Geek News Central Podcast (Video) - Tech Podcast Network

Video Feed of Geek News Central featuring Tech, Science & New Media from a Pioneer in Podcasting

By Todd Cochrane

Meta Unveils Llama 3 AI: Let the AI Race Begin #1738

April 18, 2024

Meta has launched a significant update to its AI platform, Meta AI, now powered by the open-source Llama 3 large language model. This upgrade introduces broader functionality and integration across Meta’s products, including Instagram, Messenger, Facebook feeds, and WhatsApp, along with a new dedicated web portal.

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Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

Title: Meta Unveils Llama 3 AI: Let the AI Race Begin

Summary:

The episode begins with host Todd Cochrane discussing Meta’s significant update to its AI platform. The platform, Meta AI, is now integrated with the open-source large language model Llama 3, which has expanded functionality across Meta’s various products. This includes Instagram, Messenger, Facebook feeds, WhatsApp, a new web portal, Ray-Ban smart glasses, and the upcoming Quest headsets. Despite the advancements, Todd mentions challenges in cultural relevance and hallucination issues that were spotted during preliminary testing.

Todd acknowledges his sponsor, GoDaddy, and offers a range of promotion details for listeners to consider. He also invites listeners to contribute to the show via the website and encourages them to join the live chat at geeknews.chat. The discussion moves on to community elements and how listeners can provide feedback.

Transitioning to his work life, Todd shares his experiences upgrading his studio with Unifi equipment from Ubiquiti. From there, Todd dives into tech news, beginning with the observation that Google has taken action against disruptive employee behavior. Google fired 28 workers for participating in a protest about an Israeli government cloud contract, which Google described as violating their conduct policies. Todd elaborates on the situation and the consequences faced by the employees.

Next, the UN investigates a ransomware attack that resulted in data theft from several of its agencies based in Copenhagen. Todd then discusses a feature allowing guests staying at specific IHG hotels to stream content from their phones to hotel TVs using AirPlay.

The conversation shifts to Spy Pet, a site selling data on Discord users and their messages. Todd explains how the site operates and its privacy implications. National Geographic’s Earth Month celebration is highlighted next, emphasizing digital series featuring meditative videos.

Todd thanks listeners for boosting the podcast with micro-donations before covering more technology stories. These include the United Nations’ efforts to patch a light leak in its space telescope, issues with 911 services going offline in parts of the U.S., Google’s decision to combine its Android and hardware teams to focus on AI, and Google Photos’ new decluttering feature.

Additional news items relate to Google Maps’ 3D building view feature for Android Auto, Pixel smartphone updates, global IT spending, and the illusory of healthcare organizations’ cybersecurity maturity.

The podcast mentions the U.S. Air Force’s successful AI dogfight experiments and Microsoft & OpenAI’s plan to invest $100 billion to develop an AI supercomputer.

Todd also touches on the leakage of Venus’s atmosphere, concerns over TikTok Lite’s influence in Europe, Reddit’s new AI-powered language translation features, Nothing’s new ear two earbuds, and Slack’s rollout of AI tools for paying customers.

The episode concludes with an emphasis on the security risks in the healthcare sector, evidenced by a ransomware attack on Michigan-based Cherry Health that compromised sensitive patient data. Todd wraps up by mentioning that the audience’s feedback would be appreciated and encourages them to support the show.

The Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act Meta rolls out an updated AI assistant UN Agency investigating ransomware attack iOS 17 update Scraper spies on millions of Discord users NAT GEO celebrates Earth Month NASA will send astronauts to ISS 911 goes MIA Google reorganizes teams Google Photos Google Maps IT spending in the trillions Police apprehend global cyber gang Samsung shifts to 6-day workweeks The Google Pixel 9 Report reveals healthcare industry not prepared for cyberattacks PC maker offers a fix The US Air Force’s first successful AI dogfight Microsoft and OpenAI will spend billions Venus is leaking Europe and TikTok Google fired 28 workers Reddit CPO talks about new features Nothing’s earbuds The Boring phone Europol makes arrests Slack rolls out its AI tools The EU and Meta DJI’s new backup battery Cherry Health

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FISA Section 702 Renewal Continues Warrantless Surveillance #1737

April 15, 2024

Last week, the U.S. Congress faced intense debates over the reauthorization of FISA Section 702, which allows indirect surveillance of American citizens without a warrant. The controversy peaked when a proposed amendment to mandate warrants for such surveillance failed in a 212-212 vote. Despite significant opposition and a temporary block by a bipartisan coalition, the renewal bill passed the House and is now pending Senate approval before the April 19 deadline.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

In episode 1737 of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane discusses several topics, with the key focus being the intense debates and controversy over the reauthorization of FISA Section 702 in the U.S. Congress. Todd reports that, despite opposition and an evenly split vote on an amendment mandating warrants for surveillance of American citizens, the renewal bill has passed the House and is pending Senate approval.

