Despite the seemingly cordial relationship between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, significant tensions exist within Microsoft's $13 billion investment in OpenAI. Reports indicate strain as OpenAI seeks more compute power and less dependence on Microsoft. Negotiations over OpenAI's business future and partnership details have become contentious. Microsoft recently ceased being OpenAI's exclusive cloud provider, yet OpenAI still requires Microsoft's consent to convert part of its operations into a for-profit entity. This has escalated to the point where OpenAI may accuse Microsoft of anticompetitive practices, prompting regulatory scrutiny. A key issue is OpenAI's attempted acquisition of the AI coding tool Windsurf and the demand to exempt it from existing agreements, highlighting the fragility and complexity of their alliance.
President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company by another 90 days, moving the new deadline to mid-September. This is the third extension as part of efforts to protect American user data amid concerns over the app's Chinese ownership. The Trump administration plans to use this period to finalize a deal ensuring TikTok’s US operations are secure. However, legal experts and some lawmakers criticize these extensions as potentially illegal, as they bypass formal law mechanisms and create uncertainty for US TikTok service providers. Amid stalled negotiations and political controversy, the fate of TikTok’s US presence remains undecided.
Midjourney has unveiled its initial version of an AI video generation tool, available to the public. Users can create short videos up to 21 seconds by animating images made or uploaded on the platform. The tool includes options to add motion via text prompts or manual control and offers different motion settings. Currently accessible on the web and Discord with a subscription, this feature comes at a cost higher than image generation. Midjourney faces a lawsuit from Disney and Universal, concerned about copyright infringement with the video generator. Founder David Holz describes this release as an early step toward advanced real-time simulation models. Similar AI video tools have also been launched by Google, OpenAI, and Meta.
Elden Ring Nightreign is ramping up the difficulty with the introduction of "Everdark Sovereigns," tougher versions of the Nightlord bosses encountered at the end of a run. These bosses feature new moves and increased power, making them a formidable challenge for experienced players. The first Everdark Sovereign is a stronger form of Adel, Baron of the Night, also known as Gaping Jaw, available to players who have defeated the original boss. Defeating an Everdark Sovereign rewards players with Sovereign Sigils, which can be exchanged for special Relics and other items. However, these bosses can only be challenged in online mode and are available for a limited time, with the Gaping Jaw variant accessible until June 25th, 8:59 PM ET. Bandai Namco plans to introduce a new Everdark Sovereign every week, including upcoming versions of Sentient Pest and Darkdrift Knight, with additional bosses coming later. These Everdark variants are expected to return cyclically. Additionally, Elden Ring Nightreign will receive DLC featuring new playable characters and bosses, and there is an Elden Ring movie in production.
With the arrival of warmer weather, spring cleaning can be effortless thanks to robot vacuums. The versatile Eufy X10 Pro Omni is currently discounted to $549.99, a $250 reduction, available at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. This midrange vacuum and mop combo offers oscillating dual spinning brushes for dried stain removal, an onboard water reservoir for extended cleaning, and a heated mop drying function to prevent odors. It provides 8,000Pa suction suitable for carpets and tiles and features AI-powered object recognition to avoid obstacles like pet messes and cables. Despite minor navigation issues, its lidar mapping is fast and accurate. The vacuum supports the Eufy Clean app for scheduling, no-go zones, virtual boundaries, automatic dustbin emptying, and water tank refilling, allowing for a set-and-forget cleaning experience.
After more than four years of anticipation, Spotify's lossless streaming feature appears to be nearing release. Recent hints from the Spicetify Twitter account reveal hidden mentions of lossless streaming in Spotify's latest version, including options in the app settings and availability on Spotify Connect and the web player. Although not yet available to users, these developments suggest the feature is imminent. Originally announced in 2021 as Spotify HiFi, the launch was delayed. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek mentioned working on a premium tier in 2024, and Bloomberg reported plans for a "Music Pro" subscription offering higher-quality streaming by year's end, possibly for an additional $5.99 per month. Competitors like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal already provide lossless streaming options.
Adobe has introduced Project Indigo, a new computational photography app for iPhones, designed to enhance photo quality through burst photo capture and combining images for lower noise and higher dynamic range. Developed with input from Marc Levoy, a key figure behind Google's Pixel camera technology, this free app supports iPhone 12 Pro and newer models, with recommendations for the iPhone 15 Pro or later. It offers manual controls such as focus, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance, aiming to deliver natural, SLR-like photos without requiring an Adobe account login. Project Indigo also serves as a platform for future innovations, including features like reflection removal, portrait mode, Android compatibility, and video recording. Adobe envisions this as the start of an integrated mobile camera and editing experience leveraging computational photography and AI advancements.
Late Wednesday night around 11 PM CT, SpaceX experienced a major explosion during a static fire test of its Starship Ship 36 at the Massey’s Testing Center in Starbase, Texas. The incident occurred while loading cryogenic propellant for a six-engine static fire, destroying the vehicle and causing fires on-site. SpaceX confirmed no injuries and maintained a safety perimeter around the area. Preliminary analysis points to a possible failure in a pressurized nitrogen tank (COPV) in the nosecone. This follows previous Starship test explosions earlier this year. SpaceX is continuing to improve designs with upcoming V3 models aimed at more frequent launches.
Waymo plans to introduce a fully autonomous robotaxi service in New York City but requires changes in state law to operate vehicles without safety drivers. The company has applied for a permit to test cars with safety drivers and will begin collecting mapping data in Manhattan soon. Current law mandates a test vehicle operator be present to take control if needed. A bill allowing driverless autonomous vehicles is under review by the state Senate. Testing in New York has faced challenges due to strict regulations and complex urban conditions, with other companies previously attempting limited trials. Waymo currently operates 1,500 robotaxis in several U.S. cities and plans expansions in Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, DC, aiming to grow its fleet significantly by 2026.
The Roottrees are Dead, originally a free browser puzzle game featuring AI-generated art, faced challenges due to Steam's restrictions on AI-created content and ethical concerns by its creators. Developed by Jeremy Johnston from a Global Game Jam project, the game was updated with new artwork by illustrator Henning Ludvigsen after they decided to ditch the AI-generated visuals. The decision helped elevate the game's status in the indie scene, supported by advocacy from Robin Ward who believed the game deserved greater recognition.