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It’s Friday, January 24th—time to catch up on some good AI stories from this week (and maybe your next big opportunity).

This week: DeepSeek’s open-source reasoning LLM is redefining what’s possible with AI—offering tools that tackle math, coding, and workflows without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, a $500 billion AI mega-project kicks off in the U.S., Anthropic secures (another) billion-dollar boost, and OpenAI’s new web-browsing agent promises to handle the tasks you don’t want to.

Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• Stargate: The $500 billion plan to dominate AI.

• Anthropic’s automation-heavy roadmap for 2025.

• DeepSeek’s reasoning models (and why they matter to you).

• Perplexity Sonar Pro API: Real-time accuracy redefined.

• OpenAI’s Operator: AI that clicks, types, and scrolls.

Let’s dive in. And don’t keep this to yourself—share it with a friend who needs to be in the know!

As always, reply with your thoughts—I’m at leo@theautopreneur.co.

Trump + OpenAI + Oracle + SoftBank = Stargate Project

Read in 4 minutes here

Donald Trump announced the project with those happy guys on the back (the big players: OpenAI, Oracle and Softbank).

In short: $500 billion is being poured into AI and infrastructure across the U.S.

What do you think $500 billion can buy? Your GI Joe collection, for sure—but in this case, the plan is to build cutting-edge AI infrastructure through twenty massive data centers across the U.S., creating 100,000 jobs and solidifying American dominance in AI.

The project, already under construction in Texas, promises game-changing capabilities for AI applications, from health tech to AGI development. OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle have committed $100 billion for immediate deployment, while the remaining $400 billion will be paid in installments over the next 179 years… Just kidding! But Elon Musk isn’t. He’s casting doubt on whether the remaining cash actually exists.

Sam Altman clapped back, calling the initiative “great for the country” and inviting Musk to visit the construction site. And just like that, the drama begins.

Here’s the bottom line: With 100,000 jobs on the horizon and a focus on data centers, this project signals a massive opportunity for AI tools, apps, and services that will leverage this infrastructure. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to dive into The Automation Lab community and learn about AI, automation, and entrepreneurship, this is it.

Need another reason? Keep reading.

Google invests $1bn in AI startup Anthropic

Read in 4 minutes here

I know, I know—$500 billion to just $1 billion? But stay with me, because this might be more relevant to you than you think…

Anthropic just landed another $1 billion from Google, bumping the tech giant’s total investment in the AI startup to $3 billion.

While Google is doubling down, Anthropic is also in talks to secure another $2 billion from investors like Lightspeed Venture Partners, pushing its valuation to a staggering $60 billion. This move places Anthropic firmly in the AI arms race, alongside heavyweights like OpenAI and Amazon.

But here’s why you, my fellow autopreneur, should care: Anthropic’s roadmap for 2025 includes the game-changing "Virtual Collaborator" system. This tool promises to execute workflows, write and verify code, and integrate effortlessly into your favorite apps like Slack and Google Docs.

Translation? Automation, automation, and even more automation—which means more opportunities for you to make money.

Talking about competitors…

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Have you tried DeepSeek yet?

Build a Perplexity clone in 90 minutes

If you’re in the AI space and haven’t tested DeepSeek yet, here’s your wake-up call. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI lab making waves with its cutting-edge reasoning models, just launched DeepSeek-R1, an open-source powerhouse designed for complex problem-solving like math, coding, and step-by-step reasoning. You wouldn’t mind having another weapon in your arsenal, would you?

If you are skeptical like Elon Musk, don’t take my word for it—check out this post on X of a Perplexity clone built with the DeepSeek reasoner and Cursor, without a single line of code. It’s open-sourced, easy to replicate, and just might be your inspiration for next automation project.

And since we talked about Perplexity…

Perplexity’s Sonar Pro API Is Here

Don’t get left behind, read it here

Perplexity’s Sonar Pro API combines LLMs with real-time web-wide research for unparalleled accuracy. Developers now have access to cutting-edge features like customizable sources, JSON mode, and search domain filters. Sonar Pro delivers in-depth, multi-step queries with double the citations and a larger context window, making it ideal for enterprises needing precise, nuanced answers.

