Fri. 05/09 – Apple’s Coming For The Meta Ray-Bans

May 9, 2025 17m

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Episode Description

More signs that Apple is diversifying its smart headgear ambitions. Meta wants back in on the stablecoin game it arguably bailed on too early. The Celsius network CEO gets 12 years in prison. And, of course, the Weekend Longreads Suggestions. Sponsors: Quince.com/ridehome Links: Apple Is Developing Specialized Chips for Glasses, New Macs and AI Servers (Bloomberg) Meta Explores Stablecoin Integration as US Senate Blocks Key Crypto Bill (Coinpaper) Google rolls out AI tools to protect Chrome users against scams (TechCrunch) Celsius Founder Mashinsky Gets 12 Years for Crypto Fraud (Bloomberg) Weekend Longreads Suggestions: Can we make AI less power-hungry? These researchers are working on it. (ArsTechnica) Rejoice! Carmakers Are Embracing Physical Buttons Again (Wired)

AI-Generated Summary

Apple's Smart Glasses Ambitions

Apple is ramping up its smart glasses project, aiming for mass production of a power-efficient chip for the glasses by 2026 or 2027. The company aims to compete with Meta's Ray-Ban Spectacles, integrating features like multiple camera controls and advanced AI. While Apple is exploring both AR and non-AR smart glasses, its focus appears to be on developing a lightweight device that consumers can wear all day. The chip development is a part of Apple's broader strategy to enhance its products with AI capabilities.

Meta's Return to Stablecoins

Meta is re-evaluating its stance on stablecoins, seeking to integrate them into its payment systems after previously abandoning its Libra project. The company is reportedly discussing partnerships with crypto firms and considering a multi-token approach, which capitalizes on the growing demand for stablecoins in digital finance. Meta’s potential pivot could position it as a major player in the stablecoin market, which has reached a total market cap of over $230 billion.

Celsius Network's Frauds and Sentencing

The former CEO of Celsius Network, Alex Mashinsky, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for commodities fraud after misleading investors and causing significant financial losses for customers. This case is part of a series of legal actions against crypto industry figures following the downturn in the market. Mashinsky's sentencing highlights the ongoing scrutiny and regulation in the crypto space, amidst a shifting government stance toward digital assets.

Google's AI-Powered Scam Protection

Google has introduced AI-driven tools in Chrome to enhance online security, using its Gemini Nano LLM to combat scams and phishing. These tools aim to provide users with immediate insights into risky websites while also enhancing protection against misleading notifications on Android. The initiative points to a growing reliance on AI to tackle internet threats and improve user safety.

Weekend Longreads Suggestions

This week's longreads delve into two interesting topics: the race to make AI less power-hungry and car manufacturers' return to physical buttons for vehicle controls. The discussion emphasizes the importance of optimizing AI models for energy efficiency and the safety implications of tactile controls in vehicles, reflecting a shift in design philosophy in the automotive industry.