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Blucera Will Launch on July 1, 2025 with WinGPT, eVault Custodial, Daily Podcast, Training, …

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Good People, on July 1, 2025, Blucera.com will go live and the first episode of Tekedia Daily podcast will be posted therein. Blucera offers many services:

  • AI-powered Education and Business Decision Making: WinGPT & WinGPT Enterprise, which are AI personal educators and coaches to enhance managerial and business skills. WinGPT is powered by Tekedia internal libraries of academic materials, documents and videos. WinGPT Enterprise is designed to be powered by your company’s internal knowledge and libraries, unifying disparate data and records, to accelerate innovation and win in the market.
With Blucera WinGPT Enterprise, the “Custom” is now name of your organization
  • Tekedia Daily: A podcast anchored by Ndubuisi Ekekwe and available to Blucera subscribers. Tekedia Daily – podcasting revelations on business – deepens our mission to inform, educate, and inspire.
  • Secure Storage: eVault Custodial for securely uploading, storing, and preserving important personal, family, and business records, with legal custodial services. Keep your data for continuity and succession by nominating alternates or next of kin.  We do not see your data.
  • Business Tools: Software for bookkeeping, inventory management, sales and expense tracking, and personnel and payroll management, for your business and personal finance.
  • Digital Marketplace: A platform to discover and purchase digital products, services, courses, and e-books.  This is a catalogue of all the courses within the Blucera ecosystem. There, we have The Great Lectures, curated to help you turn ideas into products and services.
  • Business Courses: The catalogue of training courses listed in Blucera Market is available upon subscription in Blucera Training module. With subscription, a user will find the courses in Blucera Training module when logged in.

Blucera WinGPT:  Personal AI Educator & Coach

  • It’s a personalized business education tool.
  • It uses AI to guide learners through business concepts.
  • It draws from Tekedia’s course materials and other selected libraries.
  • It can provide specific guidance based on real-world scenarios.
  • Everything is baked with the nuances of doing business in Africa.

Ways To Join the Blucera Community

For our community members who registered for Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 17 annual plan, you will get an email on June 30, 2025, on how to access Blucera; we have offered that as a bonus in the registration (that option remains). Registering for many Tekedia programs (AI in Business Masterclass, Startup Masterclass, Tekedia Practice, Tekedia Industries, Tekedia CEO & Director, etc) from today gives you an annual bonus access to Blucera at no additional fee.

Amazing People, you can go here and subscribe directly via Nigerian bank, Stripe, Flutterwave, PayPal, Zelle, etc https://www.blucera.com/pricing . I have been coding with Team to get this thing ready. On July 1, we will share what we have, and I am sure you will like it.

Implications of a Potential U.S. Attack on Iran [Updated with US Strikes]

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Sources, including the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and CBS News, suggest Trump is withholding action to see if Iran will abandon its nuclear program. He has expressed frustration with stalled diplomatic efforts and demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” while publicly stating, “Nobody knows what I’m going to do.” Some sources, like ABC News, note Trump is “comfortable” with the idea of striking Fordo using U.S. B-2 bombers with bunker-buster bombs, as Israel lacks the capability to destroy the site alone.

Speculation about an imminent attack this weekend (June 21-22, 2025) stems from reports of U.S. military buildup, including the deployment of the USS Nimitz to the Middle East and air tankers to Europe. However, no definitive evidence confirms an attack is scheduled for this weekend. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned that U.S. intervention would lead to “irreparable damage,” and Iran has vowed not to surrender. The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, with recent missile exchanges, has heightened tensions, prompting U.S. preparations to evacuate citizens from Israel.

Critics, including some U.S. lawmakers, warn that a strike could escalate into a broader war, risking American lives and regional stability. Others, like Vice President JD Vance, argue Trump has shown restraint and deserves trust on the issue. Diplomacy remains stalled, with planned nuclear talks in Oman unlikely to proceed.