Examples of Sonar in action? Companies like Zoom use it for live Q&A during video calls, while Doximity powers research-backed tools for doctors. Its factuality score leads the industry, ensuring trust and reliability.

Now that I think about it, that Perplexity clone doesn’t seem so cool after all, but…

Have you heard about Operator?

Read it here in 5 minutes

It’s OpenAI’s new AI tool. Think of it as an assistant that doesn’t just generate text—it actually interacts with websites like a human would.

It can click, type, scroll, and handle tasks on its own, like booking trips, filling out forms, or even managing repetitive workflows. All you do is describe what you need, and it handles the rest, handing control back to you only when necessary, like entering passwords or confirming a payment.

What’s cool is that it’s powered by this model called CUA (Computer-Using Agent), which allows it to “see” the web through screenshots and interact with interfaces in real-time. And OpenAI has built a ton of safety features into it, so it won’t just take random actions without your approval. Right now, it’s available for Pro users in the U.S., and they’re refining it based on real-world feedback.

But here’s why this matters: the idea is to actually do things for you on the web. And soon, developers will be able to use its model to create their own agents for all kinds of applications.

That’s all for our edition of the Friday AI Forecast.

We publish articles 3x per week:

• Wednesday (workflows and operations)

• Friday (AI updates & trends)

• Sunday (business strategy)

…teaching you how to use AI inside your Business.

See you on Sunday, Autopreneur.

~ Leo

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It’s Friday, January 17th—time to dig into the tech stories everyone will be talking about next week…

Here’s what’s on the menu: A Chinese startup is stepping into OpenAI’s ring with bold moves, ChatGPT is one update away from running your to-do list, and “silent” AI agents that will only ping you when they have a question.

Meanwhile, Wall Street is gearing up for AI layoffs that could leave 200,000 people rewriting their résumés.

In today’s issue:

• MiniMax’s mega ambitions—4 million tokens and a license to disrupt.

• ChatGPT’s scheduled tasks—because your brain deserves a break.

• Ambient agents—finally, AI that knows when to shut up.

• Wall Street’s AI overhaul—job cuts, big profits, and tough choices.

Let’s dive in.

Oh, and don’t keep the fun to yourself—forward this to a friend! And as always, hit us up with your thoughts at leo@theautopreneur.co

MiniMax Unveils AI Model with HUGE 4 Million Token Limit Per Run

Read in 4 minutes here

MiniMax just raised the bar in AI with its new open-source MiniMax-01 series, including a model that can process a staggering 4 million tokens at once—enough to handle the equivalent of a small library in a single exchange. This blows past Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro and is a game-changer for building smarter AI agents that can handle long, complex tasks.

The punch? MiniMax’s pricing is shockingly low, making it accessible to developers who’ve been priced out by competitors like OpenAI. Their models are also built with a fresh architecture, Lightning Attention, which makes them faster and more efficient for real-world applications.

By open-sourcing these models, MiniMax isn’t just showing off its tech—it’s inviting developers to experiment, collaborate, and push the limits of what’s possible with AI. If 2025 is the year of AI agents, MiniMax is setting itself up to lead the charge (prove me wrong OpenAI).

ChatGPT Scheduled Tasks: Your Digital Life Organizer

Read in 4 minutes here

ChatGPT’s new scheduled tasks feature could be a game-changer for solopreneurs, creators, and freelancers looking to reclaim their time while staying productive. Available on Web, iOS, Android, and macOS (with Windows support coming soon), this tool lets you automate reminders, daily updates, and other repetitive tasks. Imagine having ChatGPT brief you on AI news every morning or remind you about a client meeting without lifting a finger (actually you must lift a finger).

Setting it up is simple: Head to your profile’s “Tasks” section, create a prompt like “Send me a daily list of writing prompts at 9 AM,” and let ChatGPT handle the rest. You can edit, pause, or delete tasks anytime, and notifications will keep you updated. Whether it’s via email or push notifications, you’ll always stay on track.

