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Tech World Sees Activity in Stablecoins, Documentaries, and Controversies
The tech world experienced a flurry of activity this week, ranging from new stablecoin launches and documentary successes to ongoing controversies surrounding prominent figures.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino engaged in a widespread media campaign, appearing in Fortune, Bloomberg, Reuters, and TechCrunch. This media blitz coincided with Tether's launch of USAT, a U.S.-regulated stablecoin issued through Anchorage Digital Bank, designed to comply with new federal rules and compete with Circle's USDC, according to TechCrunch. The stablecoin market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Fidelity Investments also launching a competing stablecoin on Wednesday, joining JPMorgan Chase and PayPal.
Meanwhile, Amazon's acquisition of the documentary "Melania," about former First Lady Melania Trump, proved more successful than initially anticipated. The documentary grossed an estimated $7.04 million on its opening weekend, placing it third overall behind "Send Help" (20 million) and "Iron Lung" (17.8 million), TechCrunch reported. Amazon acquired the film for $40 million and is spending $35 million on promotion. Despite outperforming pre-release estimates of a $3 to $5 million opening, it remains unlikely to turn a profit in theaters.
In other news, Bill Gates addressed accusations stemming from the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. The Verge reported that emails suggested Gates contracted an STD and wanted to surreptitiously give Melinda antibiotics. Gates stated that the accusations contained in the Epstein files are "absolutely absurd."
Tesla CEO Elon Musk continued to push the idea of Tesla as more than just an electric vehicle manufacturer. According to TechCrunch Mobility, Musk has been trying to position Tesla as a sustainable energy company (since acquiring Solar City in 2016) and, more recently, as an AI and robotics company. However, the bulk of Tesla's revenue still comes from EV sales. In 2025, the company generated $94.8 billion in revenue, with $69.5 billion derived from selling and leasing EVs.
Finally, Antigravity's A1 360-degree drone is currently on sale. The Verge reported that the drone is 15 percent off through February 9th, bringing the starting price down from $1,599 by nearly $250.
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