Senate Bill 1119, authored by state Sen. Steve Padilla and Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks and Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, is the product of months of negotiation over how to protect young people from the potential harms of conversational AI without shutting down useful educational and creative tools. The legislation passed with enough support to reach Newsom's desk, but it remains to be seen whether the governor will sign it, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature. Because California is the nation's largest state and the home of OpenAI, Google, and many other AI developers, the outcome could influence product policies well beyond state lines.

What the bill requires

The bill targets companies that operate AI chatbot platforms reasonably likely to be accessed by users under 18. It would require those companies to estimate or determine the age of each user, and to give parents and guardians tools to manage the time their children spend on services such as ChatGPT. The measure also requires independent audits designed to assess whether chatbots are exposing minors to dangerous content, manipulation, or other risks associated with AI companionship and conversation.

The legislation includes several privacy and advertising protections that go further than current federal children's online privacy rules. Under the bill, AI companies could not serve ads to minors that rely on personal information gathered from their chatbot conversations. The sale of data collected from children through chats would also be illegal. Chatbots would still be allowed to show “age-appropriate contextual advertising,” as long as the ads are clearly labeled as ads. Sponsors said those limits are intended to prevent companies from turning children's conversations into behavioral profiling databases.

The bill was amended Friday to narrow the situations in which families can sue AI companies. The amendment was seen as a response to concerns from technology groups that the original language could have produced a flood of litigation over chatbot interactions that were not clearly linked to harm. It is unclear what role, if any, Altman played in shaping that deleted language. OpenAI did not answer specific questions about Altman's outreach, and a person familiar with the matter denied that the OpenAI chief executive and Newsom spoke directly last week.

A national benchmark in the making

The California proposal has become one of the most closely watched pieces of AI legislation in the country because Washington has not yet passed a comprehensive federal AI law. State regulators have increasingly moved into that gap, and California's enormous market gives its rules outsized influence. A bill signed into law in Sacramento effectively becomes a compliance benchmark for companies that operate nationwide. That is why SB 1119 has drawn attention not just from California-based AI firms but also from trade groups, civil liberties organizations, and child-safety advocates across the country.

Supporters argue the bill is an overdue update to laws that were written for an earlier era of online services. Most existing children's privacy protections focus on websites, apps, and social media platforms, rather than on conversational systems that can build intimate relationships with users. Chatbots, unlike passive feeds or games, can engage users in open-ended dialogue, offering emotional support, companionship, and sometimes troubling suggestions. The ability to generate personalized, context-aware responses means a chatbot may be more persuasive and more deeply embedded in a child's daily life than conventional software.

Those concerns have been amplified by recent, high-profile cases involving young people and chatbots. In 2026, reports emerged of teenagers who died by suicide after being allegedly encouraged by AI chatbots. The cases were cited by SB 1119's supporters as evidence that lawmakers had a responsibility to act before more children are harmed. Mental health experts and child-development researchers have also warned that AI companions can be particularly attractive to adolescents who feel isolated, and that those users may not understand the limitations or commercial incentives of the systems they are talking to.

The bill's core assumption is that safety should not rely on the goodwill of a technology company. OpenAI had already introduced some of the protections included in the measure, but the bill would make similar safeguards enforceable across the industry. That distinction matters to advocates who argue that voluntary commitments are too easy to weaken or abandon when financial pressure grows.

OpenAI's public position

OpenAI has tried to position itself as a constructive partner in the conversation around youth safety. In a statement released shortly before the bill passed on Monday, the company said it encouraged Newsom to sign the measure. “SB 1119 builds on youth safety measures that OpenAI has supported through our products, global policy principles, advocacy in California, and work on the Parents & Kids Safe AI Act,” the statement said.

An OpenAI spokesperson directed attention to that statement when asked about the company's engagement with Newsom's office. The statement emphasized that OpenAI had already introduced protections for teenage users. The company launched ChatGPT for Teens on Aug. 18, a system designed for users between 13 and 17 years old. The product includes safeguards meant to encourage healthy use and provide parents with additional controls. OpenAI says that if its system estimates that someone is under 18, or if the user states that they are 13 to 17, they are automatically placed into the teen experience. Those protections are part of the baseline settings rather than optional features that users can disable.

The timing of that launch was notable. OpenAI introduced it just weeks before the California bill landed on the governor's desk, and the company's public comments pointed to the product as evidence that it had already begun adopting many of the practices the legislation would require. Still, consumer groups and some state lawmakers have argued that voluntary measures are not enough, particularly because many chatbot creators have economic incentives to maximize user engagement and time spent on their platforms.

OpenAI's broader lobbying posture has also complicated its public image. The company regularly says it welcomes regulation that addresses real risks, but it has also worked to shape rules in ways that are favorable to its commercial ambitions. The California bill is no exception. The late amendment narrowing the right to sue is one example of how industry pressure can influence legislation even when a company ultimately issues a supportive statement. OpenAI's public stance appears designed to keep lawmakers and the public on its side while avoiding the kind of adversarial fight that could damage its relationship with Sacramento.

Newsom's decision and the politics around it

Newsom has long had a friendly relationship with technology companies and has frequently resisted legislation that he believes would place too many guardrails on innovation. In previous years, he vetoed bills backed by labor unions and consumer groups that technology giants described as burdensome, including measures involving workplace conditions and data privacy. His approach has sometimes frustrated advocates who argue that California should lead the way in regulating powerful new technologies.

The political environment has shifted, though. Public attention has focused on concerns about AI's risks, including the spread of misinformation, the displacement of workers, and the emotional vulnerabilities of young users. The so-called data center backlash has become a serious issue in communities near AI infrastructure, but the human costs of chatbots have also become impossible to ignore. Newsom is term-limited and will leave office on Jan. 7, 2027. He is widely expected to mount a presidential campaign in 2028, and his political positioning has puzzled some observers. While he has not formally left the Democratic Party, Newsom has spent considerable time courting right-wing media figures and far-right voters. He hosted a podcast that featured guests such as Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon, and in several conversations he appeared to agree with much of the MAGA base's criticism of Democratic leadership. That broader political strategy may shape how he approaches a high-profile AI bill in his final months as governor.

If Newsom signs the bill, he could strengthen his national image as a leader on technology accountability and child protection. If he vetoes it, he risks alienating the Democratic base and parents who have become increasingly worried about chatbot dangers. If he allows it to become law without his signature, he can preserve a degree of distance from the decision while still letting the measure take effect.

California's governor's race and the future of AI policy

The governor's race to succeed Newsom is already well underway. Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former state attorney general and U.S. secretary of health and human services, is running as the establishment candidate. Republican Steve Hilton, a former tech executive and conservative commentator, has positioned himself as the anti-regulation candidate. Polling from the University of California Berkeley Institute of Government Studies showed Becerra with a commanding lead of 55 percent to 37 percent.

Both candidates have generally been friendly to the technology industry, though their approaches differ. Hilton wants less regulation across the board and is married to Rachel Whetstone, a veteran Silicon Valley executive who has worked for Uber, Netflix, Facebook, and Google. Becerra has proposed what he calls modest AI guardrails and has accepted significant campaign donations from Silicon Valley. Even in a year when AI safety has become a prominent policy issue, no major candidate has embraced the kind of aggressive restriction that some advocacy groups are demanding.

California's choices will matter beyond the governor's office because Washington has not produced a comprehensive federal AI law. As a result, state legislators have taken the lead on issues ranging from deepfakes to automated decision-making to chatbot safety. If SB 1119 becomes law, it is likely to become a reference point for similar legislation in other states and for federal proposals in the next Congress. The bill is not the final word on the subject, but it marks one of the most direct attempts yet to regulate the relationship between kids and conversational AI.

For now, all eyes are on Newsom. The bill's supporters are waiting to see whether California will enforce new protections before another crisis forces the issue. The outcome will also send a signal to AI companies about how much political space they are able to shape the rules that govern their products, particularly when the users are children. As the governor weighs the legislation, the conversations that happened before the final vote are likely to remain part of the public record and a subject of scrutiny for policy advocates and industry watchers alike.

Source: Gizmodo News

The laboratory is said to be looking for potential cybersecurity flaws in lidar sensors manufactured in China. The findings could help answer a question that has divided Washington, automakers and technology suppliers: Should low-cost Chinese lidar be allowed in vehicles that increasingly rely on software and sensors?

What the lab is reportedly reviewing

Lidar sensors use pulses of laser light to measure distances and create detailed three-dimensional maps of a vehicle’s surroundings. They are widely considered a critical component for self-driving cars, helping vehicles detect pedestrians, cyclists, other cars and road hazards in real time. While cameras and radar have improved significantly, lidar is prized for its precision in depth perception.

According to the two unnamed sources, the Idaho National Laboratory is investigating whether Chinese-made lidar could be exploited remotely, leak sensitive location data, or contain hidden features that might allow a foreign government to interfere with vehicles. The project is being funded by a company or group of companies in the electric and autonomous vehicle industry, though it is unclear which companies are behind it.

The lab did not respond to a request for comment. In earlier statements, a spokesperson said the project is not something that can be discussed with reporters. That kind of secrecy is not unusual for cybersecurity reviews involving national security, but it has fueled speculation about how concerned regulators and industry players have become.

Why lidar suddenly matters more

Lidar has been used for decades in fields like mapping, forestry and archaeology, but its role in transportation expanded dramatically as companies raced to build autonomous vehicles. Early automotive lidar systems were large, heavy and prohibitively expensive, with some units costing tens of thousands of dollars. That made them viable primarily for prototype vehicles and well-funded research programs.

Chinese manufacturers have played a major role in driving down costs. Sensor prices have fallen from tens of thousands of dollars to just a few hundred dollars in a relatively short period. This collapse in price has made lidar more attractive not only to autonomous vehicle developers but also to mainstream automakers looking to enhance driver-assistance systems, highway autopilot features and safety systems.

Some American automakers now face a difficult choice: pay significantly more for Western-made sensors or adopt cheaper Chinese components that could give them a competitive edge in an increasingly price-sensitive electric vehicle market. As vehicle margins tighten and global competition intensifies, cost advantages in core components can be decisive.

Tesla remains a notable exception. The company has long argued that autonomous driving can be achieved using cameras and artificial intelligence alone, without lidar. Tesla’s chief executive has publicly characterized lidar as a misguided approach and has said that anyone relying on it is destined for failure. This philosophy has kept Tesla out of the lidar procurement equation, but many other automakers and autonomous vehicle startups do not share that view.

Chinese tech and the cost advantage

The affordability of Chinese lidar is difficult for automakers to ignore. China has built a vast supply chain around the technology, supported by government investment, strong domestic electric-vehicle demand and a deep pool of engineering talent. Several Chinese lidar suppliers have introduced compact solid-state sensors that can be embedded in vehicle roofs, grilles or side mirrors, making them easier to integrate into production cars.

Rivian’s chief executive told Reuters earlier this year that when it comes to affordable lidar sensors, nearly all the real choices now come from China. He said Rivian was considering producing lidar in the United States using Chinese technology, possibly through a joint venture. He also said other automakers were involved in discussions about building production capacity outside China, either together or through a shared approach.

That idea, sometimes called “localization,” would allow automakers to benefit from Chinese sensor technology while potentially reducing some of the security concerns associated with shipping data to foreign servers or relying on foreign-controlled hardware and firmware. However, localization is complicated because a product’s core design, software and manufacturing processes often remain tied to the original developers even when final assembly moves to another country.

Washington’s growing unease

Concerns about Chinese automotive technology are not new. Lawmakers and national security officials have warned for years about the risks of connected vehicles that can transmit location data, driving behavior and even conversations inside the cabin. Chinese-made lidar, like cameras and other sensors, collects vast amounts of information about a vehicle’s surroundings. If that data were transmitted back to China, it could potentially be used to build detailed maps of American roads, infrastructure and critical facilities.

There is also concern that Chinese-made sensors could contain backdoors or vulnerabilities that would allow foreign actors to remotely disable vehicles in the event of a conflict. This concern extends beyond lidar to other vehicle components, including communications systems, navigation chips and software platforms. The U.S. Commerce Department has already imposed restrictions on certain Chinese and Russian connected-car technologies, and lawmakers have proposed at least two bills that would specifically ban Chinese-made lidar in the United States.

These proposals reflect a broader push in Washington to reduce American dependence on Chinese technology in critical infrastructure. Automakers, batteries, chargers and even roads are increasingly viewed as part of that infrastructure, and the line between consumer products and national security has become blurred.

Security concerns vs. hard evidence

Despite the growing anxiety, there is no publicly known evidence that Chinese-made lidar sensors have been used to spy on drivers, exfiltrate data or remotely disable vehicles. Reports have described the potential risks as hypothetical, and industry analysts note that compromising lidar on a massive scale would require deep access to supply chains, sophisticated cyberweapons and a willingness to provoke severe diplomatic and economic retaliation.

Some experts argue that any sensor connected to a vehicle’s onboard network can be a security risk, regardless of where it is made. Automakers routinely patch software in cars, and the entire ecosystem of vehicle electronics is already a target for hackers. Lidar suppliers, whether Chinese or American, must meet strict automotive safety and cybersecurity standards to win contracts.

Nevertheless, the review at Idaho National Laboratory is significant because it could provide a technical basis for future U.S. policy. If the tests uncover real vulnerabilities, regulators could move quickly to ban certain Chinese lidar products. If the tests come back clean, automakers may gain more leeway to adopt cheaper Chinese sensors, although political pressure might still lead to restrictions based on broader geopolitical concerns.

The involvement of private industry in funding this review also suggests that automakers are anxious about the situation. They may be seeking clarity before committing millions of dollars to product development decisions based on uncertain regulations. A formal government assessment could give automakers a way to demonstrate they are using secure components, or it could give them political cover to move away from Chinese suppliers without publicly admitting cost concerns.

Potential impact on the market

The outcome of the review could have a major impact on the global lidar market. Chinese suppliers have become dominant in terms of volume and price, and any ban in the United States would reshape procurement strategies for American automakers. Western lidar makers, including startups and established automotive suppliers, have struggled to compete on price, though they continue to argue that their products offer better security and supply-chain transparency.

A ban could also accelerate efforts to build domestic lidar manufacturing capacity. Rivian’s suggestion about producing lidar in the United States using Chinese technology points to one possible path: maintaining access to valuable technology while satisfying national security requirements through domestic production and oversight. Whether that approach would pass muster with hardline lawmakers is still unclear.

Meanwhile, other countries will be watching closely. The United States is not alone in worrying about Chinese automotive technology. Several allies have imposed their own restrictions on Chinese-made connected vehicles and are debating whether to go further. A U.S. decision on Chinese lidar could set an example for how Western democracies handle the broader challenge of safeguarding new mobility technologies while keeping prices affordable.

Automakers are expected to continue pressing Beijing and Washington for predictable rules, since supply chains for sensors, chips and software are deeply global. A sudden regulatory shift could delay electric vehicle launches, raise prices and slow the adoption of advanced driver-assistance systems. On the other hand, doing nothing could leave critical technology vulnerable in ways that are not yet fully understood.

For now, the investigation at the Idaho National Laboratory is the clearest sign yet that the lidar question is moving from technical curiosity to national security policy. The answers that emerge may determine not only which sensors enter American vehicles, but how far Washington is willing to go in severing the automotive supply chain from China.

Source: Gizmodo News

Jackson bought the property in 1988 and renamed it Neverland, inspired by the fictional island in J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. The name perfectly captured his vision: a magical, timeless place where children never grow up. Over the years, he transformed the sprawling estate into one of the most unusual celebrity homes ever created. Today, the property is officially known as Sycamore Valley Ranch, and much of what made it famous has changed. But photographs and archival features still offer a glimpse into the extraordinary world Jackson built.

From Zaca Laderas to Neverland

Before Jackson arrived, the estate was called Zaca Laderas Ranch. Real estate developer William Bone had developed the property, including a roughly 13,000-square-foot main residence, extensive gardens, a four-acre lake with a waterfall and a stone bridge. Jackson purchased the ranch and immediately began reshaping it to match his imagination.

The original property already possessed a certain charm. The main house had a French country and Tudor-influenced appearance, with dark shingles, bow windows and elaborate wood detailing. Inside, there were hand-hewn beams, carved oak, antique rugs and brass chandeliers. It was not designed like a typical modern celebrity mansion. Instead, the house retained much of its original character, while Jackson added personal touches, artwork and memorabilia.

The magic of the grounds

What made Neverland truly extraordinary was what happened outside the main house. Jackson transformed large portions of the estate into a private amusement park. The grounds featured a Ferris wheel, carousel, roller coaster, bumper cars, a pirate ship, a wave swinger and other carnival-style attractions. There was also an arcade filled with video games and pinball machines.

For Jackson, these rides were not simply decorative. They were part of the experience he wanted Neverland to create. He often said that he was trying to recreate the childhood he missed while performing as a young star. The rides allowed him and his guests to experience pure joy and wonder, away from the outside world.

Architectural details of the amusement area made it feel like a permanent fairground. Brightly colored lights, whimsical signage and the sounds of carnival music filled the air. It was a stark contrast to the quiet, traditional interiors of the main house.

A railway fit for a storybook

One of the most memorable features of Neverland was its private railway system. The estate had a train station called Katherine Station, named after Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson. A steam locomotive named Katherine was also part of the estate, as was a C.P. Huntington-style locomotive.

The railway connected different areas of the sprawling property and added another layer to Jackson's fantasy-land vision. The station itself was designed to look like something from a storybook, complete with a clock tower and elaborate detailing. Guests could board the train and ride through the estate, passing by gardens, rides and animal enclosures, just like in an amusement park.

Animals and exotic guests

The amusement park was not the only unusual attraction. Jackson also kept a private menagerie at Neverland, including exotic animals such as an elephant, chimpanzees, orangutans and llamas. One of the most famous animals associated with the estate was Bubbles, Jackson's chimpanzee, who accompanied him everywhere and became a media sensation.

