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RE: LeoThread 2025-01-20 13:15

in LeoFinance3 months ago

Here is the daily technology #threadcast for 1/20/25. The goal is to make this a technology "reddit".

Drop all question, comments, and articles relating to #technology and the future. The goal is make it a technology center.

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The Ultimate Retro Gaming Handheld

The Amber RG40 XXH is the best way to play retro games in 2025, offering a perfect balance of performance, features, and price.

Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct

Introduction to the Handheld

  • 📺 The Amber RG40 XXH stands out as the top recommended handheld for retro gaming in 2025.
  • 🎮 The reviewer, Javi, has tested numerous handhelds and owns a large collection, making his recommendation credible.
  • 📈 The RG40 XXH is considered the best due to its excellent display, sound, controls, build quality, performance, battery life, features, comfort, and software.

Key Features of the Handheld

  • 💸 The price of the RG40 XXH is around $82-$85, making it an affordable option for retro gaming.
  • 📊 The handheld has a 4-inch 640x480 IPS OCA laminated display with good colors, viewing angles, and brightness.
  • 🎧 The sound quality is great, with a quick sound test demonstrating its capabilities.
  • 🎮 The controls include a standard membrane d-pad, great action buttons, and Nintendo joy-con joysticks.

Build Quality and Performance

  • 🛠️ The build quality of the RG40 XXH is excellent, with a thin bezel, round corners, and a glossy screen.
  • 📈 The handheld has great performance, with the ability to play games like GTA Vice City and PC ports without lag.
  • 🕹️ The battery life is around 6 hours for demanding games and 8-10 hours for less demanding games.

Software and Features

  • 📊 The stock software is easy to use and navigate, with features like game rooms, music players, and video players.
  • 📈 Custom firmware options like Newly Firefly and M OS are available for a more tailored experience.
  • 📱 The handheld has great features like HDMI out, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Rumble.

Comfort and Portability

  • 📏 The RG40 XXH is comfortable to hold and play, with a shape similar to a PSP Go.
  • 🛍️ The handheld is portable and pocket-friendly, with a size comparable to a modern smartphone.

Conclusion

  • 🤔 The Amber RG40 XXH is the definitive best way to play retro games in 2025, offering an unbeatable value for its price.
  • 📝 Javi recommends the RG40 XXH as his top choice for retro gaming, citing its exceptional features and performance.

Switch 2's Promising First Year

The Switch 2 is anticipated to have a huge first year, with a rumored 20 million units expected to be sold in 2025, according to a Bloomberg report.

Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct

Rumors and Expectations

  • 📊 A previous rumor suggested that Nintendo might produce around 6-7 million units at launch, indicating a bigger launch and potentially a bigger launch year than the original Switch.
  • 📈 The Bloomberg report corroborates this idea, stating that Nintendo is preparing to sell over 20 million units of the Switch 2 in 2025.
  • 📆 The Switch 2 is expected to launch in June, with some speculating it could be as early as May or as late as July.
  • 🤔 The host is skeptical about the Switch 2 selling as well as the original Switch, citing the industry's changes and the loss of novelty in the Switch's hybrid concept.

Sales and Production

  • 📊 Selling 20 million units in the first year, especially if the Switch 2 launches halfway through the year, would be an unprecedented level of sales.
  • 📈 The host believes that even if the Switch 2 doesn't sell as much as expected, the fact that Nintendo is producing that many units suggests a tremendous amount of confidence in the console's success.
  • 📊 The host notes that manufacturing and demand are crucial factors, and if the demand is not as high as expected, it could result in a surplus of units and negatively impact the company's stock prices.

Games and Pricing

  • 🎮 The host expects the Switch 2 to have a good first year, with games like Mario Kart and 3D Mario likely to be released within the first year.
  • 💸 The host speculates that the price of the Switch 2 will likely be around $400, which is considered a reasonable price point, and that Nintendo has likely learned from past mistakes, such as the overpriced 3DS launch.

Next-Gen Storage for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck

The latest 1.5 terabyte SD card from Western Digital is a significant improvement in storage options, offering ample space for gaming on the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.

Introduction to the SD Card

  • 📈 The new 1.5 terabyte SD card is a significant upgrade in storage capacity, with a current price of $150.
  • 📊 The card's read speed is 150 megabytes per second, and its write speed is around 22-23 megabytes per second.
  • 📁 The card is suitable for gaming on the Switch and Steam Deck, but may not be the best option for video production due to its speed.

Testing the SD Card

  • 📊 The card was tested using a program that writes and reads data to verify its authenticity and capacity.
  • 📈 The test results confirmed that the card is genuine and has the advertised 1.5 terabyte capacity.
  • 📊 A speed test was also conducted, which showed that the card's read speed is well above the required speed for the Steam Deck.

Comparison and Future Prospects

  • 📊 The price of the 1.5 terabyte SD card is expected to decrease over time, making it more affordable for consumers.
  • 📈 The availability of larger SD cards will provide a better starting point for Nintendo's next-generation device, which is expected to have larger file sizes.
  • 📁 The prices of other SD cards, such as the 1 terabyte card, are likely to decrease as well, making it easier for consumers to load up on storage.

Sponsorship and Conclusion

  • 👓 The video is sponsored by VITURE, which offers XR glasses with a virtual screen and immersive experience, available on Amazon: https://viture.us/SpawnWave.
  • 📝 The video concludes by thanking viewers for watching and inviting them to share their thoughts on the new 1.5 terabyte SD card.