A U.S. military strike on Iran, particularly targeting its nuclear facilities like the Fordo site, would have far-reaching implications. Iran has warned of “irreparable damage” if attacked, potentially retaliating with missile strikes on U.S. bases, Israel, or Gulf allies like Saudi Arabia. This could spark a broader Middle East conflict, drawing in groups like Hezbollah or the Houthis, disrupting global energy supplies (Iran controls key oil routes like the Strait of Hormuz), and spiking oil prices.

A conflict could disrupt 20% of global oil supply, leading to energy price surges and inflation. Markets are already jittery, with reports of rising oil futures on June 18, 2025, amid speculation of an attack. A strike might delay Iran’s nuclear program by damaging facilities, but experts warn it could push Iran to accelerate weaponization in secret, as hardened sites like Fordo are difficult to destroy completely.

An attack would likely collapse any chance of diplomacy, already strained after stalled nuclear talks. Iran’s leadership, under Supreme Leader Khamenei, has vowed defiance, potentially hardening its stance against the U.S. Civilian casualties, refugee flows, and regional instability could intensify. Allies like Europe may oppose unilateral U.S. action, straining NATO ties, while Russia and China could bolster Iran, escalating global tensions.

A war could strain U.S. military resources, increase defense spending, and raise fuel costs, impacting Americans economically. Public support for Trump’s foreign policy could waver if casualties mount or the conflict drags on. Some Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, back Trump’s aggressive stance, citing his restraint so far and the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. They argue a strike would signal strength and deter adversaries.

Democrats and some Republicans, like Senator Chris Murphy, warn of catastrophic consequences, including a potential regional war and loss of American lives. Critics argue Trump’s approach risks repeating past U.S. mistakes in Iraq and Afghanistan, with unclear long-term benefits. Israel strongly supports a strike, viewing Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, while wary of Iran, fear being caught in a wider conflict.

European nations, reliant on Middle East stability, urge restraint and diplomacy. They fear a strike could disrupt NATO unity and global trade. China and Russia both oppose U.S. action, potentially aligning closer with Iran to counter American influence, which could deepen global geopolitical rifts.

X posts reflect polarized views: some users praise Trump’s “decisive” approach, citing Iran’s provocations, while others warn of “World War III” and economic fallout. Polls (e.g., Pew Research, June 2025) show 45% of Americans support military action if Iran nears nuclear capability, but 60% fear escalation into a broader war.

Iran’s government is united in defiance, with hardliners and moderates alike rejecting U.S. demands for “unconditional surrender.” However, internal divisions exist on how to respond—retaliate immediately or pursue asymmetric warfare over time.

A U.S. attack on Iran this weekend, while unconfirmed, would risk a volatile escalation with global ripple effects. The divide—domestically, internationally, and within public discourse—underscores the high stakes, with supporters seeing it as a necessary deterrent and opponents warning of catastrophic overreach.

U.S. Strikes On Iran’s Nuclear Sites Have Heightened The Risk of Regional War

On June 21, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the White House, announcing that the U.S. military had conducted strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump described the operation as a “spectacular military success,” claiming that Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities were “completely and totally obliterated.”

He stated the objective was to destroy Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and halt the “nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.” Trump warned Iran to pursue peace, threatening further strikes if Tehran retaliated, saying, “If peace does not come quickly, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.” He also praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting their close collaboration, and congratulated U.S. military personnel, including General Dan Caine, for the operation’s execution.

The strikes involved B-2 stealth bombers dropping 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs on Fordo, with Tomahawk missiles launched from U.S. submarines targeting Natanz and Isfahan. Trump claimed “monumental damage” based on satellite imagery, though U.S. officials cautioned that damage assessments were ongoing. Iran condemned the attacks as a “barbaric violation” of international law, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warning of “everlasting consequences” and reserving “all options” for retaliation.

