While it may seem like Black Friday was just here, its already time for the next big sales event. Weve been watching closely as Presidents Day furniture sales pop up ahead of the holiday and weve found some particularly interesting deals on couches, dressers, dining tables, coffee tablesyou name it. And because the discounts dont stop at furniture, we slipped in a few mattresses, sheet sets, and some home decor too.Top Presidents Day Furniture Sales Picks:Buffy: 30% off bedding bundles and sheet setsWayfair: Up to 50% off living room saleNectar: Up to 50% off mattressesFloyd: 30% off living room furnitureDesign Within Reach: 20% off living room itemsCastlery: up to $450 off room sets and sleeper sofasBuffyBuffys currently offering 30% off bedding bundles and sheet sets, so if youre looking for a bedroom refresh, look no further. Make sure to snag the original Cloud Comforter, which is beloved by our digital editor Sydney Gore, or its lighter-weight little sibling, the Breeze, (also an editor fave) during this sale. If youre a hot sleeper, we also highly recommend the Cooling Set, which is currently marked down from $538 to $379.Buffy Cloud ComforterBuffy The Cooling SetWayfairTried and true Wayfair is hosting a Living Room sale with 50% off select items and living room essentials as we speak. That means sofas and sectionals, accent chairs, coffee tables and recliners have all been deeply discounted. Let us save you the 45-page scroll through furniture deals and point out our two favoritesa pair of swivel accent chairs that punch far above their price point, and this pine console table that brings an instant classiness to your foyer.Wade Logan Hendina Armchair (Set of 2)Millwood Pines Brittanni 63 Console TableNectarWere so obsessed with the under-$1,000 Nectar memory foam mattress that we crowned it one of the best mattress-in-a-box options out there. Now you can score this dreamy mattressalong with a handful of other Nectar products (think sheet sets and bed frames)for up to 50% and rest easy knowing you got it for a killer deal. (On the hunt for other mattress deals? Make sure to check out our Presidents Day mattress sales roundup as well, where you can find deals on other brands like Casper, Saatva, and more.)Nectar Memory Foam MattressNectar Adjustable BaseDesign Within ReachDesign Within Reach is also hosting a Living Room sale event this week, with an additional 20% off already existing markdowns at the furniture powerhouse. Were looking particularly closely at all things midcentury-modern and Scandi on sale, like the Edel dining table and a set of Moller Model 78 dining chairs that would make an excellent pairing. Also catching our eye: Bauhaus lamps for a home office refresh, bohemian-inspired credenzas, and sofas that feel slightly less splurgy after the price cut.Design Within Reach Edel TableDumais Made Funnel Table LampCastleryOne of our favorite suppliers of midcentury-inspired pieces, Castlery stocks just about anything youd need for your housemodular couches, table sets, chic bar stools, as well as full room sets, so you can decorate without using too much brain power. The sites currently offering a promo up to $450 off indoor and outdoor furniture, while stock lasts, depending on how much you spend, so youll certainly want to take advantage of the markdowns on this high-quality selection.Castlery Harper TV StandCastlery Adams LoveseatFloydWhile were still watching to see if official Presidents Day deals drop at Floyds, were loving that their Living Room sale is offering up sectional sofas at 30% off, along with shelving systems, cabinets, and percale sheet sets discounted as well. It also offers a great opportunity to get the Floyd bed frame, a high-quality piece of bedroom furniture that digital design editor Zo Sessums calls an ideal bed frame. The accompanying underbed storage and headboard are also 20% off.The Bed Frame by FloydFloyd Sink Down SectionalPottery BarnPottery Barn is having a season sale up to 60% off including a long list of their bestsellers. Some examples below: a beautifully handwoven jute area rug with subtle detail and a classic platform bed made from mango wood. Also in the line-up: a robust collection of soft goods, including robes of every texture, duvet covers, sheet sets, and Turkish cotton towels.Pottery Barn Nayomi Handloomed Jute RugPottery Barn Reed Platform Bed

Google announced Tuesday that it is overhauling the principles governing how it uses artificial intelligence and other advanced technology. The company removed language promising not to pursue technologies that cause or are likely to cause overall harm, weapons or other technologies whose principal purpose or implementation is to cause or directly facilitate injury to people, technologies that gather or use information for surveillance violating internationally accepted norms, and technologies whose purpose contravenes widely accepted principles of international law and human rights.The changes were disclosed in a note appended to the top of a 2018 blog post unveiling the guidelines. Weve made updates to our AI Principles. Visit AI.Google for the latest, the note reads.In a blog post on Tuesday, a pair of Google executives cited the increasingly widespread use of AI, evolving standards, and geopolitical battles over AI as the backdrop to why