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Ahead of the expected TikTok ban, creators on the app posted heartfelt goodbyes this week to their fans.

Advocates and holders of crypto will soon influence U.S. policy on the emerging technology after a slew of nominations and advisory appointments by President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Monday.The crypto industry has spent years fighting lawsuits and enforcement actions by the U.S. government. It hopes the incoming Trump administration will mark a shift in policy.Political appointees will be vetted for potential conflicts. Some have committed to selling their interests.The industry is hosting a sold-out black-tie ball in Washington, D.C., on Friday, with tickets ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. David Sacks, Trumps artificial intelligence and crypto czar, is scheduled to attend.Below are some facts on the crypto positions of key members of the incoming administration and Trumps inner circle.Scott BessentA billionaire hedge fund manager, Trumps pick to be Treasury secretary has spoken favorably about crypto.Crypto is about freedom and the crypto economy is here to stay, he told Fox News in July. I think everything is on the table with bitcoin.According to a financial disclosure filed last month, Bessent holds shares in a BlackRock bitcoin exchange-traded fund worth between $250,001 and $500,000. Bessent will divest his interests in the fund and other investments within 90 days of his confirmation, he wrote last week to the U.S. Treasury.Bessent did not respond to a request for comment.Howard LutnickTrumps choice for secretary of commerce is a vocal supporter of bitcoin.Lutnick is CEO of New York brokerage firm Cantor Fitzgerald, which earns fees to manage billions of dollars worth of U.S. Treasuries for Tether, the company that issues the eponymous stablecoin.Do I own bitcoin? Of course I do, Lutnick said at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in July. Does Cantor Fitzgerald own bitcoin? A shedload of bitcoin.Lutnick did not respond to a request for comment.Elon MuskThe Tesla chief and worlds richest man, chosen by Trump to oversee a government cost-cutting effort, the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, has long championed crypto including bitcoin and dogecoin.His public comments and actions of his companies have in recent years influenced the price of bitcoin and dogecoin, a smaller token conceived as a joke during an earlier crypto bubble.The acronym for Musks cost-cutting agency, DOGE, is a nod to dogecoin, which is now the worlds seventh-biggest crypto token based on its circulation of $4.5 billion, according to data provider CoinGecko.In 2021 Tesla bought $1.5 billion of bitcoin, becoming one of the biggest companies to own crypto before selling most of its holdings. It held unspecified digital assets totaling $184 million in September 2024, a company financial report showed.Musk did not respond to a request for comment sent via Tesla on what crypto assets he may hold.Vivek RamaswamySet to work with Musk at DOGE, the former presidential candidate and entrepreneur is the founder of Strive Asset Management.Strive, which said in September it managed over $1 billion in assets, last month filed to launch an exchange-traded fund that invests in corporate bonds for bitcoin investments.The companys wealth management arm, launched in November, seeks to integrate bitcoin into Americans investment portfolios, Ramaswamy said in a press release.In June 2023, Ramaswamy held $100,001 to $250,000 of bitcoin and $15,001 to $50,000 worth of the smaller token ether, according to a financial disclosure.He did not respond to a request for comment.David SacksA former PayPal executive, Sacks was appointed White House artificial intelligence and crypto czar in December, tasked with developing a U.S. legal framework long sought by the crypto industry.Sacks is a cofounder of venture capital firm Craft Ventures. The firm has invested in crypto firms including BitGo and Bitwise, its website shows.Sacks did not respond to requests for comment.Steve WitkoffTrumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, a real estate tycoon and donor to the incoming president, founded crypto venture World Liberty Financial in November.World Liberty, which sells a proprietary token, lists on its website Trump as among those entitled to a large share of any of the companys revenues.Witkoff did not respond to requests for comment.Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Barron TrumpEric Trump told Reuters last year he was very involved in World Liberty, which he, his elder brother Don Jr.seen as the most influential family member in the presidential transitionand younger half-brother Barron helped to form.Eric told a bitcoin conference in December the technology was a financial revolution, and that his father would make the United States the crypto capital of the world.JD VanceU.S. Vice President-elect Vance held between $250,001 and $500,000 in bitcoin in August 2024, according to a financial disclosure.The venture capital firm cofounded by Vance, Narya, has made investments in Strive, Ramaswamys asset management company, and video platform Rumble, its website shows.In November, Rumble said it would allocate its excess cash reserves to bitcoin. The company also received last year a $775 million investment from stablecoin firm Tether.Asked for comment on the crypto stances of Vance and Trumps sons, Trump-Vance transition spokesperson Brian Hughes saidwithout providing evidencethat bureaucrats in Washington had sought to stifle innovation with more regulation and higher taxes.President Trump will deliver on his promise to encourage American leadership in crypto and other emerging technologies, he said in a statement to Reuters.Paul AtkinAtkins, a lawyer and former top SEC official, is Trumps choice to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission and has advocated for deregulation. He is expected to take a softer approach to crypto than current the current chair, Gary Gensler.Atkins is chief executive of Patomak Global Partners, a consultancy. Patomak advises cutting-edge crypto-native companies and traditional financial firms on how to leverage digital assets for growth, its website says.Atkins did not respond to a request for comment.By Tom Wilson in London and Michelle Conlin, Reuters