The animal collection eventually became one of the most recognizable parts of Neverland's history. However, after years of controversy and concerns about animal welfare, the animals were relocated. The zoo area was eventually left without the collection that had once occupied it. But during Neverland's heyday, the sight of exotic animals roaming the estate added to its dreamlike atmosphere.

Gardens, statues and fountains

The landscape around the house was equally elaborate. Neverland featured extensive gardens, fountains, sculptures and statues scattered throughout the grounds. Among them was a towering statue of Mercury positioned near the main residence. The combination of manicured gardens, bronze sculptures, fountains and amusement rides gave the property a surreal quality.

Walking through Neverland felt like traversing a strange and wonderful dream. One moment you might pass by a classical statue; the next, you would reach a carnival ride. It was part private estate, part theme park, and part movie set.

Inside the main house

Despite the carnival-like grounds, the interiors of Neverland were considerably more traditional. The residence included a library, living spaces, bedrooms and bathrooms decorated with a mixture of antiques, woodwork and personal memorabilia. A large Bösendorfer concert grand piano dominated one of the main rooms, reflecting Jackson's deep love of music.

Photographs taken during Jackson's time at the ranch reveal cozy rooms filled with traditional furniture, carved woodwork and large decorative objects. It was a warm, inviting space, far removed from the glittering image of a pop superstar. Jackson filled the home with artwork, personal photographs and other treasures, making it feel lived-in and personal.

Neverland even had its own movie theatre. The property included a 5,500-square-foot movie theatre and stage, another feature that made the estate feel more like a private entertainment complex than a conventional home. Jackson loved films and often screened movies for guests, complete with popcorn and a full cinema experience.

There was also a large game room filled with arcade-style machines. Architectural Digest described the space as "a child's dream," with games that could be played without inserting money despite having coin slots. This detail spoke to Jackson's desire to create an environment where children could play freely, without any of the real-world limitations.

Hollywood history at Neverland

Because of its unusual setting and Jackson's celebrity status, Neverland also became the backdrop for several high-profile moments. In 1991, Elizabeth Taylor married Larry Fortensky at the ranch, in a lavish ceremony that drew worldwide media attention. Jackson hosted major gatherings at the property, including events involving children and international guests. The ranch quickly became inseparable from Jackson's public image.

For years, images of the ornate entrance, colorful rides and sprawling gardens helped create the mythology surrounding Neverland. It was a place that seemed to exist outside the normal rules of life. Children from various charities and hospitals were invited to visit and enjoy the rides, fulfilling Jackson's wish to share his magical world with others.

Legal troubles and the end of an era

Jackson's relationship with Neverland changed dramatically in the years before his death. He stopped living at the ranch after his 2005 child-molestation trial, where he was acquitted on all counts. The property faced financial difficulties in 2008, and the following year it was sold to Colony Capital in a deal reported at about $22.5 million. It was subsequently renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch.

Many of the features that had made Neverland famous were removed over time. The amusement rides were taken away, and the animal collection was relocated. However, parts of the original estate—including the main house, gardens, train station and other structures—remained. In 2020, businessman Ron Burkle purchased the sprawling property for a reported $22 million.

The enduring fascination with Neverland

Celebrity homes are often defined by their size, architecture or price tag. Neverland was different. Jackson didn't simply buy a huge California ranch and decorate it like a luxury mansion. He turned the property into an entire world built around fantasy, entertainment and childhood imagery.

Even in its later years, as many of its original features faded, Neverland continued to represent a singular vision. It reflected both Jackson's genius and his vulnerabilities, his desire to create beauty and his longing for a simpler, happier time. Few estates in the world carry such a rich and complicated history.

For fans of Michael Jackson, Neverland remains a symbol of his creativity and his unshakeable belief in the power of imagination. For others, it is a cautionary tale about fame, isolation and the consequences of living too far outside the ordinary. But no one can deny that the ranch was one of the most fascinating celebrity homes ever built.

Source: MSN News

Cook's career at Apple has been nothing short of remarkable. Joining the company in 1998, he quickly became the operational backbone of Apple, working alongside Steve Jobs. When Cook took over the CEO role in 2011, many wondered whether anyone could fill Jobs' shoes. Cook not only filled them but also led Apple to unprecedented financial success and global influence.

During Cook's tenure, Apple introduced products that redefined industries, from the Apple Watch to AirPods, and his focus on services and subscription revenue transformed the company's business model. Under his leadership, Apple's market capitalization grew from about $350 billion to over $3 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies in history.

A heartfelt farewell to the team

Cook's final message is addressed to the entire Apple team, a group he describes as "extraordinary." The letter captures the emotional weight of the moment and the deep connection Cook feels to the company and its people. Here is the full text of his message:

Team,

Today is my last day as CEO of Apple. This is a moment I always knew would come one day, and yet it is still hard to believe it has arrived and I am writing these words. I love this company and the team behind it, and I couldn’t let this day pass without sending a note to you, to tell you how grateful I am for the outpouring of affection you’ve sent my way, for the way you’ve shown up each and every day, and most of all, for the privilege of a lifetime serving as your leader.

The truth is, whatever there is to say about my success, I know it is all because of you. You have brought out the best in me. In all my life, I have never seen or been with such an extraordinary team of people before, and every day I get to see more examples of that.

There is something truly special about Apple. I am most proud of what an annual report could never capture. This place is proof that culture triumphs over everything. We share a belief that what we build matters, and that we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. That purpose is part of what makes this place extraordinary. Apple helps nurture it, but I believe it lived within each of you long before you arrived here. It is what brought you to this company and what continues to drive the work you do every day. Together, we have created something far greater than any one of us could have imagined or accomplished alone. And that’s the secret to our success. We bring out the best in each other. We lift each other up. We have made it possible to leave our “dent in the universe,” as Steve once described it, because of who we are and what we believe, because of what we value and how we see the world. How fortunate we are. How fortunate

Source: The Verge News

What happened

The Google TV Streamer was introduced in 2024 as a successor to the aging Chromecast line. It was positioned as a midrange streaming device with a built-in smart home hub, supporting Matter and Thread protocols. At its original $99 price point, it undercut the Apple TV 4K while offering more advanced smart home features than most Amazon Fire TV devices.

Now, customers looking to buy one from Google's own store or from Best Buy will need to pay 50 percent more than the launch price. The increase appears to be a direct response to rising component costs, which have been affecting a wide range of consumer electronics. The company has not issued a statement explaining the price adjustment, but the change has been visible on its online storefront over the past day.

Amazon, however, has not yet matched the increase. At the time of writing, the Google TV Streamer is still listed at $99 on Amazon. That discrepancy may create a brief window for buyers to snag the device at the old price, though inventory could run out quickly if demand spurs a wave of purchases. Whether Amazon will eventually align with the new pricing remains to be seen, but retailers often follow price hikes set by manufacturers.

A wider trend of price hikes in streaming hardware

The Google TV Streamer is far from the only device to get more expensive in recent months. The streaming hardware segment has been under pressure because of ongoing shortages in semiconductors and other components. Laptops, game consoles, and networking equipment have all seen price adjustments, and streaming boxes are now joining that trend.

Amazon raised the price of its Fire TV Stick 4K Max earlier this month by over 40 percent, bringing it to $84.99. That device is a streaming stick rather than a full set-top box, but it is one of the most popular options in Amazon's lineup. The sharp increase reflects the same cost pressures affecting Google.

Apple has also adjusted its pricing. In June, the company implemented sweeping price hikes across several product categories, including the Apple TV 4K. The 64GB version now retails for $199, while the 128GB version costs $249. That places Apple's premium streaming box well above the new Google TV Streamer price, leaving Google still positioned as a lower-cost alternative despite the increase.

Why components are so expensive right now

The root cause of these price hikes is a combination of factors that have been building for years. Semiconductor supply chains are still recovering from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, and demand for chips has skyrocketed as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and automotive electronics compete for the same manufacturing capacity.

Streaming devices may be relatively simple in comparison to smartphones or game consoles, but they still rely on advanced system-on-chip designs. The processors used in modern 4K streaming boxes need to handle high dynamic range video, audio pass-through, and increasingly sophisticated user interfaces. With limited foundry capacity, manufacturers have to prioritize the chips that yield the highest margins. That leaves streaming hardware vulnerable to supply constraints and price increases.

Dram and NAND flash memory have also seen price volatility. Streaming boxes come with storage for apps and cached content, and memory costs directly affect the bill of materials. When memory prices rise, even a modest amount of storage can add several dollars to the manufacturing cost. For a device with a $99 suggested retail price, those increases cut deeply into margins, making a price adjustment almost inevitable.

Logistics costs have also played a role. Shipping and freight expenses remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, and tariffs on goods imported from certain countries add another layer of uncertainty. Companies like Google and Amazon have to decide whether to absorb these costs or pass them along to consumers. Given the competitive nature of the streaming market, they have been reluctant to raise prices. But the pressure has clearly reached a tipping point.

The Google TV Streamer's positioning in the market

The Google TV Streamer is designed to be more than just a way to watch Netflix or YouTube. It doubles as a smart home hub, supporting the Matter standard, Thread, and built-in Google Assistant functionality. That means it can control compatible smart lights, locks, thermostats, and other devices without requiring a separate hub.

It was also the first Google streaming device to move away from the dongle form factor. The original Chromecast was a small HDMI stick that needed to be plugged into a display and often required a separate power cable. The Google TV Streamer, by contrast, is a small set-top box that sits on a table or media console. It offers more processing power, better cooling, and a larger remote control with a customizable shortcut button.

The new price of $149 puts it closer to the Apple TV 4K, though still around $50 less than Apple's entry-level model. It also competes with Amazon's Fire TV Cube, which typically costs around $139.99, and Nvidia's Shield TV, which remains popular among enthusiasts despite being several years old.

At the old price of $99, the Google TV Streamer was widely regarded as a sweet spot between budget sticks and premium boxes. The new price makes it a more difficult sell, especially for consumers who mainly want to stream video and don't care about smart home features. However, those who are already invested in the Google ecosystem may still find the additional functionality worthwhile.

What the price increase means for consumers

For anyone who has been considering the Google TV Streamer, the change is significant. A $50 difference is large relative to the device's original cost. It pushes the product into a higher category, where expectations are greater in terms of performance, longevity, and software support.

Buyers who want the device will likely be best served by checking Amazon before the old price disappears. If third-party sellers are still holding inventory at the original $99 price, it may be the last chance to buy the Streamer at its initial price point. But it is worth being cautious, as third-party listings can sometimes involve older stock or refurbished units. The safest route is to buy directly from Google or Best Buy if the convenience and warranty are more important than the $50 savings.

For existing owners, the price hike does not affect anything they already own. The Google TV Streamer is a hardware product, and software updates will continue to be delivered regardless of whether the price increases. The main impact is on future upgrades, should the device need to be replaced or if a second unit is required for another room.

There is also a broader concern. Streaming hardware has traditionally been a low-margin business, with companies often subsidizing the cost of devices in order to lock users into their ecosystems. The recent array of price increases suggests that this model is becoming less sustainable. Component costs are rising so quickly that manufacturers can no longer rely on ancillary revenue from content, advertising, and subscriptions to cover hardware losses.

That shift could have long-term implications for the streaming market. If devices become more expensive, consumers may hold onto their existing hardware for longer, delaying the adoption of newer features such as 8K video, more advanced upscaling, and improved voice assistants. It could also lead to a greater differentiation between budget and premium tiers, as companies scramble to offer products at varying price points.

A pattern across brands

The timing of Google's price hike is notable. It comes just a couple of weeks after the company introduced its new Pixel 11 lineup with a $100 price increase over the Pixel 10 series. While smartphones and streaming boxes are different markets, the proximity of the two announcements suggests a coordinated effort by Google to offset rising costs across its hardware division.

Google has been gradually moving upmarket with its hardware in recent years. The Pixel series now competes directly with Apple and Samsung at the high end, and the company has been building out a broader ecosystem of devices, including watches, tablets, and smart home products. The Google TV Streamer is an entry point into that ecosystem, and a higher price may be part of a strategy to increase revenue per user.

Still, Google is not alone. Amazon's recent price increase on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max was particularly aggressive, and Apple's June price hikes affected not just the Apple TV but also other home and audio products. The industry as a whole seems to be moving away from the era of cheap streaming hardware, in which discounts and sales events made devices nearly disposable.

Component shortages are not the only driver. Inflation, rising labor costs, and the need for more powerful processors to handle modern streaming experiences have all contributed. Streaming services are increasingly offering higher bitrates, HDR formats, and spatial audio, all of which require more capable hardware. Consumers who want the full experience will need to pay more for the privilege.

Analysts have noted that streaming boxes are becoming more like traditional consumer electronics, with periodic refresh cycles and planned obsolescence. That is a significant change from the earlier days of the Chromecast, when a simple dongle could serve for years without needing an upgrade.

There is also the question of whether the price hike will affect demand for the Google TV Streamer. Some consumers may pivot to cheaper alternatives, such as the Roku Streaming Stick or Amazon's Fire TV Stick Lite, which remain available at lower price points. Others may decide to use a game console or a smart TV as their primary streaming device, eliminating the need for an external box altogether.

Smart TVs, in particular, have become a serious threat to dedicated streaming hardware. Most televisions sold today include built-in apps for Netflix, YouTube, Disney Plus, and other major services. For many users, a smart TV is sufficient, and the only reason to buy a separate streaming device is to improve performance, get a better interface, or add features like voice control and smart home integration.

At $149, the Google TV Streamer needs to make a compelling case for why it deserves a spot in the living room. It has strong software, a clean interface, and tight integration with Google services. But the price increase makes that case a little harder to sell.

As the streaming hardware market continues to evolve, consumers will need to weigh the benefits of dedicated devices against the convenience of smart TVs and the ever-growing capabilities of gaming consoles. Price hikes like the one announced by Google are making that decision more complicated, and it will be interesting to see whether other manufacturers follow suit in the coming months.

The future of streaming hardware pricing

It is difficult to predict exactly where streaming hardware prices will go from here. The current wave of increases has been driven by external factors that are largely outside the control of tech companies. If component costs stabilize, prices could settle at their new levels and remain there for the next several product cycles. If costs continue to rise, consumers may see more hikes in the future.

Google's decision to raise the price of the Google TV Streamer will not be the last piece of news in this story. Retailers like Amazon are likely to adjust their prices soon, and competitors may respond with their own pricing strategies. The streaming device market has become a complex web of hardware, software, and services, and pricing decisions are never made in a vacuum.

For now, the main takeaway is straightforward. The Google TV Streamer costs $149 at Google and Best Buy, while Amazon may still be selling it for $99. The days of cheap streaming hardware are not entirely gone, but they are certainly becoming less common. Consumers who are in the market for a new streaming device should compare their options carefully and decide what features are truly worth paying for.

Whether the new price is justified will depend on how much value buyers place on the smart home hub, the Google TV interface, and the overall build quality of the device. Compared to more expensive options like the Apple TV 4K, the Google TV Streamer remains a reasonable choice for those who prefer Android-based ecosystems. But against budget alternatives, it is no longer the obvious value pick it once was.

As the market adjusts to a new pricing reality, the Google TV Streamer's value proposition will continue to be debated. The device itself has not changed, but the context in which it is sold certainly has. A $50 price increase matters, and it signals a broader shift in how tech companies view streaming hardware.

Source: The Verge News

Fischbach, who has built a career on YouTube with over 37 million subscribers, is best known for his energetic gaming videos, comedy sketches, and charitable fundraising efforts. Over the years, he has expanded his brand beyond digital content, venturing into live tours, podcasting, and even feature film production. His first feature film, Iron Lung, was released earlier this year, and it is that project that Fischbach has connected to his investment in GoPro. Speaking about his decision, he argued that GoPro “seems undervalued” and explained that he views the investment as part of a broader mission to make filmmaking more accessible to independent creators.

This is not the first time Fischbach has shown interest in the hardware space. He has previously collaborated with brands like Acer and NZXT, and his production company has invested in camera gear for his own content. However, taking an 8.5 percent stake in a publicly traded company is a far more serious commitment. GoPro has struggled in recent years to maintain its dominance in the action camera market, facing increasing competition from smartphones, drone manufacturers, and rivals like DJI. The company’s stock has experienced significant volatility, and many investors have questioned its long-term growth prospects. Fischbach’s purchase is therefore being interpreted not just as a casual endorsement, but as a strategic bet that he can help revitalize the brand.

Fischbach’s involvement with GoPro became more apparent last week when he posted a video praising the company’s new Mission 1 ILS camera. In that video, he compared the Mission 1 ILS to the far more expensive Red Komodo-X, a professional cinema camera widely used in indie film production. Fischbach claimed that he plans to use the Mission 1 ILS in his own future movies, and he encouraged his viewers to consider the camera for their own projects. Notably, the video included an affiliate code, which means Fischbach would earn a commission on any sales made through his link. However, the video did not disclose his ownership stake in GoPro, and the caption made no mention of his investment. This lack of disclosure has raised questions among some fans and industry observers about the transparency of creator-led endorsements, especially when the creator has a direct financial interest in the company beyond the standard affiliate arrangement.

The reaction from other prominent creators has been mixed. Fellow YouTuber Marques Brownlee, who is widely respected for his in-depth tech reviews, commented on the news in a post on Threads. He shared a still from Fischbach’s GoPro video and wrote, “This is not a line I see crossed very often, but to each their own.” Brownlee’s comment suggests that while he is not outright condemning the arrangement, he finds it noteworthy that a creator would take such a large ownership position in a company they are publicly promoting. The comment has fueled further debate about the ethics of influencer marketing, particularly when creators fail to disclose all financial relationships.

