independently, deferring too readily to an always‑on adviser? Or might this synergy unlock potential you never knew you had?

Altman acknowledges both thrills and jitters: “I think the fear is totally rational… the anxiety is totally rational. We all have a lot of it too.” His challenge is clear: we must design these relationships carefully, ensuring AI amplifies our humanity rather than dims it.

Here’s a question to ponder: What’s one habit you’d love your AI companion to help you with? Maybe gently nudging you off social media after 10 pm or reminding you that your third coffee won’t make your 4 pm meeting any easier.

Like most big shifts, we probably won’t notice the moment AI becomes deeply integrated into our daily lives—it’ll feel like a natural step. But looking back, it might seem wild. Even now, comparing where we are to just five years ago, the pace is crazy fast. What once felt futuristic is starting to feel expected, such is technological advancement!

Have a role to share? Post it here (just set it to “Global”!) — we will highlight a few jobs each week. Startups have “🚀” next to them. Many of these are equity only positions so look closely.

🚀 Founding Head of Marketing & PR | Part-time | Hybrid: Point Buddy helps people navigate complex travel rewards.

🚀 Biz Dev Manager | Part-time | Tempe, AZ: HotSpot: Your Ultimate Nightlife Companion.

Arts Editorial Intern | Full-time | San Francisco, CA: KQED envisions a public media organization with a culture that centers on human dignity, equity, and belonging.

Sales Manager | Full-time | Pensacola, FL: At Cox Business, we help companies adopt new technologies that deliver mobility, scalability and growth.

Clinical Social Worker | Full-time | Hallandale, FL: Thriveworks is a clinician-founded national private practice group with locations in 48 states.

Technical Product Manager Intern | Full-time | SF or Seattle Hybrid : Docusign brings agreements to life. Over 1.5 million customers and more than a billion people in over 180 countries use Docusign.

That’s how many miles a young bar-tailed godwit flew nonstop in an 11-day marathon from Alaska to Tasmania—setting a new migration record.

In the 1700s, people would actually rent pineapples by the hour just to parade them around at parties and flaunt their status. 🍍

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