Tables are designed to be stable, or at least they should be if theyre meant to serve their purpose of providing a safe horizontal platform to put things on. More often than not, table designs are meant to visually convey that characteristic through their structure, forms, and materials. Of course, there will always be exceptions that challenge our brains with a visual that seems contrary to a tables spirit.This table might be made of thick stainless steel always associated with sturdiness, but its irregular, almost chaotic appearance goes against that flow. In fact, its asymmetrical structure doesnt inspire confidence in its stability, forcing people to pause and possibly consider the deeper meaning behind the beautiful yet unorthodox side table design.Designers: Nikita Gorshkov, Alexandra Ivanets (Primitive Buro)Very few things in nature have perfect symmetries or geometrical shapes. You will always find some imperfection, like a jagged edge, a torn piece, or a missing part in naturally occurring things, and yet these very same objects impress a sense of beauty that is difficult to pull off artificially. Designers continue to be inspired by these imperfections, transforming flaws into strengths like in this Flaw coffee table.Almost like a decaying tree trunk, a puddle of muddy water, or a cracked piece of rock, the Flow tables lone leg introduces an element of controlled chaos to the design. Rather than some uniform pattern, the abstract-looking jagged edges create a sense of tension that is meant to contrast with the rest of the tables aesthetic. Polished to a mirror-like finish, the stainless steel construction looks almost diametrically opposed to the brutally unfinished shape of the table. It also has the effect of distorting the images mirrored on its surface.While most tables have two or more legs to keep them balanced, the Flow tables asymmetrical bracket-like form will cause some to wonder whether it will tip over under some weight. Of course, its crafted to actually be structurally stable, but that doesnt stop our minds from questioning the disjunct between what our eyes see and what we expect. It adds yet another element to that controlled chaos and beautiful contrast that the design wants to express.The Flow table offers a bold and interesting choice for homeowners who like to live on the edge and have furniture that reflects that as well. The tension between chaos and control, unpredictability and stability, and asymmetry and balance make for an interesting presence in any space, whether its in the middle of your living room or even off to the side of your desk.The post Structural side table adds a bit of tension and chaotic beauty to your space first appeared on Yanko Design.

Plus: New details emerge about Chinas cyber espionage against the US, the FBI remotely uninstalls malware on 4,200 US devices, and victims of the PowerSchool edtech breach reveal what hackers stole.

Apple's Chief Financial Officer, Kevan Parekh, has testified at a UK trial, disputing claims by the prosecution that the company has a 75 percent profit margin on its App Store for iPhone and iPad.Apple CFO Kevan Parekh. Image credit: AppleThe seven-week trial happening in London is likely to the be the first case in a series of attacks on various Big Tech companies and their various paid services or app stores. The case is being heard by the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal.Antitrust and consumer advocates in the case say that because the iPhone and iPad app stores are the only authorized outlets for obtaining apps and services on those platforms, they constitute a monopoly. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of 20 million UK Apple users, says that this monopoly allows Apple to charge a standard 30 percent commission, leading to inflated costs for consumers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Anthropomorphizing AI creates dangerous blind spots in business decision-making beyond simple operational inefficiencies.Read More

Microsoft is testing AI-powered Windows search in a new dev channel build for Windows 11 Insider testers. Announced in October, it uses semantic indexing to let users search for local files using more casual language. Like other Microsoft AI features, youll need a Copilot Plus PC to use it.The feature applies whether youre using search boxes in Settings, File Explorer, or the taskbar. And you dont need to be connected to the internet for it to work, thanks to the NPU chips on Copilot Plus computers. For now, AI search is limited to Windows settings and files with image and text formats that include JPEG, PNG, PDF, TXT, and XLS. Image: MicrosoftMicrosoft says that search only works for files in locations youve chosen to index. Users can tweak those locations using options found under Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows, or turn on Enhanced to index their whole machine. The company adds that the feature will eventually expand to include cloud data such as that stored in OneDrive.AI-powered Windows search will gradually roll out to Windows Insiders on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft writes, with support for Intel or AMD Copilot Plus computers later. The feature will work for machines set to Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish languages. Image: MicrosoftIn addition to the new search, the build also includes AI writing tools offered by Click to Do, a feature that lets you choose from context-sensitive menus of options when you hold the Windows key down and left-click on your screen. Now, when you click a block of text and select Rewrite, theres a Refine option that can correct grammar for you.

