Good morning, Quartz readers!
Here’s what you need to know
Amazon surpassed Walmart in annual revenue. While the e-commerce giant posted strong fourth-quarter earnings, its outlook for 2025 is more cautious.
JPMorgan says Nvidia is set to win big in AI, don’t worry. Strong demand for Nvidia’s AI chips is on the way, but Intel’s future looks a bit tougher.
… Meanwhile, lawmakers push to ban DeepSeek from government devices. The U.S. could follow Australia’s lead on banning the AI tool.
Google drops diversity hiring targets. The tech giant is reportedly rethinking its diversity and inclusion strategies.
Temu and Shein have a plan to outsmart President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The Chinese e-commerce giants are shifting products to U.S. warehouses to avoid the impact.
Elsewhere, Ford’s CEO warns tariffs could cost billions and raise car prices. Like many other automakers, the company relies on work from Canada and Mexico.
A Him & Hers Super Bowl Ad could get pulled. An industry group demands action over the company’s weight loss treatment promotion during the big game.
OpenAI is planning a Super Bowl appearance. The AI startup is reportedly set to air a commercial during one of America’s biggest TV events.
Zepbound weight-loss drug sales show no signs of slowing down. Eli Lilly raked in $4.9 billion from Zepound sales in 2024.
The big fix at Starbucks continues
Starbucks is continuing to shake things up under new CEO Brian Niccol, and the latest change is focused on mobile orders.
The coffee giant is now limiting app orders to just 12 items to ease barista pressure and speed up service. Other changes include bringing back condiment bars and handwritten Sharpie scribbles on cups, along with free refills and non-dairy milk alternatives – without the extra charge.
What other changes are on the way as Starbucks sets this mobile order limit? Quartz’s Francisco Velasquez has the details.
What are the best U.S. college towns?
Choosing the right college is tough, but finding the perfect college town can make all the difference.
WalletHub’s recent study ranked 10 best college towns in America, based on factors like cost of living, social environment, and job opportunities. They analyzed over 400 U.S. cities across 31 metrics to determine the top spots for students.
A good college town not only offers affordable living but also a vibrant student life and career potential. What are the 10 best college towns, and why are they ideal for students looking to balance school and fun? Quartz’s Madeline Fitzgerald has the details.
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Our best wishes on a safe start to the day. Send any news, comments, Super Bowl ads, or Starbucks mobile orders to talk@qz.com. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Francisco Velasquez and Audrey McNamara.