GoPro has not yet issued a public response to Fischbach’s investment. The company has been in a transitional phase, trying to reinvent itself as more than just an action camera maker. In recent years, GoPro has expanded into subscription services, software, and even drone technology, though with mixed results. The company has also faced supply chain issues and shifting consumer preferences. Having a high-profile shareholder like Markiplier could bring renewed attention to GoPro’s products, especially among younger demographics who have grown up watching his videos. Fischbach’s influence is particularly strong with Gen Z and millennial audiences, many of whom are exactly the kind of consumers GoPro hopes to attract for its next generation of cameras.

Fischbach’s investment is also part of a larger trend of content creators taking ownership stakes in the brands they promote. For years, influencers have been criticized for making money through sponsored posts and affiliate links without having any real stake in the success of the products they recommend. By buying into GoPro, Fischbach is aligning his personal brand with the company’s fortunes, which could be seen as a more authentic form of endorsement. However, it also creates a potential conflict of interest, since his recommendations may be seen as biased by his desire to protect his investment. The absence of disclosure in his recent video makes this conflict especially relevant. Regulatory bodies in some jurisdictions require creators to clearly disclose any material connection to a brand, including ownership stakes. While the Federal Trade Commission in the United States has updated its guidelines to require disclosure of such relationships, enforcement is often inconsistent.

The Mission 1 ILS camera at the center of this news is itself an interesting product. It is designed to bridge the gap between consumer action cameras and professional cinema equipment, which is a space that few companies have successfully occupied. The Red Komodo-X, which Fischbach used as a comparison, is a highly specialized camera that costs tens of thousands of dollars and is typically used by professional film crews. The Mission 1 ILS, by contrast, seems to offer many of the same capabilities at a much lower price point. If Fischbach truly plans to use this camera in his own films, it could be a significant endorsement for GoPro’s efforts to expand beyond the outdoor adventure market. It also suggests that GoPro is actively seeking to attract professional filmmakers, not just vloggers and athletes.

The news of Fischbach’s stake comes at a time when GoPro’s leadership has been exploring new ways to boost shareholder value. The company has experimented with reverse stock splits, subscription bundles, and hardware releases, but none of these moves have fully restored investor confidence. Some analysts believe that having a celebrity investor like Fischbach could help improve sentiment and bring new attention to the brand. Others are more skeptical, noting that celebrity investors often fail to have a lasting impact on company performance. The true test will be whether Fischbach’s influence translates into increased sales and product adoption, especially for the new Mission 1 ILS camera.

Fischbach’s personal story is also part of the context. He started his YouTube career in 2012, posting videos of himself playing horror games and comedy titles. Over time, he became one of the most recognizable faces on the platform, known for his loud reactions and charismatic personality. He has also been open about his struggles with mental health and has used his platform to raise millions of dollars for charity. His transition into filmmaking is a natural extension of his creative ambitions, and his investment in GoPro appears to be driven by a genuine interest in the tools of the trade. In his conversation with financial reporters, he emphasized that he is not just a passive investor but someone who wants to help shape the future of affordable filmmaking technology. That mission could align well with GoPro’s traditional ethos of enabling anyone to capture adventures and share them with the world.

This development also highlights the changing relationship between content creators and the companies they feature. In the early days of YouTube, creators had little negotiating power and were often paid small fees for promotional videos. Today, top creators like Markiplier have enough capital and influence to acquire substantial stakes in publicly traded companies. This shift is giving creators more control over their careers and more responsibility for the products they endorse. It also blurs the line between journalism, advertising, and investment, raising important questions about disclosure and consumer trust. As more creators follow this path, it will be interesting to see how regulators and platforms respond.

For now, Markiplier’s status as GoPro’s biggest shareholder marks a new chapter in both his career and the company’s history. The next few months will likely reveal whether his involvement leads to tangible changes in GoPro’s product strategy, marketing campaigns, or financial performance. Whether the move is ultimately seen as a genius publicity stunt or a risky financial bet, it has certainly captured the attention of the tech and entertainment worlds. It also serves as a reminder that the lines between media, celebrity, and corporate ownership are becoming increasingly blurry in the digital age. As Fischbach continues to promote the Mission 1 ILS and work on his upcoming film projects, all eyes will be on how this unconventional partnership unfolds.

Source: The Verge News

The move marks a significant shift for Apple as it prepares for a leadership transition. Schiller's departure from these responsibilities comes just one day before hardware chief John Ternus is set to take over as Apple CEO from Tim Cook, who is stepping down on September 1st. Bloomberg reports that the App Store division will now be moved under services head Eddy Cue, while Carson Oliver will continue to lead the store with the help of Ann Thai, who is in charge of app distribution tools and third-party marketplaces.

A long and storied career

Schiller's connection to Apple spans nearly four decades. He first joined the company in 1987, and after a brief period away, he returned in the late 1990s. In 1997, he became Apple's head of marketing, a role in which he became the public face of some of the company's most significant product announcements. His energetic presentations and deep familiarity with Apple's product lineup made him a fixture at keynotes, often sharing the stage with Steve Jobs and Tim Cook.

He helped launch the App Store alongside Jobs in 2008, but did not take direct charge of the store until 2015. Under his oversight, the App Store grew into a massive ecosystem that facilitated more than $1.4 trillion in transactions last year alone. The platform became central to Apple's services strategy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and creating a marketplace for millions of developers worldwide.

Beyond the App Store, Schiller played a role in the development of many of Apple's most iconic products, including the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Macs. He was often one of the executives who introduced these devices at Apple's launch events, helping to craft the narratives around them. His marketing leadership helped shape the way Apple communicated with consumers, building anticipation and excitement around product releases.

In recent years, Schiller had already begun to step back from some duties. In 2020, he relinquished his role as senior vice president of marketing to Greg Joswiak. At that time, he took on the Apple Fellow title, a move that suggested a gradual transition away from day-to-day management. But he continued to oversee the App Store and played a prominent role in events, making this latest change particularly notable.

Challenges during the App Store era

Schiller's tenure as head of the App Store was not without controversies. The store faced intense scrutiny from regulators, lawmakers, and developers over Apple's strict rules around app distribution and in-app purchases. Legal battles, including a high-profile dispute with Epic Games, forced Apple to defend its policies publicly. Government regulations in various jurisdictions, particularly in Europe and the United States, led to changes in how Apple operates the App Store, including the ability for developers to link to external payment systems in some regions.

The App Store's size and influence made it a major target for antitrust investigations. Schiller was often the executive who testified or oversaw responses to these challenges. His departure from the role comes at a time when Apple is still navigating this complex regulatory landscape. The move to place the App Store under Eddy Cue, who leads Apple's services division, suggests that Apple views the store primarily as a services business, one that will continue to generate significant revenue while adapting to external pressures.

A broader executive exodus

Schiller's departure is part of a wider wave of leadership changes at Apple. Over the past year and a half, the company has seen a number of high-level executives leave their roles. Former chief financial officer Luca Maestri stepped down in January 2025. Apple COO Jeff Williams, design chief Alan Dye, and AI head John Giannandrea have all departed as well. Lisa Jackson, Apple's environmental and policy lead, retired last year, while the company is set to replace general counsel Kate Adams with former Meta chief legal officer Jennifer Newstead.

This executive exodus presents a significant challenge for John Ternus as he prepares to take over as CEO. While Ternus is a respected hardware executive with deep knowledge of Apple's product pipeline, he faces the task of guiding a company that has lost many of its most experienced leaders in a short period. Schiller's continued presence as an Apple Fellow, even in a reduced capacity, could provide some continuity, but his exit from the App Store and events roles removes a seasoned voice from the core decision-making process.

The upcoming leadership change at CEO is itself historic. Tim Cook has led Apple since 2011, following the death of Steve Jobs. Under Cook's leadership, Apple reached unprecedented market valuations and expanded its product ecosystem with services, wearables, and new categories. Ternus, who has been credited with leading the development of recent Macs and iPads, inherits a company in transition, with a need to fill the gaps left by departing executives and to maintain momentum in a competitive technology landscape.

For Schiller, the future is less defined. Bloomberg's report says he will work on unspecified initiatives, leaving room for interpretation about what his role will be. It is possible that he will serve as a senior advisor on major strategic decisions, as Apple Fellows have historically done. It is also possible that his focus will shift to particular projects, whether in product development, technology policy, or even marketing. Apple has not publicly commented on the specifics, and a request for comment from The Verge was not immediately answered.

Schiller's legacy at Apple is undeniably significant. He was instrumental in the launch of the iPhone and iPad, two products that defined the modern smartphone and tablet eras. He helped build the App Store into the dominant mobile app distribution platform, and his marketing acumen played a role in Apple's rise to becoming one of the world's most valuable companies. Even as he steps back from his biggest operational roles, his influence is likely to be felt for years to come.

The changes in Apple executive ranks come amid a broader turbulence in the technology industry, with many companies shifting strategies around artificial intelligence, hardware innovation, and regulatory compliance. Apple's response to these forces will be shaped by its new leadership. The departure of veteran executives like Schiller marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for a company that has historically relied on a stable core of experienced leaders. How Ternus and the remaining team navigate this transition will be one of the most closely watched stories in tech.

In the meantime, the App Store continues to operate under new management, with Eddy Cue taking a greater role in its oversight. Ann Thai's work on app distribution tools and third-party marketplaces will become more important as Apple complies with new laws and responds to developer feedback. The store's evolution from a simple marketplace to a complex regulatory battleground reflects the changing nature of the technology industry. Schiller's departure from this role closes a chapter that saw the store mature into a global economic force while facing legal challenges that reshaped its rules.

For Apple faithful, Schiller's face will not disappear entirely. He has been a constant presence at product launches, often appearing on stage to explain features or to introduce new hardware. Whether he will continue to appear at events remains to be seen. But the announcement of his step back is a clear signal that Apple is moving forward with a new generation of leaders. As John Ternus prepares to assume the CEO role, he will do so with a team that is materially different from the one Tim Cook led.

The news of Schiller's changed role was first reported by Bloomberg and immediately became a major story in the tech press. It comes at a moment when Apple is preparing to announce new products and services, and when the company is under pressure to deliver innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Schiller's departure may not change Apple's product plans in the short term, but it removes a senior executive who had a knack for framing Apple's products in compelling ways.

Many will remember Schiller for his iconic keynote moments, such as his enthusiastic descriptions of the iPhone and his occasional sparring with Jobs on stage. His contributions to Apple's marketing and product strategy have left a permanent mark. As he transitions to his new role as Apple Fellow, the industry will be watching to see what unspecified projects capture his attention. For now, Apple is preparing for a new era, with Schiller's formal duties handed over and a new CEO about to take the reins.

Source: The Verge News

Real Madrid have made a flawless start to their domestic campaign, collecting six points from their opening two matches. Mbappé has already made a devastating impact, scoring a hat trick in a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in midweek, while Vinícius Júnior also found the back of the net. The seamless integration of two of world football's most explosive forwards has been a major talking point, particularly given the initial skepticism surrounding how they would operate alongside Jude Bellingham in the same starting XI.

Mourinho's Tactical Insight into the Mbappé-Vinícius Partnership

Mourinho, who managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, knows a thing or two about managing elite attacking talents. He guided the club to a LaLiga title in 2012, breaking the dominance of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, while overseeing the development of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Mesut Özil. His perspective on the current Madrid squad carries weight, and his praise for Mbappé and Vinícius was both effusive and measured.

"The key point is the quality, we're talking about super quality," Mourinho said when asked about the partnership. "Then the second point -- secondary but still important -- that's the empathy between two people. A lot of empathy, friendship, collaboration. When you combine that with brutal quality, we have everything to get better. But the dynamic isn't two plus nine. It's eleven [players]. They'll perform better all the time, and I couldn't be happier with what they're doing."

His comments underscore a broader tactical reality: while individual brilliance often decides tight matches, sustainable success in modern football relies on collective cohesion. Mourinho emphasized that the sum of the parts must function as a unit rather than a collection of solo artists. The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss has historically valued structured team play, even when blessed with extraordinary individual talent, and his remarks reflect that philosophy.

Real Madrid's Early-Season Form and the New Offensive Dynamic

Madrid's attacking unit has clicked impressively early in the season. Mbappé's hat trick against Real Sociedad in San Sebastián announced his arrival in LaLiga with authority, while Vinícius has continued to evolve as a multifaceted forward. The Brazilian has long been considered one of Europe's most dynamic wingers, capable of beating defenders with dazzling dribbling and delivering in crucial moments, such as his decisive goal in the 2022 Champions League final.

The arrival of Mbappé, however, raised tactical questions about how Carlo Ancelotti would deploy both players. Some pundits speculated that Vinícius might be shifted to a less familiar role, or that the team's defensive balance could be compromised. Yet early signs suggest that the two attackers are complementing each other effectively, with Mbappé operating centrally and Vinícius given license to drift infield from the left flank. Bellingham's late-arriving runs from midfield add another layer of unpredictability, making Madrid's attacking output exceptionally difficult to contain.

Their combination play against Real Sociedad was particularly encouraging. Vinícius assisted one of Mbappé's goals, and the understanding between them appears to be developing faster than many anticipated. As Mourinho noted, empathy and friendship off the pitch often translate into intuitive link-up play on it, and both players have spoken publicly about their mutual respect and desire to create a formidable partnership.

Mourinho's Ballon d'Or Verdict on Mbappé

Beyond the on-pitch connection, Mourinho also weighed in on the perennial Ballon d'Or debate. He implied that Mbappé deserves strong consideration for this year's Men's Ballon d'Or after his record-breaking performances at the World Cup in Qatar, where he finished as the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 12 goals, surpassing the previous mark held by Gerd Müller and evolving into a generational talent on the global stage. Mourinho argued that the award should recognize the best individual player rather than being automatically tied to team honors such as the Champions League or World Cup.

"There are 12 or so players [who could win it], and we have three or four of them," Mourinho said. "You shouldn't give a Ballon d'Or because you won a World Cup or Champions League. If you want to reward that, give it to [coaches] Luis Enrique or De la Fuente. Another thing is the best player in the world. That doesn't have to be a PSG player or a Spain player. There are two or three [contenders] and we know who they are and where they are. We know who individually made history this summer."

His comments reflect a long-running debate about the Ballon d'Or's criteria. Historically, the award has often favored players who win the Champions League or an international tournament. Lionel Messi's 2022 Ballon d'Or win, which came after Argentina's World Cup triumph, was widely seen as a nod to his international achievement. In contrast, Mbappé's hat trick in the 2018 World Cup final and his eight goals in the 2022 tournament, including another final treble, showcased his ability to deliver on the grandest stage individually even as France fell short in the shootout against Argentina.

Mourinho's suggestion that the Ballon d'Or should be a pure assessment of individual quality rather than a team-based accolade aligns with a growing school of thought among pundits and former professionals. By pointing out that a winner doesn't have to come from the Champions League winners or world champions, he subtly positioned Mbappé as a legitimate contender despite Real Madrid's early-season form and the fact that the 2024-25 campaign had just begun.

The Jude Bellingham Factor

The Real Madrid dressing room's immense talent is not limited to the two wingers. Jude Bellingham has been nothing short of spectacular since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund, and Mourinho was equally effusive in his praise for the English international. Bellingham has started the season in commanding form, scoring against Espanyol and providing two assists against Real Sociedad. His box-to-box ability, physical presence, and tactical intelligence have made him an indispensable asset for Ancelotti.

"He's a unique player, super important for the team," Mourinho said. "He's a player with different talents: physically, mentally, tactically, winning balls back, pressing, goalscoring, his play up front... He's so impressive to me. I like talking a lot about Kylian, Vini, Jude, and I understand the questions, but I'm happy with all the players. Here we only have great players, great, great players, and great, great, great players. And the team has to work as a team."

Bellingham's arrival in the summer of 2023 for a reported €103 million raised eyebrows, but he quickly silenced any doubters with a string of match-winning performances. He scored in his first LaLiga match and continued to find the net regularly, becoming the club's top scorer in the league during his debut season despite being a midfielder. His versatility allows Ancelotti to deploy him in a variety of roles, from a number 10 to a deeper-lying playmaker, and his work rate sets the standard for his teammates.

The combination of Mbappé, Vinícius, and Bellingham represents a tactical headache for any coach. Each player thrives in different zones of the pitch, yet they share an intuitive understanding of space and movement. Mourinho's remarks highlight the delicate balance required to manage such a constellation of stars, a challenge Ancelotti is well-equipped to handle given his experience with other galactico-style squads during his long managerial career.

Historical Context: Real Madrid's Galactico Legacy

Real Madrid have always been a club defined by its pursuit of the world's best players. From the days of Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás in the 1950s to the galactico era of Zinedine Zidane, Luís Figo, Ronaldo, and David Beckham in the early 2000s, the club has consistently assembled rosters brimming with individual brilliance. Mourinho himself was at the helm during a later phase of that project, managing Ronaldo, Benzema, and Özil before the full emergence of the current generation.

The current squad, with Mbappé, Vinícius, Bellingham, Rodrygo, and others, has drawn inevitable comparisons to those iconic teams. The question of whether such a collection of superstars can function as a cohesive unit is not new. Mourinho's insistence on the importance of "eleven players" over "two plus nine" reflects a lesson he learned throughout his career, from his time at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Manchester United. He famously built a team at Inter that won the treble in 2010 despite lacking a single Ballon d'Or candidate at the height of Messi and Ronaldo's dominance, relying instead on collective organization and tactical discipline.

For Real Madrid, however, the challenge is different: blending enormous attacking firepower while maintaining defensive solidity and a coherent structure. Ancelotti has shown a knack for managing personalities and systems, and his decision to allow Vinícius and Mbappé to interchange positions has already borne fruit. The early numbers are promising: Madrid have scored seven goals in two league matches, and their attacking efficiency is among the best in Europe.

Ballon d'Or Context and the 2024 Contenders

Mourinho's reference to "two or three" contenders for the Ballon d'Or is likely to be interpreted in several ways. Alongside Mbappé, names such as Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and even Vinícius himself have been mentioned in the conversation. Haaland's record-breaking goal tally for Manchester City last season, which included winning the treble, made him many people's pick for the 2023 award, though Messi ultimately inherited the honor after his World Cup triumph.

