The upcoming NFC Release 15 standard introduces a significant increase in the range of contactless NFC connections from 0.5cm to 2cm, quadrupling the effective distance. This update allows devices like smartphones, smartwatches, and rings to connect more easily without precise alignment, enhancing ease of tap-to-pay transactions, device pairing, and door unlocking. The improved range aims to support growing demands for reliability and broader operating use cases, including complex single-tap functions such as paying, receiving receipts, and collecting loyalty points. Major tech companies including Apple, Google, Sony, and Huawei have early access to the update, with public certification available in fall. The NFC Forum has not confirmed if existing NFC devices will support this new standard via updates.

AI technologies are increasingly infiltrating the cultural and artistic landscapes, affecting every aspect of the arts world. This series explores how artists are responding to AI's rise—whether by embracing it, resisting it, or striving to find a balance with this pervasive and disruptive technology. We highlight conversations with perfumers concerned about scent creation automation, fanfic writers opposing unauthorized data scraping, and illustrators reclaiming their craft from AI replacements. As AI continues to evolve, this piece examines how artists adapt to and coexist with these changes, including how The Roottrees are Dead chose to forego AI and still achieved success, and the outcomes when AI is given minimal input.

Facebook is integrating passkey support into its mobile app, allowing users to log in using biometric authentication like fingerprints or face scans, or device PINs. This move aims to make account takeover by malicious actors more difficult. Passkeys provide a stronger security alternative to traditional passwords as they cannot be stolen or phished. They specifically protect against phishing by linking passkeys to specific domains, preventing unauthorized access through fake websites. However, risk remains if users manually type passwords on phishing sites. Meta plans to roll out this feature soon on Android and iOS, extending it to the Messenger app, enabling cross-platform passkey use. Users can still log in with passwords, security keys, or two-factor authentication. Passkeys also extend to autofill payment info on Meta Pay. Passkeys leverage Web Authentication (WebAuthn) technology, generating paired keys for the service and for device verification. Backup options include syncing across devices or reauthentication via phone or email. Apple, Google, and password managers like 1Password and Dashlane already support passkeys, which can simplify secure login experiences.

The Nintendo Switch 2 allows video chatting using its own camera accessory or any compatible USB-C webcam. However, many popular USB-C webcams like the Logitech Brio 4K, Insta360 Link, and Elgato Facecam MK.2 have been found to be incompatible. Interestingly, older USB-A webcams such as the Logitech C920 work without issues. Despite inquiries, neither Nintendo nor major webcam makers have provided a list of compatible cameras, leaving users to discover compatible options through testing and shared experiences.

Death Stranding, the enigmatic post-apocalyptic game created by Hideo Kojima, is expanding its universe with a new animated film. According to Deadline, the film will follow a style similar to other animated spinoffs like the Predator anthology on Hulu, providing a platform for Kojima's unique storytelling. Aaron Guzikowski, known for HBO's Raised by Wolves, has been hired as the writer. He expressed enthusiasm about exploring new narratives in the creatively rich and dark yet hopeful Death Stranding world. This announcement coincides with the upcoming release of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach for PS5 on June 26th. Additionally, a live-action Death Stranding film is in development by A24, directed by Michael Sarnoski, known for Pig and A Quiet Place.

YouTube is set to introduce its Veo 3 AI video generation model to YouTube Shorts later this summer, as announced by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan at Cannes Lions. Shorts creators have previously used the Veo 2 model for features like Dream Screen and standalone clips. Veo 3 promises improved video quality and audio integration, though specific functionalities for Shorts remain undisclosed. Currently, Veo 3 video generation requires a subscription to Google's AI Pro or AI Ultra plans, but it is unclear if using Veo 3 on Shorts will incur a fee. Additionally, Mohan revealed that Shorts now receive over 200 billion views per day.

Eliza McNitt's short film Ancestra showcases the evolving use of generative AI in filmmaking, created in collaboration with Google's DeepMind team. The film, inspired by McNitt's birth story, follows an expectant mother dealing with her unborn baby's heart defect. While traditional actors and sets are used, AI models like Google's Gemini, Imagen, and Veo vividly depict the baby's heart and the mother's thoughts. This film exemplifies how AI is reshaping creative workflows, raising questions about the future of filmmaking jobs and content creation.

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for streaming TV shows and movies across various subscription platforms. However, managing multiple subscriptions can become costly. Fortunately, there are many ways to save on your favorite streaming services without canceling them. Many providers offer free trials and student discounts, allowing you to enjoy content at a lower cost. Some of the best deals currently available include discounts and bundles from Peacock, Disney Plus, Hulu, Sling TV, Apple TV Plus, Max, Netflix, YouTube TV, Paramount Plus with Showtime, Starz, and Amazon Prime Video. These deals range from reduced monthly rates, bundled service packages, to exclusive promotions for students, first responders, medical professionals, and wireless carrier customers. To maximize savings, consider carrier promos and annual subscription plans. Whether you prefer live sports, original series, or a huge library of movies, there are affordable options to suit your streaming needs throughout 2025.

Amazon has extended its Prime Day sale event to four days, starting from 3 AM ET on Tuesday, July 8th, through 3 AM ET on Saturday, July 12th. The Prime Day deals are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. Amazon Prime offers various benefits beyond just access to these deals, including Prime Video streaming, faster shipping, grocery discounts, Amazon Music with ad-free listening, Prime Gaming, unlimited photo storage, Prime Reading access, and discounts at BP and Amaco gas stations. Members can share their Prime benefits with one other adult, plus up to four teens and four children. New subscribers can start with a 30-day free trial. To sign up, visit Amazon’s Prime page, choose a plan (monthly or annual, with options for young adults and those in government assistance programs), create an Amazon account if you don’t already have one, verify your email with a one-time password (OTP), enter payment information, and start enjoying the benefits. Remember, you can try Prime with the free trial, then cancel after the sale — but this option is limited to one-time use per account. This guide was last updated in June 2025 to include the latest details on Prime Day and membership options.

The Trump Organization has announced plans to release the Trump Mobile T1, a $499 phone claimed to be built in the United States with manufacturing in Alabama, California, and Florida. The phone features midrange specs like a 6.8-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the feasibility of domestic manufacturing at this price is highly questionable. Comparatively, Purism's Liberty Phone, partially made in the US, costs $2000 without such high-end features. It is more likely that the T1 will be a white-label device produced predominantly by a Chinese ODM, companies that handle a large portion of global smartphone production, especially budget models.