The weekend is officially here, and we've rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for Saturday, January 18, below:Meta Quest 3S 256GB for $349Meta Quest 3S 256GB Get Batman: Arkham Shadow and a 3-Month Trial of Meta Quest+ Included All-in-One HeadsetAmazon has the Meta Quest 3S 256GB VR Headset with Batman: Arkham Shadow for $349 today. This headset is perfect if you're just entering the VR space, and it's equipped with everything you need to experience all the latest games out there. In our 9/10 review, we stated, "Raw processing power, full-color passthrough, and snappy Touch Plus controllers make the Quest 3S a fantastic standalone VR headset that also brings entry-level mixed-reality gaming to the masses for arguably the very first time."Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for $49.99Donkey Kong Country Returns HDDonkey Kong Country Returns HD just release for Nintendo Switch this week, and you can already save $10 off at Woot. If you enjoyed Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Returns HD is another excellent entry you are sure to have fun with. There are many different worlds to traverse through, with a variety of collectibles and items to discover. PS5 Disc Drive Available at TargetDisc Drive for PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console$79.99 at TargetIf you are a recent PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro owner, it's likely you have ran into some trouble looking for in-stock PS5 Disc Drives. These sell out quickly each time they are restocked, but Target has the item available right now for $79.99. If you've been looking for a PS5 Disc Drive, grab one before they're gone.Tomb Raider I-III Remastered for $19.93Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara CroftAs the name suggest, this collection packs in remasters of the first three Tomb Raider games, and you can score this bundle for only $19.93 this weekend at Amazon. Both the Nintendo Switch and PS5 versions of the game are on sale, so you can grab a copy for the platform of your choice!Sonic The Hedgehog 3 SteelBook Up for Pre-OrderSonic The Hedgehog 3 [4K Steelbook + Blu-Ray + Digital Copy]$43.49 at AmazonIt's been a month since Sonic The Hedgehog 3 released in theaters, and you can now pre-order the 4K Steelbook at Amazon. This edition includes a 4K UHD disc, a Blu-ray disc, and a digital copy that you can redeem. Sonic The Hedgehog 3 pits Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles against the formidable Shadow. If you're a Sonic fan, this is the ultimate celebration of the franchise.Save $44 Off This Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless ControllerXbox Elite Core Wireless Controller - RedThis deal from Target on the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller is one you can't miss. Widely regarded as one of the best controllers on the market, the Elite Series 2 has so many great features you can use to your advantage. This includes modifying the tension of the thumbsticks, creating custom button profiles, and so much more. The Core version of the Elite Series 2 controller allows for a cheaper price point with less premium outer materials and textures. Additionally, you won't get the paddles or charging dock in the box, so you'll need to buy those separately if you'd like them.Logitech G713 Mechanical Keyboard for $69Logitech G713 Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with LIGHTSYNC RGBNormally $115.60, you can save $46.80 off this Logitech G713 keyboard today at Walmart. The G713 is a wired mechanical gaming keyboard with GX Blue switches. A cloud-shaped palm rest is included for maximum comfort, as well as support for Logitech's Lightsync RGB. You can even customize both the top plate and keycaps to your liking!

Last month, The Wall Street Journal reported that the iPhone 17 Air will cost less than the iPhone Pro models, contradicting the long-standing expectation that the new ultra-thin iPhone would be even more expensive than the iPhone Pro Max models. With that being the case, the phone actually makes more sense than ever.New pricing rumorIn a new report, The Wall Street Journal said the following about the long-rumored iPhone 17 Air:Starting next year, Apple plans to introduce an iPhone that will be thinner than the approximately 8-millimeter profile of current models, said people familiar with the companys plans. The model is intended to be cheaper than Pro models, with a simplified camera system to reduce costs.This goes against what had been previously reported. Back in May, when The Information revealed some of the first details about the device, this was what they stated:The slimmer iPhone could be released concurrently with the iPhone 17, expected in September 2025, according to the three people with direct knowledge and two others familiar with the project. It could be priced higher than the iPhone Pro Max, currently Apples most expensive model starting at $1,200, they said.Why it mattersObviously, more expensive than the iPhone Pro Max implies a price tag of at least $1199 possibly even as high as $1299. For a thinner iPhone with less features, a compromised battery life, and a single camera. That didnt seem very worth it. Sure, it wouldve looked very nice, and potentially wouldve laid the groundwork for future iPhones to be thinner, but it wouldnt have made too much sense to buy.More recently, weve even heard that the iPhone 17 Air will lack a second speaker, relying only on the earpiece to output audio. With so many compromises, it never wouldve made sense to pay such a large premium for.However, if newer reports are to hold true, were now expecting a model cheaper than the Pro models. It isnt clear what this means exactly, since there could potentially be a price hike with the iPhone 17 Pro, but regardless, the iPhone 17 Air should come in under $1000. If there is no price hike on the iPhone 17 Pro, then the 17 Air could potentially be as low as $899, taking the same price point as iPhone 16 Plus. That drastically changes the value proposition there, making the new model up to $400 cheaper than we initially thought.Wrap upThe phone replacing the Plus will cost less than the Pro. Shocking development. View all commentsSure, youd still be losing out on battery life and a second camera compared to the iPhone 16 Plus, and youd also be missing a second speaker. All that being said though, you would be getting the cool, shiny looking, and far thinner iPhone for the same price you paid last year. Apple is probably betting on that being the appeal. This will be the first iPhone in a large number of years thatll look truly different compared to the prior model.Plus, unlike the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the base model iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air will equip 120Hz ProMotion displays, making it more appealing to techies as well.My favorite iPhone accessories on Amazon:Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel