Health

Microplastics in the Brain

A recent study raises concerns about the accumulation of microplastics in the brain and their potential health impacts. Higher concentrations of microplastics were found in the brains of dementia patients. Scientists estimate the average brain may contain the equivalent of a plastic spoonful of microplastic fragments, emphasizing the need for research into removing these substances and minimizing exposure.

Entertainment

"Stuff Your Kindle Day" Event

AlphaRoll is hosting a "Stuff Your Kindle Day" event on March 4, offering free romance books featuring cinnamon roll main male characters. The event includes books available on Kindle, Kobo, Nook readers, Google Play, and Apple Books apps, with all genres and heat levels featured. All downloaded content can be kept without impacting Amazon Kindle Unlimited limits.

Technology

Discount on Visual Studio Professional 2022

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 is available for £22 (reduced from £392.57) until March 30. This lifetime license provides developers with tools for coding, debugging, and deployment, supporting multiple programming languages and frameworks, including debugging tools and integrations for collaboration.

Visible Wireless Deals

Visible offers two unlimited plans starting at $25 per month, including unlimited data, talk, and text on Verizon’s 5G & 4G LTE networks, plus unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada. New customers can get the Visible+ plan for $35 per month with promo code 35PLUS at checkout until March 31. A 15-day free trial is also available. The iPhone 16 is available for $829 with unlimited data for $25 per month until March 20.

AI Research Under Threat

AI Experts Fired from National Science Foundation

The Trump Administration has reportedly fired several AI experts from the National Science Foundation, potentially hindering the agency's AI research capabilities, according to Bloomberg. The Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships, a key department for channeling AI-focused government grants, has been affected, leading to postponed or canceled review panels and stalled funding for some AI projects.

Elon Musk's Involvement and Controversy

AI experts have criticized these cuts, particularly those supported by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. Geoffrey Hinton, an AI pioneer, called for Musk's expulsion from the British Royal Society, prompting Musk to respond that he would try to fix any mistakes.

Cybersecurity

Monitoring Illegal Activities on the Dark Web

The challenges of monitoring and restricting illegal activities on the dark web are significant due to malicious actors bypassing restrictions using tools like Tor Browser and VPN services. Regular algorithms are limited in detecting these actors. A deeper analysis of user behavior, such as time spent on a page, website, and traffic patterns, is required to identify individuals bypassing restrictions. The potential application of AI in enhancing the process of monitoring and identifying illegal activities is explored.

Technology & Gadgets

Evaluating Modern Smartphones

While phone updates may seem iterative, the author details a testing process involving using each phone with a personal SIM card for a week to assess battery life, GPS navigation, and camera performance. Recommendations include looking for phones with strong software support, aiming for at least four years of OS updates and five years of security updates. The camera should perform well in good lighting and offer features like a telephoto lens or portrait mode.

Supply Chain Management

Digital Transformation with Custom Web Apps

Digital transformation is crucial in supply chain management to address complexities and vulnerabilities in interconnected global operations. Custom web applications can provide tailored solutions that automate processes, improve inventory management, and enhance communication with clients. This increases efficiency and resilience against disruptions compared to traditional paper-based processes.

Career & Entrepreneurship

The Power of "Unreasonable" Goals

The article argues against the conventional advice of being "realistic" when pursuing goals, suggesting that aiming for unreasonable goals can be easier to achieve due to less competition. It encourages readers to reconsider the equation of small goals equaling achievable and big goals equaling unrealistic, proposing that big goals often face less competition and are therefore more attainable.

Venture Capital

General Catalyst's Leadership Changes

Three key investors, Deep Nishar, Kyle Doherty, and Adam Valkin, have left General Catalyst amidst a series of changes at the firm. Following its October 2023 merger with European early-stage firm La Famiglia, General Catalyst appointed Jeannette zu Fürstenberg, La Famiglia’s founder, as one of its top-most senior partners and also acquired Indian VC firm Venture Highway, placing its founder, Neeraj Arora, also among the top-most senior investors at the firm. General Catalyst has shifted its compensation structure to favor cash bonuses over equity.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Plays Super Mario

Researchers at UC San Diego benchmarked AI models using Super Mario Bros., with Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 outperforming Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro and OpenAI’s GPT-4. The AI used the GamingAgent framework to receive screenshots and generate Python code to control Mario, learning maneuvers and developing strategies. Reasoning models performed worse due to longer decision times. Experts debate the correlation between AI gaming skills and technological progress.

Consumer Tech

Transparent Tech Revival

Transparent tech is trending, with clear smartphones, earbuds, and translucent casings emerging. Meta will release limited-edition transparent Ray-Bans in March. Leaked images hint at a transparent color option for Sony's ANC earbuds. Asus unveiled a NUC AI mini PC with a color E Ink display, and Hyperkin is releasing a translucent green Xbox Controller S.

Government & Policy

Federal Spending & Efficiency

The Trump administration's $1 spending limit on government credit cards is causing disruptions across federal agencies. Agencies like NOAA, FDA, National Park Service, USDA, FAA, and NIH are facing challenges in ordering equipment, supplies, and conducting essential work, potentially impacting scientific research and critical projects.

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has faced scrutiny for misrepresenting claimed savings, with over 40% of its contract cancellations being revised or removed. Corrections included contracts already canceled and misrepresentations of amounts and purposes. Critics have identified numerous errors in DOGE's accounting.

Crypto Strategic Reserve

Donald Trump announced the creation of a "Crypto Strategic Reserve" where the U.S. government would purchase cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano. The announcement boosted crypto values, but the strategy of using taxpayer money for crypto is being questioned amid cost-cutting initiatives.

FDA Budget Cuts

Pharmaceutical companies are concerned that Trump's budget and staffing cuts at the FDA could delay drug development and approvals. Layoffs have sparked panic about grant applications, clinical trials, and drug approvals. Disruptions to the FDA's bureaucracy could halt regular inspections and reviews necessary for drug commercialization. There are also concerns about DOGE's work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which funds drug research.

