Long-simmering tension between Silicon Valley and the press that covers it is surfacing during the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust trial against Meta.

During a heated cross-examination of the FTC’s key economic expert, Scott Hemphill, Meta’s lead attorney, Mark Hansen, noted that Hemphill joined Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes and former Biden official Tim Wu in pitching regulators on an antitrust probe of the company back in 2019. The pitch deck for the probe that was shown in court included “public recognition” of the company’s aggressive acquisition strategy from two reporters: Kara Swisher, who currently hosts two podcasts for The Verge’s parent company, Vox Media, and Om Malik, the founder of the early tech blog GigaOm who is now a venture capitalist.

In an attempt to undercut Hemphill’s credibility, Hansen caught Swisher and Malik in the crossfire. He called Malik a “failed blogger” with an axe to grind against Meta. He then suggested that Swisher, whom he referred to as a Vanity Fair columnist (she last wrote for the site in 2015), was similarly biased against the company. In court, he projected a headline about her recently calling Mark Zuckerberg a “small little creature with a shriveled soul.”

The 2019 pitch deck shown at court by Hansen also cited a Post story to support that Facebook should be investigated as a monopoly. Meta’s Hansen asked if Hemphill agreed that “The New York Post is a scandal sheet,” to which he replied that he didn’t “have a view one way or another.” Hansen showed the infamous Post front page headline, “Headless Body in Topless Bar,” to make his point.

The exchange resurfaced years-old tensions between the press and tech titans. After experiencing relatively positive coverage during the early, aspirational days of Silicon Valley, Facebook and a handful of startups grew to become the largest platforms in the world. Along the way, they’ve chafed at increasingly critical coverage of their businesses.

Malik and Swisher have indeed both criticized Meta and its executives. In 2016, Malik critiqued Facebook’s intentions for offering free access to its apps and others in India, after board member Marc Andreesseen blamed local resistance to the program on “anti-colonialism” in a later-deleted tweet. “I am suspicious of any for-profit company arguing its good intentions and its free gifts,” Malik wrote at the time.

Tuesday’s exchange was not the first time that Meta has pointed a finger at the media while at trial. When discussing major scandals like Cambridge Analytica from the witness stand, company leaders have chalked up downswings in user sentiment to negative media attention and testified that Meta’s services haven’t seen comparable declines in engagement.

The FTC has argued that this fact is a sign of monopoly power because people can’t leave Facebook and Instagram without viable alternatives. A judge will ultimately decide if that is true or not. In the meantime, Meta’s grudges with the press are on full display.

Losing a hand or limb is a life-changing event, and finding a prosthetic that can truly feel has long been a challenge. For many, traditional prosthetics offer limited movement and no sense of touch, making everyday tasks difficult and frustrating.

But what if a prosthetic hand could do more than just move? What if it could actually feel the objects you touch, giving you real-time feedback and control? Enter the Ability Hand by PSYONIC, the world’s first touch-sensing bionic hand. This innovative device is designed to restore not only movement but also sensation, helping people regain a more natural connection with their environment.

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What sets the Ability Hand apart?

When it comes to prosthetic hands, there are a lot of options out there, but the Ability Hand brings some truly unique features to the table. Here’s a look at what makes it stand out from the rest:

Real touch sensation

One of the most impressive features of the Ability Hand is its integrated pressure sensors in the fingertips. When you grip something, these sensors detect how much force you’re applying and send a gentle vibration to your arm, giving you sensory feedback. This means users can handle delicate objects with greater confidence and precision, something that was previously impossible with traditional prosthetics.

A grip for every occasion

The Ability Hand offers an impressive variety of grip patterns, 32 in total, with 19 ready to use right now. Whether you need a strong power grip for lifting or a delicate pinch for picking up small items, this hand adapts easily. Customized grips are also available for those who want something tailored.

Designed for comfort and natural movement

Weighing just 1.08 pounds lighter than the average human hand, the Ability Hand is comfortable for all-day use. All five fingers flex and extend naturally, and the thumb can rotate both electrically and manually, allowing for a wide range of motions that feel intuitive and lifelike.

Easy charging and compatibility

Charging is simple with a USB-C port, taking about an hour to fully charge. The battery lasts 6 to 8 hours, depending on use. A neat bonus: you can even charge your phone directly from the Ability Hand. The hand is also compatible with most third-party control systems, including EMG pattern recognition and force-sensitive resistors, making it a flexible option for many users.

Built to last

Durability is key for any prosthetic, and the Ability Hand doesn’t disappoint. Each finger is designed to withstand blunt force impacts without breaking. Plus, it’s water-resistant with an IP64 rating, so it can handle everyday spills and splashes without worry.

