Technology

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

When preparing to move, digitizing paper documents can provide an alternative to simply keeping or discarding them. Important records worth retaining in physical form include government documents and legal agreements, while items with sentimental value may also be exceptions. To digitize effectively, utilize a smartphone or tablet, consider using scanning apps for text-heavy documents, and ensure to back up all files to a computer or cloud storage for safety. Full Article

Travelers and those who occasionally forget to charge their phones should consider keeping a portable charger handy. This guide reviews over fifty different power banks, evaluating them based on price, capacity, design, and wattage. It also provides insights on what to consider when choosing a battery, including battery type, flying regulations, capacity, wireless options, and port compatibility, to help users make informed decisions about the best portable chargers available in 2025. Full Article

The wireless earbuds market has evolved significantly, offering impressive sound quality and features, making it an ideal time to invest in a pair. Premium options provide exceptional noise cancellation and sound, while compatibility with specific brands enhances their functionality. Key considerations when shopping include comfort, sound quality, active noise cancellation, battery life, and water resistance, with top picks like Sony's WF-1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds leading the charge in performance. Full Article

Ars Technica's Kyle Orland reports that Nintendo's updated privacy policy for the Switch 2 clarifies that audio and video interactions during GameChat sessions may be monitored and recorded. Users must consent to GameChat Terms that state recordings are temporarily stored and shared with Nintendo only if a violation is reported within 24 hours, allowing users to review the last three minutes of their sessions. Nintendo emphasizes that this system is designed to protect users, particularly minors, and uphold Community Guidelines, suggesting minimal privacy intrusion for users. Full Article

Intel has introduced a new policy mandating that all new projects must achieve at least a 50% gross margin to proceed, a move CEO Lip-Bu Tan describes as essential for regaining profitability, given the company's recent low margins of 31.67%. Tan is focused on improving gross margins, potentially by reevaluating unprofitable partnerships, while also striving to reestablish Intel as an engineering-centric company through recruiting and retaining top talent. However, balancing innovative product development with stringent margin requirements may create internal challenges within the company. Full Article

It's a big day for those who have acquired their Nintendo Switch 2, but some issues have emerged, particularly a compatibility problem in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. This glitch occurs in online matches when one player is on a Switch 1 and another on a Switch 2, causing matches to end abruptly if a player selects Mii Fighters, and there are also problems with saving thumbnails for these customizable characters. Nintendo is aware of the issue and plans to release an update soon, so players are advised to avoid using Mii Fighters during launch day. Full Article

SummaryOn Thursday, Anthropic launched Claude Gov, an AI product tailored for U.S. defense and intelligence agencies, featuring looser guardrails for analyzing classified information. The models are designed for national security tasks like threat assessment and intelligence analysis, possessing enhanced document comprehension and language proficiency. While the company emphasizes safety in usage, it has made exceptions for certain government applications, aiming to balance beneficial uses with the mitigation of potential harms, amid ongoing scrutiny of AI in government contexts. Full Article

Tesla has requested a judge to block the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) from disclosing confidential crash data related to its self-driving features, arguing that public release could allow competitors to analyze the effectiveness of its technology. The Washington Post, which has sued the NHTSA for more detailed crash information, claims that while some data is published, critical details remain withheld. Tesla asserts that certain crash-related information, including driver behavior and road conditions, should remain private, despite the Post's contention that this data is not confidential as it can be accessed by drivers. Full Article

FDA's Embrace of AI under Trump AdministrationUnder the Trump administration, the FDA is adopting artificial intelligence tools, with staff expressing concerns about their reliability. The agency announced the rollout of a large language model named Elsa, designed to assist various FDA personnel by expediting clinical protocol reviews, enhancing scientific evaluations, and prioritizing inspections. Elsa's capabilities include summarizing adverse events for safety assessments, conducting quicker label comparisons, and generating code for nonclinical database development. Full Article