Technology

AI Chatbot Integration

Google Gemini users on iPhone can now access the AI chatbot from the lock screen via a widget for Gemini Live, allowing real-time voice interaction. The updated Gemini app includes lock screen widgets for taking pictures, setting reminders, and starting text chats. Android users will soon be able to ask Gemini questions about video and on-screen content in real time as part of Project Astra, available for Gemini Advanced plan subscribers.

AI Writing Trends

Stanford researchers analyzed 305 million texts and revealed AI-writing trends.

Google Pixel 9 Sale

The 128GB unlocked Google Pixel 9 is on sale for $599 (originally $799) on Amazon. Features include 12GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Android 14, as well as a 50MP main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide camera.

Nvidia Chip Smuggling Arrests

Singaporean police arrested three men for allegedly smuggling Nvidia chips, amid scrutiny over China obtaining advanced Nvidia chips. The men face fraud charges over a supply of servers, and authorities are investigating whether the servers contained restricted Nvidia chips diverted from Malaysia.

Security & Privacy

NordVPN Birthday Offer

NordVPN is promoting its services with a birthday offer, emphasizing online security and privacy. The VPN offers 256-bit AES encryption, RAM servers with Private DNS servers, and is a verified no-log service. It allows users to bypass website blocks, access streaming platforms, and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Legal

Passes CSAM Lawsuit

Passes, a monetization platform for creators, is being sued for allegedly distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). A creator alleges that the company produced and sold sexually explicit content featuring her when she was a minor.

Entertainment

ToyFair 2025 Highlights

ToyFair 2025 in New York City showcased new toys from franchises including Star Wars, Marvel, Transformers, Lego, Twilight, and Jurassic Park. Highlights included Marvel, Star Wars, and Transformers toys, with Lego presenting new sets from Twilight and Jurassic Park.

Apple's "Friday Night Baseball" Returns

Apple's "Friday Night Baseball" is returning on March 28 with new programming at no additional cost for Apple TV+ subscribers. The season coverage includes a rematch between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, a three-part docuseries on the 2024 World Series, and a Yankees-focused Immersive Video for the Vision Pro.

Automotive

Mercedes-Benz Electric GLC Testing

Mercedes-Benz is testing its new all-electric GLC SUV with EQ Technology in Sweden. The vehicle features new batteries, motors, and a higher-voltage charging system, along with traction and stability control systems. It utilizes permanent magnet motors and a heat pump. The electric GLC SUV is part of Mercedes-Benz's new platform, MB.EA.

Health & Fitness

Modern Fitness Trackers

Modern fitness trackers monitor heart health and recovery from training, with smartwatches becoming adept workout companions. Consider audience, battery life, form factor, tracked metrics, consistency, and platform compatibility when choosing a tracker. The Amazfit Active 2 stands out as a well-rounded option.

Technology & AI

Differing Views on AI's Impact

At the Mobile World Congress, Ray Kurzweil from Google expressed optimism about AI's potential to enhance life through advancements in healthcare, longevity, and fields like solar energy. In contrast, Scott Galloway cautioned against rage-fueling algorithms that profit from polarization and isolation, particularly among young men, and criticized tech CEOs for neglecting democratic abuses and tax policies favoring the wealthy.

Samsung's Innovations at MWC

Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona featured innovations including concept folding displays from Samsung Display, highlighting seamless OLED experiences and bright 5,000-nit screens. The Project Moohan Android XR headset is expected to launch in April 2025. Samsung's Galaxy A-series smartphones (A56, A36, A26) are set for a global release, featuring 120Hz screens and "Awesome Intelligence" Galaxy AI features, including Google’s Circle to Search. Lenovo introduced its Yoga Solar PC concept, powered by sunlight.

TSMC's US Expansion

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) plans to invest at least $100 billion to expand chip manufacturing in the US, adding to its existing $65 billion commitment and a $6.6 billion award from the Biden administration under the CHIPS Act. Two additional chip manufacturing facilities will be constructed in Phoenix, Arizona, to produce chips using advanced process technology by the end of the decade, including AI chips.

Entertainment

Disney Cancels "Tiana" Series

Walt Disney Animation Studios has canceled the Disney+ sequel series "Tiana," citing production costs and a shift away from long-form episodic series. The studio is now focusing on a short-form special inspired by the film, directed and written by Joyce Sherri with Steve Anderson as co-director. There is hope that "Tiana" may receive a feature-length release, similar to "Moana 2."

Trade & Economy

Tariffs Impact on Consumer Prices

President Trump's tariff plans, including 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% on those from China, are anticipated to significantly increase consumer prices, especially for vehicles. Popular vehicle prices could rise by at least $4,000, with electric vehicles potentially increasing by $12,000. Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, warned of the tariffs' negative impact on the US industry. Acer has already announced price increases, with their most expensive laptop increasing by $300.

Technology and Innovation

Autonomous Vehicles

Google and various automakers are pushing to introduce autonomous vehicles in the US. Currently legal in three states, Google's fleet has logged over 300,000 miles. Waymo recently released a software update addressing honking issues in San Francisco, while Amazon has initiated robotaxi testing in Austin and Miami. Despite progress, legal and ethical hurdles remain as the technology transitions towards consumer adoption. ![图片链接]

AI Regulation and Development

California State Senator Scott Wiener introduced SB53, aiming to protect AI lab employees who report potential "critical risks" from their AI systems. Defining critical risk as causing death/injury to 100+ people or $1B+ in damages, the bill protects whistleblowers. SB53 also proposes CalCompute, a public cloud computing cluster to provide resources for AI development that benefits the public. ![图片链接]

Android Widget Discovery Improvements

Google is enhancing widget discoverability on Android via Google Play. New features include a search filter for apps with widgets, a visual badge on app detail pages indicating widget availability, and a curated editorial page highlighting notable widgets. These updates aim to improve user engagement and app developer reach. ![图片链接]

