Top stories today:

1. Gemini Robotics AI model launched by Google in preview
2. Intel appoints former board member Lip-Bu Tan as new CEO
3. Trump’s FTC continuing with Microsoft antitrust probe opened by Biden
4. Pokémon Go gaming division selling to Saudi’s Scopely for $3.5B
5. Binance gets $2B investment from Abu Dhabi’s MGX

0. Data and calendar

Listen to our AI-generated podcast summarizing today’s newsletter (beware of hallucinations):

1. Gemini Robotics AI model launched by Google in preview

• Built on Gemini 2.0 and helps bring “generality, interactivity, and dexterity” to robots.

• More precise physical tasks such as folding papers or removing bottle caps are among its capabilities.

• Gemini Robotics-ER also debuted as an advanced visual model to understand “our complex and dynamic world.”

• Apptronik is working with Google DeepMind for deployments.

• Agile Robots, Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, and Enchanted Tools are among “trusted testers” for the ER model.

Relatedly, Google has released Gemini 2.0 Flash with native image generation capabilities

• Includes Multi-turn editing to enable real-time collaboration.

• More contextually relevant image generation.

• Improved text rendering.

• Dec.: “trusted testers” received native image generation on Gemini 2.0 Flash.

• Available for free through Google AI Studio and to devs via Gemini API.

3. Intel appoints former board member Lip-Bu Tan as new CEO, who vows to keep costly foundry plan

• +10% in Intel stock price following the CEO announcement on Wed.

• 2024: Strategic disagreements led to Tan’s departure from Intel’s board.

• Dec.: CEO Pat Gelsinger was ousted after the board lost confidence in his turnaround plan.

4. Trump’s FTC continuing with Microsoft antitrust probe opened by Biden