Good morning from OWITH.ai, the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world.In the latest edition of "This Week in Stratechery," dated December 5, 2025, several compelling narratives are explored within the tech industry. The New York Times' portrayal of David Sacks, the Trump administration's Crypto and AI Czar, has been critiqued for missing critical inquiries regarding public interest in tech policy influence. The discussion points to the necessity of Silicon Valley expertise for government as it addresses complex tech issues with broad implications for the Western world.An interview with Atlassian's CEO, Mike Cannon-Brookes, provides an intriguing look at the company's evolution from a Qantas Frequent Flyer program into a $40 billion software giant. Cannon-Brookes shares strategies for thriving in the AI era and reveals Atlassian’s involvement with the Williams F1 team, offering valuable insights for enterprises aiming at similar transformations.Ben Thompson voices concerns regarding OpenAI's capability to compete with Google's dominance. Despite OpenAI's initial success with ChatGPT, there are fears it might mirror past companies like Yahoo unless a robust business model is developed. The "Sharp Tech" episode delves into these challenges, particularly focusing on OpenAI’s strategic "Code Red" initiative. Discussions also extend to Google's competitive threats to both OpenAI and Nvidia, alongside AWS’s integration of AI solutions into its ecosystem.The unfolding competition in 2025 between OpenAI and Google's new Gemini AI model prompts OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to declare a "code red" alert. This situation necessitates strategic maneuvering to face Google's formidable challenge. With historical parallels drawn to rivalries like Netscape vs. Microsoft, the question arises: how can OpenAI sustain its first-mover advantage against resource-rich competitors? The newsletter explores strategic insights and key performance metrics crucial for OpenAI's continued leadership in the AI industry.The dynamic landscape of innovation is further illustrated through notable venture deals and investments across multiple tech sectors. Highlighted investments include 7ai's $130 million Series A funding and Fact Base's $28.5 million Series C funding. Meanwhile, startups like Imper.ai advance technologies in cybersecurity and customer service AI.Shifting focus to broader technology and finance developments, Meta plans a strategic pivot away from the metaverse, a decision marked by potential budget cuts up to 30% for its metaverse unit. The focus may realign towards artificial intelligence and AI-powered wearables following limited metaverse success since 2018.Meanwhile, Apple announces significant leadership changes with the retirement of General Counsel Kate Adams and Policy Chief Lisa Jackson. This transition aligns with speculation about broader senior leadership changes as Apple navigates forward-looking strategies.Additionally, ten European banks are collaborating on a euro-denominated stablecoin initiative regulated under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation framework. This stablecoin aims to establish a reliable digital payment method in Europe as an alternative to US-dominated counterparts.In brief updates: Amazon considers reducing reliance on USPS; Microsoft plans Office subscription price increases; and Russia blocks FaceTime citing misuse allegations.In an impactful move within the entertainment sector, Netflix is poised to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery Studios, including its renowned franchises such as Superman and Harry Potter. This acquisition promises significant shifts within the industry despite oppos

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