Iranian state media reported limited damage at Fordo, claiming critical equipment was relocated beforehand. The operation followed weeks of Israeli strikes on Iran, which had degraded its air defenses, prompting Trump’s decision to join Israel’s campaign to cripple Iran’s nuclear program. The move sparked domestic and international controversy. Republicans like House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Trump, while Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Chuck Schumer, criticized the strikes as unconstitutional without congressional approval.

Some MAGA isolationists, like Representative Thomas Massie, also opposed the action. Globally, China, Russia, and the EU called for de-escalation, while Netanyahu hailed the strikes as historic. Iran launched retaliatory missiles at Israel, injuring at least 10, and its military vowed further responses, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. The U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—on June 21, 2025, has far-reaching implications and has deepened domestic and international divides.

Iran’s condemnation of the strikes as a “barbaric violation” and its vow to retaliate, evidenced by missile attacks on Israel injuring at least 10, signal a high risk of escalation. Iran’s military, though weakened by prior Israeli strikes, may target U.S. bases, Israeli assets, or regional allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, potentially drawing in other actors. The strikes, combined with Israel’s ongoing campaign against Iran, have inflamed the region. Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon, and other militias in Iraq and Syria could intensify attacks, risking a broader conflict.

The Abraham Accords nations (e.g., UAE, Bahrain) face pressure to align with or distance themselves from the U.S.-Israel axis. China and Russia, already critical of the strikes, may deepen ties with Iran, supplying arms or economic support. This could accelerate a multipolar Cold War dynamic, with Iran as a flashpoint. The EU’s call for de-escalation reflects its limited influence, potentially sidelining Western unity.

While Trump claimed the strikes “obliterated” Iran’s enrichment capacity, U.S. officials note ongoing damage assessments. Iran’s claim of relocating critical equipment suggests some resilience. If Iran restarts enrichment covertly or accelerates weaponization in response, the non-proliferation regime could collapse. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt may pursue nuclear capabilities to counter a potentially nuclear-armed Iran, destabilizing the Middle East further. Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal adds complexity to regional dynamics.

Iran’s threat to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil flows, could spike energy prices, already volatile in 2025. Brent crude briefly hit $90 per barrel post-strikes, per web reports. This risks global inflation, impacting U.S. and European economies. New U.S. sanctions on Iran, likely following the strikes, could strain relations with allies reliant on Iranian oil, like India and Turkey. China’s continued purchase of Iranian oil may undermine U.S. leverage.

U.S. Domestic Political Consequences

The strikes, conducted without congressional approval, have reignited debates over the War Powers Act. Legal challenges or attempts to invoke the act could constrain Trump’s foreign policy, though GOP control of Congress may limit such efforts. The operation could polarize voters. Trump’s base may rally around his “America First” decisiveness, but anti-war sentiment among independents and progressives could bolster Democratic turnout, especially if casualties or economic pain mount.

The unilateral strikes, absent UN Security Council approval, have drawn criticism from allies and adversaries alike. This could weaken U.S. credibility on international law, encouraging other nations to justify preemptive strikes. The precedent may embolden Israel or others to act unilaterally against perceived threats.

Republicans, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, have largely backed Trump, framing the strikes as a necessary blow against a terrorist state. Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, argue the strikes were unconstitutional and reckless, risking war without congressional consent. This mirrors historical divides over executive war powers (e.g., Obama’s Libya strikes, Trump’s 2020 Soleimani killing).

Within the GOP, a rift exists. Trump loyalists cheer the strikes as a show of strength, but isolationist figures like Thomas Massie criticize them as entangling the U.S. in Middle East conflicts, contradicting “America First” principles. This tension could fracture GOP unity. X posts reflect polarized sentiment. Pro-Trump accounts praise the “decisive action,” while anti-war users, including some conservatives, warn of “World War III” or economic fallout.