Best Laptops for Programming: A Comprehensive Guide

The video discusses the key factors to consider when choosing a laptop for programming, including screen size, processor, memory, storage, keyboard, and battery life, and recommends several laptops that meet these criteria.

Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct

Laptop Requirements for Programming

  • 📊 When shopping for a laptop for programming, consider a 16-inch display with high resolution and brightness, ideally 210 pixels per inch or higher and 500 nits.
  • 💻 Processor choice depends on the type of coding: Intel or AMD for front-end web development, native iOS, or AI/ML development, and Qualcomm for native Qualcomm laptop coding.
  • 📈 Memory and storage requirements vary depending on the type of coding, but a minimum of 16 GB of memory and 512 GB of storage is recommended.
  • 🖥️ A comfortable keyboard and accurate trackpad are essential for coding.
  • 📊 Battery life is important, but can be mitigated with a portable charger.

Recommended Laptops for Programming

  • 📈 The Yoga Pro I is a top recommendation, offering a stunning display, Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, dedicated graphics, and a comfortable keyboard, all for under $2,000.
  • 📊 The MacBook Pro 16 is a premium option with a great display, powerful processor, and excellent battery life, but comes with a high price tag.
  • 📈 The ProArt P16 is a great alternative to the Yoga Pro I, offering a more compact and portable design, AMD's latest Sen5 processor, and better battery life.
  • 📊 The Vivobook S14 is a more affordable option with a bright and high-resolution display, 24 GB of memory, and an AMD Ryzen Zen5 processor.

Additional Options and Considerations

  • 📊 The Asus Safiris G14, Lenovo Legion Slim 5 14, and Acer Predator Helios Neo 4 are options for gaming and coding, but may have trade-offs in terms of heat, fan noise, or performance.
  • 📈 The Framework Laptop is a unique option with a fully upgradable design, swappable ports, and excellent Linux support, but has some downsides in terms of screen size and price.
  • 📊 For those on a budget, the video recommends checking the website for cheaper laptop options and considering a dedicated video on affordable programming laptops.

A Look Back at the Golden Era of Handheld Gaming

The early to mid 2000s was a special era for handheld gaming, with the introduction of the PSP and DS, offering unique gaming experiences and console-quality games on the go.

Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct

Introduction to the PSP

  • 📺 The PSP was a powerhouse, featuring a web browser, ability to play movies via UMD, and online play, which was huge for the early to mid 2000s.
  • 🎮 The PSP had amazing first-party support from Sony and third-party support, with a vast library of great games, including Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories.
  • 📈 The PSP was a significant upgrade from the Game Boy Advance, with features like ad hoc local play, online play, and access to the PlayStation store.

Notable PSP Games

  • 🤖 Daxter is a personal favorite, a 3D platformer that still holds up well today.
  • 🕵️‍♂️ Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is a traditional Metal Gear Solid game that looks great even by today's standards.
  • 🏎️ Gran Turismo on PSP, although not as popular as other Gran Turismo games, is still a great racing experience.
  • 🎮 Other notable games include God of War: Chains of Olympus, Mega Man: Maverick Hunter X, and Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core.

Introduction to the Nintendo DS

  • 📆 The Nintendo DS was released in North America in November 2004, and it came with a unique double-screen layout that paid off massive dividends for Nintendo.
  • 📊 The DS sold over 154 million units worldwide, with its built-in backwards compatibility with Game Boy Advance games being a huge selling point.
  • 🤝 The DS emphasized local multiplayer and online multiplayer via Wi-Fi connection, making it a great console for social gaming.

Notable DS Games

  • 🏖️ Animal Crossing: Wild World is a great game that still holds up well, with its unique gameplay and customization options.
  • 🏎️ Mario Kart DS is an incredible game, with its fast-paced racing and local multiplayer capabilities.
  • 🎮 Other notable games include New Super Mario Bros., Mario 64 DS, Metroid Prime: Hunters, and the Pokémon series, including Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.

Conclusion

  • 📚 Both the PSP and DS are still worth having today, with their unique libraries and gaming experiences that can't be replicated on other consoles.
  • 📊 The PSP and DS may be old, but they still hold up well, and their games can be played on the original hardware for the best experience.

Will Governments Peek Into Your AI?

Imagine having a personal AI assistant on your phone someday—kind of like a super-smart sidekick. But here's the twist: governments might gain access to those AI agents. While it could help with safety, it also raises big questions about privacy. Think of it like having a diary that might not stay private. As we lean more on AI in daily life, the balance between convenience and control will be a debate worth watching.

#ai #privacy #futuretech #innovation #technology

> S👁️URCE <

Best Handhelds for Traveling: A Personal Experience

The video discusses the author's experience with traveling and the handheld devices they brought along, highlighting the importance of minimalist packing and the joy of playing retro games on the go.

Introduction to Traveling

  • 🏠 The author hates leaving their house and has a minimalist philosophy when it comes to packing for trips.
  • 📦 They prefer to travel light, bringing only essential items, and use a carry-on size backpack to avoid checking luggage.
  • 👕 The author packs a limited number of clothes, including favorite pants, extra shorts, and shirts that can be easily rinsed and dried.

Handheld Devices for Travel

  • 🎮 The author brought three handheld devices: the RG350, Retroid Pocket 5, and Miu Mini, but found that the RG350 was not necessary.
  • 📈 The Retroid Pocket 5 was a great choice for high-end gaming, with an OLED screen that performs well in daylight.
  • ❤️ The Miu Mini is the author's favorite device, perfect for playing Game Boy games in short intervals, even in broad daylight with a matte screen protector.