Googles principles needed to be overhauled.Google first published the principles in 2018 as it moved to quell internal protests over the companys decision to work on a US military drone program. In response, it declined to renew the government contract and also announced a set of principles to guide future uses of its advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence. Among other measures, the principles stated Google would not develop weapons, certain surveillance systems, or technologies that undermine human rights.But in an announcement on Tuesday, Google did away with those commitments. The new webpage no longer lists a set of banned uses for Googles AI initiatives. Instead, the revised document offers Google more room to pursue potentially sensitive use cases. It states Google will implement appropriate human oversight, due diligence, and feedback mechanisms to align with user goals, social responsibility, and widely accepted principles of international law and human rights. Google also now says it will work to mitigate unintended or harmful outcomes.We believe democracies should lead in AI development, guided by core values like freedom, equality, and respect for human rights, wrote James Manyika, Google senior vice president for research, technology, and society, and Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, the companys esteemed AI research lab. And we believe that companies, governments, and organizations sharing these values should work together to create AI that protects people, promotes global growth, and supports national security.They added that Google will continue to focus on AI projects that align with our mission, our scientific focus, and our areas of expertise, and stay consistent with widely accepted principles of international law and human rights.Multiple Google employees expressed concern about the changes in conversations with WIRED. It's deeply concerning to see Google drop its commitment to the ethical use of AI technology without input from its employees or the broader public, despite long-standing employee sentiment that the company should not be in the business of war, says Parul Koul, a Google software engineer and president of the Alphabet Union Workers-CWA.Got a Tip?Are you a current or former employee at Google? Wed like to hear from you. Using a nonwork phone or computer, contact Paresh Dave on Signal/WhatsApp/Telegram at +1-415-565-1302 or paresh_dave@wired.com, or Caroline Haskins on Signal at +1 785-813-1084 or at emailcarolinehaskins@gmail.comUS President Donald Trumps return to office last month has galvanized many companies to revise policies promoting equity and other liberal ideals. Google spokesperson Alex Krasov says the changes have been in the works much longer.Google lists its new goals as pursuing bold, responsible, and collaborative AI initiatives. Gone are phrases such as be socially beneficial and maintain scientific excellence. Added is a mention of respecting intellectual property rights.

Broadband grants $42B broadband grant program may scrap Biden admins preference for fiber NTIA nominee to rework Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. Jon Brodkin Feb 4, 2025 2:25 pm | 40 Credit: Getty Images | Yuichiro Chino Credit: Getty Images | Yuichiro Chino Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreUS Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has been demanding an overhaul of a $42.45 billion broadband deployment program, and now his telecom policy director has been chosen to lead the federal agency in charge of the grant money."Congratulations to my Telecom Policy Director, Arielle Roth, for being nominated to lead NTIA," Cruz wrote last night, referring to President Trump's pick to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Roth's nomination is pending Senate approval.Roth works for the Senate Commerce Committee, which is chaired by Cruz. "Arielle led my legislative and oversight efforts on communications and broadband policy with integrity, creativity, and dedication," Cruz wrote.Shortly after Trump's election win, Cruz called for an overhaul of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which was created by Congress in November 2021 and is being implemented by the NTIA. Biden-era leaders of the NTIA developed rules for the program and approved initial funding plans submitted by every state and territory, but a major change in approach could delay the distribution of funds.Cruz previously accused the NTIA of "technology bias" because the agency prioritized fiber over other types of technology. He said Congress would review BEAD for "imposition of statutorily-prohibited rate regulation; unionized workforce and DEI labor requirements; climate change assessments; excessive per-location costs; and other central planning mandates."Roth criticized the BEAD implementation at a Federalist Society event in June 2024. "Instead of prioritizing connecting all Americans who are currently unserved to broadband, the NTIA has been preoccupied with attaching all kinds of extralegal requirements on BEAD and, to be honest, a woke social agenda, loading up all kinds of burdens that deter participation in the program and drive up costs," she said.Impact on fiber, public broadband, and low-cost plansMunicipal broadband networks and fiber networks in