Meta’s Most Advanced AR Glasses Ever & Everyone is Refinancing Their House

In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams is facing federal charges linked to corruption investigations that could indicate significant issues in his administration. This situation has led to several key officials resigning or leaving their positions, reminiscent of a dramatic Gotham storyline. Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg showcased new technology at MetaConnect, including a more affordable VR headset and innovative smart glasses that overlay digital information onto the real world. Zuckerberg believes these advancements could lead society beyond smartphones, marking a pivotal moment for Meta as it pushes into a new era of mixed reality. This dual narrative highlights both the political turmoil in NYC and the technological aspirations of Meta, capturing a time of rapid change and uncertainty.

Meta is striving to become less dependent on Apple and Google by developing its own augmented reality glasses. While these glasses showcase impressive technology, they are currently only prototypes due to high manufacturing costs and the need for further development. Meta aims to find a balance between producing affordable devices, like their low-cost VR headset, and the more advanced, expensive glasses. As they push forward, they hope to capture a larger market share and eventually offer the futuristic products people have been waiting for without the high price tag of competitors like Apple's Vision Pro. It remains a challenging road ahead, as Meta has already invested billions with significant losses, indicating the need for a solid strategy to bring their innovations to consumers effectively.

Trump and Harris have opposing strategies for boosting American manufacturing. Trump emphasizes tariffs as a tool to pressure companies and foreign nations to keep manufacturing in the U.S., promising tax breaks to lure factories back. In contrast, Harris presents a more capitalist approach focused on lowering costs and investing in innovation. Both candidates agree on the importance of manufacturing for the economy but differ significantly in their policies, particularly regarding corporate tax rates. While Trump aims to reduce the corporate tax from 21% to 15%, Harris proposes increasing it to 28%. This debate follows a backdrop of recent investments in domestic manufacturing supported by legislation. Additionally, the recent cut in interest rates has lowered mortgage rates, promoting potential boosts in home buying. Regardless of the election outcome, domestic manufacturing is likely to remain a priority for future administrations, stimulated by various federal acts aimed at economic support.

Despite lower mortgage rates, home prices remain high, making it tough for homeowners with low-rate loans from the pandemic era to consider moving. Most mortgage applications now are for refinancing rather than purchasing new homes. The housing market is limited due to a scarcity of listings and high prices. First-time buyers are facing challenges due to fierce competition and rising prices. While experts predict that mortgage rates may continue to drop, it could take until 2030 for the housing market to achieve more affordable conditions. This situation shows that while refinancing may increase because of better rates, the overall homebuying process remains sluggish and costly for many.

In Argentina, the new President Javier Milei has removed strict rent control laws as part of a wider effort to revive the struggling economy. This move led to a sharp increase in rental supply and a decrease in prices, showing that eliminating rent controls can improve housing markets. However, his shock therapy approach, which also cuts government agencies and price controls, has resulted in significant job losses and rising poverty. While some benefits are seen in the rent sector, the overall effects of these measures on the economy are mixed, causing hardship for many Argentinians. Ultimately, finding a balance between economic reform and social welfare remains challenging for Milei and his administration.

Oakland has lost all its major sports teams in recent years, leaving the city heartbroken. The Athletics are the latest team to leave, moving to Las Vegas after failing to secure funding for a new stadium. Many residents feel betrayed by team owners, especially John Fisher, and express sadness as they reminisce about the glory days of their teams. Meanwhile, New York City has a unique side hustle opportunity with City Bike, where individuals can earn money by moving bikes around the city. The Bike Angels program rewards people who help ensure bike availability at docks, turning bike-sharing into a money-making venture for those who understand the system. Ultimately, Oakland’s sports losses and New York’s bike-sharing opportunities reflect the economic realities of sports and urban life.

Bike flipping has become a surprising money-making gig for some individuals in cities like New York, where people move bikes from full stations to empty ones and exploit an algorithm for profit. Meanwhile, dining habits are shifting as 75% of restaurant customers prefer smaller portion sizes for lower prices. This change is seen as a response to rising food costs and the influence of appetite-suppressing medications. Restaurants are reacting by offering smaller choices and lower prices, like Subway’s snack menu and Burger King’s reduced chicken nugget servings. Some customers appreciate this shift, as it provides options that feel more reasonable and valuable. This reflects a broader desire for change in both urban transportation and dining, as people find innovative ways to adapt to new realities and preferences.

With states like California and Massachusetts working hard to reduce food waste, changes in restaurant portion sizes may be on the horizon. A significant amount of food goes uneaten in restaurants, prompting new laws to address this issue. As more people adopt habits like snacking throughout the day and taking weight-loss medications, it could lead to smaller servings at restaurants. Despite the challenge of changing long-standing dining norms, especially in places known for big portions, these trends may encourage healthier eating habits and combat waste. Restaurants might reconsider their food portions, leading to a more sustainable approach to dining and reducing what ends up in landfills. It also reflects a broader shift in consumer attitudes toward food and eating behaviors that prioritize moderation over excess.