Space Exploration

SpaceX is preparing for Starship's eighth test flight after the seventh experienced issues leading to disintegration over the Atlantic. Scheduled for Monday, the flight will attempt Starship's first payload deployment and conduct multiple reentry experiments aiming for a mid-air catch. The previous flight experienced an engine glitch attributed to vibrations. This flight will also deploy test satellites. ![图片链接]

Cybersecurity

TheRecord reported that Donald Trump’s new Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, abruptly paused all of the U.S. Cyber Command’s offensive cyber operations against Russia. CNN and other outlets have since confirmed the report with government sources, inspiring backlash from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. ![图片链接]

Consumer Products

Lego Bluey Sets

Official Bluey Lego sets are launching on June 1. These sets, aimed at younger Lego fans and Bluey enthusiasts, recreate iconic scenes from the show, including the Queen for the Day crowns, ice cream day scenes in Duplo form, and Heeler family day trips. ![图片链接]

Pokémon Cheeto

A Cheeto resembling Charizard sold for $87,840 at auction. The "Cheetozard," a Flamin’ Hot Cheeto, included a custom Pokémon card and storage box. The Cheeto gained popularity on social media in late 2024. ![图片链接]

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Gaming Mouse

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 gaming mouse is on sale starting at $113.99. This wireless mouse boasts a Hero 2 sensor tracking at 500 inches per second (up to 32,000 DPI), a 4kHz polling rate, and weighs just 60 grams. It features hybrid optical/mechanical switches, five programmable buttons, 95-hour battery life, USB-C charging, and supports Logitech Powerplay. ![图片链接]

Business and Finance

Fintech startup Ramp has surpassed $700 million in annualized revenue as of January. The company crossed $100 million before March 2022, $300 million by August 2023, and has now more than doubled that in less than 18 months. CEO Eric Glyman notes that Ramp now accounts for "between 1-2% of the U.S. card market." Ramp's valuation has nearly doubled to $13 billion after a $150 million secondary share sale. ![图片链接]

Technology & AI

AI Model & Applications

Google has open-sourced SpeciesNet, an AI model trained on over 65 million images, designed to identify animal species from camera trap photos. This tool classifies images into over 2,000 labels and is available on GitHub under an Apache 2.0 license, enabling biodiversity monitoring.

AI Tools and Platforms

1min.AI is offering lifetime access to its AI-powered tools for A$160, which allows users to generate content, edit visuals, and enhance creativity without monthly fees. The platform utilizes AI models for article generation, rewriting, and image creation, suitable for professionals and creators.

Google Gemini Updates

Google has teased that its Gemini AI is ready to integrate video and screensharing capabilities, aiming to compete with ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode. Google One AI Premium subscribers will soon be able to share their phone screens and real-time video with Gemini for question answering.

TechCrunch Sessions: AI

TechCrunch Sessions: AI is scheduled for June 5th at Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley. The event organizers are inviting members of the AI community to lead breakout sessions and discussions, with applications due by March 7, 2025.

Mobile Devices & Hardware

Lenovo at MWC 2025

At Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Lenovo unveiled upgraded ThinkPads, including the ThinkPad T14s 2-in-1, and concept models such as the Yoga Solar PC Concept and a prototype laptop with a flexible display. While these concept models garnered attention, there are no current plans for retail availability.

Tecno Phantom Ultimate 2

Tecno unveiled the Phantom Ultimate 2, a concept foldable phone with two hinges, at MWC 2025. The device, measuring 11mm thick, features a 10-inch 3K OLED display when unfolded but has no announced release plans.

ZTE Nubia Neo 3 Series

ZTE's Nubia brand unveiled the Nubia Neo 3 series at MWC 2025, gaming-focused phones featuring RGB lighting, hidden shoulder triggers, and advanced cooling systems. ZTE also showcased the Nubia Flip 2, a foldable phone with a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor.

Apple iPad Pro Deals

Apple's iPad Pro with an M4 chip is now available at discounted prices on Amazon. The 11-inch WiFi version is priced at $849 (originally $999), and the 13-inch WiFi version is $1,099 (originally $1,299).

Software & Apps

YouTube TV App Redesign

YouTube is redesigning its TV app to resemble Netflix by displaying paid content from streaming services on the homepage, including subscriptions from services like Paramount Plus, Max, and Crunchyroll.

uBlock Origin on Chrome

Users of the uBlock Origin extension on Google Chrome may need to switch to a new browser as Google migrates extensions to the new Manifest V3 standard, which limits information collection.

Apple's iOS 18.4

Apple's latest iOS 18.4 developer beta adds the Visual Intelligence feature, similar to Google Lens, to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, expected to be available widely in April.

Apple Vision Pro Apps

Apple's Vision Pro has launched with over 600 apps, including 3D movies from Disney Plus, and support from Max, Amazon Prime Video, and games like What the Golf? and Super Fruit Ninja. Notable omissions include apps from Netflix and YouTube.

Home Automation

SwitchBot Smart Roller Shades

SwitchBot's adjustable smart roller shades are now available, starting at $199, offering a DIY option for smart home integration, compatible with Matter, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home via a hub.

Semiconductor Industry

TSMC Expands U.S. Chip Manufacturing

TSMC aims to invest at least $100 billion in U.S. chip manufacturing plants over the next four years to expand its network of semiconductor factories, partly driven by U.S. government incentives.

Culture & Entertainment

Zeta Gundam Anniversary

The anime series Zeta Gundam, launched four decades ago, deviates from conventional legacy sequels by shifting its focus from Amuro Ray to Kamille Bidan, presenting a narrative that inverts the established order.

The Electric State Trailer

"We have a chance to tear their whole sick system down. Humans and bots fighting against the real enemy."

Shakespeare's Sonnet Discovery

English professor Leah Veronese discovered a rare, undocumented handwritten copy of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 in a 17th-century collection at Oxford University’s Bodleian Library.