general could get less funding under the new plans. Roth is "expected to change the funding conditions that currently include priority access for government-owned networks" and "could revisit decisions like the current preference for fiber," Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.Reducing the emphasis on fiber could direct more grant money to cable, fixed wireless, and satellite services like Starlink. SpaceX's attempt to obtain an $886 million broadband grant for Starlink from a different government program was rejected during the Biden administration.Republicans and ISPs have objected to the NTIA's enforcement of the legal mandate that Internet providers receiving federal funds offer at least one "low-cost broadband service option for eligible subscribers." Although this requirement is part of the law that created BEAD, Republicans and ISPs say the Biden NTIA went too far when it urged states to set a fixed rate of $30 per month for the low-cost service option.At the Federalist Society event, Roth said that "requiring states to choose a state-wide, low-income rate is just one of the ways they've imposed extralegal requirements. There's also climate change regs, union mandates, wholesale access requirements... all kinds of left-wing priorities on the program that divert resources away from the overall goal of closing broadband gaps. This is going to make the program less cost effective and it's going to undermine its goals."Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, who repeatedly criticized the Biden NTIA's handling of BEAD, said that Roth "will be a terrific leader at NTIA." Roth worked for the FCC during the first Trump administration as a legal adviser in the Wireline Competition Bureau, and later a wireline adviser for Republican FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly.Industry lobby groups want different rulesIn the law that created BEAD, Congress defined priority broadband projects as those that "ensure that the network built by the project can easily scale speeds over time to meet the evolving connectivity needs of households and businesses; and support the deployment of 5G, successor wireless technologies, and other advanced services."The Biden NTIA concluded that end-to-end fiber-optic architecture is the only technology that achieves those goals. "End-to-end fiber networks can be updated by replacing equipment attached to the ends of the fiber-optic facilities, allowing for quick and relatively inexpensive network scaling as compared to other technologies. Moreover, new fiber deployments will facilitate the deployment and growth of 5G and other advanced wireless services, which rely extensively on fiber for essential backhaul," the Biden NTIA said.Lobby groups for non-fiber ISPs hope that decision will be reversed, and they welcomed Roth's nomination. "We look forward to working with Arielle as she takes the reins at NTIA, especially to help put the BEAD program on a better and more successful course," said America's Communications Association, a cable lobby group.The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association said that "Roth's work with Senator Ted Cruz on BEAD is especially encouraging, illuminating a path to correct that off-track program." The group said the program's funding decisions should be "tech-neutral" so that fixed wireless ISPs have a better chance of obtaining grants.Jon BrodkinSenior IT ReporterJon BrodkinSenior IT Reporter Jon is a Senior IT Reporter for Ars Technica. He covers the telecom industry, Federal Communications Commission rulemakings, broadband consumer affairs, court cases, and government regulation of the tech industry. 40 Comments

Booming AI budgets seemed at risk last week when DeepSeekcrashed Nvidias stockbased on speculation that itscheaper AI modelswould lower demand for AI chips and data centers. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has certainly noticed the Chinese AI company, praising its work as tremendous in Alphabets latest earnings call (while adding that some of Geminis models are just as efficient).But just like Meta, Alphabet isnt throwing down the towel in Big Techs AI spending wars. In its latest earnings report, Alphabet announced it would boost capital expenditures to $75 billion this year a whopping 42% increase to accelerate its AI progress.Alphabet is betting that cheaper AI will massively boost demand for its services, rather than making it basically free and threatening its business models. The company noted it stands to benefit from this rise in usage known as inference thanks to its billions of existing users.Part of the reason we are so excited about the AI opportunity is we know we can drive extraordinary use cases because the cost of actually using it is going to keep coming down, which will make more use cases feasible, Pichai said during the earnings call. And thats the opportunity space. Its as big as it comes, and thats why youre seeing us invest to meet that moment.Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg madesimilar commentsin Metas earnings call last week, pledging to spend hundreds of billions on AI in the long term despite all the DeepSeek buzz.Whether this all pans out is unclear, but for now, tech giants can afford the AI bills, and when (or if) theyll slow down is anyones guess.