The strikes have solidified alliances. Israel’s enthusiastic support, with Netanyahu calling them “historic,” cements U.S.-Israeli coordination. Conversely, Iran’s alignment with Russia and China, who condemned the strikes, deepens the anti-Western bloc. The EU’s tepid response—urging de-escalation without endorsing the strikes—highlights transatlantic friction. NATO allies like France and Germany, wary of refugee flows or energy shocks, may privately resent U.S. unilateralism. The UK, under new leadership, has been quieter, suggesting ambivalence.

Nations like India, Brazil, and South Africa, advocate restraint, reflecting their non-aligned stance. Iran’s outreach to BRICS nations could gain traction, isolating the U.S. in global forums. The strikes revive the hawk-dove split globally and domestically. Neoconservatives and pro-Israel groups like AIPAC, active on X, applaud the action, while anti-interventionists, including Code Pink and libertarian voices, decry it as imperialist. This mirrors 2003 Iraq War debates but with less U.S. appetite for ground wars.

Iran’s appeal to sovereignty resonates with nations wary of U.S. hegemony, while the U.S. and Israel justify preemption against a nuclear threat. This clash undermines consensus on international norms, fueling distrust. The U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites have heightened the risk of regional war, economic disruption, and nuclear proliferation while exposing deep divides.

Domestically, partisan and ideological rifts threaten political stability, with Trump’s gamble potentially backfiring if escalation spirals. Internationally, the U.S.-Israel axis faces off against an emboldened Iran-Russia-China bloc, with allies and the Global South caught in the middle. The situation remains fluid, with Iran’s next moves and U.S. damage assessments critical to the trajectory.

Tesla Debuts Robotaxi Rides in Austin at $4.20 Flat Rate — But Faces Rising Competition and Questions on Readiness

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Tesla took a bold step into the autonomous future on Sunday, launching its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, with a high-profile rollout that saw early users ride in Tesla Model Y vehicles operating on Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, although the EV company employees remained in the passenger seat for safety oversight.

CEO Elon Musk announced a flat rate of $4.20 per ride on Sunday and the debut of a new robotaxi app and website. Tesla made it clear that this launch was not a test—it was the beginning of a larger campaign.

The rollout comes at a critical time as Musk continues to pitch Tesla not just as an electric carmaker, but as an AI-driven tech company poised to disrupt urban transportation. The launch was accompanied by social media buzz, livestreams from early riders, and an announcement that more cities could soon follow.

A Growing Market — and Growing Rivalry

While Tesla’s launch was a media spectacle, its robotaxi vision faces fierce and growing competition—especially in Austin, where other autonomous driving startups are aggressively scaling up operations. Among them is Zoox, Amazon’s self-driving car unit, which has already made a significant strategic move by opening its first robotaxi production facility in Austin last week.

Unlike Tesla, which repurposes standard vehicles like the Model Y for autonomous operations, Zoox is developing a fully custom-built, bidirectional, electric robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedals—designed from the ground up for driverless mobility. Its vehicle architecture is focused entirely on autonomy and passenger comfort, giving it a distinctly different approach from Tesla’s AI-first, vision-only model.

With Zoox now in the picture, analysts expect the robotaxi competition to intensify rapidly, especially in markets like Texas where regulatory oversight remains minimal compared to states like California. Tesla may have had a first-mover advantage with a public launch, but Zoox’s purpose-built hardware and Amazon’s logistical clout give it a long-term edge in scalability and network integration.

Other rivals are also accelerating. In March, Google’s Waymo launched a robotaxi service in Austin through a partnership with Uber, offering autonomous rides in Chrysler Pacifica minivans. Meanwhile, Canadian startup Waabi, backed by Nvidia and Uber, is preparing to roll out fully driverless freight trucks across Texas highways.

Austin has quickly become ground zero for what some now call the “robotaxi arms race”—with companies testing everything from ride-hailing to freight, all powered by increasingly advanced AI and sensor technologies.