The only problem is that you can only have 10 active tasks at a time, and usage counts toward your GPT-4o plan limits. But even with these constraints, the potential to streamline your workflow is huge. No more forgetting important deadlines or spending time on repetitive tasks. You can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.

This is still in beta, so features like file uploads or voice chats aren’t supported yet. But if you’re serious about saving time and building a sustainable work routine, this feature is worth exploring.

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The Future of AI Is “Silent” Agents…and They’re Already Here:

Understand ambient agents in 4 minutes

Here’s how LangChain’s new ambient agents (have you heard about it?) concept could reshape how we interact with AI. It’s noi the traditional AI app that rely on you to initiate every interaction, ambient agents operate in the background, acting on signals and only reaching out when they detect something important or need input. The goal? To reduce unnecessary interruptions and let you concentrate on what matters most.

LangChain demonstrates this idea with an AI-powered email assistant that flags critical emails, drafts replies for your approval, or asks for missing details before taking action. This thoughtful “human-in-the-loop” design ensures the agent learns your preferences, mimics natural communication patterns, and prevents costly errors—like sending an email without your consent. You maintain control, while the agent handles repetitive tasks (you can try it btw).

LangGraph, LangChain’s platform for building these agents, supports features like persistent memory (so the agent doesn’t forget ongoing tasks), human feedback loops, and cron jobs for scheduled checks. It’s designed to be flexible, enabling you to build agents that don’t just respond to you but actively work alongside you. Their email assistant is now available as a hosted service or open-source project, offering a starting point for developers and a productivity boost for users.

For solopreneurs and creators, this could mean fewer distractions, smarter workflows, and AI tools that truly feel like partners. It seems ambient agents are the new hype.

The State of Enterprise AI

Don’t get left behind, read it here

Here’s what sets AI leaders apart—and why it matters to solopreneurs and creators trying to level up their workflows. A recent survey by MIT and McKinsey found that top-performing companies succeed with AI because of four core strategies: executive sponsorship, strong partnerships, effective cross-department collaboration, and meticulous data management. These factors aren’t just for big corporations—they’re lessons in how to maximize resources and implement systems that deliver real results.

First, leadership matters. AI leaders often have direct involvement from CEOs or boards, guiding efforts and making decisions even when ROI isn’t immediately clear. For solo operators like us, this translates into being intentional about our goals and staying committed to (implementing) AI-powered strategies, even if the payoff isn’t instant.

Second, partnerships accelerate progress. Successful companies leverage both internal teams and external experts to fill knowledge gaps and scale faster. For solopreneurs, this might mean talking to someone with a similar audience and brainstorm ideas to grow together, or using platforms designed to streamline AI integration—think automations or plug-and-play AI apps that save you time.

Finally, data is the foundation. Top companies don’t just collect data—they organize and optimize it for actionable insights. For solo creators, this could mean setting up simple systems (like those inside The Automation Lab) to track content performance, audience engagement, or business metrics. Organized data leads to better decisions, whether you’re fine-tuning a newsletter or scaling a product.

The takeaway: focusing on what moves the needle: the fundamentals, - not the minor details.

Is there an AI Layoff Wave Incoming?

Read the full drama here

Artificial intelligence is set to shake up Wall Street, with global banks potentially slashing up to 200,000 jobs in the next three to five years, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. The roles most at risk? Back-office, middle-office, and operational tasks—essentially any job heavy on routine and repetition. While full job elimination isn't in the cards, expect a significant workforce transformation as AI takes over repetitive tasks and reshapes customer service and compliance roles.

For banks, the bottom line looks brighter. Generative AI is predicted to boost productivity and revenues by at least 5%, translating to a $180 billion bump in pre-tax profits by 2027. With AI tools trimming costs and streamlining processes, banks like JPMorgan and Citi are betting big on the tech’s potential. Meanwhile, industry leaders argue this shift will augment jobs rather than replace them, creating a future where AI works alongside employees.