During Snaps fourth-quarter earnings call on Tuesday, CEO Evan Spiegel said that the uncertainty surrounding TikToks future has positively affected its business.Were not trying to draw too many conclusions from some of the engagement lift we saw when [TikTok] went dark for that brief period of time. I would say that the overall environment of uncertainty is benefiting our business, he said on the call.Among the appealing features that attract users to Snapchat is Spotlight, which serves as the companys alternative to TikTok. Many creators are already on the platform, and more will likely join if TikTok goes offline in the U.S. again. Over the past year, Snap has onboarded thousands of creators into its Snap Star program, and the number of creators posting content grew by more than 40% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, says the company.Spiegel also highlighted the growth of Snapchats public content. He added, I think in Q4 we actually reached a billion public posts a month on Snapchat. So the public content ecosystem is growing in a really nice and healthy way, and so were just going to continue our focus there when it comes to our strategy and participation.In the fourth quarter, the company reported that it reached 453 million daily active users, an increase of 39 million from the previous period. Snap reported a revenue of $1.55 billion, up from $1.36 billion the previous year.The uncertainty surrounding TikTok has not only benefited Snap but has also affected the broader social media landscape, with several apps, including the Chinese-owned RedNote, YouTube, and Meta seeing boosts in user engagement.

adam121 - stock.adobe.comNewsDSIT issues guidance to support public sector hosting of cloud workloads in overseas datacentresThe Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has issued guidance to support public sector organisations that want to host workloads and applications in overseas datacentres for cost and resilience reasonsByCaroline Donnelly,Senior Editor, UKPublished: 05 Feb 2025 0:01 The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has issued guidance to support public sector bodies that want to host their applications and workloads in overseas datacentres.The government departments overseas data guidance features a recommendation for public sector organisations to adopt a multi-region approach for workload resilience reasons, while acknowledging that this might mean making use of cloud services hosted outside of the UK.We recommend that organisations adopt a multi-region approach in which they make controlled, considered use of regions in a way which is compatible with UK law, the guidance document, seen by Computer Weekly, stated. This guidance reinforces existing legislation and policy: this is not a change of policy.Where the latter point is concerned, the guidance reiterated that government data that is classified at official level can be stored and processed in overseas datacentres and cloud regions when satisfactory legal, data protection and security practices are in place.It continued: There is no universal requirement for government data classified as official to be physically located in the UK.The guidance document stated that many public sector organisations are already taking advantage of SaaS [software-as-a-service] products which are not exclusively UK hosted, operated and supported, and DSIT said the guidance is intended to support more of them in doing that.Limiting themselves to using UK-only hosted services means public sector organisations might be missing out on better priced and more technologically advanced services that are only available in certain geographies, the guidance stated.It can be prohibitive for smaller vendors to provide an entire capability within every geography worldwide because of the level of expense and complexity, it said.[Furthermore] your disaster response requirements may mean the current distribution of public cloud regions in the UK is not sufficient to meet your recovery objectives and so you may consider using an overseas region to meet your resilience requirements in certain scenarios.In a statement, announcing the guidances release, DSIT said encouraging more of the public sector to entrust their data to overseas entities will boost competition and the resilience of their offerings, without compromising the UKs strict data and security protections.On this point, the guidance has been created collaboratively with input from DSIT, The Central Digital and Data Office, the National Cyber Security Centre, the Government Security Group and the Department for Business and Trade.This aims to boost competition, so the public sector can negotiate lower prices for their use of cloud tech, said the DSIT statement.It will also make digital systems more resilient by spreading IT infrastructure used by critical services such as the NHS and emergency response across different regions.According to artificial intelligence and digital government minister Feryal Clark, the guidance is intended to reverse the problem of crucial public services being held back by poor technology and outdated guidance that has left the public sector trailing the private sector in innovation terms.By embracing global innovation, we are making sure our public services have access to more tools to drive innovation and improve their services, while also building resilience and lowering costs as we look to put technology to work in the public sector, she said.This guidance will help to ensure that security and compliance