The 2024 edition of the Ballon d'Or is scheduled to be held in October, and the voting period typically considers performances over the previous season. Mbappé's domestic statistics with Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored 44 goals in all competitions before his departure to Madrid, remain impressive, but his failure to win the Champions League with the French club has been a persistent critique. His World Cup heroics, however, remain fresh in the memory of voters even if the tournament took place in late 2022.

Mourinho's comments suggest that he believes Mbappé's individual exploits should carry more weight than the collective trophies of others. By explicitly stating that the winner doesn't have to be a PSG player or a Spain player, he implicitly argued against selecting a player from the Champions League-winning squad or the Spain national team that won the 2024 European Championship. That perspective might have been aimed at Rodri, who led Spain to Euro glory and won the UEFA Nations League, or Dani Carvajal, who contributed to Real Madrid's Champions League triumph in 2024.

The Ballon d'Or has always been a contentious topic, and Mourinho's willingness to wade into the debate reflects his continued relevance as a pundit and observer of the game. His reputation as one of football's most articulate and outspoken personalities ensures that his views are widely covered, and his endorsement of Mbappé adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about who is truly the best player on Earth.

Looking Ahead to Real Madrid's Season

As Real Madrid prepare to face Málaga at the Bernabéu, the mood among the fanbase is buoyant. The team's attack looks fearsome, and the midfield engine powered by Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Federico Valverde provides a solid platform for the forwards to flourish. The defensive pairing of Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger, alongside the attacking full-back threat of Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy, offers balance in all phases of play.

However, the season is long, and challenges will emerge. The Champions League group stage draw has paired Madrid with some competitive opponents, and the grueling fixture schedule in LaLiga and beyond will test the squad's depth. Injuries are always a risk when players are asked to perform at their peak regularly, and Ancelotti will need to rotate wisely to keep his stars fresh.

Yet with Mbappé scoring at will, Vinícius rediscovering his devastating best, and Bellingham playing with such authority, Real Madrid look like the team to beat in Spain and Europe. Mourinho's words serve as a reminder that talent alone does not guarantee trophies, but when quality is supplemented by understanding and collective effort, the potential is unlimited. His insistence on the importance of empathy and collaboration could well be the defining factor in whether this star-studded group fulfills its destiny.

Source: MSN News

For the evening, Affleck kept his look understated yet polished, pairing a button-down shirt with black pants. Violet, who has increasingly stepped into the public eye over recent years, opted for a lilac cardigan, a red skirt, and sneakers. Fin, meanwhile, went for a relaxed, youthful ensemble of baggy overalls layered over a black-and-white striped shirt, finishing the outfit with a pair of Vans sneakers. The trio appeared comfortable and at ease as they made their way back to their vehicle after the meal.

A Blended Family Focus

Affleck shares Violet, Fin, and his youngest child, 14-year-old Samuel, with his ex-wife, actress Jennifer Garner. The former couple were married from 2005 to 2018, and despite their separation, they have consistently prioritized a cooperative and amicable co-parenting relationship. Over the years, Affleck and Garner have been frequently seen together at school events, family vacations, and holiday gatherings, always placing the well-being of their children first.

That commitment to family was on full display just days before the Santa Monica dinner. On August 15, Affleck, Garner, and all three of their children reunited in Los Angeles to celebrate the actor's birthday. The group was spotted stopping by Farmshop, a gourmet grocery store, before continuing their day together. It was a notably warm and cheerful occasion, reflecting the mutual respect and friendship that have defined Affleck and Garner's relationship in the years following their divorce.

The birthday celebration also carried a deeper emotional weight, as it was one of Affleck's first public outings since the death of his mother, Christopher Anne Affleck, who passed away in June at the age of 83. She had been battling pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis she received in December 2025, according to reports. Affleck has always been private about his personal life, but the loss of his mother has been a significant moment for the actor, who has often spoken about her influence on his life and career.

Remembering Chris Affleck

Christopher Anne Affleck, known as Chris to her family and friends, was born in New York City in December 1942. She was an accomplished woman who attended Harvard University and later earned a master's degree there. For much of her career, she worked as a public school teacher, teaching fifth and sixth grade. Her dedication to education and social justice defined her life both inside and outside the classroom.

Chris was also a passionate activist during her younger years. She was one of the first Freedom Riders to travel to the South in the 1960s, participating in the civil rights movement's efforts to challenge segregation in interstate bus terminals. Her commitment to equality extended to other causes as well; she marched against the Vietnam War and later campaigned for Barack Obama during his presidential runs. Her activism left a deep impression on her children, including Ben and his younger brother, actor Casey Affleck.

Ben and Casey were born to Chris and her then-husband Timothy Affleck, who were married for several years before divorcing when Ben was just 12. The brothers were raised in Boston, where they developed the close bond that has remained evident throughout their careers. Both have frequently cited their mother as a major influence on their values and their approach to their work.

In a rare interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2012, Ben opened up about his upbringing, painting a picture of a household characterized by both intellectual curiosity and working-class grit. He described his mother as a dedicated public school teacher who instilled in him the importance of education. “My mother taught public school, went to Harvard and then got her master's there and taught fifth and sixth grade in a public school,” he said. His father, on the other hand, had a more working-class lifestyle. “He didn't go to college. He was an auto mechanic and a bartender and a janitor at Harvard,” Ben noted. That combination of academic rigor and everyday resilience helped shape the actor's worldview and his drive to succeed.

Affleck's Career and Continuing Legacy

While Affleck's personal life has often made headlines, his professional career remains a significant part of his identity. From his early breakthrough in Good Will Hunting, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, to his acclaimed directorial work on films like Argo and Live by Night, Affleck has continually reinvented himself in the entertainment industry. He has also taken on iconic roles, most notably portraying Batman in the DC Extended Universe, a part that brought him worldwide recognition and a new generation of fans.

In recent years, Affleck has focused on projects that showcase his range as both an actor and a filmmaker. He has been open about his personal struggles, including his battles with alcohol and his high-profile relationships, but he has also demonstrated a remarkable resilience in returning to the spotlight. His ability to balance a demanding career with his responsibilities as a father has earned him admiration from many of his peers.

The August dinner with Violet and Fin underscores that balancing act. Violet, a college student, has become a frequent companion to her father at public events, while Fin has remained more out of the public eye. Still, the siblings share a strong bond with their father, and the trio appeared to enjoy each other's company during their evening out. Affleck’s parenting style has often been described as hands-on and attentive, and his actions continue to reflect that reputation.

Co-Parenting and Moving Forward

Affleck and Garner’s relationship has evolved from a romantic partnership into a deeply supportive friendship. Both have been spotted cheering for their children from the sidelines of sports games, attending school functions, and even vacationing together as a family. Their ability to maintain a united front has been praised by fans and observers alike, especially in an industry where co-parenting after divorce can often become contentious.

The family's recent gathering to celebrate Affleck's birthday was just another example of that unity. Garner, who has also been a steadfast presence in her ex-husband's life, joined the celebration without any public friction, demonstrating the maturity and mutual respect that have defined their post-divorce relationship. For the children, this stability has been invaluable, providing them with a sense of normalcy despite the extraordinary circumstances of growing up with famous parents.

As Affleck continues to navigate both his personal and professional life, these moments with his children serve as a grounding reminder of what matters most to him. The loss of his mother has undoubtedly been a moment of reflection, prompting him to lean even more heavily on his family, both old and new. With the support of his ex-wife, his children, and his brother Casey, Affleck appears to be in a steady and positive place as he looks toward the future.

The dinner at Fia was not merely a celebrity sighting but a snapshot of a father spending quality time with his kids. In an industry often characterized by fleeting relationships and fractured families, Affleck's ongoing commitment to his children stands out as a testament to his character. Whether he is on set, at a premiere, or enjoying a quiet meal with his kids in Santa Monica, family remains at the center of his world.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News

Mark Ruffalo: A Benign Brain Tumor and a Steady Recovery

Long before he became a household name as the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mark Ruffalo faced a health crisis that could have derailed his career. In 2001, the actor discovered a benign brain tumor behind his ear. The tumor, though non-cancerous, was still a serious medical condition that required immediate action. Ruffalo underwent surgery to remove the growth, but the procedure came with complications. He experienced short-term facial paralysis, a terrifying prospect for any actor who relies on subtle expressions to convey emotion. For several months, Ruffalo could not move the left side of his face, and he later admitted that the experience was one of the most difficult periods of his life.

Despite the physical and emotional toll, Ruffalo's recovery was steady. He gradually regained movement in his face and returned to acting with renewed determination. In the years that followed, he delivered acclaimed performances in films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Zodiac, and The Kids Are All Right, earning an Academy Award nomination for the latter. His battle with the tumor also shaped his outlook on health and mortality. Ruffalo has spoken publicly about how the experience taught him to prioritize his well-being and to appreciate the simple moments in life. Today, he is a vocal advocate for healthcare access and cancer research, using his platform to raise funds and awareness for organizations dedicated to finding cures.

Jane Fonda: From Breast Tumor to Lip Cancer

Jane Fonda has lived multiple lives—as an Oscar-winning actress, a fitness guru, a political activist, and later as a cancer survivor. In 2010, Fonda revealed that she had a non-invasive breast tumor removed. The condition, known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is a pre-cancerous growth that has not spread beyond the milk ducts. While it is highly treatable, its detection was a stark reminder for Fonda and her fans that no one is immune to the disease. She underwent a lumpectomy and made a full recovery, continuing her active lifestyle and advocacy work.

Eight years later, in 2018, Fonda shared that doctors had also removed a cancerous growth from her lip. The squamous cell carcinoma was treated successfully, but it served as yet another wake-up call, this time about the dangers of sun exposure. Fonda has been a longtime advocate for skin cancer awareness, and she has often spoken about the importance of regular check-ups and protective measures. Throughout her health trials, Fonda has maintained her trademark resilience. At an age when many people slow down, she has remained a tireless voice for climate change action, women's rights, and healthcare reform. Her ability to confront both personal and public challenges with grace has made her an enduring icon.

Ewan McGregor: A Mole That Made a Difference

Ewan McGregor, best known for his roles in Trainspotting and the Star Wars prequels, faced a cancer scare in 2008 that could have ended in tragedy. The Scottish actor had several moles removed during a routine dermatological examination, and one of them tested positive for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Fortunately, the cancerous mole was detected at an early stage and removed completely. McGregor did not require intensive follow-up treatment beyond regular monitoring, but the experience left a lasting impression on him.

Melanoma is particularly dangerous because it can spread rapidly to other parts of the body if left untreated. McGregor's case underscores the vital importance of regular skin checks, especially for individuals with fair skin or a family history of the disease. The actor has since spoken candidly about his scare, encouraging others to take sun safety seriously and to visit a dermatologist if they notice any changes in their skin. McGregor's career continued to flourish after the diagnosis, with acclaimed roles in Fargo, Moulin Rouge!, and the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi. His willingness to share his story has likely saved lives, as it has prompted many fans to schedule their own skin examinations.

Anderson Cooper: Skin Cancer and a Simple Surgery

Anderson Cooper, the Emmy-winning journalist and CNN anchor, has built a career on covering the world's most pressing stories. But in 2008, he became the subject of a health story himself when he was diagnosed with skin cancer. The news came after a suspicious growth was spotted on his face during a routine check. Cooper underwent a straightforward surgical procedure to remove the cancerous cells, and the treatment was successful. He resumed his professional duties shortly afterward, without making a major public fuss about the diagnosis. It was only later that he revealed the details, using his platform to remind viewers of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure.

Cooper's experience highlights a common misconception: that skin cancer only affects older adults or those who spend excessive time in the sun. In reality, anyone can develop it, and early detection is critical. Cooper has been open about his family's history with melanoma, noting that his brother died of the disease in 1988. That personal loss has made him especially vigilant about his own health. By sharing his story, Cooper has helped normalize conversations about skin cancer and encouraged people to take preventive measures, such as wearing sunscreen and scheduling annual skin checks. His calm, matter-of-fact approach to his diagnosis reflects the professionalism and composure he brings to his journalism.

Kylie Minogue: A High-Profile Battle with Breast Cancer

Kylie Minogue, the beloved Australian pop star, was just 36 years old when she received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2005. Her treatment involved chemotherapy, radiation, and a partial mastectomy, a grueling regimen that put her career on hold and made headlines around the world. Unlike some celebrities who keep their battles private, Minogue chose to share her journey with the public, documenting her treatment and recovery. Her openness about the physical and emotional toll of cancer earned her an outpouring of support from fans, as well as a new platform as a breast cancer advocate.

After completing therapy, Minogue eventually reached full remission, but the experience changed her profoundly. She has said that the diagnosis forced her to reevaluate her priorities and to slow down in ways she never had before. She also became more open about the realities of survivorship, including the lingering effects of treatment and the fear of recurrence. Minogue's advocacy has been particularly impactful for younger women, who may not realize they are at risk for breast cancer. Her story is a powerful reminder that cancer does not discriminate by age or fame, and that early detection can be life-saving. She continues to release music and tour, proving that life after cancer can be just as vibrant, if not more so, than before.

Sofia Vergara: Thyroid Cancer and a Long-Term Perspective

Sofia Vergara, the Colombian-American actress best known for her role as Gloria on Modern Family, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when she was just 28 years old. The diagnosis came as a routine checkup uncovered a lump in her neck. Thyroid cancer is often highly treatable, but it requires decisive action. Vergara had her thyroid removed, received radiation treatment, and was left with a lifetime need for hormone replacement medication to manage her body's thyroid function. She has also developed hypothyroidism, a condition that requires careful ongoing management.

Despite the challenges, Vergara has remained remarkably open about her health journey. She has spoken frankly about the scars on her neck, sometimes joking about them, but more often using them as a teaching moment about the importance of knowing your body and seeking medical advice when something seems off. Her experience has also made her an advocate for medical research and patient education. In interviews, she has emphasized that a cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence, and that with the right treatment and support, people can go on to live full and successful lives. Vergara's career has flourished in the years since her diagnosis, and she has become one of the highest-paid actresses in television history. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of proactive health care.

The Shared Thread: Early Detection and Resilience

While each of these celebrities faced a different form of cancer—ranging from benign brain tumors to melanoma and thyroid cancer—their stories share common threads. Perhaps the most important is the critical role of early detection. For Mark Ruffalo, a routine scan caught his tumor before it caused more severe damage. For Ewan McGregor and Anderson Cooper, a simple skin examination led to the removal of dangerous moles. For Kylie Minogue and Sofia Vergara, regular checkups and self-awareness allowed their cancers to be caught at treatable stages. These experiences serve as potent reminders that cancer is not always a hidden enemy; it can be outsmarted when it is discovered early.

Another shared theme is the decision to go public. Some, like Kylie Minogue and Sofia Vergara, chose to share their diagnoses in real time, turning their platforms into educational resources. Others, like Mark Ruffalo and Ewan McGregor, waited until they had fully recovered to tell their stories. Whether immediate or delayed, these disclosures have had a profound impact on public health awareness. Fans who hear about a celebrity's cancer battle are more likely to schedule screenings, perform self-exams, and take preventive measures seriously.

Finally, these stories highlight the importance of resilience. Every one of these celebrities faced a moment when their future was uncertain, and every one of them found a way to emerge stronger. Their careers did not end with their diagnoses; in many cases, they reached new heights. Mark Ruffalo went on to become a leading man in blockbuster films. Jane Fonda continued her activism into her eighties. Kylie Minogue returned to the stage with triumph. And Sofia Vergara became a global superstar. Their journeys are a powerful reminder that a cancer diagnosis is not the end of a story, but often the beginning of a new chapter defined by courage, advocacy, and gratitude.

Source: MSN News

2 Guns opened on August 2, 2013, and finished its theatrical run with a worldwide gross of approximately $131 million against a production budget of $61 million. That is a respectable return by any standard. Critics were moderately kind, with the film earning a 64% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences seemed to enjoy the chemistry between Washington and Wahlberg. But unlike other comic book adaptations of that era, 2 Guns did not spawn a franchise. A planned sequel, tentatively titled 3 Guns, never materialized. The film faded from the collective memory, leaving behind a small but devoted group of fans who appreciate its unique blend of buddy comedy and neo-noir crime.

A Plot Full of Double Crosses

The story of 2 Guns centers on two men who are not who they appear to be. Washington plays Robert "Bobby Beans" Trench, a DEA special agent who goes deep undercover to infiltrate the drug empire of Manny "Papi" Greco, played by Edward James Olmos. Wahlberg plays Michael "Stig" Stigman, a U.S. Navy intelligence officer with a similar mission. The two men meet in a small-town diner and immediately strike up a partnership, unaware that each is secretly investigating the other. They both believe they are recruiting the other as a criminal associate, but in truth, they are both federal agents working the same case from different angles.

This classic setup is an engine for dramatic irony. Bobby and Stig spend the first half of the movie lying to each other while also teaming up to pull off a heist. They plan to rob a bank that holds millions of dollars belonging to Papi Greco. Their intention is to avoid the red tape of a drug bust by simply stealing the cartel's money. The plan quickly goes sideways when they discover the bank vault contains $43.125 million, far more than the $3 million they anticipated. At that point, the movie transforms from a simple heist story into a labyrinthine web of betrayal.

The money, as many critics noted, becomes a character in the film. The exact figure of $43.125 million is repeated by nearly every character, often with a sense of awe or greed. Director Baltasar Kormákur and cinematographer Oliver Wood shoot the piles of cash from high angles, making them look almost sacred. The film's climax features a gigantic display of the money, arranged on a floor like a shrine. It is a visual motif that stays with viewers, even if the details of the plot slip away.