Travel Experience

  • 🏖️ The author went on a week-long trip to a tropical destination, where they spent time relaxing, swimming, and playing games on their handheld devices.
  • 📚 They enjoyed playing games like Pirates Gold, GameCube, and PS2, and appreciated the convenience of having a portable gaming device.
  • 👍 The author concludes that the best handheld for travel is one that you enjoy playing with and actually use, regardless of its form factor or features.

Conclusion

  • 🤔 The author reflects on the importance of retro gaming devices for travel, allowing access to a wide range of games and creating memorable experiences.
  • 👍 They encourage viewers to bring a handheld device that they enjoy playing with, as it can enhance their travel experience and create lasting memories.

Why Tech Giants Are Flocking to Phoenix

Phoenix is turning into a tech powerhouse. Over the years, it’s become a hotspot for semiconductor manufacturing and testing futuristic tech like self-driving cars and drones. Why? The city’s pro-business vibe, a talent pipeline from a top-notch engineering university, and a growing ecosystem of tech companies make it irresistible. It’s where innovation meets opportunity—and big names are taking notice.

#phoenix #innovation #techgrowth #futureofwork #technology

> S👁️URCE <

Why Railway Ditched Google Cloud to Build Its Own Data Centers

Railway’s early days on Google Cloud were rough—issues piled up, threatening its very survival. So, last year, they launched “Railway Metal,” starting with a data center in California. Now, they’re building three more regions to ensure stability and control. It’s like upgrading from renting to owning: more upfront work but total freedom. This move puts Railway in charge of its future, ensuring no third-party platform can derail them again.

#cloudcomputing #datacenters #infrastructure #railway #technology

> S👁️URCE <

Impact of Switch 2 on Dragon Quest

The Nintendo Switch 2 announcement has sparked discussions on its effects on the Dragon Quest series, with predictions for upcoming games and releases.

Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct

Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD 2D Remake

📆 The game is predicted to be released in June, coinciding with the Switch 2 launch.
📰 A February direct focus on Switch 1 titles is rumored, which may include the Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD 2D remake.
👥 A Brazilian leaker claims that the February direct will focus on Switch 1 titles, supporting previous predictions.

Dragon Quest 12

🎮 The game is expected to be showcased at the Switch 2 event in April, with a possible release date announcement in June.
📺 A teaser for Dragon Quest 12 may be shown in April, followed by more information on Dragon Quest Day.

Compatibility and Patches

🤔 The Switch 2's joycons may require patches for some games, but Dragon Quest games are likely to be compatible due to the removal of the IR camera.
📊 Patches for Switch 2 compatibility may be announced during the Switch 2 direct, although not specifically for Dragon Quest games.

Conclusion

👍 The Switch 2 announcement has not changed predictions for the Dragon Quest series, with expected releases and showcases still on track. Check out the Royo Bros YouTube channel for more updates and discussions.

Odin 2 Portal Review: A Worthy Upgrade

The Odin 2 Portal offers a unique blend of high-end performance, comfortable design, and impressive display, making it a great option for those seeking a premium Android handheld experience.

Introduction to the Odin 2 Portal

  • 📊 Iron products are known for offering high-quality products at competitive prices, and the Odin 2 Portal is no exception.
  • 🤔 The reviewer was initially skeptical about the device, wondering if it would be just a minor upgrade, but was pleasantly surprised by its performance.
  • 📈 The Odin 2 Portal has the same specs as the original Odin 2, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, but with a new 7-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED screen.

Design and Comfort

  • 📏 The device has an all-glass front, rounded corners, and a unique shape that makes it comfortable to hold and play for hours.
  • 👍 The reviewer praises the controls, including the d-pad, face buttons, bumpers, and triggers, but notes that the face buttons are a bit loud and clunky.
  • 👎 The only gripe is the inclusion of back paddle buttons, which the reviewer doesn't use and finds uncomfortable.

Display and Performance

  • 📺 The 7-inch 120Hz OLED screen is a major highlight, offering smooth and fluid performance, especially with Android games and game streaming.
  • 🎮 The device supports high refresh rates, making it ideal for gaming, and the controls are spoofed as an Xbox One controller for native support.
  • 📊 The Odin 2 Portal has a long battery life, with up to 16 hours of pure game time, and is efficient in sleep mode, making it a great option for extended gaming sessions.

Gaming and Emulation

  • 🎮 The device runs a wide range of games and emulators, including RetroArch, PPSSPP, Dolphin, and more, with great performance and minimal stutters.
  • 📈 The reviewer notes that the device is particularly well-suited for game streaming, with support for 120Hz and HDR, making it a great option for streaming games from a PC.

Conclusion and Recommendation

  • 🤔 The reviewer concludes that the Odin 2 Portal is a great option for those seeking a premium Android handheld experience, with a unique blend of performance, comfort, and display quality.
  • 📈 The device is available for purchase, with a link in the description below, and the reviewer recommends it to those looking for a high-end Android handheld.

Comparison of AI Models for Database Building

The video compares the performance of three AI models, GPT 40, Claude, and Quin 2.5, in building a database for Santa's workshop.

Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct

Introduction to Database Building with AI

  • 📊 The video introduces database.build, a tool that allows users to design database schemas, generate charts, and query CSV files by chatting with AI.
  • 🤖 The tool initially used Open AI's GPT 40 model, but now allows users to customize the AI model used.
  • 📈 The video aims to compare the performance of different AI models in building a database.

Customizing AI Models

  • 📊 Users can now customize the AI model used with database.build by adding a custom API provider, passing in the provider's API key, and choosing the desired model.
  • 📝 The system prompt can also be customized to get the best results from each model.

Comparison of AI Models

  • 🤖 GPT 40: Created a schema with four tables, including elves, elf assignments, orders, and toys. It required some prompting to add a fulfillment date.
  • 🤖 Claude: Created a schema with three tables, including elves, workshop assignments, and toys. It automatically created sample data and checked its work.
  • 🤖 Quin 2.5: Had some issues with executing SQL queries and required more prompting to create the desired tables.

Local Model Usage

  • 📊 Olama provides a local REST API for interacting with large language models completely offline on the user's machine.
  • 🤖 The video demonstrates how to use Olama with database.build to run a local model, Quin 2.5.

Security and Privacy

  • 🔒 The video explains how bring your own LLM (Large Language Model) works under the hood, with all settings and credentials saved locally in the browser.
  • 🔒 The requests made to each provider are done directly from the browser, ensuring security and privacy.

New Features

  • 📈 The video announces new features in database.build, including live share, deployments, and the ability to drag and drop SQL files.
  • 📊 These features are free and available on GitHub, with a blog post explaining how they work under the hood.
  • 📚 You can check out the database.build blog post for more information on the new features.

can I post about cryptos on this threadcast since crypto is a form of tech too ?

Google's AI Accelerator: Solving Big Problems with Smart Tech

Google.org just rolled out its Generative AI Accelerator to back projects tackling global challenges with AI. Think of it as a launchpad for groundbreaking ideas, like using AI to predict natural disasters or improve healthcare access. Selected teams will get funding, mentorship, and tools to turn their ideas into reality. This is Google putting its muscle behind tech-driven solutions to make a real difference worldwide.

#ai #innovation #futuretech #globalimpact #technology

> S👁️URCE <

The Backbone of TikTok's Algorithm

This slightly older research paper laid the groundwork for TikTok’s powerful algorithm. The key? A collisionless embedding table—a tech solution that ensures every feature stays unique, like giving each idea its own VIP pass. This innovation keeps the algorithm sharp and personalized, making TikTok scrolls feel endless and tailored just for you. Even years later, this work is still influencing how content gets served up worldwide.

#tiktok #algorithm #ai #data #technology

> S👁️URCE <

Sakana AI’s Big Move: Language Models That Learn on the Fly

Sakana AI just dropped research and code for a game-changing idea: language models that can learn while they’re running. Instead of just repeating what they already know, these models actually update their "brain" during use—like a GPS recalculating routes as you drive. This could make AI way smarter in real-time situations, opening doors for dynamic problem-solving.

#ai #machinelearning #innovation #deeplearning #technology

> S👁️URCE <

Protecting AI Models Like Locking a Safe

Neural Honeytrace (NeurHT) is a powerful new tool to shield AI models from being stolen through extraction attacks. Think of it like a digital watermark for your model—hidden but unmistakable if someone tries to copy it. Released recently, this plug-and-play framework makes it easy to track stolen models without changing their performance. It’s a big win for developers fighting intellectual property theft in AI.

#cybersecurity #aiinnovation #machinelearning #neuralnetworks #technology

> S👁️URCE <

Guardian staff ‘deeply disturbed’ over AI use during strike

The move has unsettled employees because they claim that they were told that it would only be deployed following consultation and with readers fully informed

Staff at The Guardian have been left “deeply disturbed” by bosses’ decision to use artificial intelligence during walkouts over the sale of The Observer.

Katharine Viner, the editor of The Guardian, and Anna Bateson, Guardian Media Group’s chief executive, have been accused of “hypocrisy” by journalists who claim that the technology was used to help write headlines on four days in December.

#ai #guardian #strike #news

The decision was said to have been made as staff protested outside its London offices about the controversial acquisition of the Sunday newspaper by the news start-up Tortoise Media.

“There were some very weird headlines during the four days. Some of them looked like the sort of thing that you would see in a TV drama when they try to mock up a newspaper front page,” said one journalist.

AI is increasingly being used as a tool to support journalists at many publishing companies, including News UK, the owner of The Times, but The Guardian’s move has unsettled staff because they claim that they were told that it would only be deployed following consultation and with readers fully informed.

Avataar's Game-Changing AI Tool: Velocity

Avataar just launched Velocity, an AI that creates product videos from links—perfect for brands with tight video budgets. Supported by Peak XV and Tiger Global, it’s already helping big names like HP and Victoria’s Secret. Unlike other tools, Velocity uses 3D model data, meaning flawless videos every time. This innovation promises to boost conversion rates for brands looking to maximize their impact without spending a fortune.

#AI #ecommerce #innovation #digitalmarketing #technology

> S👁️URCE <

AI Fights Bid Rigging in the U.K.

the u.k.'s competition and markets authority (cma) is taking on bid-rigging in public procurement with the help of ai. by analyzing tons of data, the cma is now able to spot collusive bidding practices that could otherwise fly under the radar. imagine having a super-sleuth that never sleeps, catching shady deals before they happen. this move could change how the government ensures fair competition in major contracts. game changer for transparency!