are not afterthoughts, but core elements of our digital transformation journey.Read more government cloud storiesMicrosofts hold on government IT is under scrutiny, following a disclosure to a Scottish policing body that saw the software giant advise that it cannot guarantee data sovereignty in its cloud-based Microsoft 365 suiteMore than a year has passed since UKCloud went into liquidation its former chairman outlines his concerns about the economic impact of the UK cloud market floundering in the face of the US hyperscalers.In The Current Issue:Forrester: Why digitisation needs strong data engineering skillsLabours first digital government strategy: Is it dj vu or something new?Download Current IssueA driving licence in an app is a boost for digital identity - but not for angry suppliers Computer Weekly Editors BlogRedis restriction reaction: Percona offers support for Valkey Open Source InsiderView All Blogs

Maria Diaz/ZDNETWhat's the deal?The Ecovacs Winbot W2 Omni window cleaning robot is on sale for $500, a $100 discount.ZDNET's key takeawaysThe Winbot W2 Omni is typically available for $600.The robot works indoors or outdoors and cleans seamlessly, picking up dirt without smearing it around or smudging your glass. It also navigates the span of the glass, cleaning the full window without missing spots.I wish the device worked while plugged in and cleaned the edges of windows more effectively.I've just finished testing a device that makes me feel like I've stepped into a time machine from the future. The Winbot W2 Omni is a window-cleaning robot with a portable station that cleans windows inside and out.Also: 5 helpful Alexa routines I rely on every day - and how to easily build your ownEcovacs has been making window-cleaning robots since 2011, but this is the first time that I've tested one -- and I'm glad I did. Sometime during those 13 years, Ecovacs perfected the art of window cleaning; I call it an art because the Winbot W2 Omni turns the chore into a form of entertainment for the owner. details View at Amazon The Winbot's setup is pretty easy. The robot comes with a lightweight station where you keep everything: the robot that is connected to the battery inside the station, two mopping pads, a squeeze bottle to add water, a rope, and a charging cable.There's a battery inside the portable station so you can bring the robot outside to clean exterior windows. Ecovacs estimates that the battery lasts up to 110 minutes, which translates into a 592-square-foot coverage area.Also:The best robot vacuums for 2024: Expert tested and reviewedFor reference, an average house in the US has 22 windows and 440 sq ft of window area (indoors). The Winbot W2 Omni is thus designed to clean the inside of all the windows in an average home on a single charge. Maria Diaz/ZDNETThe Winbot W2 Omni has a compound cable that works as a safety rope and power cord, which is automatically wound inside the station with the press of a button.After charging the robot and setting it up in the Ecovacs app, the Winbot W2 robot needed me to install one of the two included microfiber mopping pads. I wet mine with water and wrung it out so it was damp, not dripping, before attaching it to the robot's velcro backing.I then filled up the tank with a cleaner. The Winbot W2 Omni instruction manual recommends using water as the cleaning liquid in the robot, so I didn't want to use a window cleaner that may erode the robot's mechanisms. I tried water but ultimately opted for the Force of Nature all-purpose cleaner, a hypochlorous acid and sodium hydroxide that disinfects but is gentle enough on the skin. Maria Diaz/ZDNETAfter filling the robot with cleaner and attaching the mop pad, I turned on the station, held the robot against the window, and pressed the button on the robot. The station announces when the robot is firmly attached so you can let go.Just like that, the Winbot W2 attaches to your window and effortlessly glides across without smearing dust and dirt, a concern I had when setting it up. Instead, the Winbot sprays the water on the window as it goes, and then the microfiber pad picks up the dirt, leaving you with clean windows and a dirty pad. What the Winbot W2 Omni looks like from the other side. Maria Diaz/ZDNETI gave my Winbot the ultimate test: my sunroom's sliding glass door. My dog likes to nap in the sunroom when the weather's nice, and we put him in there while the kids are eating so he can have a cool place to relax with access to the yard. My one-year-old dog also likes to jump, especially when the kids try to play with him through the door.Also: These smart ceiling lights are the best home accessory I didn't know I neededThe combination of a muddy yard, an energetic dog, and messy kids regularly results in layers of dry mud outside the glass door and tiny sticky handprints inside. It takes me at least two passes with a window-cleaning solution to clean just the dog's muddy side of the sliding door, with the first pass mostly smearing dirt around and leaving a cloudy mess. The Winbot W2 Omni's microfiber pad traps the dirt instead of spreading it around. Maria Diaz/ZDNETWhen I set up the Winbot W2 Omni, I thought it would have similar troubles. I was expecting a first pass to wipe up dirt, a pause to wash the microfiber pad, and a second pass to finish the cleaning. To my surprise, the robot tackled all the mud and dirt in a single pass, giving me a clear view outside.We also have a large arched window at the second-story level in our entryway that we have never cleaned because