The field of AI is buzzing with OpenAI's latest acqui-hire for personalized consumer AI and upcoming DevDay, Google's Gemini AI app makeover, and a **new AI hardware startup targeting a $5B valuation to rival Nvidia, alongside discussions on AI-designed proteins posing biosecurity vulnerabilities and whether the AI bubble is about to pop**.
In the business realm, **Supabase rapidly secured a $5B valuation, a new deep tech fund raised $15 million, and a search engine for fandom culture received $1.1M in funding, while Snapchat announced plans to charge for storage**.
Key policy and privacy issues include Google's tiered Android developer verification program, Apple's removal of ICEBlock and similar apps tracking ICE agents, and a hacking group's claim of stealing 1 billion records from Salesforce customer databases.
Space news highlights efforts to remove 50 dangerous objects to cut space junk by half, discussions at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 on space defense and connectivity, and a rocket report detailing an Alpha test stand explosion while Europe explores a mini Starship.
Consumers saw Rivian redesigning the R2 SUV's door handles for safety, HBO Max subscribers losing CNN livestream access, a review of the Apple iPhone 17 Pro focusing on camera and battery, and news of Illinois utility exploring bidirectional charging with electric school buses.
Broader socio-political concerns include **nearly 80% of Americans wanting Congress to extend ACA tax credits and a leaked document revealing the chaotic politics behind Trump Energy Department cuts**.