Alphabet Class A: AI Innovations Drive Stock Potential

• Google One subscription service has surpassed 150 million users, reflecting a 50% growth since early 2024, driven by demand for AI-integrated premium digital experiences.
• YouTube's new 'Peak Points' feature uses AI to optimize ad placement and boost revenue, contributing to Alphabet's stock performance.
• Analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus with a projected 20.57% stock upside.

'The Conners' Series Finale

• The series finale addressed Roseanne Conner's absence with a graveside farewell, reflecting on the show's legacy and character dynamics.
• The family received a $700 opioid settlement, highlighting the ongoing impact of the opioid crisis.
• The finale ended with a pizza party and nostalgic "Roseanne" clips, excluding Roseanne Barr.

Big Tech's Opacity Fuels Antitrust Concerns

• Big Tech's secrecy is reinforcing perceptions of excessive power, hindering legal and public relations efforts against antitrust scrutiny.

13,000 Teachers Write Professional Qualifying Exam

• 13,000 teachers nationwide took the Teachers’ Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE), with some postponements due to UTME rescheduling.
• TRCN is developing an IT-driven database of qualified teachers, aiming for public accessibility and transparency.

Tesla FSD vs. Waymo Robotaxi Comparison

• Business Insider tested Tesla's FSD (v13.2.8, Hardware 4) and Waymo's robotaxis in San Francisco.
• Waymo uses advanced sensor technology (5 lidar, 6 radar, and 29 cameras), while Tesla relies on 8 cameras.
• Waymo emerged as the clear winner, with Tesla making a critical safety error by running a red light.

YouTube TV Multiview Upgrade

• YouTube TV is rolling out an upgrade to its Multiview feature, expanding beyond live sports to include channels like Bravo, ESPN, and USA.
• Subscribers can create Multiview feeds of multiple streams, with plans for an "Always-On" multiview featuring local channels.

Google's Missed Netflix Acquisition Opportunity

• Google CEO Sundar Pichai acknowledged that Google debated acquiring Netflix and "came close."
• Netflix has become a major global streaming player, while Google hasn't built a comparable content platform despite YouTube's success.

Silicon Valley's Shift from Open Debate to Employee Control

• Silicon Valley tech companies are increasingly suppressing employee dissent and activism.
• Microsoft fired employees for protesting company involvement in the Israel-Gaza war, reflecting a broader trend of limiting employee expression.

Texas AG Settles Privacy Suit Against Google for $1.4 Billion

• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a preliminary $1.4 billion settlement with Google over privacy infringement allegations.
• Google resolved "old claims" without admitting wrongdoing, and the settlement doesn't require product changes or altered disclosures.
• Norton Rose Fulbright will receive a percentage of the settlement (between 10% and 27%) as payment for their work as outside counsel.

Lakers May Trade Austin Reaves for High-Level Center

• The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring trading Austin Reaves to acquire a "top-tier big" (center).
• The Lakers previously backed out of a trade for Mark Williams (Charlotte Hornets) due to a failed physical.
• There is a possibility of packaging Reaves to obtain Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks.

Google to Integrate Gemini AI into Android 16's Notification System

• Google plans to integrate Gemini AI into Android 16's notification system via a new "Magic Actions" feature.
• Magic Actions will replace Smart Action and Smart Reply, providing quick, context-based solutions within notifications.
• Google is also developing AI-powered notification summaries, similar to those on Wear OS devices, and Gmail-like bundled notifications.