Despite the looming job cuts, some see a silver lining. As JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon puts it, AI could dramatically improve life quality—think longer lives and shorter workweeks. But for now, the financial sector braces for one of its most transformative eras yet.

That’s all for our second-ever edition of the Friday AI Forecast.

We send newsletters every week:

• Wednesday (workflows)

• Friday (tech updates)

• Sunday (business strategy)

…teaching you how to use AI inside your Business.

See you on Sunday, Autopreneur.

~ Leo

Let us know if you liked today’s content:

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Hey, hey! It’s Friday, January 10th.

CES 2025 is in full swing, AI is taking fitness routines to spy-thriller levels, and Sam Altman is crowdsourcing what OpenAI should build next. Oh, and humanoid robots? They walk now. Like, really walk.

In today’s issue:

• Tech toys to make you drool (or laugh).

• Sam Altman’s holiday crowdsourcing experiment.

• Fitness meets espionage—thanks to AI.

Don’t keep the fun to yourself—forward this to a friend! And as always, hit us up with your thoughts at leo@theautopreneur.co

From Jump Ropes to Espionage: How AI Makes Fitness Fun (Again?)

Read in 6 minutes here

Brian Westover shares how he used AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity.ai, and ElevenLabs to create custom audio workouts that are as engaging as they are effective.

By combining personalized fitness plans with immersive storytelling, he transformed mundane exercises into spy missions and other thrilling adventures. The process involves blending AI-generated research, guided workout scripts, and lifelike narration, all using free tools.

This playful yet simple approach shows how AI can make fitness both fun and personalized.

Billionaire Tech CEO Needs Your Help…

Read in 2 minutes here

Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, took to X on Christmas Eve to ask users what OpenAI should build or fix in 2025.

Among the ideas that caught his attention were family accounts with kid-safe guardrails, enhancements to ChatGPT's voice feature for smoother interactions, and improvements to Sora, OpenAI's text-to-video tool. While Altman engages with users on shaping OpenAI’s future, the company also reflects on a turbulent year marked by legal battles with Elon Musk and record-breaking funding rounds.

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The Best of CES 2025: Gadgets, Gizmos, and Furry Friends

Get the scoop on CES Y25 here…

CES 2025 is serving up its annual buffet of tech delights, from AI-powered supercomputers to a handbag-clinging robot with zero functionality beyond being adorably fuzzy.

Highlights include Nvidia's Project Digits, a personal AI supercomputer disguised as a desktop mini that packs enough processing power to make you question your laptop's life choices, and Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, a laptop with a screen that literally grows taller (perfect for stacking two movies, because why not?).

Other gems: LG’s AeroCatTower, an air purifier that doubles as a perch and weight tracker for your cat, and Roborock’s Saros Z70, a robovac with a robot arm to pick up socks—and maybe a little dignity. And let’s not forget the Mirumi: a plushy, bashful bot that just hangs on your purse. Is it useful? Absolutely not. Do we want one? Absolutely.

CES is where innovation meets absurdity, and 2025 does not disappoint.

No-Code Builds: He Went From Idea to Profitable SaaS in 72 Hours

Using only no-code tools…

Can you create a profitable app in just three days?

A YouTuber tackles this challenge using no-code and AI tools, building an AI-powered resume optimizer from scratch. The journey includes brainstorming ideas, validating the concept, designing branding, building the app, and making first sales—all while balancing life as a parent.

Despite technical hiccups and a tight timeline, the creator makes $238 in profit, proving it's possible to launch fast and learn on the go.

Dopamine Kicks for the Week

Humanoid Robots spotted in downtown China:

For $150,000…you can buy a robot girlfriend:

Maybe social media is good for us after all?

That’s all for our first ever edition of the Friday AI Forecast.

We send newsletters every week:

• Wednesday (workflows)

• Friday (tech updates)

• Sunday (business strategy)

…teaching you how to use AI inside your Business.

See you on Sunday, Autopreneur.

~ Leo

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