Handmaid's Tale Sequel

Hulu is developing a sequel series to "The Handmaid's Tale" based on Margaret Atwood's 2018 book, "The Testaments," set 15 years after the original series.

Social Issues & Politics

Conspiracy Theories Around Wildfires

Wildfires in the Carolinas, with one near Myrtle Beach, have sparked conspiracy theories on X, claiming tech figures like Mark Zuckerberg intentionally started the fires.

EU vs. Trump on Social Media Content

The European Union wants social media companies like Facebook, Instagram, and X to crack down on illegal content, but the Trump administration isn't supportive, criticizing the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) as censorship.

Business & Finance

Lee Enterprises Ransomware Attack

A ransomware attack on newspaper publishing giant Lee Enterprises continues to disrupt operations and is now affecting payments to freelancers and contractors.

Global Affairs & Public Health

Impact of US Aid Cuts in DRC

The United States' rapid reduction in foreign aid is having severe consequences in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where an unidentified illness with Ebola-like symptoms has killed over 60 people due to hampered response efforts.

Government & Regulation

FTC Staff Terminations

Sources indicate that at least a dozen probationary staffers at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) were terminated last week across multiple departments, potentially linked to actions by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

AI & Tech

AI Tools & Platforms

Microsoft Dragon Copilot

Microsoft introduced Microsoft Dragon Copilot, an AI healthcare system leveraging voice dictation and ambient listening to generate clinical notes. It aims to alleviate administrative burdens for clinicians and improve patient care by automating tasks like note creation, medical information searches, and referral letters.

Podcastle's Asyncflow v1.0

Podcastle launched Asyncflow v1.0, its AI model for text-to-speech conversion, featuring over 450 AI voices. An API will be available for direct app integration. Podcastle is also enhancing its voice cloning feature, requiring only a few seconds of recording, utilizing Podcastle’s MagicDust AI for improved audio quality.

Opera's Browser Operator

Opera unveiled Browser Operator, an AI agent for its browser designed to automate online tasks such as arranging grocery orders or checking hotel prices using natural language. Opera emphasizes user control and privacy, stating that personal data is not sent back during the process.

Hardware & Devices

M4 MacBook Air

Apple CEO Tim Cook teased the arrival of the M4 MacBook Air this week, available in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes. The new MacBook Air is rumored to offer increased RAM, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Space Exploration

Firefly Aerospace's Lunar Landing

Firefly Aerospace successfully landed its Blue Ghost lunar module on the moon's surface in Mare Crisium near Mons Latreille. This marks the first time a private company has achieved this. The module carries 10 NASA instruments to study the lunar environment over 14 Earth days.

Gaming

Kaizen: A Factory Story

Puzzle masters return with a new studio and compelling manufacturing challenges.

AI & Technology

Microsoft Copilot Updates

Microsoft is enhancing its Copilot experience with a new card-based design across devices. New features include Copilot Vision, natural voice conversation mode, and a news presenter mode. Windows 11 will display Phone Link status, and Paint and Photos gain AI-powered features. Copilot Plus PCs will have improved AI-powered Windows Search.

Google's Gemini on iOS and iPadOS

Google's Gemini app for iOS and iPadOS now offers lock screen widgets for quick access to AI assistant functions, aiming to attract iPhone and iPad users.

Deutsche Telekom's AI Phone

Deutsche Telekom is partnering with Perplexity to develop an "AI Phone," MagentaAI, powered by the Perplexity chatbot, launching in the second half of the year.

Amazon's AI Integration

Amazon is deploying AI across AWS, robotics, and Alexa. AWS offers text-generating models called Nova and Bedrock. Panos Panay, Amazon’s head of devices and services, discusses the new AI-powered Alexa Plus.

Google Colab's AI Agent

Google Colab is integrating DataScienceAgent, an "AI agent" using Google's Gemini 2.0 AI model, to help users clean data, visualize trends, and gain insights.

AI Model Advancements

OpenAI has released GPT-4.5 as a research preview, featuring advancements in unsupervised learning. Tools to simplify the development of AI agents and apps are also being introduced.

AI Phishing Threats

AI-enhanced phishing attacks are a growing security threat, prompting the need for AI-based defenses.

Simplifying AI Adoption

Many businesses face challenges adopting generative AI. Kaustav Das Sharma at Gumloop creates user-focused AI solutions to overcome these obstacles.

Apple's Siri Delay

Apple's redesigned Siri may not be ready until 2027, facing an "AI crisis". Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at the imminent arrival of the new MacBook Air, likely powered by the M4 chip.

Google's Project Astra

Google's Project Astra demo is almost ready for prime time.

Blockchain & Crypto

Spacecoin's DePIN

Spacecoin is developing a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) powered by blockchain for global internet connectivity.

US Blockchain Leadership

America is emerging as a leader in blockchain technology, fostering innovation while ensuring consumer protection.

Blockchain Diplomacy

Using Proof-of-Work Diplomacy can transition diplomatic exchanges from easily diverted conversations to objectively trackable commitments.

Identifying Scam Tokens

Scam tokens deceive people into giving up their money. Common tactics include counterfeit tokens, rug pulls, and malicious airdrops.

Coldware (COLD) vs. XRP, Hedera, Ripple

Coldware (COLD) is experiencing a surge in adoption while XRP faces increasing competition. HBAR whales are shifting toward Coldware, recognizing its long-term potential in DePIN and PayFi applications. Ripple (XRP) faces increasing competition from emerging networks like Coldware (COLD).

Software Development & Security

Docker Scout

Docker Scout enhances container security through vulnerability detection, SBOM generation, and policy enforcement.

Debugging Container Crashes

Containers may crash unexpectedly due to insufficient resources, improper health checks, and dependency issues.

AutoMapper vs. Mapster

AutoMapper and Mapster are libraries for automating object-to-object transformations in .NET development.

Open Source Licensing

Open source software faces a delicate balance between ideals and practicality, with relicensing projects and subsequent forks in 2024.

