The Download: Trump's new AI order, and smart glasses for warfare (www.technologyreview.com)

President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order regarding artificial intelligence, marking a shift toward increased oversight of AI models. This order introduces a voluntary review system where tech companies are encouraged to share advanced models with the government for evaluation 30 days prior to their release. Importantly, it does not impose mandatory licensing, allowing developers to deploy their software without government permits. Additionally, the order establishes a new AI cybersecurity clearinghouse to enhance coordination of security checks with the private sector. While this approach is a milder version of a previous, more stringent proposal, it indicates a notable transition in the White House’s strategy towards AI regulation amid growing concerns over security implications. In another development, defense tech company Anduril, in collaboration with Meta, is advancing augmented-reality smart glasses designed for military use. This innovative headset aims to enhance operational efficiency by enabling soldiers to issue commands for drone strikes through eye-tracking and voice commands. Quay Barnett, leading the project, envisions an integrated system where drones and soldiers collaborate as a cohesive unit, sharing situational awareness in real-time. This technology could reshape how warfare is conducted, emphasizing a "cyborg-inspired" model that merges human decision-making with advanced machine capabilities.