Technology

In brief Coinbase launched a new app called Base on Wednesday in Los Angeles, rebranding its Coinbase Wallet into an “everything app” for the on-chain economy. The app combines social features, AI tools, and monetization, allowing users to earn from posts, messages, trade, and play games—all in one place. Base aims to create a more

In brief Epirus, a Los Angeles-based defense company, has developed Leonidas, a high-powered microwave weapon that disables drone swarms without firing projectiles. Leonidas uses a wide-area microwave beam to instantly disrupt the electronics of drones, making it effective against mass attacks. The Pentagon is exploring its use to defend against coordinated drone threats. As swarms

In brief Elmo’s official X account was hacked Sunday and was used to post antisemitic and racist messages, prompting swift condemnation. Sesame Workshop confirmed the breach, calling the posts “disgusting” and blaming an unknown hacker. The incident comes amid broader concerns about rising antisemitism and X’s failure to regulate hate speech. Social media platform X

In brief A former voting machine auditor says U.S. election systems still lack basic cryptographic safeguards to detect ballot tampering or duplication. He proposes adding end-to-end cryptographic proofs—without blockchain—to secure future elections and restore public trust. Despite identifying vulnerabilities as early as 2006, he says vendors won’t act without legal pressure or updated election laws.