Other News

Firefly's Lunar Landing

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander successfully touched down on the Moon.

Hubble Telescope's Longevity

NASA engineers designed the Hubble Space Telescope to be repairable in space, extending its lifespan.

UK Investigates TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is investigating TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur over their handling of children's personal data.

Alexis Ohanian Joins TikTok Bid

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has joined Frank McCourt's bid to acquire TikTok as a strategic advisor.

NOAA Staff Cuts

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is facing significant staff cuts and facility closures.

Power Bank Sale

The 20,000mAh Anker power bank is on sale for $130 (30% off).

Samsung Spring Sale

Samsung is holding a spring sale from March 3-9 with daily deals on electronics. The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is currently on sale at record-low prices on Amazon.

Air Purifier Deals

The Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max Air Purifier is on sale for $262.99 at Best Buy. The Coway Airmega 100 air purifier in black is on sale at Amazon for $80.

Roku TV Deal

Amazon is offering a 43-inch Roku Select Series 4K HDR smart TV for $198.

James Harrison Passes Away

James Harrison, the "Man with the Golden Arm," has passed away at age 88.

The Wheel of Time Season 3

Season three of The Wheel of Time will feature Mat Cauthon, played by Dónal Finn, discovering he can speak the Old Tongue.

Genesis GV80 Coupe

The 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe proves to be a real crowd-pleaser.

Productivity Hacks

Productivity hacks often fail because they focus on short-term efficiency rather than long-term sustainability.

Probability of Default (PD) Models

Probability of Default (PD) models are used in the banking sector to assess the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on a loan.

Brand Strategy

Brands need to make critical decisions to navigate the choppy market landscape, emphasizing the three points of contact rule: sales, integration, and adaptation.

HackerNoon Newsletter Highlights

The HackerNoon Newsletter highlights key tech stories for March 3, 2025, including blockchain diplomacy for transparency.

Atlantis Story

In Atlantis, Mary Lantis sought to open an international-style supermarket and business complex, securing loans and property on the Royal Estate.

AI & Tech Investments

Anthropic's Funding and Growth

Anthropic, an AI startup, secured $3.5 billion in Series E funding led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, valuing the company at $61.5 billion post-money. This funding aims to advance AI systems, expand compute capacity, deepen research, and accelerate international expansion. They recently launched Claude 3.7 Sonnet, an AI model designed to simplify user experience. Although their annual revenue run rate reached approximately $1 billion last year and has since increased by 30%, Anthropic anticipates burning $3 billion this year on AI system development.

Ramp's Valuation Surge

Ramp, an expense management startup, nearly doubled its valuation to $13 billion after a $150 million secondary share sale. New and existing backers, including Stripes, GIC, and Thrive Capital, purchased these secondaries from employees and early investors. Ramp's customer base has grown to over 30,000, and its enterprise business has more than doubled in the past year. Payment volume has surged to $55 billion, up from $10 billion in January 2023. The company also reported burning less than $2 million per month on average in 2024, attributing this efficiency to the use of AI in its operations.

Mobile Technology

Modular Camera Systems

[] Realme and Xiaomi showcased modular camera systems at Mobile World Congress 2025. Realme's Ultra concept includes a mounting system for attaching lenses to a one-inch CMOS sensor. Xiaomi's system uses a magnetic connection to transfer data from sensor and lens attachments. While not currently available, these innovations highlight potential advancements in smartphone camera technology.

BYD and DJI's Drone System

BYD, in collaboration with DJI, introduced "Lingyuan," a vehicle-mounted drone launching system available for all of its vehicles in China for around $2,197. The system includes a DJI drone, a roof-mounted hangar, and associated apps, allowing the drone to take off and land at speeds up to 25km/h and automatically return within two kilometers of the vehicle, following at up to 54km/h. BYD also unveiled a version of its Bao 8 SUV pre-equipped with the Lingyuan system.

Streaming & Entertainment

The Electric State

The Russo brothers' new film, 'The Electric State', based on Simon Stålenhag's graphic novel, has released its final trailer. Starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, the film will be available on Netflix on March 14.

Streaming Recommendations

The Nerd’s Watch has been revamped to highlight noteworthy movies and shows coming to streamers this month, including the Alien and Predator film series on Hulu, Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+, Wicked on Peacock, horror classics like Nosferatu on Shudder, and The Electric State on Netflix.

Doctor Who

Doctor Who's new season 2 trailer hints at a return to Disney+ on April 12th, introducing Belinda Chandra, a nurse who seems less than pleased about being whisked into space.

Deals & Discounts

Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Buds are on sale for $100 at Amazon, offering active noise cancellation, impressive battery life, and the signature Beats sound.

iRobot Roomba Q011

[] The iRobot Roomba Q011 Robot Vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $149.99. It is a smart, budget-friendly robot vacuum with three levels of suction and app-controlled features.

Amazon Tech Deals

[] Amazon is offering deals on tech products, including the Google Pixel 9 (unlocked, 128GB) for $599, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $39.99, and the Roku Wireless Soundbar for $99.99.

Logitech Brio 101 Webcam

[] The Logitech Brio 101 webcam is on sale at Amazon for $24.99, offering 1080p resolution and auto-light balance.

Google Pixel 7 Pro

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is available for $199.99 at Best Buy, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

Apple

New Air Device Launch

Apple CEO Tim Cook teased the launch of a new device in its Air lineup this week, likely an M4-equipped MacBook Air, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Social Media

TikTok's Uncertain Future

TikTok, owned by ByteDance, faces ongoing scrutiny in the U.S. over data security concerns and potential acquisition interest. Valued at potentially $60 billion, TikTok is currently challenging a bill requiring its sale or ban.

Other News

Mark Cuban's Suggestion

Mark Cuban suggests that federal workers fired from the GSA's 18F office should start a consulting company.

Droplets of Less Volatile Liquids

[] Droplets of less volatile liquids like soybean oil and silicone oil have lower saturation pressures than water.

AI and Mobile Technology

Google's AI Integration on Android

Google is previewing new AI features for Android devices, set to roll out later this month to Gemini Advanced subscribers. Live Video allows users to show Gemini what their camera sees and ask questions, while screen sharing enables users to share their screen with Gemini to inquire about websites or apps.

Deutsche Telekom's AI Phone

Deutsche Telekom (DT) is developing an "AI Phone" in collaboration with Perplexity, featuring the "MagentaAI" assistant app. Launching in 2026 for under $1,000, this device targets the European market, utilizing Perplexity's AI for tasks like booking flights and reservations.

Apple's AI and Device Updates

Apple may delay the launch of its Apple Intelligence-enhanced Siri, with the true conversational Siri potentially not arriving until 2027. Code leaks suggest Apple might allow other AI models like Gemini on iPhones, though this could be limited. Separately, Apple's lower-end products may be seeing a flurry of activity soon.

Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge Teaser

Samsung teased its super-thin Galaxy S25 Edge at MWC in Barcelona. The phone features a dual-camera bump, but specifications and the launch date are currently unknown.

Cryptocurrency News

Trump's Crypto Promotion

Donald Trump promoted the cryptocurrencies XRP, SOL, and ADA on Truth Social, claiming they would be part of the forthcoming U.S. Crypto Reserve. BTC and ETH would also be central to the reserve. This caused a temporary price spike, followed by a decline.

Software and Development

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 Sale

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows is on sale for $28 at StackSocial. It's a cross-platform development software used by professional developers to code in languages like C#, C++, Visual Basic, Python, JavaScript, and more.

Firefox's Terms of Use Update

Mozilla has rewritten its Terms of Use for the Firefox browser after user backlash over overly broad language that implied the company was asking for rights to user data.

Google Disabling uBlock Origin

Google is disabling the original uBlock Origin ad blocker for more Chrome browser users as it migrates to Manifest V3. Users can switch to uBlock Origin Lite.

Science and Space

Early Water in the Universe

Water existed early in the universe's lifetime, according to a study published in Nature Astronomy. Habitable worlds could have formed billions of years earlier than previously believed, after the first supernovae created the first heavy elements, including oxygen.

Atmosphere-Skimming Satellite

Flying closer to Earth delivers higher-resolution imagery, but there's a catch.

Security and Privacy

US Cyber Operations Against Russia

The United States has reportedly suspended its offensive cyber operations against Russia amid efforts by the Trump administration to grant Moscow concessions to end the war in Ukraine.

UK Investigates Social Platforms' Child Privacy

The U.K.’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has launched investigations into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur over how they protect children's privacy on their platforms.

Deals and Promotions

Anker Power Bank and Charging Station Deals

Amazon is offering discounts on Anker power banks and charging stations, including the Anker 621 MagSafe-compatible power bank for $26.

Nebula Mars 3 Air Projector Sale

The Nebula Mars 3 Air projector with Google TV is on sale at Amazon for $419.99.

NordVPN Discounts

NordVPN is offering discounts of up to 72% off, plus up to an extra year free, for a total savings of up to $914.28, depending on the plan.

Qlango Language Learning Lifetime Subscription

Qlango Language Learning is offering a lifetime subscription to all 56 of its languages for $39.99.

AI & Tech

New AI Phone from T-Mobile

T-Mobile is collaborating with Perplexity and other companies to develop an "AI Phone", slated for a 2026 launch at under $1,000. The phone will feature a new AI assistant app called "MagentaAI" and integrate Perplexity's AI technology for tasks like booking flights and sending emails. Services from Google Cloud AI, ElevenLabs, and Picsart will also be included. MagentaAI will also be available as an app for T-Mobile customers on Android and iOS.

Stability AI Optimizes Audio Generation for Arm Chips

Stability AI has partnered with Arm to optimize its StableAudio Open model for generating audio on mobile devices with Arm chips. This model creates sound effects from text descriptions using royalty-free audio. The optimized model can generate an 11-second audio sample in about 8 seconds on an Armv9 CPU, with Stability claiming a 30x speed improvement. The goal is to make these models available for consumer apps and devices.

HackerPulse: Visibility into Engineering Teams

HackerPulse is a new platform that provides enterprises with insights into their engineering teams' activities to identify productivity bottlenecks and improve efficiency. The platform integrates with developer tools like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket, as well as revenue markers and user analytics.

Mobile & Gadgets

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Discount

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6, a foldable smartphone, is currently discounted by $300, with potential savings of up to $1,000 with a trade-in. It features durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP48 water resistance, and has been tested for 200,000 folds. It has a 4,400mAh battery. Select new Samsung phones are equipped with Galaxy AI.

HMD Introduces Charging Earbuds and More

HMD introduced versatile tech at MWC 2025, including the HMD Amped Buds, which double as a charging bank for phones. These earbuds feature a 1,600mAh battery case capable of wirelessly charging compatible smartphones via Qi2.

Tecno Spark Slim: The Thinnest Smartphone?

Tecno introduced the Spark Slim at MWC 2025, showcasing what it claims is the world's thinnest smartphone at 5.75mm thick. It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, a 5,200mAh battery, and a USB-C charging port.

Apple iPad mini 7 on Sale

The Apple iPad mini 7 (A17 Pro) is on sale for $399, a record low. It uses the A17 Pro chip, suitable for daily tasks, light gaming, and content streaming. Battery life is around eight hours with normal usage.

Automatic Cat Litter Boxes

High-tech cat boxes are now available to automate the task of cleaning litter.

AI & Ethics

Deepfake Nudes and Teens

A Thorn survey indicates that most kids are aware of the harmful nature of deepfake nudes.

Cheaper AI Models with Distillation

AI firms are creating cheaper models using a "teacher" LLM to train smaller AI systems.