Bill Paxton's Unforgettable Villain

One of the most memorable elements of 2 Guns is the performance of Bill Paxton, who passed away in 2017. Paxton plays Earl, a man who appears in the first act as a mysterious figure with unclear motives. He could be a fellow criminal, a corrupt cop, or something else entirely. As the plot unfolds, we learn that Earl is a rogue CIA agent who has been manipulating both Bobby and Stig from the very beginning. Paxton brings a wide-eyed, manic energy to the role, creating a villain that is both menacing and wildly entertaining.

Paxton was known for playing charismatic and often morally ambiguous characters. From his breakout role as Chet in Weird Science to his heroic turns in Twister and Apollo 13, he always brought a distinctive and unpredictable presence to the screen. In 2 Guns, he devours every scene he is in, particularly a moment where he casually explains the exact amount of money with a Hemingwayesque cadence. Film critic Odie Henderson of RogerEbert.com praised this performance, writing that "Bill Paxton has the most fun with it" and that his "slow, staccato mentions sound like a Hemingway sentence read aloud." Paxton's Earl is the kind of villain who seems to enjoy the chaos he creates, and his scenes with Washington crackle with tension.

Washington's character, Bobby Beans, is tormented by Earl throughout the film. Earl not only manipulates events to put Bobby in danger, but he also seems to take personal pleasure in watching the agents squirm. One of the film's most intense sequences involves Bobby being tortured by Earl in a cramped, dark room. Washington, who is often cast as a stoic hero, gets to show his range by playing a man who is genuinely terrified and in pain. It is a reminder that Washington is not just a movie star, but one of the finest actors of his generation.

An Underrated Cast

The film also features an impressive supporting cast that elevates the material. James Marsden appears as Quince, the leader of Earl's hit squad. Marsden, who was still best known at the time for playing Cyclops in the X-Men films and the corn-fed romantic lead in The Notebook, proves he can play a cold-blooded killer. Paula Patton plays Deb, a DEA agent who is also Bobby's lover, adding an extra layer of complications to the story. Fred Ward, who died in 2022, appears as Admiral Tuwe, a naval intelligence officer who has his own agenda. Robert John Burke, a prolific character actor known for roles in RoboCop 3 and Rescue Me, plays Bobby's DEA supervisor, who may not be as clean as he appears.

Having so many familiar faces in the cast helps hide the fact that the plot is, to be generous, convoluted. There are so many double crosses and hidden loyalties that it can be difficult to keep track of who is working for whom. Some critics found this frustrating. Anthony Quinn of The Independent gave the film two stars out of five, writing "2 Guns, 2 Stars, 0 laughs." That line was clever but perhaps a bit too harsh. While 2 Guns is not a masterpiece, it is far from being a disaster. The film is best enjoyed as a loose, laid-back action comedy that does not take itself too seriously.

The Legacy of 2 Guns

Why did 2 Guns fade from memory? The most obvious reason is that it opened just one week after The Wolverine, a major X-Men spinoff that dominated the box office. It also faced competition from The Canyons, a Lindsay Lohan-backed scandal drama, and The Spectacular Now, which earned rave reviews for its teen romance. With all that competition, 2 Guns was lost in the shuffle. It is also a film that does not fit neatly into a genre. It is not a big-budget spectacle, nor is it an awards-season darling. It is a middlebrow entertainment that was designed to be watched on a Friday night and then forgotten by Sunday.

Director Baltasar Kormákur has built a career on exactly this kind of film. He first gained international attention with the Icelandic romantic comedy 101 Reykjavík in 2001. He later moved to Hollywood, where he directed Contraband in 2012, again starring Mark Wahlberg. Kormákur has worked steadily ever since, churning out thrillers and action films like Everest, Beast, and Apex. He seems to have a natural talent for making movies that are efficient, entertaining, and ultimately disposable. That is not necessarily a criticism. There is a craft to making a film that knows exactly what its audience wants and delivers it without pretension.

The original 2 Guns comic book, written by Steven Grant, first appeared in 2007 and was published by Boom! Studios. Grant, a veteran comic book writer known for his work on Punisher and Batman, created a story that was heavily influenced by 1970s crime cinema. The tone was deliberately gritty and dialogue-heavy. Kormákur and screenwriter Blake Masters adapted the comic into a screenplay that preserved the core relationship between Bobby and Stig while adding more action set pieces and a more optimistic ending. In some ways, the movie is a perfect example of how a comic book can be adapted into a film while making changes that appeal to a broader audience. It is just a shame that the film has not had the lasting cultural impact of other comic adaptations.

Perhaps 2 Guns is due for a reassessment. In recent years, there has been a nostalgic wave of appreciation for forgotten movies from the 2010s. Streaming services have made it easy for audiences to discover films that slipped through the cracks during their original theatrical runs. 2 Guns is the kind of movie that might find a new audience online. It offers a satisfying mix of action, humor, and chemistry between its two leads. Washington and Wahlberg are an odd couple in the best sense of the term. Washington is the straight shooter who follows the rules until he realizes the rules are rigged. Wahlberg is the loose cannon who improvises his way through the story. Together, they remind us of the great buddy movies of the past, such as 48 Hrs. or Lethal Weapon.

Watching 2 Guns today, one cannot help but feel a sense of loss when seeing Bill Paxton on screen. He passed away at the age of 61, leaving behind a body of work that is still beloved. His performance in this film is a reminder of his versatility and his ability to make even a sleazy character likable. Paxton may not have been a leading man in the traditional sense, but he was a scene stealer who made every movie he appeared in better. 2 Guns is not a perfect movie, but it is a highly entertaining one, and it is worth revisiting for Paxton's performance alone.

The film also serves as a time capsule of a bygone era in Hollywood. In 2013, studios were still willing to invest mid-sized budgets in original action comedies aimed at adults. Today, this kind of movie is rare, as studios gravitate toward known intellectual property and streaming content. The fact that 2 Guns was based on a comic book might have been seen as a marketing hook, but it did not guarantee success. The film's failure to become a franchise says less about its quality and more about the changing nature of the industry.

In the end, 2 Guns remains a forgotten gem. It boasts a charismatic cast, a clever premise, and a villainous performance that deserves more recognition. If you are in the mood for a crime comedy with a relaxed pace and plenty of twists, it is well worth your time. Just do not expect a deep or profound experience. This is popcorn entertainment, pure and simple.

Source: AOL.com News

The new narrative centers around orchestration. As AI compute clusters grow to gigawatt scale, managing the flow of data and coordinating the numerous components of a data center has become a monumental challenge. Nvidia has quietly built a portfolio of specialized hardware and software designed to address precisely these challenges. This broader systems-level approach may prove more durable than GPU performance alone, and it is reshaping the competitive landscape in ways that many analysts are only beginning to appreciate.

Rack by rack

To understand this shift, it is worth examining exactly what Nvidia is selling today. The company is currently rolling out its Vera Rubin architecture, a comprehensive platform that pairs the next-generation Rubin GPU with a host of supporting components. These include the Vera CPU, a custom inference accelerator called Groq 3 LPX, as well as rack-level systems for storage and networking. None of these components are simple commodity parts; they are deeply specialized units designed to run in concert with the GPU and with each other.

The Vera CPU, in particular, is focused on the problem of orchestrating data movement. In a modern AI data center, the GPU is the workhorse, but it is dependent on a constant stream of data flowing from memory and storage systems. If that flow is disrupted or simply not managed efficiently, the GPU sits idle, wasting valuable compute cycles. "Vera is important because there's only so much memory that you can put in a single server or any sort of compute platform," said Jason Hardy, Nvidia's VP of storage technology, in a recent interview.

Hardy explained that as data centers have scaled up computing power, memory capacity has also grown, which has enriched companies like Micron during the second wave of the infrastructure boom. However, getting data to the GPU at the right time is not straightforward. As companies seek to drive tokens-per-watt (a key efficiency metric) lower, they are realizing that intelligent traffic direction is just as critical as raw processing power.

Nvidia claims that the Vera CPU produces dramatic improvements in these operations. "We saw upwards of 3x improvement in these operations, where the Vera CPU is allowing for acceleration," said Hardy. "So now we can use our flash to its fullest potential, because we can get all that performance out of it without bottlenecking."

The problem of data orchestration is not unique to Nvidia. When OpenAI developed its own custom chip, dubbed Jalapeño, a major design goal was avoiding these challenges altogether by minimizing the amount of data that needs to be moved. The company explained this in a blog post earlier this month: "We designed Jalapeño to minimize data movement and communication delays. Its large domain allows the entire workload to remain within one connected system, minimizing data movement and helping the complete request stay fast and efficient from beginning to end."

OpenAI's strategy is thus fundamentally different from Nvidia's. Rather than building specialized components to manage data flow across a sprawling architecture, OpenAI has chosen to integrate the workload into a single, large die. This reduces the need for orchestration in the first place. The underlying logic, however, is the same: efficiency increasingly depends on smarter traffic control rather than just additional processor cycles.

A new competitive arena

This convergence on data orchestration opens up a whole new layer of infrastructure for companies to compete over. For Nvidia, it is both an opportunity and a challenge. The company will have to defend its position against rival chipmakers and hyperscalers much as it has with GPUs. However, the competition has shifted to a different hierarchy: building a rival GPU now matters less than being able to make the entire system operate efficiently.

In the early stages, Nvidia appears to have a commanding lead. The company's long experience with GPU computing has given it deep insight into how data flows through a modern AI cluster. Moreover, its CUDA software ecosystem, while not the focus of this article, remains a powerful lock-in for developers. But the emergence of alternative approaches, such as Jalapeño, indicates that the future of AI hardware is not a one-horse race.

The hyperscalers are also not standing still. Amazon's Trainium and Inferentia chips, Google's TPUs, and Microsoft's Maia accelerators are all designed with similar goals of efficiency and integration. These efforts have already taken a toll on Nvidia's market perception, contributing to the more modest stock trajectory over the past year. Yet Nvidia's earnings report reveals a company that is still growing, still highly profitable, and arguably better positioned than ever to benefit from the next wave of AI infrastructure investment.

The gigawatt era

The shift to gigawatt-scale compute is one of the defining trends of the AI industry. While a typical enterprise server farm might consume a few megawatts, the largest AI training clusters now demand power in the range of hundreds of megawatts to a gigawatt or more. At that scale, even small inefficiencies in data movement, cooling, or power delivery can translate into enormous operational costs.

Nvidia has been adamant that its systems approach is ideally suited to this era. By designing the entire stack, from the GPU to the CPU to the networking and storage, Nvidia can tightly integrate every component to minimize waste. The Vera Rubin architecture is designed to be deployed at scale, with specialized racks and software that coordinate across thousands of nodes.

This is a significant departure from the early days of the AI boom, when companies could simply buy off-the-shelf GPUs and plug them into standard servers. Today, the complexity of AI workloads demands a more holistic approach. The winners in this new phase will be the companies that can deliver not just a chip, but a system that works as a coherent whole.

For Nvidia, this means competing on several fronts simultaneously. It must continue to advance the performance of its GPUs, while also ensuring that its surrounding architecture remains best-in-class. The company's investment in networking, through its acquisition of Mellanox, and its development of NVLink and InfiniBand technologies, underline its commitment to making the entire data center function as an integrated computing platform.

Data orchestration and the CPU's renewed relevance

One of the more unexpected consequences of the AI boom has been the renewed relevance of the CPU. For decades, the CPU was the heart of the computer, but the rise of GPUs relegated it to a supporting role. In the world of AI at scale, the CPU is making a comeback, not as a competitor to the GPU, but as the maestro that orchestrates the flow of data.

Nvidia's Vera CPU is a purpose-built product for this role. It is designed to handle the specific demands of AI workloads, including the need to rapidly move data between storage, memory, and GPU, while also supporting the complex scheduling and management tasks required in a mega-scale cluster. The fact that Nvidia has chosen to invest heavily in this component signals that it believes orchestration is where the next competitive battles will be won.

Hardy's comments about the 3x improvement in operations highlight the tangible benefits of this approach. By offloading orchestration tasks from the main compute path, the Vera CPU allows the GPU to focus on what it does best: running AI models. The result is higher overall efficiency, which in turn reduces the cost per token for operators and improves the economics of AI inference.

The competitive response

Nvidia's rivals are watching closely, and they are not without their own advantages. Hyperscalers, by virtue of controlling massive data center fleets, have a unique perspective on where the bottlenecks lie. They can design custom silicon that is tailored not only to their specific workloads but also to their own hardware and software stacks. This vertical integration is a powerful counter to Nvidia's horizontal platform approach.

OpenAI's Jalapeño chip is an example of a design that aims to transcend the need for orchestration altogether. By creating a large domain chip that can handle an entire workload without leaving the connectivity domain, OpenAI seeks to eliminate the delays that come from moving data off-chip. Whether this approach will scale to the largest training runs remains an open question, but it shows that the concept of data orchestration is being tackled from multiple directions.

For many industry observers, the real race is now between these competing philosophies. On one hand, Nvidia is building an increasingly complex ecosystem of specialized hardware and software. On the other hand, some of its biggest customers and potential rivals are looking to simplify the problem by integrating more functions into fewer, larger components. Both approaches have their merits, and the market will likely see a combination of the two for years to come.

What it means for the market

The stock market has already begun to adjust to this new reality. After the parabolic rise in shares through mid-2025, Nvidia's stock has been range-bound, as investors weigh the rise of custom silicon and the shifting competitive dynamics. The latest earnings report, however, helped to reassure the market that Nvidia's core business remains robust, and that the company is pivoting successfully to a new phase of growth.

One of the key takeaways from the earnings call was the emphasis on the full system, rather than just the GPU unit sales. Executives repeatedly highlighted the value of the complete rack-level solution, which commands a higher price point and better margins. This strategy also deepens customer lock-in, as the integration between components makes it harder for buyers to mix and match with third-party products.

There are risks, however. The increasing complexity of Nvidia's integrated platforms could also engender resistance from customers who prefer a more open ecosystem. The success of the hyperscaler custom chips suggests that many of the largest AI operators are eager to gain more control over their infrastructure. Nvidia's response is to make its systems so compelling that even the largest customers are reluctant to opt out.

Looking forward

As AI workloads continue to grow, the importance of orchestration will only increase. The era of simply adding more GPUs to a data center is giving way to a more sophisticated engineering challenge: how to keep those GPUs fed with data and coordinated with the rest of the system. Companies that master this challenge will be in a strong position to capture value from the next phase of the AI infrastructure buildout.

Nvidia's pivot to a systems approach is a calculated bet that this trend will play out in its favor. With its dominant GPU franchise, its comprehensive software stack, and now a suite of specialized hardware designed to optimize data movement, the company is aiming to remain the linchpin of AI infrastructure even as the competitive field becomes more crowded.

The road ahead is not without obstacles. The competition from hyperscalers and custom chip designers is real and intensifying. However, the company's early lead in the orchestration layer is a defense that was not fully appreciated just a few months ago. The market is beginning to recognize that Nvidia's advantage extends beyond the GPU - into the very fabric of the AI data center itself. Whether that advantage is sustainable will depend on how effectively the company can keep innovating in systems engineering as the era of gigawatt computing unfolds.

Source: TechCrunch News

The startup is led by Noah Shinn, a 23-year-old founder who has captured attention with a product that promises to manage users’ daily lives through a conversational AI agent. Instinct, offered under the company name Spear Street Technology, lets users connect their apps and devices and communicate with the assistant via text messages and phone calls.

What is Instinct?

Instinct is designed to act as a personal life organizer. Instead of a traditional dashboard or chatbot window, the product integrates directly with a user’s existing digital ecosystem. It can read and send messages, browse calendars, make purchases, and execute workflows that would normally require multiple apps and manual steps. The company says early users have used Instinct to plan cross-country road trips, buy weekly groceries and concert tickets, cancel unwanted subscriptions, and even coordinate wedding arrangements.

“I’m thrilled with everything our early users are doing with Instinct,” Shinn said in a post on Wednesday. “They’ve told us they’ve planned cross-country road trips, bought weekly groceries and concert tickets, and cancelled hundreds of dollars of subscriptions. Someone’s even planning their wedding with Instinct.”

The product is currently in private beta, with a deliberately lo-fi website that stands in contrast to the polished marketing often seen from AI startups. That understated approach has not dampened demand. The waitlist has grown quickly as early adopters share their experiences on social media, giving the startup a viral boost that many older companies struggle to achieve.

Funding details and investor interest

The new round was co-led by Index Ventures and Benchmark, two of the most prominent venture capital firms in the technology industry. Benchmark has backed companies such as Uber and Twitter, while Index Ventures has invested in Slack, Discord, and Robinhood. Their involvement signals confidence that Instinct will be able to compete with larger AI providers, including OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, which are all racing to build more capable agents.

The valuation of $2.5 billion is especially remarkable given the company’s short history. Founded only last year, Instinct has gone from a concept to a nine-figure valuation in a matter of months. That trajectory places it among a select group of startups that have managed to attract outsized investor enthusiasm during the current generative AI cycle. The fact that the company is led by a 23-year-old founder adds to the narrative, making Instinct an example of how young entrepreneurs can quickly scale ambitious ideas.

While the $250 million Series B represents the bulk of the company’s fundraising, it is not the first time Instinct has raised money. The earlier financing brought total capital to $100 million before the new round, and the Series B pushed cumulative funding past $350 million. The jump in valuation from its earlier rounds reflects the rapid growth in user adoption and the intense competition among investors to back leading AI agent startups.

User traction and ambitions

Instinct’s viral momentum is rooted in its ability to take meaningful actions on behalf of users. Many AI assistants today are limited to answering questions or generating text. Instinct goes further by connecting to external services and executing tasks, which requires an infrastructure that can securely handle permissions, authenticate with third-party platforms, and make decisions in real time.

The company's early user stories are designed to show that Instinct can save people time and money. For example, automatically finding and cancelling subscription services can reduce monthly expenses without the user having to call customer service or navigate cancellation flows. Planning a cross-country road trip could involve booking hotels, mapping routes, and sending itinerary updates to people involved. These use cases are far more complex than simple Q&A, and they demonstrate the direction that AI assistants are heading.

