Sunday, May 31, 2026

Major Companies Reconsider AI Costs

As chipmakers experience a significant surge in stock prices, major companies are reevaluating the costs associated with artificial intelligence. Harvard Kennedy School’s Gautam Mukunda emphasized the growing concern over a potential AI bubble during a discussion on Bloomberg, suggesting that the current enthusiasm may not be sustainable.

Indian Exam Board Admits to Cybersecurity Holes Found by Teen

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India has addressed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in its OnMark online grading portal, which was launched this year for digital grading of student exams. These weaknesses were first identified by a teenage cybersecurity researcher, prompting the board to take action and ensure the security of the grading system.

Making sense of the debate over AI psychosis

The debate over AI's impact on the tech industry has intensified, sparked by Box founder Aaron Levie's assertion that tech CEOs are 'uniquely prone to AI psychosis.' Levie argues that these leaders often lack direct engagement with AI tools, which can lead to misguided strategies. This sentiment reflects a broader backlash against AI, as evidenced by a notable increase in DuckDuckGo installs following dissatisfaction with Google's AI-enhanced search features.

Black founders raise highest amount of quarterly funding since 2022, but there’s a catch

In 2026, Black-founded startups in the U.S. have raised $643 million, marking the highest quarterly funding since 2022. This amount is nearly 70% of the total raised last year, driven by significant deals like SambaNova's $350 million Series E. However, the overall funding landscape remains challenging, with persistent declines for Black founders compared to the broader venture capital market.

I went looking for the AI weed vape that gives you Bitcoin for smoking

The Gudtrip vape, which claims to reward users with Bitcoin for smoking, has sparked skepticism and confusion. Despite its flashy marketing and presence in California dispensaries, the company's CTO clarified that the Bitcoin rewards are not linked to actual consumption, raising legal and ethical concerns about the product's claims and its implications for cannabis use.

Apple AI glasses launch pushed back to late 2027, Vision Air to arrive by 2029: report

Apple has delayed the launch of its AI smart glasses to late 2027, shifting from its initial timeline of late 2026. This decision comes as the company aims to enhance its visual AI technology and ensure a successful product. Additionally, a lighter and more affordable version of the Vision Pro, called Vision Air, is expected to arrive by 2029, as Apple seeks to tap into the eyewear market.

Ask AI what goes with chicken and the answer depends on whether it learned from recipes or molecules

Kaikaku.AI has introduced a new AI model called Epicure that distinguishes ingredient pairings based on whether it learned from recipes or chemical properties. The model features three variants: Cooc, which relies on recipe data; Chem, which uses flavor chemistry; and Core, which combines both approaches. This differentiation allows for more accurate culinary insights and has implications for menu development in the food industry.

Report: New Apple TV, HomePod mini set to launch this fall; Siri Remote ‘refresh’ possible

Apple is preparing to launch updated versions of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini this fall, aligning with the rollout of new Siri features in iOS 27. These updates primarily involve chip upgrades, with the Apple TV 4K expected to transition from the A15 to the A17 Pro chip, while the HomePod mini will move from the S5 to the S9 chip. Additionally, there is a possibility of a refreshed Siri Remote, although the extent of the changes remains uncertain.

Anthropic bans AI tools during job interviews to see how candidates actually think

Anthropic has implemented a ban on AI tools during job interviews to better gauge how candidates think. The hiring process includes up to five rounds of interviews, with a particularly intense culture interview that focuses on applicants' values and ethical decision-making. This approach aligns with the company's ethos under founder Dario Amodei, who emphasizes the dual nature of AI as both beneficial and potentially hazardous.

Anthropic study finds men use AI coding agents more than twice as often as women in social science research

A recent study by Anthropic highlights a significant gender disparity in the use of AI coding agents among social scientists, revealing that men utilize these tools more than twice as often as women. This trend persists across various disciplines and career stages, with economists leading the adoption at 39%, while education researchers lag behind at just 4%. The primary application of these AI tools is for code generation in data analysis, which accounts for 97% of usage.

Defense spending, China in Asia and lessons from Ukraine: Takeways from the 2026 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue

The 2026 IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore highlighted a growing consensus among nations to boost defense spending in response to rising tensions, particularly regarding China's military posture and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Countries such as Japan, the Philippines, and the Netherlands announced plans to increase their defense budgets, with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth urging a minimum of 3.5% of GDP for defense. Meanwhile, China's low-level delegation was criticized for its absence of high-ranking officials, which some leaders viewed as a missed opportunity for meaningful dialogue.

China Signals Online-Platform Policy Balancing Growth, Oversight

China is adjusting its online platform policy to strike a balance between fostering growth and implementing stricter regulatory oversight. A draft article in the Qiushi journal outlines the government's commitment to curbing aggressive competition tactics, such as price wars and subsidies, while also enhancing regulations on algorithms, data usage, and consumer protection.

They call it stupid hot for a reason: Heat muddles animal brains

Recent studies reveal that extreme heat significantly impairs animal cognition and behavior, as demonstrated by southern pied babblers in South Africa who struggle to learn when temperatures soar. This cognitive decline is not isolated; it affects various species, leading to increased aggression and reduced survival rates, which could have cascading effects on ecosystems as climate change intensifies heat waves.

Japan seeks candid dialog, defense minister says, rejecting 'neo-militarism' claims

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has asserted the nation's commitment to open dialogue with the international community, even as it boosts defense spending and revises arms export policies. Responding to accusations from China labeling Japan as 'neo-militarist,' Koizumi emphasized Japan's adherence to international law and the importance of transparency in reducing regional tensions, particularly in light of China's military expansion.

TechCrunch Mobility: It doesn’t matter that people hate the Ferrari Luce

Ferrari's first all-electric car, the Luce, has ignited fierce criticism from fans and critics alike, with some comparing it unfavorably to the Nissan Leaf. Despite the backlash, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna asserts that there is significant demand for the Luce, particularly among existing Ferrari owners, suggesting that the luxury automaker may not need universal approval to succeed.

Feeble Little Horse leans into digital weirdness on bitknot

Feeble Little Horse has transformed from a nostalgic indie rock band into a cutting-edge act with their latest album, bitknot. The new LP incorporates a modern edge to its sound, blending hyperpop elements with indie rock, while showcasing Lydia Slocum's diverse songwriting through both sweet and disaffected lyrics.

United flight forced to turn around because of a Bluetooth speaker name

United flight 236, en route from Newark to Palma de Mallorca, was forced to return just an hour after takeoff due to security concerns linked to a Bluetooth signal. Passengers reported that crew members repeatedly requested them to turn off their Bluetooth devices, leading to speculation that a speaker's name, possibly containing a four-letter word, triggered the alarm and necessitated an inspection of the aircraft.

What are you actually doing with Gemini?

Despite the hype surrounding AI advancements, many users struggle to find practical applications for Google's Gemini. While its integration into tools like Google Sheets has proven beneficial for generating complex formulas, the overall perception remains that AI often replicates existing solutions rather than offering significant improvements. Users are encouraged to share their experiences with Gemini to explore its potential further.

Apple TV 4K on track to break a record no one wants to see happen

Apple TV 4K customers are expressing frustration over the lack of new hardware, as the current model, introduced in 2022, is on track to become the longest-selling version without an update. If Apple does not release a new model by July 4, it will surpass the 1,337 days record set by the original Apple TV 4K. Reports suggest that Apple is waiting for an AI-related software update before launching the new device, which may coincide with the upcoming tvOS 27 in the fall.