From military decision-making to cost-effective language models and AI-powered business solutions, AI continues to expand its reach across various sectors, even sparking discussion on ethical content generation like ChatGPT erotica and multi-trillion dollar valuations for leading firms.

• Army general says he’s using AI to improve “decision-making” — Ars Technica -
• Anthropic’s Claude Haiku 4.5 matches May’s frontier model at fraction of cost — Ars Technica -
• Eightfold co-founders raise $35M for Viven, an AI digital twin startup for querying unavailable co-workers — TechCrunch -

• Anthropic launches new version of scaled-down ‘Haiku’ model — TechCrunch -
• Liberate bags $50M at $300M valuation to bring AI deeper into insurance back offices — TechCrunch -
• Meta partners up with Arm to scale AI efforts — TechCrunch -
• Nscale inks massive AI infrastructure deal with Microsoft — TechCrunch -
• Google’s AI videos get a big upgrade with Veo 3.1 — Ars Technica -
• Google releases Veo 3.1, adds it to Flow video editor — TechCrunch -
• ChatGPT erotica coming soon with age verification, CEO says — Ars Technica -
• You can now text Spotify’s AI DJ — TechCrunch -
• VSCO gets AI editing chops, support for RAW files — TechCrunch -
• OpenAI has five years to turn $13 billion into $1 trillion — TechCrunch -

Apple has unveiled significant hardware upgrades with the new M5 chip across its iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and second-generation Vision Pro, emphasizing enhanced performance for its flagship devices.

• Apple upgrades iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro with new M5 chip — TechCrunch -
• Apple unveils M5 update for the 11- and 13-inch iPad Pros — Ars Technica -
• New Apple M5 is the centerpiece of an updated 14-inch MacBook Pro — Ars Technica -

• With considerably less fanfare, Apple releases a second-generation Vision Pro — Ars Technica -

The cyber giant F5 Networks reported long-term access by nation-state hackers resulting in stolen code and customer data, highlighting critical vulnerabilities, while Google introduced new account recovery options for enhanced user security.

• Thousands of customers imperiled after nation-state ransacks F5’s network — Ars Technica -
• Google now lets you add friends as contacts for account recovery — TechCrunch -
• Cyber giant F5 Networks says government hackers had ‘long-term’ access to its systems, stole code and customer data — TechCrunch -

Pony.ai and WeRide received approval for Hong Kong listings, signaling growth in the self-driving car market, as Waymo announced plans to launch a robotaxi service in London by 2026.

• Self-driving car companies Pony.ai and WeRide get the OK for Hong Kong listing — TechCrunch -
• Waymo plans to launch a robotaxi service in London in 2026 — TechCrunch -

Spotify is enhancing user engagement with a new SongDNA feature and AI DJ text commands, while X aims to boost trust through increased user profile transparency, and Threads expands its messaging capabilities with group chats in the EU.

• Spotify spotted working on a ‘SongDNA’ feature that showcases the people behind your favorite music — TechCrunch -
• X plans to show more information about user profiles to help improve trust — TechCrunch -
• Threads is getting group chats as messaging rolls out to the EU — TechCrunch -

The upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 event is generating buzz, with key deadlines approaching for securing exhibit tables and purchasing passes, featuring a dedicated Space Stage agenda for cutting-edge discussions.

• The full Space Stage agenda at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: The future of tech launches here — TechCrunch -
• Less than 3 days remain to secure your exhibit table at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 — TechCrunch -
• 3 days left: Save up to $624 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Pass before prices rise — TechCrunch -

NASA and Lockheed Martin are exploring launching Orion on alternative rockets as part of a new reuse strategy, marking a shift in traditional space mission planning.

• Once unthinkable, NASA and Lockheed now consider launching Orion on other rockets — Ars Technica -

Concerns arise over workforce reductions at the CDC, ISP opposition to a California law on broadband payments, and the complex societal issue of misinformation persistence, even when proven false.

• CDC tormented: HR workers summoned from furlough to lay off themselves, others — Ars Technica -
• ISPs angry about California law that lets renters opt out of forced payments — Ars Technica -
• Believing misinformation is a “win” for some people, even when proven false — Ars Technica -

Apple's significant investment in renewable energy underscores corporate sustainability efforts, while US demand for Chinese cars grows despite privacy concerns, and Coinbase boosts its investment in India's CoinDCX, reflecting activity in emerging markets and green initiatives.

• Apple adds 650 megawatts of renewables in Europe with more coming in China — TechCrunch -
• US demand grows for Chinese cars despite privacy and security fears — Ars Technica -
• Coinbase boosts investment in India’s CoinDCX, valuing exchange at $2.45B — TechCrunch -

A new Thiel-backed venture, the Enhanced Games, aims to revolutionize sports by openly allowing doping, creating a potentially disruptive and controversial competition model.

• This Thiel-backed venture allows doping in its own sports — TechCrunch -

The annual Nikon Small World contest showcased microscopic beauty with a rice weevil winning top honors, alongside a review of the ROG Xbox Ally X for portable PC gaming.

• Rice weevil on a grain of rice wins 2025 Nikon Small World contest — Ars Technica -
• ROG Xbox Ally X: The Ars Technica review — Ars Technica -