Entertainment & Media

2025 Oscars Highlights

At the 2025 Oscars, "Anora" was the big winner, taking home 5 awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker. "Dune: Part Two," "Wicked," and "The Substance" also received recognition in technical categories. Mikey Madison won Best Actress for Anora, Adrien Brody won Best Actor for The Brutalist.

AI's Role at the Oscars Sparks Debate

The use of AI in Hollywood was a hot topic at the 2025 Oscars, with comedian Conan O’Brien joking about not using AI in the show. Controversy arose over the film "The Brutalist," which won three Oscars but used AI to tweak actors' dialogue.

Entertainment Casting News

Patrick Dempsey will not be in Scream 7 due to scheduling conflicts. George Miller has a script for a fifth Mad Max movie. Daniel Radcliffe is not playing Clayface in the upcoming James Watkins movie. Jessica Lange stated she will not return for another season of American Horror Story. Haley Joel Osment, RJ Cyler, Justin Kirk, Kyrie McAlpin, Danielle Kennedy, and Randy Oglesby have joined the cast of The 'Burbs TV series in recurring roles.

Netflix Gaming Expansion

Netflix is heavily investing in video games, expanding from interactive titles to a subscription-based mobile gaming service. They've hired industry veterans and are developing AAA games, with Ubisoft creating titles like an Assassin's Creed game alongside a live-action series.

Security & Privacy

FinFisher Hacking System Discovery

In 2012, Egyptian revolutionaries discovered documents about FinFisher, a "high-level hacking system", which could access emails, upload spy files, track communications, and gain control over devices. It was also used to hack Skype accounts.

Business & Finance

TurboTax Deluxe 2024 On Sale

TurboTax Deluxe 2024 for federal and state tax returns is on sale at Amazon for $56, a 30% discount. The software is up-to-date on the latest tax laws and can import previous TurboTax data.

Geopolitics

Chinese Access to Nvidia Chips

Chinese buyers are reportedly obtaining computing systems with Nvidia's Blackwell chips through third-party traders in regions like Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, despite U.S. export controls.

AI & Software Development

AI Assistants and Automation

Jolla, via Venho.ai, introduced a privacy-focused AI assistant that summarizes emails, books meetings, filters social media, and creates AI agents. The software uses local AI models and a vector database for data unification and privacy. A marketplace for AI agents is planned for next month. ![新闻图片链接]

Opera unveiled Browser Operator, an agent feature that automates tasks like finding products and booking tickets, while preserving user privacy by operating natively.

Software Supply Chain Security

Cloudsmith, a Northern Irish startup, secured $23 million in Series B funding to modernize software supply chain platforms with its cloud-native artifact management platform. The platform serves as a private registry for binary artifacts and scans dependencies for vulnerabilities.

Automotive Industry

Xiaomi's Electric Car

Xiaomi revealed its SU7 Ultra electric car at Mobile World Congress, featuring a 0-100km/h time of 1.98 seconds, a top speed of 350km/h, and 1,527 horsepower. The car starts at $72,750 in China.

Space Exploration

Firefly's Moon Landing

Firefly's ghostly landing demonstrates that even scrappy companies can aim for the moon.

Personal Finance & Politics

Elon Musk's Social Security Claims

Elon Musk called Social Security a "Ponzi Scheme" in a discussion with Joe Rogan, alleging future obligations exceed tax revenue and claiming 20 million deceased individuals are listed as "alive" in the database. These claims were made without providing concrete evidence.

Consumer Electronics & Accessories

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Discount

Apple AirPods Pro 2 are on sale at Amazon for $199, a 20% discount. They offer intelligent noise cancellation via the Apple H2 chip, Dolby Atmos spatial audio, and up to six hours of listening time with ANC enabled.

Govee Temperature and Humidity Sensor Sale

Govee's WiFi-enabled temperature and humidity sensor three-pack is on sale for $56 on Amazon, providing real-time monitoring and alerts via a smartphone app.

iPad Cases

A solid case is essential for protecting your iPad from damage, with various styles offering adjustable stands, Apple Pencil storage, and added durability.

Gaming & Entertainment

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Preview

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game from Sandfall Interactive, is being adapted into a live-action film. The game, set in Lumière, follows Expedition 33's mission to stop the Paintress.

Fitness Technology

Tonal 2 Review

Tonal 2, a high-tech gym mirror, refines its aesthetic, improves connectivity, and increases digital resistance. It includes real-time form feedback and new training programs like AeroHIIT.

Space Exploration

Blue Ghost Lunar Landing

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander successfully landed on the Moon, marking the second private spacecraft to do so. It launched from Cape Canaveral aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 15th. The lander will conduct research operations for two weeks, including lunar subsurface drilling, sample collection, X-ray imaging, and dust mitigation experiments to aid NASA's future crewed missions. Blue Ghost is also expected to capture high-definition images of a total eclipse on March 14th. Resilience, taking a longer route, is expected to arrive in early May.

Artificial Intelligence

General Intelligence

An example of general intelligence already exists, and it doesn't resemble AI.

Consumer Technology

Beats Headphones Deal

The Beats Solo4 headphones are available for $129.99 at Best Buy, saving $70. Available in three colors, they include free subscriptions to Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music, and offer a comfortable fit, great sound quality with Personalized Spatial Audio, and up to 50 hours of battery life. The Beats Fit Pro and Beats Studio Pro headphones are also on sale at Amazon and Best Buy, respectively.

Amazon Drone Delivery Concerns

Amazon's drone delivery service in College Station, Texas, has faced opposition from residents due to concerns about noise and privacy. Despite the expansion of drone delivery companies across the US, the College Station rollout has met significant resistance. Residents worry about noise, privacy, and potential property value loss, leading to organized opposition against increased drone flights. The FAA has received numerous comments opposing the proposal.

Tushy Aura Bidet

Tushy, known for bidets, launched a new full-function powered bidet attachment called Aura, priced at $600 to compete with brands like Toto and Kohler. The bidet offers features like heated water, nightlights, and adjustable spray settings.