we don't have a death wish. My husband climbed a ladder and set the robot on the part of the window he could reach. The Winbot W2 Omni also cleaned that window, but it alerted us that it was slipping and told us to check the app when it was time to clean the arched edge.Also:I found the most customizable smart home accessory ever, and it's quite the lookerThe Winbot W2 Omni didn't reach the edges completely, as shown in the picture below. A tiny sliver of window area didn't get wiped down, which shouldn't be a big deal, unless your windows are very dirty. Maria Diaz/ZDNETWhen I opened the app, I was told, "Remote cleaning recommended for the current window." My husband and I took turns driving the robot around the window with the Ecovacs app and it sprayed while cleaning. The result was just as effective as autonomous cleaning.ZDNET's buying adviceThe Winbot W2 Omni is one of those devices I wouldn't have gotten before testing it, but now that I have, I'm sold. As soon as I turned mine on, I thought to myself, "Where have you been all my life?"As far as cons, I only have a couple. I wish the robot worked while plugged in instead of needing a charge before cleaning a window, and I also wish it gave a louder alert when it's done cleaning. Right now, the robot dings and says the cleaning is finished, but it remains on as it must stay attached until it's safely removed. Unfortunately, the robot's operating noise drowns out the sound of the alert unless you're standing right next to it.These inconveniences are minor compared to the benefits of having clean windows in return for a tiny fraction of the work, especially if you live in an apartment or have many windows. The Winbot W2 Omni is priced at $600, which seems fair for a portable window-cleaning robot that performs this flawlessly. When will this deal expire? While many sales events feature deals for a specific length of time, deals are on a limited-time basis, making them subject to expire anytime. ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best offers to help you maximize your savings so you can feel as confident in your purchases as we feel in our recommendations. Our ZDNET team of experts constantly monitors the deals we feature to keep our stories up-to-date. If you missed out on this deal, don't worry -- we're always sourcing new savings opportunities atZDNET.com. Show more Featured reviews

Here are two ways to try R1 without exposing your data to foreign servers.

President Donald Trump listens to White House adviser David Sacks as he signs an executive order ... [+] regarding cryptocurrency in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reservedU.S. Crypto And Digital Assets Top David Sacks First Press ConferenceToday, David Sacks, President Trumps crypto and AI czar, held a press conference alongside Senator Tim Scott, Representative French Hill, Senator John Boozman, and Representative GT Thompson to unveil new plans for U.S. leadership in digital assets. They introduced the GENIUS Act, a bill aimed at regulating stablecoins by establishing clear issuance procedures and designating federal and state regulators based on the issuer's size.Sacks emphasized that keeping innovation onshore is a top priority to ensure the U.S. maintains global leadership in financial technology. To advance this initiative, he announced a joint working group between the House and Senate dedicated to crypto legislation. This effort reflects the administrations broader goal of creating regulatory clarity and fostering a thriving blockchain ecosystem within the United States.Despite these announcements, the market responded negatively, with Bitcoins price declining. Some investors were frustrated by the lack of exclusive, market-moving news, failing to recognize that comprehensive legislation is necessary for crypto adoption at the national levelespecially if the government intends to hold digital assets as part of its Treasury Reserve.A Unified Approach to Crypto RegulationOne of the key takeaways from the press conference was the announcement of a bipartisan and bicameral working group that will drive legislation forward. This working group includes:The House Financial Services CommitteeThe Senate Banking CommitteeThe House Agriculture CommitteeThe Senate Agriculture CommitteeWith this coalition, lawmakers aim to harmonize regulations across different oversight agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).MORE FOR YOUThe challenge? Some digital assets are considered securities, while others fall under the category of commodities, creating a complex and fragmented regulatory landscape.By bringing together key stakeholders, this initiative seeks to eliminate uncertainty and provide the crypto industry with clear guidelines on compliance, operations, and legal obligations.Stablecoins and the Future of the U.S. DollarA major highlight of the discussion was the role of stablecoins in ensuring U.S. dollar dominance in the global financial system. Stablecoinsdigital assets pegged to traditional currenciesoffer a way to increase the utility of the U.S. dollar in the digital economy.Senator Bill Hagerty introduced a new stablecoin bill that is expected to align with past bipartisan efforts, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for well-defined regulations. Officials underscored several benefits of stablecoins, including:Enhancing the U.S. dollars role as the worlds reserve currency in an increasingly digital world.Driving demand for U.S. treasuries, which could help lower long-term interest rates.Providing a transparent and regulated alternative to offshore stablecoins, reducing risks for consumers and businesses.Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)Getty ImagesStablecoins are seen as a critical financial tool for cross-border payments, decentralized finance (DeFi), and global trade. By regulating them effectively, the U.S. can solidify its leadership in the financial sector while maintaining control over digital transactions.Ending Regulatory Uncertainty for Crypto EntrepreneursFor years, crypto startups and innovators have struggled with unclear and inconsistent regulations, often facing prosecution without clear guidance on compliance. The lack of regulatory clarity has led to founders being debanked and startups moving overseas, shifting innovation away from U.S. markets.The administration aims to reverse this trend by creating a transparent regulatory environment where crypto businesses can operate with confidence and legal certainty. Officials emphasized that well-defined rules will:Encourage domestic innovation instead of pushing companies offshore.Separate legitimate businesses from bad actors, reducing the risk of major frauds like the FTX collapse in the Bahamas.Provide better consumer protections, making it easier for regulators to supervise crypto markets.The shift to onshore regulation is expected to strengthen market integrity while promoting healthy competition among U.S.-based digital asset firms.Legislative Priorities: Market Structure & Consumer Protection For Crypto and StablecoinAs part of the broader push for regulatory clarity, lawmakers are working on two major legislative efforts:Market Structure Legislation Based on the Fit 21 bill, which previously passed the House with strong bipartisan support. This bill seeks to provide clear definitions for digital assets, assign regulatory oversight, and establish fair compliance requirements.Stablecoin Legislation Now gaining momentum, with the new bill introduced by Senator Hagerty expected to set a strong foundation for stablecoin regulation.Bipartisan gettyCongressional leaders emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation, highlighting past successes in achieving broad support for crypto regulations. With a new administration committed to financial innovation, there is optimism that both bills will pass swiftly and be signed into law.A Bitcoin Reserve? Evaluating the Crypto PossibilitiesOne of the most intriguing developments from the press conference was the mention of a U.S. Bitcoin Reserve. President Trump had previously floated the idea of holding Bitcoin as part of national reserves, and officials confirmed that the administration is actively evaluating the feasibility of such a move.While details remain sparse, a Bitcoin Reserve could serve multiple purposes, including:Diversifying U.S. reserves in a digital-first global economy.Strengthening the countrys position in crypto markets by legitimizing Bitcoin as a financial asset.Attracting investment in blockchain infrastructure, driving technological advancements.Additionally, discussions around a sovereign wealth fund involving digital assets are ongoing, though officials indicated that such plans would require further evaluation.What Could Have Been Better?While the press conference outlined ambitious plans, many in the crypto community were disappointed by the lack of immediate, groundbreaking announcements. The market reaction reflected this frustration, with Bitcoin prices declining as investors expected more clarity on key issues such as:Which digital assets will be included in the U.S. Treasury Reserve?What is the timeline for full regulatory implementation?Is there a possibility of removing taxes on American digital assets?The GENIUS Act provided an initial framework, but there was little clarity on when regulations will take effect, or whether tax incentives for crypto holders will be considered. Many Bitcoin investors expected an official confirmation of government Bitcoin purchases, which did not happen. The possibility of removing taxes on American digital assets has been a topic of discussion, but there has been no official confirmation or concrete proposal from the administration or Congress at this time.This frustration, while understandable, overlooks the bigger picture: for the U.S. government to effectively integrate crypto into its financial infrastructure, it must first establish a legal framework. Without clear regulations, the government cannot hold, issue, or transact in crypto assets at scale.Looking Ahead: A Defining Moment for U.S. Crypto PolicyThe United States stands at a critical crossroads in its approach to crypto and digital assets. The next 100 days will be crucial, as lawmakers and regulators work to finalize legislation, educate new members of Congress, and implement a cohesive strategy for the future of crypto in the U.S.The overarching goal is clear: keep innovation onshore, establish fair and transparent regulations, and protect consumers while fostering financial growth.Despite market skepticism, this press conference signals a major step toward a regulated and government-backed digital asset economy. As the regulatory framework takes shape, all eyes will be on Congress, industry leaders, and the administration to ensure that America remains the global leader in digital assetsnot just for today, but for the future of finance and crypto.Did you enjoy this story? Dont miss my next one: Use the blue follow button at the top of the article near my byline to follow more of my work.