Wall Street Bullish on Tesla

Despite regulatory concerns and technical limitations, Tesla’s robotaxi launch has drawn bullish reactions from investors. Dan Ives, a well-known analyst with Wedbush Securities, called the launch “the start of their biggest chapter of growth and valuation upside.”

“The Golden Age of Autonomy starts on Sunday in Austin for Tesla,” Ives said. “My view is, 20–35 cities in the next year, and once they start scaling Cybercab and get to true level 4, I believe it’s a Trillion Dollar valuation opportunity for Tesla.”

Ives’ optimism echoes a broader belief among Tesla bulls that the robotaxi business could become the company’s most valuable segment, far outstripping its vehicle sales in revenue and profit margins.

Tesla’s approach to autonomy has always been different. While competitors like Waymo and Zoox rely on expensive hardware—LIDAR, radar, and high-definition mapping—Tesla is betting on a leaner, AI-driven strategy using only cameras and neural networks. Musk argues this approach is more scalable and will ultimately dominate the industry.

Tesla AI, the division behind the robotaxi program, reinforced that claim on Sunday, saying: “It does not require expensive, specialized equipment or extensive mapping of service areas. It just works.”

But critics continue to question whether it actually does “just work.” Unlike its competitors, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system is still officially rated as a Level 2 advanced driver-assistance system, meaning a human must remain alert and ready to intervene. Its safety record has drawn the attention of U.S. regulators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is actively investigating Tesla over crashes linked to Autopilot and FSD, and earlier this year, the company issued a recall affecting more than 2 million vehicles.

Experts say calling these cars “robotaxis” is premature.

That hasn’t stopped Tesla fans from celebrating the launch. Social media was flooded with videos and reactions from those who took the first rides, many of whom praised the smoothness of the experience—even if the vehicles still required a safety greenlight.

“We are approaching the window where we expected to have the app and showing everything,” Chuck Cook, one of the early invitees to try the Tesla robotaxi, said on X. “There looks like there will be a small delay in the distribution of the app for couple hours.”

But the cautious optimism stands in contrast to the aggressive timeline Musk has long promised. He first claimed Teslas would be fully autonomous by 2020, and a fleet of one million robotaxis would be operating by the following year. Those goals remain unmet.

Tesla has not disclosed a timeline for the wider public release of its robotaxi service. The company said it will expand to other cities “where approved,” suggesting a phased rollout dependent on local regulatory acceptance. That condition could prove difficult in cities with stricter rules or where safety concerns dominate public discourse.

Meanwhile, rivals like Zoox are laying the groundwork for broader deployment. With its own production facility now operational in Austin, Zoox could soon begin building a dedicated fleet, potentially leapfrogging Tesla in fully driverless service offerings.

Apple Needs To Close the Perplexity Opportunity To Stay in the AI Game

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For a very long time, Apple has not operated on the mantra of first-mover advantage, the benefits a company gains by being the first to introduce a new product or service to a market. Before the iPhone, we had Blackberry. Before the iPod, we had Sony Walkman. Before the Apple Watch, there was Pepple. But in all these categories, Apple won. Because Apple is peerless in understanding competitors’ misses and scaling great products.

So, when Apple comes into a category, it improves whatever that is there, scaling and owning the category. In other words, Apple is the grandmaster of first-scaler advantage, the competitive edge gained by the company that achieves the highest level of scale and market dominance within a specific category.

But there is one category that Apple’s playbook may not work if one waits a really long time to begin. That is the AI sector where Apple is well behind leaders like OpenAI, Google and Microsoft. But it seems the company  got the memo and wants to win, and there is one asset which has offered Apple a penalty at the injury time of the market soccer competition: “Apple is reportedly in early internal talks about acquiring Perplexity AI—a fast-growing AI-powered search startup—as part of its broader, increasingly urgent push into artificial intelligence.”

Apple needs to score this penalty if it wants to move to the next phase of this AI competitive era.