Shinn has been public about his vision for the product. He has said that Instinct should feel less like a chatbot and more like a personal chief of staff. The goal is for the AI to handle routine but tedious tasks so that users can focus on more meaningful work. That vision requires a high degree of reliability, because mistakes can have real-world consequences, such as missed appointments or unauthorized purchases.

Being in private beta allows Instinct to test these capabilities with a controlled group of early adopters. The company can gather feedback, fix issues, and refine the experience before a wider release. However, it also creates a sense of exclusivity that has made the product even more appealing to power users who want access to cutting-edge tools.

Privacy concerns and controversy

Despite its positive reception among some users, Instinct has also generated controversy over privacy and permissions. Because the assistant needs access to a wide range of apps and services in order to perform tasks, it can request permissions that go far beyond what a typical app requires. Security researchers and online commentators have expressed concern about the amount of personal data the AI could access, including emails, messages, financial accounts, and location data.

Some users have also scrutinized the terms of service, which they describe as invasive. The concerns have focused on clauses that could allow the company to use user data in ways that are not immediately apparent. While many apps collect data for analytics or product improvement, the level of access demanded by an AI agent is fundamentally different because the AI can act on that data. A compromised assistant could potentially make purchases, send messages, or share sensitive information.

Privacy advocates say that startups like Instinct must be especially careful to build trust. They advise companies to adopt transparent data-handling practices, provide clear user controls, and limit data retention. Instinct has not yet publicly detailed all of its security and privacy measures, which leaves some questions unanswered. The company will need to address these concerns as it moves from a private beta to a larger launch.

In the past, other AI startups have faced backlash when their products collected data in unexpected ways. The controversy around Instinct fits into a broader pattern of public wariness about AI agents that have access to personal accounts. Users may be excited about convenience, but they also want assurance that their data is protected and that the AI will not take harmful actions without permission.

The broader AI agent race

Instinct is entering a market that has become one of the most competitive areas in technology. Companies such as OpenAI have introduced tools that connect ChatGPT to third-party applications, while Google has embedded agentic features into its Gemini assistant. Anthropic is also working on agent-based systems that can complete multi-step tasks. The major cloud providers and enterprise software companies are investing heavily in similar capabilities.

What distinguishes Instinct is its consumer-first focus. While many companies are targeting enterprise use cases, Instinct is positioning itself as a personal assistant for everyday people. This could be a lucrative niche, especially if the product can demonstrate real value in saving time and money. However, consumer adoption also brings higher expectations for privacy, reliability, and user experience.

The startup’s lo-fi website and beta status suggest that it is still iterating on the product. It remains to be seen how Instinct will handle the pressure of scaling to millions of users, if that is indeed the goal. The company will need to invest in infrastructure, security, and customer support to avoid the pitfalls that have affected other fast-growing AI startups.

Investors are betting that Instinct can become a category-defining company in the AI agent space. The $2.5 billion valuation implies a strong belief in the team and the product’s ability to achieve product-market fit. At the same time, the valuation sets a high bar. Instinct will need to continue growing rapidly and prove that it can generate sustained usage, and eventually revenue, to justify that number.

The funding announcement also illustrates how much momentum AI startups can generate in 2026. With the public’s appetite for AI-powered tools showing no signs of slowing, investors are eager to back companies that offer a clear vision for the next stage of human-computer interaction. Instinct, despite its youth, has managed to capture that imagination.

As the private beta continues, the company will likely face increasing scrutiny from both users and regulators. The EU’s AI Act and similar regulations are forcing companies to be more careful about how they build and deploy AI systems. Startups that can demonstrate responsible practices may have an advantage in gaining long-term trust.

For now, Instinct is riding a wave of enthusiasm that few other startups have matched. Its young founder, experienced investors, and viral growth make it one of the most closely watched companies in the AI space. The coming months will determine whether it can translate hype into lasting utility while addressing the legitimate privacy concerns that have already emerged.

Source: TechCrunch News

For Andrew Ambrosino, the lead engineer for OpenAI's desktop app, the answer is simple: enough to test the future. He has granted the app access to his inbox, his Slack account, his phone, and tools like Notion and Figma. He acknowledges the risks. If he asks the model to write a document, it might unknowingly pull from a private message or share something it should not. But he is willing to take that chance. "I'll do it for the job," he says. "I will take the personal hit here and there if I have to. And I haven't had to."

What Is ChatGPT Work?

ChatGPT Work, released last month, is OpenAI's biggest bet on the future of knowledge work. It is available on the company's lowest subscription tier at $20 a month. The product is built to let accountants, investors, doctors, and others connect AI agents to the digital workflows they use every day. Instead of just answering questions, the model can complete multistep projects on its own.

OpenAI's marketing describes the goal as a world where artificial intelligence goes beyond answering questions to helping everyone turn their biggest ideas into reality. The product is a modified version of Codex, OpenAI's coding tool. Software engineers already use agents to write, test, and deploy code; ChatGPT Work aims to bring that same capability to people who do not write code.

"In this new factor, ChatGPT can actually do entire, very complicated tasks for you all autonomously in a way that is delightful and safe," said Thibault Sottiaux, who leads OpenAI's core product work, including Work. "It's the very mission of OpenAI — to bring everyone along."

Adoption Numbers Tell a Mixed Story

The gap between internal enthusiasm and external adoption is striking. An OpenAI-backed study found that in June, 98% of OpenAI employees were using Codex. But only 17% of organizational subscribers and less than 1% of individual subscribers had used the agentic coding tool. That difference represents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Commercially, agents that work longer are more lucrative because they consume more tokens. Reaching new professions is crucial, not just for OpenAI but for the entire AI industry. Coding has been profitable territory for AI labs, but it is a tiny slice of the professional work that AI tools need to enable if companies are to justify massive investments in training and computing.

Vertical-specific competitors like Harvey for law and Clay for sales have been chasing those customers with a model-agnostic approach. They can plug in whichever AI model works best at any given time. Industry analysts warn that if AI labs cannot rapidly control the key complementary assets needed to scale AI in the market, value will accrue elsewhere.

Making AI Intuitive for Non-Engineers

Most people do not use command-line interfaces. There is a reason Windows replaced DOS. To reach a mass audience, AI products need to be more intuitive. Ambrosino describes an agentic product as "something that plays with the messy world of your life and your tools and websites that were built in 1995 and never updated."

OpenAI's non-engineering workforce, including communications and finance teams, initially struggled with Codex. They were asked about code and shown empty diffs, a technical readout meant for software changes. The team spent months making the tool more general purpose.

Ambrosino compares the design approach to skeuomorphism, the practice of making digital tools look like physical objects they replaced, like a calculator app designed to look like a pocket calculator. "That stuff wasn't just cringe design. That actually helped get people into this and make the transition," he says.

ChatGPT Work has a few more buttons for selecting projects and plug-ins, but it aims for the same magic box interface as other OpenAI products. Ambrosino says discoverability matters at this early stage. "We push back on [the idea that buttons are unnecessary] — because it's very early," he explains. "At some point we won't have the button."

What Can ChatGPT Work Do?

OpenAI employees are using the tool for routine, data-intensive tasks. They set up weekly metrics reports and turn spreadsheets into planning tools. Venture capitalists use it to assemble communications and analysis about companies into investment memos. Operations teams spin up bespoke dashboards and data visualizations. Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, uses it to plan vacations.

Akshay Nathan, who leads the product engineering team at OpenAI, says workers face a deluge of information. "We're actually quite limited by our ability to parse everything that's available to us, and then take action on it," he says. The value of ChatGPT Work is that it gives users true access to the information stored in systems like Salesforce and other records tools.

In practice, the system can be impressive. One reporter asked ChatGPT Work to get a preschool calendar out of an inbox and put it into Google Calendar. It did, saving a lot of repetitive data entry. The same reporter used it to do financial analysis on publicly traded companies, create a queryable database of space launches, and send a weekly email about new AI research.

Limitations and Frustrations

Setting up permissions is not always easy. Giving the model read-only access to a cloud drive can be confusing and circular. Many important settings are only available on the web app, forcing users to work in both web and mobile at the same time. Some limitations seem arbitrary: when linked to Google Calendar, the model can create events but not new calendars.

The effort setting also matters. If the effort level is not set to high, the model can feel like the worst intern you have ever worked with. Joe Gershenson, the engineering lead for OpenAI's harness, admits that effort settings are not intuitive for new users. "There are things that we can do better to help them get the right level of reasoning," he says. "Watch this space."

Evaluation Is Harder Outside Coding

One of the biggest challenges is that white-collar work is not as measurable as code. Software either works or it does not. A good presentation, business strategy, or sales pitch is much harder to evaluate or trace. OpenAI uses a benchmark called GDPval, drawn from 44 occupations and hundreds of knowledge work tests, but it also relies heavily on user feedback.

Ambrosino says OpenAI employees themselves are an important source of insight. "We have to always parse out ... are we doing the workflow that everybody else will be doing, or are we weird?" As early adopters use the app, their behavior creates valuable traces for training and improvement, assuming they do not opt out of data collection.

The Rivalry With Claude Cowork

OpenAI's engineers are reluctant to talk about competitors. But the influence of Anthropic's Claude Code is hard to ignore. Claude Code defined the market for AI coding and launched a revolution in how software engineers work. It is a sensitive topic at OpenAI because the company had the idea first but did not execute it perfectly.

When OpenAI first developed Codex as a web app, the engineers were, in Ambrosino's words, "a bit more AGI-pilled." They bet on the model being smart enough to handle tasks entirely on its own with minimal user input. Anthropic's Claude Code took a different approach. It was oriented around a back-and-forth conversation with the user, offering options and checking in frequently. That approach proved more effective, even though it demanded more work from users.

OpenAI eventually followed suit by adding more opportunities for users to interact with the model. Download statistics suggest Claude Code was more in demand until April of this year, but Codex has since taken a slight lead. Surveys of enterprise use also suggest OpenAI is catching up. Some of that gain comes from product-market fit, while some comes from complaints about safety restrictions and compute shortages on Anthropic's side.

What Makes a Good Harness?

Every large language model requires a "harness" — the software wrapped around the model that decides what information it sees, which tools it can use, and how it presents answers. A good harness gives the model just enough context and no more. Gershenson says his team focuses on the simplest ways to expose the model to the tools it needs. He points to the "bitter lesson" of AI research: a better general model is more important than specific domain experience.

"You could get good results in the short term by adding a whole bunch of extras — if and thens and tools — but like, come on, the next model is going to come out in a couple of months and make that obsolete," Gershenson says.

Not everyone agrees that a model-specific harness is the best approach. Open-source harnesses like Pi have outperformed Codex on coding benchmarks while using the same model. Pi's creator, Mario Zechner, says his minimalist harness succeeds because it can modify itself and build its own interfaces. He believes AI labs are trying to own the entire stack to avoid competing with cheaper Chinese models.

Zechner also notes that coding agents benefit from abundant training data. "Everything is coding agent shaped ... the reason is that they only have training data for coding agent tasks," he says. Tasks in management or other vague fields are harder to capture in simple traces of user-agent interaction.

The Cost Question

Token costs remain a major issue. A reporter using a $20-a-month subscription consumed more than 80 million tokens in four days, which the model estimated cost $65. That is a subsidy of more than three times the subscription price for just a few days of casual use.

Sottiaux says OpenAI is working to push the frontier on efficiency, pointing to an 80% price cut for users of the Luna model. "If you wake up six months from now, you should be able to do all of the same [tasks] with less spend."

There are also concerns about lock-in. Once users configure all their plug-ins and permissions, they may be reluctant to switch products. Data retention and the sheer pain of reconfiguring access could keep customers tied to one ecosystem.

Inside OpenAI's headquarters, the atmosphere is calm but slightly tense. Engineers constantly monitor laptops and rush between meetings. Nathan says the focus remains on "the promise of the magic box, but I still think there's too much complexity." He is optimistic that the company can solve it "with the model and in a truly AI-native way."

Source: TechCrunch News

Selected from a record number of applications, the Startup Battlefield 200 is the result of an intensive review process by experienced investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. The program has long been recognized as a premier launchpad for the world's most innovative startups, and this year's group continues that tradition. From thousands of submissions, the 200 companies on this list stood out for their groundbreaking ideas, strong execution, and potential to disrupt their respective industries.

Attendees at Disrupt 2026 will have the opportunity to see these startups in action. The event will feature live demos of never-before-seen technology, pitch sessions in front of top global VCs, and the chance to cheer on founders as they compete for $100,000 in equity-free funding and the iconic Disrupt Cup. It is the ultimate stage for early-stage startups to gain visibility, connect with investors, and launch their products to a global audience.

Presenting the 2026 Startup Battlefield 200

This year's cohort is organized into 20 distinct categories, reflecting the breadth and depth of innovation occurring in the startup ecosystem. From agricultural technology to space and defense, these companies are addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges and opportunities. The following list represents the full roster of startups selected for the 2026 Startup Battlefield 200.

Agtech and food

From sustainable farming and precision agriculture to alternative protein and waste reduction, these companies are transforming the way food is grown, distributed, and consumed:

Canopii
Delight Food Inc.
GreenBox
Krokos Bio
Muju Earth Technologies Limited
Nurtured Nuts Company
Tree Track Intelligence Inc.

Automotive and transportation

Mobility startups are rethinking everything from connected vehicles to urban logistics. This group is driving the future of transportation with autonomous systems, smart infrastructure, and new ownership models:

Cautio
Laplace Intelligence
Motion Sync Technologies Inc.
MyMonthlyCar Inc.
Neumo
Urbanchain

Biotech and pharmaceuticals

Advances in biology, chemistry, and medicine are accelerating, and these startups are at the forefront of drug discovery, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation:

Alithea Biotechnology
Apertum Neuroscience
BioTrillion
BRAIV
ChemT Biotechnology
Efferon
Infiuss Health
Intero Biosystems
Lume Health Technologies
MyoGene Bio
Nanotrace
OncoRevive
ORAIN Biotechnologies
OrganNexus
Sit Sense, Inc.
StuffThatWorks
Sunny

Consumer

Consumer-focused startups are creating products and experiences that resonate with modern lifestyles. From beauty and wellness to entertainment and social connection, these companies are building brands for the next generation:

Biuty.ai (BelleTech, Inc.)
Chaos Audio LLC
Commissary Club
Hiyd AI
Hot Girl Hotline
OHLA LLC
Prolo Inc.
Richualist
Swippitt
Tingit
Tressfecta
Yopi SAS

Cybersecurity

As digital threats become more sophisticated, these cybersecurity startups are developing advanced defenses, threat detection systems, and privacy tools to protect individuals and enterprises:

Apate.ai
Cerberus
Cude Labs
DetectifAI, Inc.
Hardshell
HODOR
Indora Labs
Magier AI
PsyberCog Labs, Inc..
Rein Security
Spektrum Labs
Straiker
Trotta
Tzun

E-commerce and retail

Retail is being reshaped by digital-first strategies, personalized shopping experiences, and operational efficiency. The startups in this category are powering the future of commerce:

Crease Beast
SimplicityDX
Veritas
Wear It AI, Inc.

Edtech

Education technology continues to expand access to learning and improve outcomes. These companies are building tools for students, teachers, and lifelong learners:

BuddyPro
ConfiTalk Ltd (YNova.ai)
Efiwe AI Nigeria Limited
Health Allied Licensure
MuseCool
ROYO
ScrollEd
Video Pro Learning
WeGlobal

Energy and clean tech

Solving climate change requires bold innovation. These startups are developing clean energy solutions, carbon capture technologies, and sustainable resource management systems:

Adden Energy
ChargeMate
Climasel Ltd.
CubeNexus
Danu Water
GinnoLab
Helix Carbon
Licube, Inc.
LNK Energies
Noble Carbon
Petra Power

Enterprise tech

Enterprises are adopting AI and automation to unlock productivity and efficiency. These startups provide software, data platforms, and intelligent tools for modern businesses:

AIEEV Inc
Ardook Data
Ariso
Arusto
Bounty
Buzz & Beyond
Collar AI
Cotriply
Dosu
EasyMate AI
Expert Scale Inc
GUDEA
GuideAI
Intelligible
Kilo
Latch AI
Lumai
Marketrix
Mesh
Mirror Particle
Optise
Paraverse Technology Limited
PitchIN
Spiky.ai
Trinitite
YOUnifiedAI, Inc.