Power Stone 2Credit: CapcomI just finished watching the Capcom Spotlight livestream, which featured exciting upcoming titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and Onimusha: Way of the Sword. As cool as those games look, Ive got my retro sights set on Capcom Fighting Collection 2. This throwback compilation, which now has an official release date of May 16, 2025, contains eight Capcom games from the before times, both of the 2D and 3D varieties. It will retail for $39.99 and launch on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4 and Steam.Sure, the 2D stuff like Street Fighter Alpha and Capcom Fighting Evolution appear compelling enough, although Id be lying if I said younger me predictably turned my nose up at any software which stubbornly refused to enter the third dimension. Back in those days, I thought 3D was the future, and subsequently the only way to properly experience video games, really. I remember when I first got my PS1, I actively avoided all 2D titles, because to me, they felt outdated, even archaic. This ultimately meant I missed out on great games like In the HuntI didnt want something I could play on my SNES, basically. Ive since changed my tune (thank God) but long ago, thats where I was at. My brain was developing, man. Its a miracle Im even still alive.Fast forward a few years and we meet Capcoms Power Stone series, which kicked off with an original entry on the endlessly innovative and sadly ill-fated Sega Dreamcast. The home version of Power Stone was a faithful port of its NAOMI arcade sibling, an elusive cabinet Ive yet to see in the wild, come to think of it. In North America, Power Stone launched with the Its Thinking console on 9/9/99, alongside a bevy of other excellent options, like Hydro Thunder, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing, Soul Caliber, NFL 2K and Sonic Adventure, among others. Hell, we can even throw horror jank-fest Blue Stinger in there too. Bless its heart.Power Stone 2Credit: CapcomMORE FOR YOUI never did procure a Dreamcast copy of Power Stone, despite reading glowing reviews earlier that year. I do remember wishing it had online play, which honestly would have swayed me, because the Dreamcast did ship with a 56K modem, after all. Unfortunately, the only things you could use it for at launch were subscribing to AT&Ts Worldnet dial-up service, checking email, playing turn-based Sega Swirl, and downloading VMU games or Sonic Adventure holiday themes.Then, in the year 2000, Power Stone 2 released, and I did grab a copy of that, mostly because the game had a local 4-player mode, and characters ran around inside massive, constantly changing arenas. Still no online capabilities, though. However, I do vaguely remember reading in EGM that Power Stone 2 supported network play in Japan, and that totally bummed me out, because Chu Chu Rocket was the only real-time online Dreamcast title I owned at the time. I could definitely be misremembering this, and I cant find anything on old forums and such, so if anyone has confirmation or denial of the Japan-only network feature, please let me know.On that note, even the PSP port Power Stone Collection, which featured ad-hoc multiplayer, didnt have online play.Power Stone 2Credit: CapcomI tell you these stories to essentially say, Capcom is now bringing rollback netcode to both Power Stone and Power Stone 2 (plus all the other games in the collection), something Ive dreamed about enjoying for a full 25 years now. It will be like reliving those halcyon Dreamcast days, only as if wed gotten SegaNet from the very beginning, and all these acclaimed arcade fighters contained online multiplayer capabilities by default. Admittedly, playing a fighting game over a 56K connection probably wouldnt have been ideal, exactly, but it would have been fun.And speaking of, the amount of hours I sunk into Power Stone 2 with friends was obscene. Its tailormade for groups of laughing people, not unlike Mario Kart, in that its chaotic, vibrant and unpredictable, and at some point, you run away from a giant boulder. I look forward to revisiting the Power Stone universe in May, and pretending Ive got a spaceship-shaped Dreamcast controller in my now much older hands.