China ended its 2025 antitrust probe into Google amid escalating U.S.-China trade talks, signaling a strategic regulatory flexibility. The probe was initially framed as retaliation against U.S. tariffs and targeted Google's Android system for alleged monopolistic practices in China. The termination reflects how regulatory actions are used as diplomatic levers in the broader Sino-U.S. economic rivalry.

The investigation focused on Google's dominance in the smartphone market through its Android operating system and its advertising sector dominance in China. However, since Android is an open-source platform and Google's direct business in China is limited mainly to advertising services, the probe was seen by some analysts as more political theater than a significant business threat to Google.

The Windows 11 Snipping Tool has introduced a 'Quick markup' feature that allows users to annotate and edit screenshots immediately after capturing them, without needing to open a separate editor. This feature includes tools like pen, highlighter, eraser, shapes, and emojis, streamlining the workflow by enabling quick edits directly in the selection area before finalizing the screenshot.

The integrated color picker allows users to identify and capture color codes directly from any element on the screen without taking a screenshot or using third-party apps. It supports HEX, RGB, and HSL color formats and includes precision controls like zooming to target specific pixels. The selected color codes are automatically copied to the clipboard, reducing manual errors and speeding up design and development workflows.

The Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses include a 600x600p high-resolution full-color display built into the right lens, a 12MP camera with 3X zoom, a 6-microphone array, open-ear speakers with Bluetooth connectivity, and integration with Meta AI for voice control and other smart functions. These features enable immersive video calling, live translation, image analysis, and seamless audio experiences, distinguishing them from regular sunglasses which lack these smart capabilities.

Interested consumers can schedule a demo of the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses at Best Buy stores. This allows potential buyers to experience the glasses firsthand, test their features, and determine if they are the right fit before making a purchase decision.

The CLARITY Act is a proposed U.S. federal legislation that aims to establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets, particularly digital commodities, by defining regulatory roles for the SEC and CFTC. It requires digital asset firms to register, provide customer disclosures, segregate customer funds, and comply with operational standards. The Act seeks to close regulatory gaps, foster market development, and provide legal certainty for digital asset projects and trading, which is seen as a pivotal step for the cryptocurrency industry.

The CLARITY Act assigns the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) primary oversight over spot digital commodities, including exchanges, brokers, and dealers, while the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) retains anti-fraud authority over certain digital commodities and stablecoins. This division is based on the nature of the digital asset and its decentralization, aiming to reduce regulatory uncertainty by clearly delineating responsibilities between the two agencies.

The HYPE token is the native cryptocurrency of the Hyperliquid decentralized exchange (DEX), which runs on its own Layer-1 blockchain. It serves multiple functions including acting as the gas token for transactions, enabling staking for network security and rewards, and providing governance rights that allow holders to vote on platform upgrades and decisions. HYPE also offers practical benefits such as reduced trading fees on the platform.

HYPE tokens reached an all-time high of nearly $60 following an 8% daily increase, reflecting strong market interest and bullish momentum supported by strategic buybacks and growing trading volume. Meanwhile, Binance-backed ASTER experienced a remarkable surge of 350%, highlighting increased investor attention and competition among decentralized exchanges (DEXs). This activity underscores the expanding interest in cryptocurrency investments and the dynamic nature of the DeFi ecosystem.

A solid-state battery uses a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid electrolyte found in traditional lithium-ion batteries. This change improves safety by eliminating flammable liquid components and allows for higher energy density, longer cycle life, and better stability. The charging and discharging process still involves lithium ions moving between the cathode and anode, but through a solid medium, which also enables the use of materials with higher specific capacities.

Panasonic aims to penetrate the next-generation battery market for robotics and various systems because solid-state batteries offer significant advantages such as higher energy density, improved safety, and longer lifespan, which are critical for the demanding and compact power needs of robotics. Launching a sample batch by March 2027 indicates Panasonic's strategic move to advance energy technology in sectors requiring reliable, high-performance batteries beyond electric vehicles.

The Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses feature a 12MP ultra-wide camera, open-ear Bluetooth speakers, microphones, a touch sensor, and an EMG wristband. They are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 platform and include advanced voice commands and integrated Meta AI for tasks like capturing photos and videos, streaming content, and interacting with social media. The glasses also support livestreaming to Facebook and Instagram and have improved audio with directional sound for privacy.

The Meta AI assistant on the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses can be activated by voice commands such as 'Hey Meta' to perform various tasks including dictating messages, taking photos and videos, streaming content, translating languages, scanning QR codes, and providing information or suggestions. Some AI functions operate on-device without needing a smartphone connection, but advanced generative AI features are currently mostly available only in the US.

The statue was organized by memecoin enthusiasts associated with Pump.fun, including Hichem Zaghdoudi, who stated the statue was designed to ignite conversation about the future of government-issued currency and symbolize the intersection of modern politics and financial innovation. It was also intended as a tribute to former President Trump's support for Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, highlighting his role in advancing crypto adoption.

Donald Trump is depicted holding a Bitcoin to symbolize his pro-crypto stance during his presidency and campaign, as he embraced cryptocurrency and helped drive its mass adoption. The statue serves as a statement of thanks and recognition for his influence on the crypto industry, which saw increased institutional interest and regulatory changes during and after his administration.

Subsea cables are underwater fiber-optic cables that transmit internet data across oceans and seas at high speeds. They form the backbone of global internet infrastructure, carrying over 99% of the world's data traffic. For Africa, these cables are critical as they connect the continent to global networks, enabling affordable and reliable internet access, which is essential for digital transformation, economic growth, and job creation. They link to terrestrial networks that deliver internet to end users, making them a vital part of the internet delivery chain.

Google's new infrastructure hubs in Africa are designed to connect and support its latest subsea fiber-optic cables, such as the Equiano and Umoja cables. These hubs will enhance regional connectivity by linking subsea cables to terrestrial networks, improving internet speed, reliability, and reducing costs. They also aim to facilitate digital innovation, cybersecurity, and AI deployment across the continent, helping to bridge the digital divide and support Africa's growing digital economy.