Ability Hand (PSYONIC) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THE 2025 TERMINATOR? LAB-GROWN MUSCLE BRINGS BIOHYBRID ROBOT HAND TO LIFE

Key specs at a glance

Want to see how the Ability Hand stacks up? Here’s a quick rundown of the bionic hand’s standout specs, from weight to water resistance, all in everyday terms.

• Weight: Just 1.08 pounds.
• Grip force: Up to 14.8 pounds of force (66 Newtons) for power grasp.
• Speed: Finger close time 0.2 seconds.
• Battery: 2200mAh lithium polymer battery, charges fully in about 1 hour.
• Water resistance: IP64 rated (protected against splashes and dust).
• Grip patterns: 32 total (19 pre-defined and ready to use, with more customization available).
• Compatibility: Works with various control systems, including EMG pattern recognition and force-sensitive resistors.

Ability Hand (PSYONIC) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SOFT ROBOTIC PROSTHETIC HAND USES NERVE SIGNALS FOR MORE NATURAL CONTROL

How to use the Ability Hand

Powering on the Ability Hand is as easy as pressing a button on the PSYONIC Power Switch, which also shows battery status through colored LED lights. Switching between grips is primarily done with your muscles or with quick taps on the same button. If needed, the hand can be “frozen” to prevent accidental movements. Charging involves simply plugging in the USB-C cable to the power switch. The LED indicates charging progress, turning solid green when fully charged.

Ability Hand (PSYONIC) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SOFT ROBOTIC ARMBAND GIVES PROSTHETIC HAND USERS NATURAL CONTROL

How much does it cost?

The Ability Hand is priced at around $15,000 to $20,000, plus clinical services, which is considered affordable compared to many advanced bionic hands on the market. This price point helps make cutting-edge bionic technology accessible to more people than ever before. The company tells us that many insurance policies cover the device and clinical services.

For those whose insurance cannot cover the hand, PSYONIC has partnered with the Range of Motion Project to launch the Ability Fund. This initiative is designed to make the Ability Hand accessible to even more individuals who can benefit from advanced prosthetic technology. Through the Ability Fund, your tax-deductible donation helps provide a hand or leg at no cost to the recipient, along with all associated clinical services for the life of the device. To learn more or contribute, visit www.ability.fund.

If you’re exploring prosthetic options, the Ability Hand offers a compelling combination of innovation, comfort and affordability. It’s a great example of how technology can empower people and redefine what’s possible. For more information or to get started, visit PSYONIC’s website or call 1-888-PSYONIC (779-6642).

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Ability Hand (PSYONIC) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What’s next

Looking ahead, PSYONIC’s technology is focused on creating an even more seamless connection between the human body and robotics by directly linking the hand to the brain, enabling users to experience localized touch and individual finger control through advanced brain-computer interfaces.

As Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, founder and CEO of PSYONIC, puts it, “Building bionic limbs is a dream I’ve had since I was 7 years old. Seeing our users push the limits of what is possible with the Ability Hand is why we do what we do.”

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Ability Hand combines real touch feedback, durability and easy-to-use design to create a hand that moves and feels more natural than ever before. Whether it’s handling something delicate or just going about everyday tasks, it acts like a true extension of the body. And with a price that makes this kind of advanced tech more accessible, it’s opening up exciting possibilities for many people. Even if you haven’t experienced limb loss, the Ability Hand offers a fascinating glimpse into how technology is bringing us closer to blending human ability with machine precision.

As bionic limbs like the Ability Hand advance, some argue they could shift society’s benchmarks for “ability.” Do you think this tech redefines what it means to be “able-bodied”? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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From May 14th, packages from Hong Kong and China valued below $800 will be subject to either a 54 percent tariff — down from 120 percent — or a flat $100 per-parcel fee, which hasn’t changed. Export companies retain the ability to decide whether they want their goods to be taxed at a flat rate or by percentage. Previous plans for a doubling of the flat rate to $200 from June 1st have been scrapped.

The tax on goods below $800 is an effort to counter the effects of the previous “de minimis” exemption, which allowed cheaper parcels to avoid import taxes and duties. Donald Trump first announced plans for a 30 percent rate on de minimis goods, with a $25 flat fee, which was later tripled and then increased again. The latest rates remain substantially higher than those included in his first tariffs package.

Companies like Temu and Shein thrived thanks to the ability to ship goods directly to consumers tax-free, and even the lowered rates will remain a threat to their business models. Both companies recently raised their prices for US consumers in response to elevated tariffs.