Entertainment and media

Content creation, distribution, and media consumption are evolving rapidly. These startups are building the platforms and tools that will define entertainment for years to come:

Edit on the Spot
Maka Kids
Press Club
Soundcheck Live

Fintech

Financial technology is making money management more accessible, transparent, and efficient. These startups are disrupting banking, payments, investing, and more:

Allin AI
Aparta
CedarDB
DoDocs Inc
Finaive
FirstGlance
Prismm
Tabby
TaxFigure
Zeeh Global

Government, legal, and regulatory

Navigating legal and regulatory landscapes is complex. These startups use AI and automation to streamline compliance, legal research, and public-sector operations:

Bakua AI
Legali AI
Lexsy
Pollsee
wellplayd GmbH

Health and wellness

Health and wellness startups are tackling everything from mental health to chronic disease management. This category is packed with innovations aimed at improving quality of life:

Care Mojo
Circuit Breaker Labs
Forela
Greenairy Pte Ltd
Imagine Devices Inc.
Lifescapes
LumenUs
MindMuscle
Mutanex
Nervotec
Ocean Friends Inc
OmicXHealth
Predictheon Medical
Provision Surguical
Sama Fertility
TimeTeller GmbH
Uhura Bionics
Valene Health
Virtuosis
Voythos
WoafMeow

Human resources and recruiting

The future of work is being shaped by AI-driven hiring, employee engagement, and talent development platforms. These startups are transforming HR and recruitment:

AskMAE ai LLC
NTangible Inc.
Reel Analytics
SLI.pro
Your360 AI

Logistics and supply chain

Global supply chains are being reinvented with real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and automation. These startups ensure goods move faster, cheaper, and more sustainably:

Atreus
Destro AI
Dexa
NuPort Inc
Ridelink Inc
SSINDEX | Stakeholders Sustainability Index

Manufacturing and industrial

Manufacturing is entering a new era of smart factories and advanced materials. These startups are bringing robotics, AI, and novel production techniques to industrial settings:

Airs ML
ArgosVision
Bioroom Mycelium Materials
CIT Co., Ltd.
Danu Robotics Ltd
IndustrialNext
MUI Robotics Co. Ltd.
Nexterity, Inc.
Niobia AI
Ortex
Planck Lab Inc.
STRUCMEDICA

Marketing and advertising

Brands are finding new ways to connect with consumers through data-driven campaigns, creative content, and AI personalization. The startups in this category are redefining marketing:

Connexa
Floqer
Honeyjar
Intuition Intelligence
LOOQ
onSpark
Prodisphere
Snoika OÜ
StatGenius

Real estate and proptech

Real estate technology is streamlining property management, investment, and development. These startups are making the built environment more efficient and accessible:

Blueprints AI
Propra Technologies Inc.
Titl
Vitrobot
Watad
Ziffy.ai

Smart cities and infrastructure

Urban planners and governments are turning to startups for solutions to traffic, environmental monitoring, and public safety. These companies are helping build the cities of tomorrow:

ConeLabs
Flox Intelligence
Interlinked
Mosqitter Inc
Snowbotix

Space and defense

The final frontier is becoming increasingly commercial. These startups are developing satellite technology, defense systems, and space exploration tools:

ItsWare Inc
Lola Vision Systems
Longshot Space
Modal Motors, Inc.
Public Access LLC
Rocket Fast Drones
SatEnlight
Satlyt
Spacetime Industries
Symphony Space Inc
xOrbita Inc.

Why Startup Battlefield Matters

Every year, the Startup Battlefield program has a track record of spotting success early. Previous participants in the program have gone on to build category-defining companies, including Dropbox, Cloudflare, and Discord. The collective alumni network has raised more than $32 billion and generated over 250 exits, a testament to the program's ability to identify startups that have real staying power. Being named to the Startup Battlefield 200 is more than just an honor; it is an entry point into a global community of founders, investors, and industry leaders.

The top 20 finalists from the 2026 list will be revealed live on Day 1 of Disrupt, October 13. This stage has historically been a springboard for startups to gain significant momentum, secure funding, and announce major partnerships. For the chosen 200, the journey is only beginning. They will spend the coming months preparing their pitches, honing their demos, and getting ready to present their visions to the world.

What Happens Next for Applicants

Founders whose companies made the list will receive an email with time-sensitive next steps. If your startup applied but did not make the cut, you will also receive an official update soon. Due to the high volume of submissions, the organizers are unable to respond to individual inquiries, so all communications will be sent via the email used in the application. For those not on the list, attending Disrupt 2026 is still a valuable opportunity to see the future of technology unfold and to network with the people building it.

Disrupt 2026 will take place October 13–15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. With prices set to rise in September, attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early to guarantee access to the Startup Battlefield, keynote sessions, networking events, and the exhibition floor. It is the can't-miss event for anyone passionate about technology and innovation.

This year's Startup Battlefield 200 represents the diverse and dynamic spirit of entrepreneurship. Whether your interest lies in health, climate, AI, or space, this list offers a glimpse at the companies that will shape the next decade. Keep an eye on these startups, and be sure to follow along as the top 20 finalists are announced live at Disrupt. The future is being built now, and it will be on full display this October.

Source: TechCrunch News

Whether you’re dealing with cold weather, flat tires, dusty keyboards, tangled cables, or a pile of old DVDs, there’s a USB-C gadget here that can help. Each item in this list was chosen with real-world usefulness in mind, not just novelty. From $9 basics to a few more serious tools, these are the kind of devices you’ll reach for again and again.

Key facts at a glance

• Unihand rechargeable hand warmers: $20, up to 20 hours of heat, three temperature settings.
• Firrax 74-in-1 mini electric screwdriver: $36, 64 S2 steel bits, USB-C charging, 500 screws per charge.
• Anker Nano Power Bank: $27, 5,000mAh capacity, foldable USB-C connector, two-device charging.
• Endoscope camera with light: $60 or less, IP67 rating, 16.4-foot semi-rigid cable, hooks and mirror included.
• Blukar flashlight: $9, 1,800mAh battery, up to 16 hours of light, four modes.
• Heat It insect bite healer: $30, app-controlled heat to reduce itching.
• Cycplus tiny air pump: $36, inflates tires in two minutes, also a flashlight and power bank.
• USB-C mini fan: $16, powered by any USB-C source, portable and pocket-friendly.
• Gritin reading light with book clamp: $9, 1,200mAh battery, up to 80 hours, five light modes.
• Amicool external DVD drive: around $20–$29, reads and burns CDs and DVDs, plug-and-play.
• Ugreen Type-C microSD card reader: under $10, ultra-compact, keychain-friendly.
• Anker USB-C to HDMI adapter: $17, supports 4K at 60Hz.
• Wolfbox MF100 electric air duster: usually $90, rechargeable, works as a blower and inflator.
• Hoto laser measuring tool: around $30–$45, OLED display, Bluetooth, two measuring modes.

Unihand rechargeable hand warmers

Cold weather is no match for these rechargeable hand warmers. They cost around $20, and a full charge gives you as much as 20 hours of warmth, depending on the heat level you select. The built-in temperature sensor chip lets you choose from three temperature settings, so you can dial in exactly how much heat you want. They come in multiple colors and fit comfortably into a coat pocket or a pair of gloves.

Firrax 74-in-1 mini electric screwdriver

The Firrax 74-in-1 mini electric screwdriver is a great companion for anyone who tinkers with computers, laptops, toys, or household items. Its pen-shaped body makes it easy to control, and three LED lights illuminate your work area. The set includes 64 S2 steel bits, which covers a wide range of screw heads. It charges over USB-C and can drive more than 500 screws on a single charge. With a stylish desk base, it’s easy to keep on hand. The typical price is $36, and it often goes on sale.

Anker Nano Power Bank

Anker’s Nano Power Bank is small enough to slip into any pocket or bag, but it still delivers 5,000mAh of charging capacity. That’s enough to fully recharge a modern smartphone in an emergency. The built-in foldable USB-C connector lets you plug it directly into a phone, and the side USB-C port means you can charge a second device at the same time. It costs $27 and is a genuinely useful backup for commutes, travel, or long days out.

Endoscope camera with light

The USB-C endoscope camera is the kind of tool you don’t need every day, but you’ll be glad you have it when you do. Plug it into your phone, open the companion app, and you can see into tight spaces. It’s perfect for retrieving dropped items behind furniture, inspecting car parts, checking pipes for leaks, or looking inside walls. The 16.4-foot semi-rigid cable gives you plenty of reach. It also has an IP67 rating, so it can be submerged in an aquarium or other shallow water. The kit usually costs $60 or less and includes a hook, magnet, and mirror.

Blukar flashlight

A small flashlight is something everyone should have, and Blukar’s model makes it easy. It has a built-in 1,800mAh battery that charges over USB-C, so you can use any cable already in your tech drawer. A full charge lasts up to 16 hours, depending on the brightness mode. The four lighting modes include a high beam, low beam, strobe, and an SOS signal. At $9, it’s cheap enough to grab a couple and keep them in different bags, cars, or rooms.

Heat It insect bite healer

If you spend summer evenings outdoors, the Heat It insect bite healer is a clever solution for mosquito bites. The tiny device connects to your smartphone over USB-C and is controlled through a companion app. You hold it against a bite, and the targeted heat helps break down the proteins that trigger swelling, itching, and pain. It costs only $30 and can make a real difference after an evening outside.

Cycplus tiny air pump

Cycplus makes a compact air pump that fits easily into a cycling bag or backpack. With the touch of a button, it can inflate a bicycle tire in about two minutes. It also works for mountain bikes, road bikes, motorcycles, and even car tires in specific scenarios. The USB-C charging port means you can top it up with the same charger you use for your phone. As a bonus, it functions as a flashlight and a small power bank, which makes it especially useful on long rides. It’s $36 and a recommended backup for any cyclist.

USB-C mini fan

The USB-C mini fan is a simple summer essential. It’s small enough to slip into a pocket, and it plugs into any USB-C source, including a power bank, laptop, or wall charger. The $16 standalone model gives you better airflow than the tiny phone-mounted fans, and it’s still very portable. It’s perfect for crowded subway trains, outdoor events, or any place where the air gets still and stuffy.

Reading light with a book clamp

For book lovers, the Gritin reading lamp clips directly onto a book and provides adjustable lighting without disturbing anyone else. It has three color temperatures and five different light modes, so you can go from warm amber to bright white. The built-in 1,200mAh battery lasts up to 80 hours, depending on which mode you use. Recharging is via USB-C, and the flexible neck lets you aim the light exactly where you need it. It costs $9 and includes a small charging indicator.

External DVD drive

Even as physical media fades, an external DVD drive can still be necessary. If your laptop doesn’t have an optical drive, Amicool’s drive connects over USB-C or USB-A and works as a plug-and-play peripheral. It reads and burns both CDs and DVDs, so you can install software, copy files, back up older discs, or watch a movie. It usually costs $29 but is often found closer to $20. That’s a fair price for the convenience of having an optical drive when you need one.

Type-C microSD card reader

Many modern laptops no longer include a full-size SD or microSD card slot. Ugreen’s USB-C microSD reader solves that in a very compact package. It’s small enough to attach to a keychain, making it easy to grab whenever you need to transfer photos from a camera or footage from a dashcam. If you need more flexibility, Ugreen also sells a version with both USB-C and USB-A connectors and support for full-size SD cards. Either option costs less than $10, making it an easy purchase.

USB-C to HDMI adapter

If you have a modern laptop with USB-C but an older monitor that only has HDMI, Anker’s USB-C to HDMI adapter is a reliable solution. It lets you plug a regular HDMI cable from your monitor into your laptop’s USB-C port. The adapter supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz, which is great for presentations, external displays, or connecting a tablet to a TV. It costs $17 and is small enough to keep in a laptop bag.

Electric air duster

The Wolfbox MF100 electric air duster is small but surprisingly powerful. It can blow dust out of a keyboard, PC tower, car vents, or a dryer lint trap. It also works as an inflator for mattresses and inflatable toys when you’re camping or by the pool. Because it charges over USB-C, you never need to buy compressed air cans again. It’s normally $90, but sales happen often, so it’s worth waiting for a discount.

Measuring tools

Hoto’s pocket-sized laser measuring tool is perfect for anyone who takes on DIY projects. Despite its compact size, it has two measuring modes and a hidden OLED display that shows measurements and battery life. Bluetooth lets you pair it with your phone to log measurements for bigger projects. It’s powered by USB-C and usually costs $45, though it frequently drops to around $30 on sale. It’s a practical tool that saves space in a toolbox and simplifies any measuring task.

Source: PCWorld News

Gates’s essay begins with familiar alarms about AI’s unprecedented disruption. He writes that the technology could be as transformative as the PC or the internet, but unlike those earlier shifts, AI could replace not just manual labor but also cognitive work. Jobs in customer service, content production, legal research, and software development are already being automated. The pace, he says, is faster than any previous technological revolution.

Key facts at a glance

• Bill Gates published a 6,000-word essay on AI risks and policy responses.
• He proposes a category of “Human Reserved” jobs to protect work for people.
• He also calls for a tax on AI tokens and robots to reverse the current incentive to replace human workers.
• Gates argues the existing tax system rewards automation because employers can write off AI costs but must pay payroll taxes for humans.
• An AI token tax could fund retraining programs for displaced workers.

For all the grand warnings, Gates’s most provocative ideas come in the second half of the essay. The first is a notion he calls “Human Reserved” jobs. These would be categories of work reserved exclusively for biological humans, including roles such as caretakers, teachers, and social workers. The intention is to preserve meaningful employment and human connection in an increasingly automated world. Gates calls this a way to ensure that people still have a place in the economy, even if machines can do most productive work.

But the proposal raises immediate questions. Who would decide which jobs qualify as Human Reserved? How would those rules be enforced? What happens when employers try to automate around the designation? The very phrase “Human Reserved” is also a little unsettling. It suggests a future where humans are permitted to hold certain jobs only by explicit legal protection, rather than because they are the best person for the job. Critics might see it as a dystopian label, even if the intent is compassionate.

Gates is aware of these problems. He acknowledges that the idea needs more detail and that it may sound strange. Still, he clearly believes that relying on the free market alone will lead to painful outcomes, because the market does not naturally value human dignity. Without some intervention, companies will simply choose the cheapest option, and AI is already becoming the cheapest option for a growing number of tasks.

That brings Gates to his more concrete suggestion: an AI token tax. The idea is simple to describe but difficult to implement. Every time a business uses an AI model and processes tokens — the small chunks of text that language models read and generate — it would pay a tax. The same logic could apply to robots and other automation tools. The goal is to make employers think twice before swapping a human for a machine.

Gates points out that the current tax code is backwards. Employers must pay payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, and benefits for human workers. In contrast, spending on AI software and robots is often treated as a business expense, which can be written off and reduce taxable income. That gives companies a financial incentive to automate, even when a human worker might do a better job. A tax on AI tokens would flip that incentive. It would make automation more expensive and create new revenue for governments.

That revenue could be used to fund job retraining programs, wage subsidies, or even universal basic income experiments. As automation spreads, tens of millions of workers could be displaced across industries. The tax could soften the blow by supporting people through transitions to new careers or by providing a basic level of security while they search for work.

Big business would almost certainly hate an AI token tax. Technology companies that sell AI tools would see a new tax as a threat to their growth. Their customers would pay more, which would slow adoption. But there is also a large group of workers who are anxious about AI taking their jobs. Polls in recent years show that many employees worry about automation, not because they dislike technology, but because they doubt their employers will protect their livelihoods. For those workers, a tax on AI could be genuinely popular.

There is precedent for this line of thinking. Gates himself floated a robot tax back in 2017, in an interview with the website Quartz. His comments generated a fierce debate. Some economists said a robot tax would slow innovation and discourage productivity gains. Others said it was necessary to avoid a dystopian future where wealth flows only to the owners of capital. A few politicians and policy groups have proposed similar measures, but no major government has enacted one. The idea remains theoretical.

The AI token tax, however, is a new twist. Tokens are not the same as physical robots. They are the basic units of computation in large language models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Every query a user sends to an AI chatbot is broken down into tokens, and the model generates a response one token at a time. If each token carried a small tax, a company running thousands or millions of AI interactions would quickly rack up a significant bill.

But implementation would be messy. Not all tokens are priced equally. A cheap model might charge a fraction of a cent per token, while a premium model could cost many times more. Would the tax be a flat amount per token, or would it vary by model? How would tax authorities keep pace with new model releases and pricing changes? Would certain uses be exempt, such as academic research or small businesses? And wouldn’t businesses find loopholes by moving their AI workloads to countries with lighter tax rules? These are not trivial questions.

There is also a deeper puzzle: how to measure the value being created by AI. A token used to generate a legal contract is not the same as a token used to generate a casual email. A flat tax would treat all tokens equally, which is unfair. A value-based tax would be incredibly complex. And any tax on inputs, rather than profits, can distort behavior in unexpected ways. Companies might use less efficient models simply to avoid the tax, or they might bundle AI costs into other services to hide them.

Gates does not pretend to have all the answers. He says the proposals are meant to start a conversation, not to be the final word. His broader point is that governments cannot remain passive while AI reshapes the economy. It would be irresponsible to assume that the market will produce fair outcomes on its own. The laissez-faire approach may work for new apps and gadgets, but it is dangerous when applied to something as powerful as artificial intelligence.

The historical record offers some reassurance. Past waves of automation, from the steam engine to the computer, ultimately created more jobs than they destroyed. But they also caused painful transitions. Workers who lost livelihoods during the Industrial Revolution did not simply walk into new careers overnight. Governments responded with public education, labor laws, and social safety nets. Gates argues that AI demands a similar response, and it needs to happen sooner rather than later.

The difference this time is that AI is not only automating physical labor but also reasoning, writing, drawing, and even coding. White-collar workers who once felt protected by their education now face disruption. The pace of change is far faster than earlier technological shifts. A new AI model can be adopted by millions of users within weeks, not decades. Policymakers do not have the luxury of waiting to see how the dust settles.

Gates’s “Human Reserved” idea may be dismissed as unrealistic, but it does raise a legitimate concern. Human beings want more than money. They want purpose, social status, and a sense of contributing to their communities. If AI eliminates the need for human labor, society will have to find new ways to provide those things. A protected class of jobs, however awkwardly defined, is one possible answer. The token tax is another. Both are attempts to deal with a future that many people are not prepared to face.

In the end, the most important takeaway from Gates’s essay may not be the specifics of any single proposal. It is the recognition that AI is about to make the old rules obsolete. The tax code, the education system, and the social safety net were all designed for a world where human labor was the dominant source of value. As AI becomes cheaper and more capable, those structures will need to change. Gates is using his influence to push for that change before the crisis arrives. Whether policymakers listen is a different question. The next few years will determine whether these ideas become the foundation of a new economic model or just a footnote in the history of AI.

Source: PCWorld News

Brother P-Touch PT-N20 Label Maker

A label maker might not sound like the most exciting gift, but it's surprisingly useful. The Brother P-Touch PT-N20 is compact and features a full keyboard for typing custom labels. You can choose from three fonts, 15 frames, and more than 250 symbols, including smiling faces, hearts, and stars. At just $30, it's an affordable way to organize cables, folders, storage boxes, and more. Once you start labeling everything, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Whether you want to tidy up your desk drawers or keep track of office supplies, this label maker is a thoughtful and practical present for anyone who loves order.