#publicprocurement #ai #faircompetition #antitrust #technology

> S👁️URCE <

TSMC is confident its CHIPS Act funding will continue under Trump, says CFO Wendell Huang

TSMC has been promised $6.6 billion under the Biden-administration's CHIPS and Science ACT to help build three cutting-edge chip fabrication plants in Arizona.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has accused Taiwan of "stealing" his country's chip industry. But Taiwan's biggest chip company is confident the Trump administration will continue funding its projects in the U.S.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co has been promised $6.6 billion under the Joe Biden administration's CHIPS and Science ACT to help build three cutting-edge chip fabrication plants in Arizona as part of U.S. efforts to onshore chip manufacturing.

#tsmc #chips #wendellhuang #trump #digital

Speaking to CNBC's Emily Tan in an exclusive interview, TSMC Chief Financial Officer Wendell Huang said the funding was expected to continue to roll in gradually under Trump as the fabrication plants pass construction and production milestones.

"As a matter of fact, in the fourth quarter, we already received the first batch of government support," Haung said, revealing the contract chip manufacturer had got $1.5 billion in funds.

Following some production delays, the first fabrication plant in Arizona started producing advanced chips in the fourth quarter of last year, Huang said. He added that the construction of two plants in Arizona was on track, with the second expected to be operational in 2028.

RedNote, Flip, Clapper and Likee claim the top of the App Store as TikTok comes back online

TikTok may be back, but that hasn't prevented other Chinese competitors from gaining users. In the lead up to a ban on TikTok — which kicked off Sunday

The Chinese app RedNote (which is listed on the app stores as Xiaohongshu) became the No. 1 app in the U.S. last week, followed by video apps like Clapper, Flip, and others. On Monday, following TikTok’s restoration of service, RedNote retained its No. 1 spot on the App Store, after having attracted some 700,000 new U.S. users.

TikTok users’ move to RedNote was meant to send a signal to U.S. lawmakers and Meta alike that they would rather join another Chinese app similar to TikTok than return to Instagram Reels.

#rednote #flip #clapper #likee #apps #tiktok #socialmedia

Though TikTok is back online, the app stores aren’t yet hosting it for download; app marketplaces still have to abide by U.S. law, despite President-elect Trump’s assurances that he will extend the deadline for the TikTok ban.

Instead, both app stores’ top charts continue to reflect the shift to other TikTok alternatives.

In Apple’s U.S. App Store, for instance, video apps including RedNote, Likee, Clapper, and Flip hold the No. 1, 2, 4, and 10 spots in the Overall Top Charts as of Monday morning. Favorited, an app dedicated to livestreams, is No. 15.

X is rolling out a dedicated vertical video feed for US users

Social network X is trying to capitalize on the uncertainty surrounding ByteDance apps like TikTok and Lemon8 by launching a dedicated vertical video feed.

The company is adding a video tab in the app’s bottom bar for users in the U.S. to let them quickly access video content on the platform.

“An immersive new home for videos is rolling out to users in the US today,” the company said in a post on Sunday.

#x #video #vertical #tiktok #everythingapp

Users of TikTok and other ByteDance apps that had already downloaded the apps are still able to use them in the U.S., but as of right now, the apps do not appear in the major app stores, making it impossible to download new versions of the app for updates or if you are a new user. That’s triggered a bunfight among other social media app publishers to lay on new features or launch new apps to pick up users. This may be a short-lived arbitrage opportunity: Trump is widely expected to sign an Executive Order overriding the ban enforced by the Supreme Court last week.

Bluesky launches a custom feed for vertical videos

With TikTok’s future in the U.S. uncertain, it feels like major social media platforms are working overtime to ship features to attract the millions of people who may want to switch: Bluesky said on Sunday that it is launching a custom feed for vertical videos in its app.

Bluesky’s mobile app now has a trending videos section in the Explore tab, and like with any other short video app, you can swipe up to see more videos. You can pin the feed to have it show up on your home screen or add it to your list of feeds.

#bluesky #video #vertical #socialmedia

“We had to get in on the video action, too — Bluesky now has custom feeds for video! Like any other feed, you can choose to pin these or not. Bluesky is yours to customize,” the company said in a post.

Bluesky also acknowledged developers building TikTok alternatives on AT Protocol — the decentralized protocol behind Bluesky — such as Tik.Blue, Skylight.Social, and Bluescreen.Blue. These apps are in early stages of development, with running closed testing programs.

Bitcoin jumps to new record above $109,000 as traders cheer Trump inauguration, meme coins

Bitcoin jumped above $109,000 as traders eagerly awaited the inauguration of incoming President Donald Trump and cheered his weekend meme coin launch.

On Monday the flagship cryptocurrency was last higher by nearly 1% at $106,622.54, according to Coin Metrics. Earlier, it rose as high as $109,350.72, after briefly dipping below the $100,000 mark Sunday.

Bitcoin hits a new record ahead of Trump inauguration

#bitcoin #trump #crypto

Over the weekend, Trump launched the "Official Trump" meme coin, which has risen to a $10.6 billion market cap and surged more than 659% since Friday night, according to data from CoinGecko and Coinbase. On Monday it was down about 27% from its record price of around $73 a coin, after returning First Lady Melania Trump launched her own "Melania" meme coin Sunday — nearly halving the Trump coin in value at one point.

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A spokesman for the paper said key members of staff belonging to the union had been told about a trial of new AI features in advance.

Viner and Bateson set out reassurances that the disruptive technology would be used transparently in a joint statement last year.