Apple Reportedly In Talks to Acquire Perplexity AI Amid Investors’ Lawsuit & Push for Own Search Engine

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Apple is reportedly in early internal talks about acquiring Perplexity AI—a fast-growing AI-powered search startup—as part of its broader, increasingly urgent push into artificial intelligence.

According to Bloomberg, the discussions have taken place among top Apple executives, including Adrian Perica, Apple’s head of mergers and acquisitions, services SVP Eddy Cue, and other decision-makers leading the company’s AI efforts.

The move—still in its formative stages with no formal offer yet made to Perplexity—comes as Apple faces mounting pressure from investors and the broader tech industry to move more decisively into the AI race. It also follows a shareholder lawsuit that accuses the company of overstating its AI capabilities, a claim that triggered a staggering $900 billion loss in market value earlier this year.

The potential Perplexity deal would represent a rare pivot for Apple, which is known for building technology in-house rather than acquiring external firms. The last major purchase of this magnitude was its $3 billion acquisition of Beats Electronics in 2014. An outright acquisition of Perplexity, reportedly valued at about $14 billion, would easily eclipse that deal.

However, Apple’s options appear to be narrowing. While the company has been quietly integrating AI into its devices and services, it has fallen behind in the generative AI arms race dominated by OpenAI, Google, Meta, and even smaller disruptors like Anthropic and Mistral. Analysts have increasingly called on the company to consider bold moves—including acquisitions—to close the gap.

What Apple Wants from Perplexity

Perplexity AI, a startup positioning itself as the next-generation answer engine, uses large language models to provide citation-backed, real-time search results. Apple has reportedly discussed not only acquiring the company but also forming a strategic partnership. That could involve integrating Perplexity’s AI technology into Safari and Siri, dramatically reshaping the user search experience across Apple’s ecosystem.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has met with Perplexity several times in recent months and even explored a Safari integration—something Eddy Cue revealed during his testimony in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Google. Cue’s appearance underscored the stakes of Apple’s current deal with Google, which pays Apple roughly $20 billion a year to remain the default search engine on iPhones and Safari browsers.

But that partnership is now under legal scrutiny, and if regulators force Apple to unwind it, the company will need a robust, independent search engine of its own. That’s where Perplexity could become a critical asset—not just as a product, but as a source of high-end AI talent.

AI Talent War Intensifies

Apple, like its rivals, is deeply engaged in the ongoing war for AI talent. According to reports, it is even competing against Meta to hire Daniel Gross, co-founder of Safe Superintelligence Inc. and a former partner at Y Combinator. This signals Apple’s intent to shore up its AI leadership, especially after internal delays and public setbacks.

Earlier this year, the company postponed a major upgrade to Siri, part of its new “Apple Intelligence” suite, citing performance and integration challenges. The delay rattled investors and added to the perception that Apple was lagging in AI innovation.

The urgency behind Apple’s AI efforts has been amplified by a shareholder lawsuit filed on Friday, accusing the company of misleading investors by overstating the readiness and capabilities of its AI systems.

The lawsuit has brought further attention to Apple’s cautious AI strategy, which contrasts sharply with the aggressive rollout seen by rivals like Microsoft and Google. While Apple maintains a strong reputation for privacy and quality control, many believe that its secrecy and conservatism have left it vulnerable in an era defined by open innovation and rapid iteration.

Perplexity As A Key Piece of the Puzzle

Founded in 2022, Perplexity has quickly gained attention for offering a user-friendly, answer-focused alternative to traditional search engines. Its conversational interface, supported by citation-backed answers and updated with real-time data, sets it apart from competitors. The company recently raised $500 million in new funding, bringing its valuation to $14 billion.

Currently, Apple’s talks with Perplexity remain exploratory. But even the consideration of such a bold move suggests a major strategic inflection point in Cupertino. After years of AI hesitation, Apple appears ready to respond to investor pressure and industry momentum.