The winners of the $TRUMP meme coin contest attended a private dinner at Trump National Golf Club, featuring a speech by President Donald Trump. However, the highlight was networking with top crypto traders, winning gem-encrusted watches worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and a Capitol Hill Marriott afterparty. The entry process involved only a 'pretty light' KYC check, allowing a diverse group of attendees, including wealthy individuals and international guests with high crypto risk tolerance.
Microsoft has introduced a new AI-powered "Write" feature in Notepad, allowing users to generate text based on prompts or build upon existing content with AI assistance. This feature is part of a Windows 11 update available to Windows Insiders with Copilot Plus PCs. Users can activate the Write feature through the Copilot menu, enter instructions, and receive AI-generated text which can be kept, discarded, or refined. In addition to Write, Notepad offers Summarize and Rewrite tools for summarizing and rewriting text. The update also enhances Paint with AI tools like a sticker generator and an Object select tool, plus improves the Snipping Tool by adding a Perfect screenshot button that intelligently resizes screenshots and a new Color picker tool. The Write feature requires signing in with a Microsoft account and uses a credits system, although pricing details have not been announced.
Following Donald Trump's re-election, his administration swiftly moved to dismantle President Biden's electric vehicle (EV) policies. Despite no formal mandate existing, Trump's executive orders aimed to eliminate incentives encouraging EV production and sales, including weakening tailpipe pollution regulations. The House of Representatives passed legislation to scrap the Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy tax credits, notably the $7,500 EV tax credit, and impose new fees on EV owners to fund infrastructure. These measures also target incentives for solar, wind, and battery storage projects. The proposed flat tax on EVs raises concerns about fairness compared to the usage-based gas tax system. With the bill moving to the Senate, the future of clean energy incentives in the U.S. looks uncertain, potentially hindering the country's progress in clean energy investment and job creation, especially in Republican districts. Despite political obstacles, automakers remain committed to electric vehicle development, focusing on affordable EVs and improving local infrastructure to support sustainable transportation, though federal support is crucial for widespread adoption and environmental benefits.
The US Senate voted to revoke California's authority to set stricter tailpipe pollution standards than the federal government. Senate Republicans used the Congressional Review Act to strip California of waivers that allow it to impose tougher emissions regulations, which have influenced vehicle standards nationwide. Opponents criticized the move as illegal and environmentally harmful, while supporters argued it would unify national vehicle policies. Environmental groups defend California's rights to enact stricter pollution controls for cleaner air and stronger climate goals.
The 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' recently passed by House Republicans imposes a 10-year moratorium on state AI regulations, potentially stalling hundreds of AI-related laws and consumer protections. It also plans to cut green energy tax credits, scale down funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and boost billions in border surveillance investments. Additionally, health plans under the Affordable Care Act would be barred from covering gender-affirming care. This legislation prioritizes technological innovation and border security but raises concerns over reduced environmental and consumer protections.
Apple is gearing up to release its first smart glasses next year, featuring cameras, microphones, and speakers. These glasses will support Siri voice commands, live translations, phone calls, music control, and navigation. They will have an in-house chip but augmented reality features are expected to be years away. The glasses are said to be similar to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses but superior in build quality. While Apple has canceled plans for a smartwatch with AI and camera features, it continues to develop AirPods with cameras. This move comes amidst increased competition from tech giants like Meta, Google, and others advancing in the smart glasses space.
In an exciting development in the AI hardware space, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced the acquisition of Jony Ive's AI hardware startup for $6.5 billion. This move comes shortly after Google's revealing of its Android XR glasses at the I/O keynote, signaling fierce competition in defining the future of AI hardware. Jony Ive, renowned for designing the iPhone and Apple Watch, teams up with Altman, a leading figure in the AI industry, promising innovative advancements ahead. This acquisition highlights the high stakes and rapid evolution in AI technology and hardware design.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun – Words of Vengeance is a free typing game now available on PC through Steam, set in the dark sci-fi universe of Warhammer 40,000. Released unexpectedly during the Warhammer Skulls Showcase, this game combines a pixelated 3D aesthetic with intense on-rails gameplay where players defeat enemies by swiftly and accurately typing prompted words. Inspired by titles like Typing of the Dead, it delivers a unique blend of mechanical keyboard enjoyment and grimdark action. Fans of typing tests and action games alike can experience the thrill of 'typing to kill' in this creatively violent homage. Plus, it's free to play, inviting everyone to channel their inner warrior and type for the blood god!
Xiaomi has revealed its PU7 electric SUV in China, directly challenging Tesla's Model Y in the competitive EV market. Matching Tesla's size and acceleration, the PU7 outshines with an impressive range of up to 518 miles on certain trims. The SUV, available for reservation from July, features three variants with varying power and range, including a single motor version boasting the longest range in its category with a sub-100 kWh battery. Additional highlights include Nvidia Drive AGX Thor computing, active air suspension, and rapid 800-volt fast charging capabilities. Xiaomi aims to leverage range superiority as a key buyer consideration to dethrone Tesla in China, though pricing details will emerge closer to the release date in July 2025.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has officially dropped its legal case against Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. After losing an appeal for a preliminary injunction to block the deal, the FTC filed an order to dismiss its complaint, effectively ending its nearly two-year legal battle. Microsoft completed the acquisition in October 2023, following a victory over the FTC in July that same year. Microsoft Vice Chair Brad Smith called the FTC's decision a win for players nationwide and for common sense in Washington, D.C.