“GenAI tools are exciting but are currently unreliable. There is no room for unreliability in our journalism, nor our marketing, creative and engineering work,” they said.

“If we wish to include significant elements generated by AI in a piece of work, we will only do so with clear evidence of a specific benefit, human oversight, and the explicit permission of a senior editor. We will be open with our readers when we do this.”

But a second staffer said that they had flouted this promise as they scrambled to publish the newspaper with just a skeleton staff.

“They used it to strike-break after promising AI would be used in consultation with staff,” said one. “And would readers be happy to know AI was used?”

On Thursday staff who are members of the National Union of Journalists voted to withdraw their support for the use of AI technology.

“[We are] deeply disturbed to learn that these tools were rolled out specifically to assist working staff during the recent strike,” they said.

“With this in mind, the [union] instructs its members to withdraw cooperation with the development of these tools and refuse to use them if the management rolls them out, until we have agreed safeguards for their development, rollout and use.”

The day after the vote was passed Guardian Media Group announced that Matt Brittin, former Google EMEA president, was to join its board.

NFL playoff ratings continued their massive decline for the Commanders/Lions matchup on Saturday night. The Divisional Round matchup saw a decline of nearly four million viewers.

We discuss the ratings decline throughout the NFL this season. We discuss the decline in quality of play on the field...and how the NFL has no solution to this problem. We also explain why youth participation declines are leading to problems in the NFL.

Google has been among the forerunners of the AI revolution, using it to provide overviews of search queries from websites on its own results page.

A Guardian spokesman said: “In November last year management briefed key members of the Guardian NUJ chapel on two entirely optional new genAI features to be trialled by editorial.

“One tool suggests ‘Alt text’ to help visually impaired readers understand the content of a photograph or image, while the other tool suggests a number of entirely optional headlines on an article written by a journalist. The two tools were released to a small group of senior management who trialled them on a subset of articles published.

TSMC's first investment in Arizona was announced in May 2020, with the company's total investment in the its three projects there eventually standing at over $65 billion.

Much of the investments were committed after the Biden administration signed the bipartisan CHIPS Act in August 2022, committing almost $53 billion to invest in the domestic semiconductor supply chain and counter China.

While the incoming President is also expected to make competition with China and onshoring manufacturing a priority in his second term, there has been debate as to whether Trump and the Republican-led House would re-examine the CHIPS Act.

During his campaign for the White House, Trump publicly criticized the bill and its price tag, arguing instead that tariffs were a more effective strategy to onshore chip manufacturing. The President-elect also accused Taiwan of "stealing" U.S. chip business.

However, industry experts have told CNBC that they expect Trump to leave the policy mostly intact due to its bipartisan support in Washington.

TSMC on Thursday reported record profit for the fourth quarter on strong demand for its AI chips, sending its shares up nearly 4%. Shares closed 1.36% higher on Friday.

In an earnings call following the esults, CEO and Chairman C.C. Wei highlighted TSMC's "long-standing and good relationship" with the U.S. government and the commitment and support it has received on the federal, state and city levels.

"Let me assure you that we have a very frank and open communication with the current government and with the future one also," he said in response to an investor question.

This came after Trump wrote on his social media app Truth Social he would "issue an executive order on Monday" to extend the period of time before the ban was set to take place.

"I'm asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark!" Trump wrote on Sunday morning.

Although TikTok was shut down for American users late Saturday night, and also removed from Apple and Google's app stores, some were able to log on to the platform on Sunday through their mobile apps and desktops.

The law banning TikTok was set to take effect on Sunday as ByteDance, the China-based owner of TikTok, had not yet divested the company to a non-Chinese entity. The Supreme Court had ruled on Friday to uphold the law that would ban the app and penalize third-party internet service providers, such as Apple and Google, if they supported TikTok on their platforms after the ban went into effect.

Despite TikTok's pledge to reinstate service in the U.S. following Trump's statement, the company's future remains unclear under the current law.

In a snowy showdown between the Ravens and Bills, Lamar Jackson's legacy took center stage—but was it Mark Andrews' costly mistakes that derailed Baltimore's chances? Josh Allen and the Bills squeaked out a win, but the real story lies in the Ravens' collapse. Was it the weather, the coaching, or the players that sealed their fate? We break down the game, the key moments, and what it means for Lamar Jackson's future in the NFL legacy debate. Don't miss this heated discussion!

Don Lemon has been desperate to return to mainstream cable news...after being fired by CNN two years ago. According to Radar Online...Don Lemon wanted to replace Dan Abrams at NewsNation. However...Don Lemon was rejected by his former friend Chris Cuomo.

We discuss the history between Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo...and why Chris Cuomo rejected Don Lemon at NewsNation. We explain why Don Lemon is difficult to work with...and how it could be the reason that Don Lemon can't find a job in the mainstream.

Social network Bluesky also just added an optional custom video feed, however, its app has dropped out of the top 10 position it held last week on the U.S. App Store. It’s No. 13 as of Monday morning on the App Store and No. 15 on Google Play.

Still, Bluesky gained a few more downloads thanks to the TikTok ban and now has 28.29 million users, up from 27.5 million last week.

According to estimates from app store intelligence provider Appfigures, RedNote, Flip, and Clapper, all saw a massive growth spurt last week from single-digit thousand downloads per day earlier in January to tens of thousands of U.S. downloads on Friday.

RedNote, meanwhile, was receiving hundreds of thousands of downloads.

