Technology

At the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, Coinbase's chief policy officer, Faryar Shirzad, announced the company's sponsorship of the America250 effort, which includes a military parade to celebrate the U.S. Army's 250th birthday, a project led by political consultant Chris LaCivita, tied to Donald Trump's administration. This revelation drew attention due to Coinbase's prior stance against political involvement and the controversial nature of military parades. The announcement occurred during a VIP-only event featuring Republican figures, which was largely disconnected from the general admission audience's expectations. Full Article

HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us retains the poignant score by Gustavo Santaolalla, which series creator Neil Druckmann describes as integral to the game's essence. Santaolalla, an Oscar-winning composer recognized for his unique blend of Argentine folk and rock, emphasizes the emotional connection his music fosters in storytelling, even incorporating imperfections to humanize his sound. His collaboration with Druckmann on the project reveals his commitment to creating emotionally resonant experiences, which continue to engage fans of both the game and the series. Full Article

The daughter of a woman who died from extreme heat during the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against major oil companies, seeking to hold them accountable for her mother's death. This civil lawsuit, submitted on May 29 in King County Superior Court, marks the first wrongful death case related to climate change targeting Big Oil in the United States. It asserts that Juliana Leon's death was exacerbated by human-caused climate change, which scientists indicate made the heat dome event nearly unavoidable. Full Article

In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown, players navigate 20 levels as one of the turtles, each with unique movesets, allowing for a straightforward gaming experience that merges strategy with classic TMNT action. The game features battles on a grid with shifting terrain and encourages players to utilize their environment by sending enemies off edges for instant defeats. Overall, it combines fast-paced arcade elements with turn-based strategy, making it engaging even for those who typically struggle with the genre. Full Article

Major tensions are emerging between AI labs and the applications that utilize their services, highlighted by Anthropic's abrupt cutoff of Windsurf's access to Claude 3.x models, raising concerns about industry-wide impacts. OpenAI also posed a threat to Granola, an AI meeting note app, by introducing a similar function within ChatGPT, potentially limiting Granola's growth. As startups navigate these risks of being overshadowed or copied by their model providers, industry leaders stress the importance of trust and stability in the evolving AI landscape. Full Article

Physicists at Loughborough University have developed what they claim to be the world's smallest violin, measuring just 35 microns long and 13 microns wide, smaller than a human hair. Created using a new nanolithography system and a NanoFrazor machine, this microscopic instrument showcases advanced precision manufacturing techniques aimed at enhancing computing efficiency and energy harvesting. Although it takes about three hours to produce each violin, the final product exists only as a microscopic image rather than a playable instrument. Full Article

Narrowing down the 30 most visionary startups of the year to just five finalists was no easy feat. VivaTech’s Innovation of the Year attracted an extraordinary pool of applicants—startups tackling massive global challenges with bold, technically sophisticated, and scalable solutions. From redefining human-machine interaction to revolutionizing healthcare, climate, and infrastructure, each company brought something unique. Full Article

As AI tools become increasingly affordable and accessible, the importance of safety and ethics in AI has escalated. Artemis Seaford, Head of AI Safety at ElevenLabs, and Ion Stoica, co-founder of Databricks, engaged in a crucial conversation with TechCrunch AI editor Kyle Wiggers about the various ethical challenges currently facing AI, including issues related to deepfakes and the responsible deployment of AI technologies. This discussion underscores the pressing need for frameworks and guidelines that address these ethical dilemmas in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Full Article

The tech team at iFixit conducted a teardown of the Nintendo Switch 2, revealing that it is even harder to repair than its predecessor, earning a repairability score of just three out of ten. Key issues include soldered components like the charge ports and storage, making repairs difficult and potentially requiring re-soldering for damaged ports. Additionally, the battery is challenging to remove due to strong adhesive, further complicating repairs, so users are advised to protect their device and consider professional repair options. Full Article

David Sacks on Universal Basic IncomeDavid Sacks, President Trump's AI policy advisor, has firmly rejected the idea of a universal basic income, stating, "it's not going to happen" during his tenure. He characterized the future of AI as a Rorschach test, highlighting differing perceptions, particularly from the Left, who envision a society where people no longer work and rely on government benefits, which he calls a fantasy. Sacks emphasizes that such a scenario of widespread welfare is unrealistic and will not come to fruition. Full Article