Autonomous Driving & Automotive

Autonomous Speed Record

A Maserati MC20 Coupe, equipped with self-driving software from Politecnico di Milano, achieved a new land speed record for autonomous vehicles, reaching 197.7 mph at the Kennedy Space Center. This surpasses the previous record of 192.2 mph. The aim is to improve safety for autonomous road vehicles by stress-testing algorithms at extreme speeds. The Maserati MC20 is priced at $239,000 and features a 621-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine.

Artificial Intelligence

Gemini Live Updates

Google is adding live video and screen sharing to Gemini Live, its continuous conversational AI, for Android devices. Users will be able to share their screen or switch to live video, allowing real-time visual interaction with the AI chatbot. The “see” capability, teased in August 2024, will allow users to ask the AI about their surroundings or the website they are on. This feature will be available to Gemini Advanced subscribers later in March.

AI Social Media Tools

A six-month experiment testing AI social media platforms identified Pressmaster.ai as the top tool for agencies and business owners in 2025. The testing process involved real client accounts and budgets and compared tools like Sprout Social, Lately.ai, Hootsuite, Buffer, Copy.ai, and Jasper.ai.

Securing RAG Data

The article discusses securing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) data, using a chatbot as an example. Vector databases are presented as a popular choice for storing and retrieving RAG data due to their efficient vector search capabilities.

Tech Industry

Techbeat Highlights

HackerNoon's Techbeat includes articles on the limitations of natural language coding for beginners, Maruti Techlabs' automation of Medicare policy sales for HealthPro Insurance (reducing processing time by 50%), the power of data visualization for tech companies, and how Maruti Techlabs reduced server and database costs by 50% for an insurance broker using AWS. Additional stories explore vibe coding, Michael Saylor's Bitcoin debt, a potential Bybit hack involving an insider, and the hidden value of boring software migration projects.

Product Review

Office Chairs Recommendation

WIRED recommends comfortable office chairs for upgrading your WFH setup.

Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) Speaker Sale

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) speaker is on sale at Amazon for $229, a 23% discount from its list price of $299. This portable speaker is noted for its 360-degree surround sound and water-resistant design.

Transportation

Uber for Teens in India

Uber has launched a pilot of its Uber for Teens service in India, starting in Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai, with plans to expand to 35 cities. The service allows teenagers (13-17) to request rides directly with parental oversight, including live trip tracking and audio recording options.

AI and Software Tools

Gemini's New Interactive Features

Google is introducing new features to its AI assistant, Gemini, allowing users to pose questions using video or on-screen content in real-time. Unveiled at MWC 2025 in Barcelona, the "Screenshare" feature enables users to share their phone screen with Gemini and inquire about its contents. For example, users can upload a video of shopping for baggy jeans and ask Gemini for clothing pairing suggestions. The video search feature, previously teased at Google I/O, lets users record videos and ask Gemini questions while filming. These features will be available to Gemini Advanced users on the Google One AI Premium plan on Android later this month.

Luminar Neo Photo Editor Discount

Luminar Neo is an AI photo editor that includes layers, masking, local adjustments, and AI-powered editing tools for skin enhancement, sky replacement, and image upscaling. Mashable readers can get the lifetime bundle for $119.99, an 82% discount.

Resume Optimization Tool on Sale

Resume From Space is an AI-powered resume optimization tool designed to improve job-hunting success. Lifetime access is available for $59.99.

Tech Gadget Deals

LG 86-inch QNED80T Series Smart TV Discount

The LG 86-inch QNED80T Series Smart TV (2024) is on sale for $1,139.96 at Amazon, a 12% discount. This QNED TV combines Quantum Dot and NanoCell technology for richer colors and better contrast.

Apple Pencil Pro Discount

The Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $99 at Amazon, saving 23%.

Beats Fit Pro Earbuds on Sale

The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are on sale for $169.95 at Amazon, saving 15%.

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum Discount

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra robot vacuum is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon, a 44% discount.

ASUS Vivobook S14 Laptop Deal

The ASUS Vivobook S14 is on sale for $794.99 at Amazon, saving $105.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max on Sale

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99, a 33% discount.

Mobile Technology

Infinix Solar Charging Innovations

Infinix showcased a solar-powered wireless charging case and a phone with a built-in solar panel. The charging power maxes out at 2W.

Data Shredder Stick Discount

A data shredder stick for Windows devices is on sale for $29.99, a 25% discount.

Guides and Culture

How to Clean Wireless Earbuds

Cleaning wireless earbuds and their charging case is important for hygiene and better sound quality. The cleaning process differs based on the type of earbuds.

Candise Lin: Bridging Western and Chinese Social Media

Candise Lin, a social media influencer based in California, has become a bridge between Western and Chinese social media, particularly promoting the Red Note (Xiaohongshu) app.

Tech Deals

TV Deals

Best Buy is selling the TCL 75-inch Q6-Series QLED 4K Smart TV (2024) for $499.99, a $200 discount. Key features include Quantum Dot technology, HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision, Motion Rate 240, Game Accelerator 120, an Onkyo 2.1 speaker system with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, Fire TV with Alexa, 4 HDMI inputs, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi 5.

Smartphone Deals

Amazon offers the Google Pixel 9 (Unlocked, 128GB) at a $200 discount, costing $599. Highlights encompass Google's Gemini AI for photo editing (Magic Editor, Best Take), a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide sensor, a 6.3-inch Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, a 3.1GHz processor, 24-hour battery life (72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver), and compatibility with major carriers.

Mobile Technology

Affordable High-End Features

In 2025, high-end features like big batteries and multi-camera arrays are available in more affordable phones. While flagships still offer the best cameras and processors, you can find great handsets at reasonable prices without compromising too much. A good midrange phone typically costs between $400 and $600.

When buying a new device, consider which platform you prefer (iOS or Android) and how much you're willing to spend, as a slightly higher budget can get you a significantly better product with longer manufacturer support. Prioritize what’s important to you, such as battery life, performance, or camera quality, to make the best choice.