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Good morning readers. Who said taking drugs can’t help you function and perform better at work? Probably most of us. But not Elon Musk. In a candid interview with Don Lemon, Musk disclosed his use of prescription ketamine to manage his occasional bouts of depression. He even suggested it was beneficial for investors, emphasizing results over the perceptions people have of taking the drug. Despite Lemon's probing on the potential consequences, Musk maintained his stance on the impacts it has on his productivity and value creation. The Tesla CEOs candid admission adds a fresh layer to the ongoing conversations about mental health and productivity in high-pressure settings.

If you have about an hour’s worth of time, here’s a link to the full interview. It’s worth the watch.

Let’s jump into today’s storylines.

In today’s digest:

• Apple wants you to know it’s getting serious about AI

• Headline Hustle: MrBeast teams up with Amazon Studios to create a competition series, Israel and Hamas start hostage negotiations for first time in months, Trump can’t afford to pay his $454 million appeal bond

• Stanley reimagines hydration for the modern man

• Pulse Points: What’s Trending

TECH

Apple is trying to make a big push in AI

As the saying goes, in the world of technology, standing still is the same as moving backward. In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way we interact with the world, Apple's latest announcement is a testament to the tech giant's commitment to staying in motion.

The unveiling of its multimodal models, dubbed MM1, marks a significant leap toward integrating AI more deeply into our daily gadgets, from iPhones to Siri. But the intrigue doesn't stop there; whispers of Apple eyeing Google's Gemini AI engine for licensing agreements hint at a complex chess game that could alter the course of digital history.

Hold the phone – literally

At the core of Apple's announcement lies the MM1 family, a leap towards integrating AI more seamlessly across its ecosystem. This development signals potential upgrades across Apple's product line, from iPhones to Siri, enhancing user experiences with richer, more intuitive interactions. But the plot thickens as Apple eyes Google's Gemini AI engine for a possible collaboration, a move that hints at the urgency within Apple to escalate its AI capabilities, especially against a backdrop of rapid advancements by competitors like OpenAI and Google.

The Apple-Google dialogue opens up a Pandora's box of possibilities and challenges. On one hand, it represents a mutual recognition of the strengths and capabilities each company brings to the table.

• For Apple, accessing Google's Gemini could mean turbocharging its devices with unparalleled AI prowess, especially with the much-anticipated launch of iOS 18 on the horizon.

• For Google, this partnership could expand its AI engine's footprint across nearly 2 billion Apple devices, marking a significant validation of its generative AI efforts.

Despite Apple's penchant for secrecy, CEO Tim Cook has hinted at pouring resources into generative AI, signaling a deep-seated commitment to carving out a niche in this competitive space. However, the company's strategy remains enshrouded in mystery, leaving industry observers and consumers alike speculating about its long-term AI vision.

Big picture: In the event this collab comes to life, it will raise a few questions about the balance of power in the tech industry and the future of competitive strategies in the relentless march towards AI dominance.

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They have generated over 20X growth in share price for early shareholders, with significant upside remaining as they just launched in over 100 Best Buy stores.

Retail distribution was the main driver behind the acquisitions of both Ring and Nest, and their exclusive deal with Best Buy puts them in pole position to dominate this burgeoning industry.

Secure your stake before the offer closes.

IN THE KNOW

Headline Hustle

🎥 MrBeast teams up with Amazon studios to develop ‘biggest reality tv competition series ever’. Jimmy Donaldson, famously known as MrBeast, has unveiled plans for "Beast Games," a colossal reality competition co-produced with Amazon MGM Studios. With a jaw-dropping $5 million prize and 1,000 contestants, Donaldson aims to revolutionize the crossover between YouTube and traditional TV. Renowned for his high-budget stunts, like self-isolation challenges and recreating "Squid Game," Donaldson's leap to streaming underscores creators' shift toward diversified revenue streams. "Beast Games" promises to be a game-changer, blending YouTube's flair with TV's grandeur.

🇮🇱 Israel and Hamas start hostage negotiations for first time in months. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas signal a potential breakthrough for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. Facilitated by Qatar and Egypt, talks have progressed to discussing specifics after months of deadlock. Hamas seeks to handpick released prisoners and demand Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza's southern corridor. Meanwhile, Israel insists on knowing the hostages' status beforehand and deporting released prisoners. Challenges remain, but both sides show willingness to compromise.

💰️ Trump can’t secure $454 million appeal bond in New York fraud case. Donald Trump is struggling to come up with the cash needed to stop New York's attorney general from seizing his real estate assets. He's facing a hefty $454 million civil fraud judgment, and to keep his properties safe while he appeals, he needs an appeal bond. But it turns out, getting that bond is harder than it sounds. His lawyers say they've reached out to about 30 companies, but none of them are willing to help out. They say Trump would need close to a billion dollars in cash reserves to secure the bond, which he just doesn't have.

LIFESTYLE

Stanley's manly makeover for water bottles

When you thought water bottles couldn't get more manly, Stanley decides to bring the rugged charm back to hydration. In a throwback move that harks to its 110-year-old roots, Stanley is shaking up the water bottle world by tailoring new sleek designs not just for the trails but for the boardroom and beyond.

At the core of this strategic shift are plans to unveil products that resonate with men's preferences for subtlety and style, transitioning from the great outdoors to urban jungles with ease. This expansion is not just a nod to inclusivity but a savvy business move, evidenced by Stanley's leap from $73 million in revenue in 2019 to a staggering $750 million in 2023. The introduction of items like cooler bags and a new carryall for the iconic Quencher—spawned from women's feedback—highlights Stanley's commitment to innovation and adaptability.

Diving into the nitty-gritty

The company’s approach underscores a keen awareness of changing consumer landscapes. The company's resurgence as a lifestyle brand among women and tweens, thanks to the Quencher, has set the stage for its latest move. Yet, the leap towards embracing a male audience involves more than just unveiling new products; it's about tapping into male consumer behavior and leveraging social media dynamics distinctively different from their female counterparts.

Looking ahead…as the brand ventures into new territories, the question remains: How will this move shape the future of consumer goods, particularly in an era where every product tells a story, and every choice reflects identity

SNIPPETS

Pulse Points

• Johnson & Johnson announced a collaboration with Nvidia on Monday to create and expand artificial intelligence applications for surgery.

• Sports Illustrated will continue operations under a new publishing deal with Authentic Brands Group, announced on Monday, revitalizing the iconic sports magazine.

• U.S. homebuilders' confidence has increased to its highest level since last summer, reaching a sentiment score of 51 in March, marking the fourth consecutive month of improvement despite high mortgage rates.

• Starting Monday, YouTube will mandate creators to label AI-generated content, as part of its transparency efforts to prevent user confusion or misinformation.

• Gas prices are rising again, now higher year-over-year for the first time since late last year, with experts predicting continued increases partly due to potential drone attacks on Russian oil facilities.

• Cisco Systems completed its $28 billion all-cash acquisition of cybersecurity and analytics firm Splunk on Monday.

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