Daily TEA- Microsoft Ditches Skype for Teams?
Skype, GPT-4.5, Bitcoin ETF, MetaMask, Cyberattack
Hello, dear TEA-mates! Here’s what you need to know today.
1. 💻 Microsoft to Retire Skype, Pushes Teams Adoption
Microsoft announced it will discontinue Skype by May 2025, urging users to transition to Microsoft Teams, which will now serve as its primary communication platform. The move reflects a strategic shift to consolidate its offerings, though it has sparked concerns among users with unused Skype credits facing potential losses. Teams, already a staple for businesses, will gain free consumer features to ease the switch.
Read More (CNBC)
2. 🤖 OpenAI Shares Pro Tip to Boost GPT-4.5 Performance
OpenAI’s research team shared a pro tip to enhance GPT-4.5: add this system message at the start:
"You are a highly capable, thoughtful, and precise assistant. Your goal is to deeply understand the user's intent, ask clarifying questions when needed, think step-by-step through complex problems, provide clear and accurate answers, and proactively anticipate helpful follow-up information. Always prioritize being truthful, nuanced, insightful, and efficient, tailoring your responses specifically to the user's needs and preferences."
Internal evals show it boosts accuracy and responsiveness, and it’s testable in the OpenAI Playground.
Read More (OpenAI Playground)
3. ₿ BlackRock Integrates Bitcoin ETF into $150B Portfolio
BlackRock has added its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) to its $150 billion model portfolio, signaling a major step in mainstream crypto adoption. The move allows financial advisors to allocate client funds to Bitcoin exposure, reflecting growing institutional confidence in digital assets amid rising market demand.
Read More (Cointelegraph)
4. 🔒 MetaMask to Support Solana and Bitcoin Networks
MetaMask, the popular crypto wallet, will soon integrate Solana and Bitcoin, expanding beyond its Ethereum roots. This update aims to attract a broader user base by enabling seamless transactions across major blockchains, with a rollout expected in the coming months.
Read More (The Block)
5. 🕵️ Belgium Probes CCP-Linked Cyberattack on Intelligence Agency
Belgium is investigating a suspected cyberattack on its intelligence agency, allegedly orchestrated by CCP-linked hackers. The breach, detected in early February, targeted sensitive data, raising concerns about national security and prompting a swift response from authorities.
Read More (TechCrunch)
Motivational Monday
TEAHEE Moment
Stay sharp, stay informed. See you tomorrow!
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P.S. For the next article in The Denationalization of Money series, I am taking my second take-a-break card this year—feeling under the weather. Apologies for the delay, and thank you for your patience! In the meantime, take care of your health—stay hydrated and load up on Vitamin C and D3.