RedNote gained 818,000 new U.S. installs across the App Store and Google Play during January 2025. Because the app is localized in Mandarin, language learning app Duolingo also reported a 216% spike in U.S. users trying to learn the language last week.

Currently, it’s the No. 1 app in the U.S. on the U.S. App Store and Google Play, excluding games.

Get ready for SHOCK and AWE as I break down Donald Trump’s SHOCKING first 100 days in office! From signing up to 100 executive orders on DAY ONE to tackling immigration reform, the economic crisis, crypto policies, and healthcare affordability—this administration promises to shake things up in ways that will impact EVERYONE. Whether it’s the skyrocketing costs of living, the push to lower interest rates, or a bold approach to foreign policy, we’re diving into what this means for you and your future. You won’t believe what’s on the horizon!

I also talk about the staggering impact of inflation, rising mortgage rates, and the challenges facing everyday Americans. From regulatory rollbacks to a push for pro-business policies, this video covers it all. And don’t miss my thoughts on the potential changes in healthcare reform with RFK Jr. and the revolutionary advances in mental health treatments like the groundbreaking psilocybin research by Cybin Inc..

Clapper, a TikTok alternative aimed at teens and adults ages 17 and up, gained 646,000 downloads on the App Store and Google Play in the U.S. On Friday, it added 87,000 new downloads, or 1,030% more than the 7,000 new downloads it saw back on January 1, Appfigures reports. It’s now the No. 4 top app (excluding games) on the U.S. App Store and No. 2 on Google Play.

Join Bradford and Scott Walter as they dive into Tesla’s groundbreaking innovations! From the sleek, passenger-first design of the CyberCab to the unexpected brilliance of the Robovan, this conversation unpacks how Tesla is redefining urban and suburban transportation.

The Robovan is a mini bus not a van. Needed for transport as a service but focussed on people. What we still need is a van for transporting and delivering goods. A van that can get a standard pallet in and out easily along with individual items. The Robovan just needs a better off-road version to be a camper and they have all the markets covered.

Over the weekend, Elon Musk shared some exciting updates about Tesla’s Full Self Driving and the humanoid bot, Optimus. For FSD, Elon confirmed that soon it will be able to reverse the car and transform from useful to essential. A code analysis of FSD Version 4.41.0 also revealed a potential discount for Tesla insurance if you use FSD, plus a new UI showing destination-specific info, like for the new Tesla Diner in LA. As for Optimus, Elon hinted that X might control the bot, as it’s evolving into an all-in-one app. Meanwhile, GM is in hot water with the FTC over privacy violations!

Likee, a short video app, is No. 2 on the U.S. App Store and No. 3 on Google Play. It saw a massive surge of growth, moving from No. 202 on the U.S. App Store on Saturday to No. 2 by 3 a.m. on Sunday, Appfigures says. In total, it saw 283,000 downloads during January so far. On Google Play, it jumped to the No. 8 position across both apps and games, on Sunday night and has since dropped to No. 11. It’s currently the No. 3 app (excluding games).

For Android users, the short video app, Scoopz, made it into the No. 4 position on Google Play while the short drama app ReelShort is No. 7 on Google Play’s list of top apps, excluding games.

Lastly, Flip, which focuses on social commerce, grew by 580,000 downloads in January, the data indicates. (However, Flip also ran many TikTok ads over the past week, leading to those gains.) It’s No. 10 on the U.S. App Store and No. 9 on Google Play’s top charts, excluding games.

Despite many TikTok users’ signaling that they wouldn’t use Instagram, Meta’s app continued to hold a high rank on both app stores, including No. 8 on the U.S. Apple App Store Top Apps chart and No. 5 on Google Play’s Top Apps chart as of Monday morning.

VPN apps saw a brief surge, too
After the TikTok ban went into effect, U.S. users immediately tried installing VPN apps to work around the restrictions to no avail. (TikTok’s mobile app remained blocked even when VPNs were used).

The AI-powered revolution has begun. Customers are changing, generational priorities are shifting, and industries are being reshaped by the collision of machine learning and data-driven business models. In this new world, only organizations willing to adapt, experiment and embracing learning at scale will succeed.

Still, this temporarily drove a number of new U.S. users to VPN apps like VPN – Super Unlimited Proxy, which grew from the No. 91 app to the No. 3 app within 36 hours. Another app, VPN – Fast VPN Super, climbed 155 spots during that same time, and Nord VPN hit No. 9 after climbing 160 spots in the top charts.

Other apps that rose hundreds of spots overnight after the ban included X-VPN, Proton VPN, Free VPN .org, and Express VPN.

The app store charts are likely to soon shift again as U.S. users realize they can return to TikTok and decide to move away from at least some of their recent backup choices for a replacement.

X users can already scroll through short videos by tapping on a video on the timeline and scrolling up. This new tab for videos is just a dedicated section for these videos. Plus, this is not the first time the company has tried to create a new home for videos.

An app reverse engineer had previously previewed a media tab for videos, but this is the first time X is making an official announcement.

The social network has lately been focusing on video experiences. Last year, it launched a standalone TV app to show videos from different organizations and creators.

With TikTok facing troubles in the U.S., social networks are trying to take advantage of the uncertainty around ByteDance apps in the U.S. Meta announced a video editing app called Edits to compete with ByteDance’s CapCut, while X rival Bluesky has launched a custom feed for vertical videos.

