Google showcased a prototype of its Android XR glasses at a recent event, offering a glimpse into the company's vision for augmented reality. The glasses overlay information such as translation, navigation, and notifications directly into the user's field of view. The device is powered by Gemini, Google's advanced AI model, which enables real-time language translation and contextual assistance.

The prototype glasses feature a lightweight design and integrate with Google services like Maps and Translate. During the demo, users could see translated text overlaid on signs or hear spoken translations through the glasses' speakers. Navigation prompts appeared as arrows and directions projected onto the real world, allowing users to keep their hands free.

Gemini's AI capabilities allow the glasses to understand and respond to voice commands, provide contextual information about objects in view, and even summarize text. The glasses can also display notifications from a paired smartphone, such as messages or calendar alerts, without requiring the user to look at a phone screen.

The Android XR platform is designed to support a range of augmented reality experiences, from productivity tools to entertainment. Google emphasized that the glasses are still in the prototype stage and are not yet available for consumers. The company did not announce a release date or pricing for the product.

Google's push into AR glasses comes amid renewed interest in the category from other tech giants. Apple recently launched the Vision Pro, a mixed-reality headset, while Meta has continued to develop its Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses. Google's approach focuses on a lightweight form factor and seamless integration with its existing ecosystem.

The prototype glasses are part of Google's broader strategy to integrate AI into everyday devices. The company has been investing heavily in Gemini, which also powers features in Pixel phones and other products. The glasses represent a new form factor for delivering AI-powered assistance in a hands-free manner.

Developers will have access to Android XR tools to create applications for the platform. Google plans to release a software development kit (SDK) for Android XR in the coming months, allowing third-party developers to build AR experiences for the glasses. The company is also working with partners to explore use cases in industries like healthcare, logistics, and education.

Google did not specify when the Android XR glasses will be available to the public. The company stated that it is continuing to refine the hardware and software based on feedback from the demo. Pricing and availability details are expected to be announced at a later date.

A Reddit user's experience with the Steam Controller's charging puck has raised concerns about a potential fire hazard. User Toikka posted on the r/SteamController subreddit that the metal portion of the charging puck began sizzling due to a short circuit after coming into contact with their metallic watch strap. The strap reportedly fell from a nearby watch charger and hit the puck at an angle that caused the short circuit, which the user said almost started a fire.

Valve appears to be aware of this risk. The manual included with every Steam Controller warns that both the charging puck and the controller contain magnetic parts that may attract metallic items. The company advises users to ensure both are free of metallic objects to reduce the potential risks of sparks and resulting property damage or possible injury.

The manual also cautions that the magnets could negatively affect medical devices, credit cards, and magnetic data storage placed nearby. This warning highlights the importance of keeping the charging area clear of metal objects.

The Steam Controller's charging puck uses a magnetic connection that snaps into place on the back of the controller. While this design offers convenience, the exposed contacts on the puck can create a short circuit if they touch a conductive material.

In a review of the Steam Controller last month, the satisfying click of the magnetic charging puck was noted as a feature that saves users the hassle of fiddling with a power cord. However, this incident underscores a potential downside of the design.

Valve has not issued a recall or additional safety notice beyond the manual's warnings. Users are encouraged to follow the manual's guidance and keep metallic objects away from the charging puck.

The Steam Controller is available for purchase on Steam for $49.99. The controller and its charging accessories are sold separately.

President Donald Trump abruptly canceled an event on Thursday just hours before he was scheduled to sign an executive order granting the government the power to test frontier AI models before their public release. As The New York Times explained, Trump had been hoping that top executives from leading AI firms would attend the signing. He decided to pull the plug after learning that some CEOs couldn't make the event. That made Trump unhappy, even though he'd only given them 24 hours' notice.

Other AI executives who quickly rearranged their schedules to go "were midair on their way to the Oval Office" when they found out that the trip was for nothing. Reporting from Semafor indicated that OpenAI "supported" the signing. However, xAI founder Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly helped "derail" the executive order, supposedly urging Trump to "call it off."

Additionally, Trump's former AI advisor David Sacks—whose special government employee designation expired in March, The Information noted—joined the push to delay the signing, Semafor reported. The executive order would have required companies developing advanced AI models to submit them for government safety testing before public release.

The cancellation highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and major AI firms over regulation. The White House did not immediately comment on whether the executive order would be rescheduled. Some industry observers noted that the short notice for the event may have contributed to the low attendance.

OpenAI had expressed support for the executive order, according to Semafor. The company has previously advocated for government oversight of AI development. In contrast, Musk and Zuckerberg have been more critical of regulatory efforts, with Musk warning about AI risks but opposing certain government controls.

The event's cancellation leaves the status of the executive order uncertain. It remains unclear if Trump will attempt to sign it at a later date or if the opposition from key industry figures will permanently shelve the initiative. The White House has not released a revised schedule for the signing.

ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet has described Elon Musk as “very serious” regarding his ambitious chip manufacturing initiative known as TeraFab. The project involves plans for a massive semiconductor fabrication facility with investments reaching hundreds of billions of dollars.

Fouquet made the remarks during a recent interview, highlighting Musk’s commitment to the venture. The TeraFab project is envisioned as a large-scale chip production plant that could significantly impact the global semiconductor supply chain.

ASML, a Dutch company, is the leading supplier of photolithography equipment essential for advanced chip manufacturing. The company’s extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines are critical for producing the most sophisticated semiconductors.

Musk’s TeraFab project would require substantial quantities of ASML’s EUV tools, which cost over $150 million each. Fouquet noted that Musk has been actively engaging with ASML to secure the necessary equipment for the project.

The TeraFab initiative is part of Musk’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on external chip suppliers for his companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI. By building its own fabrication plant, Musk aims to ensure a stable supply of cutting-edge chips for applications like autonomous driving and artificial intelligence.

Industry analysts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such a massive investment, given the technical and financial challenges involved. However, Fouquet’s comments suggest that ASML takes Musk’s plans seriously and is prepared to support the project.

ASML has a history of working with major chipmakers like TSMC, Samsung, and Intel. The company’s EUV technology is considered essential for producing chips at the 7-nanometer node and below.

Fouquet emphasized that ASML is in discussions with Musk’s team to assess the project’s requirements. He declined to provide specific timelines or investment figures, citing confidentiality agreements.

The TeraFab project, if realized, would represent one of the largest semiconductor investments in history, potentially reshaping the industry landscape. ASML’s confirmation of Musk’s seriousness adds credibility to the endeavor, though many details remain undisclosed.