In today’s newsletter:

• News - ⚖️ What Trump's Win Means for AI Regulation

• Productivity - 📸 Instant Pro Headshots with Aragon AI

• Culture - 🍦How Wendy’s AI Game Plan Keeps Frosties Flowing

⚖️ What Trump's Win Means for AI Regulation

With Trump's victory, the AI landscape is set for significant shifts as he plans to scrap Biden's AI framework on "day one." Biden's policies focused on safety and transparency, with reporting requirements aimed at addressing security risks. Critics, however, viewed these measures as stifling innovation. Trump’s allies support a more hands-off approach, potentially disbanding the U.S. AI Safety Institute and scaling back federal oversight.

As Trump reorients federal AI policy, states like California and Colorado are stepping up their own regulations, aiming to address AI’s impact independently. Meanwhile, Trump's proposed tariffs and protectionist policies could also impact AI research, raising costs and complicating global collaboration. Experts urge policymakers to consider AI's risks beyond political divides, emphasizing the need for balanced, nonpartisan approaches to ensure AI benefits society as a whole.

🗞️ In Other News…

• Microsoft's latest Windows Insider updates bring AI-powered tools to Paint and Notepad, enabling creative fills, object removal, and text rephrasing.

• Apple’s iOS 18.2 beta brings new AI tools like ChatGPT, Visual Intelligence, and Genmoji to iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.

• NVIDIA's new AI and simulation tools, including Project GR00T workflows and Isaac Lab, accelerate robot learning and humanoid development by enhancing dexterity, control, and data curation efficiency.

• Anthropic is partnering with Palantir and AWS to provide its Claude AI models to U.S. defense and intelligence agencies, enhancing data analysis and operational efficiency in secure environments.

• Perplexity launched an Election Information Hub to provide live, AI-curated updates on the U.S. election, distinguishing itself from other AI companies that are cautious about political content.

📸 Instant Pro Headshots with Aragon AI

Aragon.ai offers an AI-driven tool that creates professional headshots from simple selfies, making it a convenient option for those needing polished images for LinkedIn or resumes. Users can upload a few photos to generate high-quality images quickly, avoiding the time and cost of traditional photography.

The platform provides multiple package options, including a free tier, allowing users to try it out according to their needs. Aragon.ai’s technology focuses on delivering realistic and professional results to enhance users’ professional presence.

🍦How Wendy’s AI Game Plan Keeps Frosties Flowing

To stay competitive against fast-food giants, Wendy’s is relying on Palantir’s AI to streamline its supply chain, ensuring it can keep up with demand for promotions like the $1 Frosty. Palantir’s platform analyzes current and historical sales data to predict shortages, allowing Wendy’s to maintain stock levels while reducing costly inventory. By automating key aspects of inventory management, the AI helps suppliers ramp up production when demand spikes and suggests cost-effective solutions to potential issues.

As inflation continues to press margins, Wendy’s sees Palantir’s AI as a game-changer, ultimately aiming for it to handle low-cost inventory tasks without human input. This strategic move is part of Wendy’s broader initiative to enhance operational efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and secure its position in a highly competitive market.

VC Fundraising Rounds

• EdgeCortix received a $26M subsidy from Japan’s NEDO to advance energy-efficient AI chiplets for post-5G communication systems. (11/6/24)

• Physical Intelligence, a startup developing practical AI “brains” for robots, announced today it has secured $400 million in fresh funding. (11/4/24)

• DeepRoute.ai, a Chinese autonomous driving technology developer, has secured $100 million from a carmaker to accelerate the widespread adoption of its systems on vehicles, aiming to outpace Tesla in the Chinese market. (11/3/24)

• Insider, a Turkish AI-driven marketing platform, announced a new $500 million funding round on Friday, aiming to expand its AI capabilities, grow its talent pool, and broaden its global presence. (11/1/24)