With the uncertainty around TikTok and other ByteDance apps, including CapCut, Lemon8, and Marvel Snap, Bluesky has seen its user base and crossed the 28 million user mark over the weekend.

Other social networks are taking advantage of this situation as well. Elon Musk-owned X also launched a dedicated feed for vertical videos in the U.S, and Meta announced a new video editing app called Edits to rival CapCut.

Kevin O'Leary explains the difference between Elon Musk and Steve Jobs, highlighting Musk's unmatched focus as "100% signal." The PBD Podcast dives into Musk's alignment with Trump, his cultural impact, and how focus drives historic achievements.

President Donald Trump’s second inaugural address let the world know that America is back. Glenn Beck, Stu Burguiere, and fellow BlazeTV host Allie Beth Stuckey give their live reactions to the speech. Trump acknowledged God, proclaimed the day as “Liberation Day” for many Americans, and used “revolution language,” or as Trump put it, “a revolution of common sense.” Trump announced that the US Government will only recognize 2 genders and that he will open America up for drilling, rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, restore the name of Mt. McKinley, stop China from controlling the Panama Canal, and end wars. But Glenn also reveals the one thing Trump said that “disturbed” him because he’s never heard a president say it in his lifetime.

Megyn Kelly is joined by Emily Jashinsky, D.C. correspondent for Unherd, and Eliana Johnson, editor of the Washington Free Beacon, to discuss JD Vance’s inspiring story and path to Vice President, his wife Usha and kids, and more.

Donald Trump is President Trump again! Megyn Kelly is live from Washington D.C. to discuss key moments from the inauguration, highlights from Trump's inaugural address, and more.

Donald Trump was inaugurated Monday morning...as the newest president of the United States. Most in America were excited for the inauguration of Donald Trump...but some in the mainstream media were melting down. We reveal and react to inauguration coverage from CNN and MSNBC.

We discuss highlights from Donald Trump speech...and his America first agenda. We highlight media coverage of the inauguration...and explain why this coverage is the reason people have tuned out the media. We discuss the bleak future of CNN and MSNBC...and their lost influence over the American public.

Tesla’s Autonomy VP Ashok Elluswamy and the Tesla AI team have been busy with recent Full Self-Driving updates. Today, we’ll dive into Ashok’s latest statements and posts on X, including Tesla’s response to a request for a rear camera washer on the Cybertruck—hinting at a more advanced cleaning system in development. We’ll also check out videos Ashok shared showing V12.6 performing impressively on AI3 cars.

The broader crypto market, as measured by the CoinDesk 20 index, fell 1% on Monday and has gained less than 1% since Saturday. The token tied to Solana is down more than 7% on Monday but up 15% since Saturday, benefitting from the Trump meme coin being launched on the popular Ethereum alternative network. Ether has lost 5% since Saturday.

Journos at The Guardian went on strike and were almost immediately replaced with AI, despite the paper saying it wouldn't do that to them. OOPS.

The Guardian's use of AI during a 2025 journalist strike has sparked significant controversy, highlighting the broader debate on AI's role in journalism. Accusations arose when AI was used to generate headlines amidst the strike against the sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media, leading to criticism from the NUJ for undermining the strike action.

This incident, coupled with other instances like Microsoft's AI-generated poll next to Guardian content, raised ethical concerns about AI's impact on journalistic integrity and reputation. The Guardian has set principles for AI use, emphasizing human oversight, but the practical application during the strike drew internal and public backlash, reflecting industry-wide discussions on AI's implications for job security, content quality, and ethical journalism.

Bitcoin started gaining steam last week as speculation started to build that Trump might announce an executive order on crypto early in his new term. Gracy Chen, CEO crypto exchange Bitget, said that optimism is having a greater effect on its price.

"Rumors that cryptocurrency may be declared a national interest by the United States during the inauguration are having a positive effect on the price of bitcoin," she told CNBC. "I don't believe the rise in bitcoin's price is due to the launch of new meme tokens. Rather … without the release of the Trump family tokens, bitcoin's price would have grown more. Instead, capital shifted to new coins, limiting overall growth."

"There is a logic here that would suggest that putting a stamp of approval on what could be perceived as the wildest of crypto assets, meme coins, is the best way to send a message of just how supportive the market should expect the administration to be when it comes to embracing crypto and making America a major player in the space."

Noelle Acheson, economist and author of the "Crypto is Macro Now" newsletter, echoed that sentiment, calling the meme drops net positive and "a sign he is very much in favor of new ideas [and] new markets."

Melania Meme, which began trading Sunday evening, has hit a $1.3 billion market cap and 14% price increase since its launch. It has attracted $7.3 billion in trading volumes over the last day, compared to the Trump meme's $31 billion.

Although meme coins are considered the riskiest corner of the already risky cryptocurrency market, the Trumps' coin launches over the weekend gave traders further conviction that the incoming administration will be positive for the industry.

"The move highlights President Trump's embrace of crypto and belief that Americans should have the freedom to operate in the emerging asset class," said Joel Kruger, market strategist at LMAX.

TikTok restoring U.S. service after Trump provided ‘assurance’

TikTok was available to some U.S. users on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump said that he would sign an executive order to delay a federal ban.

TikTok was available to some U.S. users on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump said that he would sign an executive order on Monday following his inauguration to delay a federal ban of the app.

In a statement on X, the company wrote that it would bring back access to its American users.

#tiktok #trump #socialmedia #china

"In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service," TikTok wrote. "We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive."

The decision is "a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship," the company added. "We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States."