Anker 9-in-1 Charging Station

Traditional power strips often trickle-charge your devices, leaving you waiting longer than necessary. The Anker 9-in-1 charging station solves that problem by delivering up to 100W of fast charging power. With three AC outlets, four USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports, you can plug in your laptop, phone, tablet, and other peripherals simultaneously. It also includes surge protection to keep your gear safe. This is a fantastic upgrade for anyone who has multiple devices on their desk each day. The compact design helps reduce cable clutter, and the fast charging speeds mean your phone can go from zero to full in under an hour. It's a smart investment for productivity and convenience.

USB Mini Cooler (6 Cans)

During hot summer months, having a cold drink within reach is a luxury. The Beichen USB mini cooler is designed specifically for desktops and can chill up to six cans at once. It runs on USB or AC power, so it's easy to place anywhere. Operating at under 25 decibels, it's quiet enough not to distract you during focus sessions. At $44, it's a fun and functional gift for anyone who likes to keep beverages nearby. This little cooler is perfect for energy drinks, soda cans, or even small water bottles. It's an enjoyable way to beat the heat without leaving your work area.

Jack Pomodoro Timer

The Pomodoro Technique is a popular productivity method that involves working in short, focused intervals with breaks. While there are countless apps for this, using a physical timer can help you avoid picking up your phone. The Jack Pomodoro Timer is a compact cube that lets you set intervals of 3, 5, 10, 25, 30, or 50 minutes. It offers customizable sound effects, vibration mode, and a magnetic base for easy mounting. The built-in rechargeable battery lasts a long time and charges via USB-C. This gadget is perfect for students, remote workers, or anyone who struggles with distractions. It's a simple yet effective tool to boost concentration and time management.

Amicool USB CD/DVD Drive

Most modern PCs and laptops no longer include optical drives, but there are still plenty of CDs and DVDs lying around. The Amicool USB CD/DVD drive is an external, plug-and-play solution that reads discs effortlessly. Whether you have old photo CDs, favorite movies, or software installations, this drive makes them accessible again. It's especially handy for people who remember burning mix CDs or backing up files to disc. At under $50, it's an affordable and nostalgia-inducing gift for any tech enthusiast. The drive is lightweight and portable, making it easy to connect to any device with a USB port. It's one of those gadgets people don't think about until they need it, but once they have it, they're grateful.

LED Monitor Light Bar

Lighting can significantly affect eye strain and productivity. A dedicated LED monitor light bar attaches to the top of your display and provides even, glare-free illumination. The Quntis model features auto-dimming and adjustable brightness and color temperature, allowing you to switch from cool white during the day to warm amber at night. This reduces blue light exposure, making late-night work sessions easier on your eyes. It's a great upgrade for anyone who works after sunset or in dimly lit rooms. The light bar is easy to install and doesn't take up any desk space. Whether you're reading documents, editing photos, or gaming, it enhances the viewing experience.

Ikago Mug Warmer Set

For coffee and tea lovers, cold beverages are a common frustration. The Ikago Mug Warmer Set includes a ceramic mug and a warming plate with adjustable temperature settings. You can keep your drink at the perfect temperature all afternoon, with no microwave needed. The plate features auto-shutoff after 15 minutes without a mug or two hours of inactivity, ensuring safety. This set is a practical gift for remote workers, students, and anyone who enjoys sipping hot drinks while working. Unlike smart mugs that track temperature and sync via Bluetooth, this is a simpler, more affordable option. It's a thoughtful choice for the winter months, but it works all year round.

Wireless Charging Mouse Pad

If you have a compatible smartphone, a wireless charging mouse pad can be a game-changer. The Tarkari model has a charging coil in the top-left corner, delivering up to 15W of power. It also functions as a magnetic stand, so you can see notifications at a glance without touching your phone. This helps you stay focused while keeping your device charged and accessible. The mouse pad itself is smooth and responsive, suitable for both optical and laser mice. It's an excellent gift for anyone who hates dealing with tangled charging cables. By combining two desk essentials into one, this product saves space and simplifies your setup.

Odistar Desktop Vacuum Cleaner

Many people snack at their desks, leading to crumbs and debris that are tough to clean. The Odistar desktop vacuum cleaner is a small, hand-held device perfect for quickly sucking up crumbs, eraser shavings, and dust. It runs on two AA batteries and lasts about 6.5 hours on a fresh pair. The compact size makes it easy to store in a drawer or pencil cup. It's a practical gift for anyone who eats at their desk or works in a shared space. While the batteries aren't included, you can pair it with a set of rechargeable AAs for a complete package. This little cleaner is a simple solution to a common problem.

Rocketbook Reusable Smart Notebook

For those who still love the feel of pen and paper but want digital convenience, the Rocketbook is perfect. This reusable notebook has 70 pages divided into five sections. You write with the included pen, whose ink erases cleanly with a damp cloth. After finishing a page, you take a photo with the Rocketbook app, which automatically digitizes and sends it to your chosen cloud service. This combines the best of both worlds: the tactile experience of handwriting with the searchability of digital notes. It's ideal for students, journalists, and remote workers who take lots of notes. Plus, it's eco-friendly because you can reuse it again and again. At around $30, this is a thoughtful, sustainable gift that any tech-savvy person would appreciate.

Source: PCWorld News

One technology editor recently decided to test this idea with a compact mini PC and a more powerful server. The original plan was simple: take a small desktop computer with a neural processing unit (NPU), install local AI software, and see if it could replace the cloud services that many people rely on. The plan quickly grew into a two-machine setup that includes an AI agent, a local model server, and a surprisingly easy way to control everything from a smartphone.

Key facts at a glance

• A mini PC with a Core 9 processor and an NPU acts as the host for a local AI agent called Hermes.
• Heavy AI workloads are handled by a separate server using a Framework Desktop with Ryzen AI Max hardware.
• The server runs Ubuntu and LM Studio, using the Quinn language model.
• Users interact with the system through the Telegram messaging app from a phone, which makes it accessible from anywhere.
• The setup is being used to gather and read news for technology podcast production.

The hardware setup

The project starts with a mini PC from MSI's Cubi NUC line. The Cubi NUC is a small desktop designed to save space, but this particular version includes a Core 9 processor and an NPU capable of running smaller localized AI models. Mini PCs like this are often used for basic productivity, media playback, or lightweight server tasks. The addition of an NPU makes them much more interesting for on-device artificial intelligence because NPUs are designed to accelerate machine-learning operations while consuming relatively little power.

As the project took shape, it became clear that the mini PC alone would not be enough for the kind of AI work the editor had in mind. A separate, far more powerful machine had to be brought into the picture. That server is based on the Framework Desktop, a modular desktop computer that can be configured with Ryzen AI Max hardware. This AMD platform is almost purpose-built for local AI workloads, with high-performance CPU cores, a strong integrated GPU, and a dedicated AI engine that can handle larger models.

The mini PC runs the Hermes agent, which is the control layer. Hermes communicates with the larger server, which runs Ubuntu and LM Studio. LM Studio is a popular application for downloading and running open-source language models locally. Inside that environment, the server uses the Quinn model, a relatively streamlined large language model that balances response quality with the hardware constraints of a desktop system. Together, the two machines create a distributed AI setup where the agent handles interaction and the server handles the heavy computational lifting.

Why local AI matters

There are plenty of reasons someone might want to avoid cloud AI services. Privacy is near the top of the list. Sending prompts to a remote server means sharing whatever is in those prompts, whether that is personal information, business documents, or draft writing. With a local model, everything stays on the user's own network. No data is uploaded to a third party, and no company can log the conversation for training or advertising purposes.

Cost is another factor. While some free AI services exist, the most useful models are often behind subscription paywalls. Token-based pricing can also get expensive quickly for heavy users. A local setup requires a hardware investment up front, but once the equipment is in place, there are no monthly fees or usage caps. The model runs as many times as the user wants without metering.

Control and autonomy are also important. Cloud providers can change their terms of service, deprecate features, or shut down entirely. Local AI models are not held hostage by company policy. Users can choose the exact model they want, update it when they choose, or replace it with another architecture. For journalists, researchers, and other people who handle sensitive information, this level of control can be essential.

The role of the AI agent

An AI agent is more than just a chatbot. It is a piece of software that can take instructions, coordinate tools, and perform multi-step tasks. In this setup, Hermes serves as the intermediary between the user and the language model. Instead of asking the user to open a terminal or interact with LM Studio directly, the agent interprets requests, sends them to the right model, and returns the results in a friendly format.

This kind of architecture makes the system easier to use and extends its capabilities. For example, the agent could be given a task that involves retrieving information from a file, summarizing it, and then reporting back. The agent can also be connected to external services, such as messaging platforms, without exposing the underlying model infrastructure.

A smartphone as the remote control

The final piece of the puzzle is the smartphone. The editor chose to control the local AI through Telegram, the popular messaging app. Telegram exposes a straightforward bot API, and the same API can be used for home automation or personal assistant projects. By creating a Telegram bot tied to the Hermes agent, the user can send a message from anywhere and receive an answer as if they were texting a friend.

This is a clever workaround because it avoids building a custom mobile app or setting up a complicated web dashboard. Telegram handles authentication, message delivery, and notifications. The user does not need to be on the same Wi-Fi network or connected through a VPN, although exposing a bot to the internet always requires proper security considerations. The bot front-end makes the local AI feel like a cloud service, when in fact it is running entirely on private hardware.

Practical uses and experiments

The editor built this local AI to help with news gathering and reading for two technology podcasts. Podcast production involves reading a large number of articles, monitoring announcements, and summarizing developments into show notes or segments. A local AI that can collect stories, summarize them, and highlight key points could save a significant amount of time.

However, making the workflow truly useful took a lot of effort. Setting up the server, configuring the agent, and connecting the messaging front-end was not a simple plug-and-play process. Even after all that work, the editor is still experimenting with ways to make the system reliably practical. Model responses are not always perfect, and prompts may need to be tuned to produce useful results. The project is a work in progress, but it already demonstrates how far local AI has come.

Challenges and trade-offs

Running a local AI is not without its drawbacks. The hardware required for good performance can be expensive, and the setup process demands a level of technical knowledge that many users do not have. Installing an operating system, configuring drivers, choosing a model, and connecting an agent are all tasks that can intimidate beginners.

Model quality is another issue. Small and medium-sized language models have improved dramatically, but they still may lag behind the largest cloud models in complex reasoning, creative writing, or up-to-date knowledge. Users who need state-of-the-art responses might find local alternatives lacking. The Quinn model used in this setup is a solid choice for efficient local inference, but it is not designed to compete with massive data-center-scale systems.

There are also maintenance burdens. Local models need to be updated or replaced as new versions are released. The operating system, AI tooling, and agent software all require periodic attention. If something breaks, the user is the only person responsible for fixing it. That is a trade-off many enthusiasts are willing to accept in exchange for privacy and independence.

The road ahead

What this experiment shows is that local AI is no longer a distant dream or an enterprise-only luxury. A small mini PC with an NPU, a powerful desktop server, and a messaging app can form the foundation of a private AI assistant that is available from a phone at any time. As neural processing units become standard in more computers, and as open-source models become even more efficient, this kind of setup will likely become accessible to a broader audience.

For now, the project remains an experiment. The editor who built it is still refining the workflow and looking for better ways to turn raw news feeds into podcast-ready material. That is exactly the right way to approach a new technology: not as a magic solution, but as a tool that can be tuned and improved over time. The ability to control a home-grown AI from a phone is a useful reminder that the most powerful technology is often the technology we can control.

Source: PCWorld News

“Majbooriyan hoti hongi sabki. Aage peeche, daayen baayen dekhna padta hai. Lekin unhone kuch kaha uski main izzat karta hoon,” Wangchuk said. Translated, he meant: everyone must have their own compulsions; one has to look behind and ahead, to the left and right; but I respect whatever he has said.

He went on to explain that public life involves multiple pressures. A film actor, a politician, a corporate leader - everyone has to pay attention to their circumstances before taking a public position. That is why, he suggested, even sympathetic celebrities sometimes stop short of fully endorsing agitations. “But I respect whatever he said,” he reiterated. The remark was vintage Wangchuk: firm, philosophical, and remarkably free of bitterness.

The viral post that started it all

The exchange between Wangchuk and Salman took place in July, when the country was in the middle of a heated controversy over the NEET-UG paper leak. On July 8, Salman addressed the protests in a social media post. He welcomed the fact that students were uniting to demand a better education system. The next day, he followed up with a longer appeal. He asked students to trust the Prime Minister and go home, assured them that strict action would be taken against the leak, and then turned his attention to Wangchuk.

“The students are at top priority, educationally and security-wise, so they need not worry and have their parents worried for them. The Honourable Prime Minister has tweeted, and I am sure that he will take strict action against all those people who are responsible for this leak. So students, plz go back to your parents n homes. Sonam, it’s done, bro. Don’t extend this. Keep the spirit for another day if there be a need, which I doubt, n eat something. If u want, will send u food from home,” Salman wrote.

The last few lines were meant as a friendly nudge, but the internet saw something else. The phrase “Sonam, it’s done, bro” was instantly clipped, captioned, and reworked into memes. It appeared on merchandise, in comment sections, and in jokes about everything from relationship quarrels to election results. Wangchuk, who has a history of using humor to make serious points, responded with a light-hearted joke when he was offered a T-shirt with the line on the podcast. He said he would keep it as a “healthy sentiment” - a subtle reminder that not every viral moment has to be hostile.

Key facts at a glance

• Sonam Wangchuk reacted to Salman Khan’s “Sonam, it’s done bro” remark on a podcast with Prakhar Gupta.
• Wangchuk said he respects Salman for speaking up, but added that everyone has their own compulsions.
• The viral line was from a July post by Salman urging Wangchuk to end his hunger strike over the NEET-UG paper leak.
• Wangchuk’s hunger strike ended after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and other protest demands were accepted.

The NEET-UG paper leak and the protests

The controversy that drew Salman into the debate began with the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate, commonly known as NEET-UG. The exam is the gateway to medical and dental colleges across India. When the results were announced, allegations of paper leaks, malpractices, and irregularities surfaced from several states. Protests erupted in Delhi and other cities, with students demanding a re-test, a Central Bureau of Investigation probe, and action against the officials responsible.

The protests found an unlikely political vehicle in the Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical collective of students that used absurdist humour to highlight systemic failures. The CJP organised demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and called for the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The movement drew attention from opposition leaders, academicians, and celebrities. It was during one of these demonstrations that Sonam Wangchuk announced an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with the protesting students.

Who is Sonam Wangchuk?

Wangchuk is not new to public life. Born in Ladakh, he founded SECMOL - the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh - to transform education in a region where school drop-out rates were dangerously high. His alternative school at Phey became a model for contextual, community-based learning. He also pioneered the Ice Stupa technique, a simple method of creating artificial glaciers that store winter water for irrigation in Ladakh's cold desert climate. His work has earned international awards and comparisons to the fictional engineer Phunsukh Wangdu in the film “3 Idiots”.

Wangchuk has often used relentless, creative forms of protest. In 2018, he went on a hunger strike for Ladakh's statehood. In 2019, he staged a protest in Delhi over demands for Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. His methods are peaceful but persistent. This time, he stood with students who argued that a flawed examination system had damaged their futures. His decision to go on hunger strike on June 28 at Jantar Mantar gave the NEET protests a powerful visual: a respected elder enduring physical hardship for the sake of young people he had never met.

The hunger strike and its aftermath

The fast continued for weeks. On July 6, Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital following an order from the Delhi High Court, which noted that his health was deteriorating. From there, he was moved to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. The medical transfers did not change his resolve; he remained on fast and insisted that his condition was a necessary price for justice.

The protest finally ended after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister. The CJP later stated that the government had accepted its key demands, including an assurance that no legal or police action would be taken against the protesters. Wangchuk's hunger strike was called off, and the pavements of Jantar Mantar fell silent once again.

Bollywood weighs in

Salman was not the only film personality to take note. Sonakshi Sinha, Shabana Azmi, and Prakash Raj were among the actors who extended support to the student demonstrators. But it was Salman's message, with its odd mix of Hindi-English slang and fatherly concern, that captured the public imagination. The fact that Wangchuk responded with dignity rather than sarcasm only added to the story. In an age of outrage-driven discourse, the two figures demonstrated that a public disagreement need not turn into an online war.

The meme effect

The viral nature of the remark also raises questions about how serious political issues are often consumed in India. A single line from a celebrity's post can overshadow the substance of a protest. For days, social media was dominated by jokes about Salman sending food, while the deeper demand for a transparent medical entrance examination received comparatively less attention. Wangchuk's podcast appearance, however, redirected focus to the underlying conversation. By accepting the T-shirt and acknowledging Salman's good intentions, he refused to let the meme become the entire story.

Salman Khan's upcoming films

On the work front, Salman Khan's schedule remains busy. He will headline Apoorva Lakhia's period action-drama Maatrubhumi, which also features Chitrangada Singh. The film was originally slated for an April release but was postponed; a new release date has not yet been announced. Salman has also teamed up with actress Nayanthara for a project tentatively titled SVC63. Bankrolled by producer Dil Raju, the film is expected to arrive next year. Fans, meanwhile, continue to wait for his collaboration with filmmaker Atlee and other announcements that have been swirling in the trade press.

As Salman moves from one project to another, Wangchuk remains focused on his own campaigns for education, ecology, and regional rights. If anything, the “it’s done bro” episode has shown that even the most unexpected intersections of Bollywood and activism can produce a meaningful exchange. For Wangchuk, the moment is less about a superstar's words and more about the pressure that ordinary citizens face when they demand accountability. His response - respect for the speaker, clarity about his own position - offers a simple but powerful lesson: one can disagree without disrespect.

Source: MSN News