Joe Tsai says open-source AI will boost Alibaba’s cloud business

President Trump is giving TikTok yet another extension—this time delaying a potential U.S. ban while the app tries to restructure its ownership. Despite earlier threats to shut it down, Trump keeps offering TikTok more time to work out a deal, keeping the wildly popular platform alive (for now).

Editor’s Note: TikTok’s fate in the U.S. has been a rollercoaster, with national security concerns clashing with its massive cultural influence. Trump’s repeated extensions suggest the administration isn’t quite ready to pull the plug, leaving millions of users and businesses in limbo. Whether this is strategic patience or indecision, it’s buying TikTok time to avoid disappearing overnight.

Remember that weird, intriguing GPU with an SSD slot we saw a while back? Asus is actually making it a reality with the ProArt RTX 5080 SSD Edition—a graphics card that combines raw GPU power with onboard storage. It’s specifically designed for AI workflows, with custom hardware and software to handle local AI models more efficiently. So, no, it wasn’t just a quirky prototype—it’s a real product with a clear (and very on-trend) AI focus.

Editor’s Note: AI isn’t just about cloud-based tools anymore—companies are pushing hard to bring that power directly to your workstation. Asus’s move here is a sign of how the industry is evolving: blending storage, processing, and AI into single, optimized devices. For creatives and developers working with local AI models, this could mean faster, smoother workflows without relying on external servers. Plus, it’s just cool to see hardware getting more innovative.

China is repurposing abandoned coal mines into solar farms, a move that could kill two birds with one stone: boosting renewable energy and soaking up some of the country’s oversupply of solar panels. A new report highlights how this trend is gaining global traction, with China leading the charge in transforming these industrial relics into clean power hubs.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about cleaning up old mining sites—it’s a smart way to tackle two big challenges at once. China’s solar industry is struggling with overproduction, while the world needs more clean energy. By turning defunct mines into solar farms, China could ease pressure on manufacturers and speed up its shift away from coal. Plus, it sets an example for other countries sitting on similar post-industrial land. Win-win.

A deals expert explains why they're holding off on buying the Nintendo Switch 2, despite the buzz. They argue that waiting could save you money, avoid early-adopter pitfalls, and give you a better product down the line—whether through discounts, hardware refinements, or a stronger game library.

Editor’s Note: Hype around new gadgets can be overwhelming, but this take offers a grounded perspective. If you're eyeing the Switch 2, it’s a reminder that patience often pays off—whether for your wallet or your gaming experience. Not every launch-day purchase is a win.

This piece recounts Dinesh's grueling solo hike through Death Valley in the peak of summer heat—a feat that borders on the edge of human endurance. The story, pulled from a 1998 discussion, mixes awe and disbelief, with commenters debating whether it was an act of bravery or recklessness.

Editor’s Note: Stories like this linger because they challenge our assumptions about human limits. Death Valley in midsummer is no joke—temperatures can literally kill you. Dinesh’s walk, whether foolhardy or inspiring, forces us to ask: Where’s the line between pushing boundaries and tempting fate? It’s a conversation that still feels relevant today, especially as adventurers (and influencers) keep testing nature’s patience.