He also highlights his partnership with GoDaddy and encourages listeners to use promo codes from Geek News Central to support the podcast and use GoDaddy’s services for online businesses. Todd segues into his personal experiences and reviews of a product line from Ubiquiti, specifically the UnifI product, which he used to address bandwidth constraints in his rural loft. Moreover, he shares his frustration about frequent issues with a PoE switch that affected his security cameras. Todd touches on upcoming travel plans, including speaking engagements in Asia and Europe.

The episode covers news on Google’s reaction to a proposed journalism fee in California, expectations for Google IO announcements, the use of AI for mental health services in the public sector, and a new battery recycling machine. Todd shares his enthusiasm for new AI tools in Adobe Premiere Pro and expresses skepticism about a headband that claims to improve athletic performance.

Todd also discusses layoffs at Tesla due to declining delivery numbers, Samsung’s billion-dollar investment in semiconductor manufacturing in Texas, and Adobe’s development of AI video tools for Premiere Pro.

The podcast wraps up with Todd responding to Senator Elizabeth Warren’s concerns over TurboTax’s upselling tactics, discussing California’s declining share of tech jobs, and inviting listeners to contribute to the podcast via email and SATs boosts.

Google starts removing links to news outlets Google I/O 2024 Dropbox CEO wants you to embrace AI Millions of students are using AI Cybertruck owners alleged pedal problem Hubble spots a galaxy Next, the total solar eclipse Rivian’s new software update Global iPhone shipments drop nearly 10% NASA to make an annoucement US House approves FISA renewal Voyager 1 Roku makes 2FA mandatory Watch a recycling machine Tesla layoffs Samsung awarded billions AI shows promise in mitigating therapists’ shortage CA replaces a gas plant with a battery Tim Cook to raise Vietnamese commitment Lack of AI skills is putting public sector projects at risk Apple’s AI features Bosses are scared of AI Taxi software firm breach BP’s EV charging arm cuts off jobs Former security engineer sentenced to prison This crazy headband Roku confirms second major cyberattack Elizabeth Warren and TurboTax Adobe Premiere Pro CA is losing tech jobs

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Microsoft’s AI Revolution: Integrating AI into Every PC by 2024 #1736

April 11, 2024

Microsoft is gearing up to unveil a series of groundbreaking AI tools for PCs and the cloud at its Build conference in May. With a vision to integrate AI into every PC by 2024, the company will showcase advancements such as the Advanced Paste feature, new AI capabilities for Windows applications, and safety enhancements for Azure AI Studio. CEO Satya Nadella and newly appointed head of Microsoft AI, Mustafa Suleyman, will highlight Microsoft’s commitment to AI innovation and responsible development.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

This episode of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, discusses Microsoft’s ambitions to integrate AI into every PC by 2024. The episode covers Microsoft’s plan to unveil groundbreaking AI tools for PCs and the cloud at its Build conference in May, advancing features like Advanced Paste, new AI capabilities for Windows applications, and safety enhancements for Azure AI Studio. Todd emphasizes the aggressive timeline Microsoft has set for these integrations within PCs.

Todd discusses various topics from his week and tech industry news. He gives a shout-out to his sponsor, GoDaddy, and encourages listeners to use his sponsor discount codes, stressing the importance of sponsor support to the podcast. He also talks about his experience upgrading his internet at the loft with new Unify equipment for better speeds. He also shares an anecdote about his interaction with the Spectrum technician for upgrading his service to 1 gig down and increased upload speeds.

The episode briefly mentions Elon Musk’s expected visit to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Todd also refers to a cybersecurity pay discrepancy study, highlighting that the cybersecurity field shows a narrowing pay gap between men and women compared to national averages.

On the weather front, Todd notes the Weather Channel parent company’s new AI tool for hyperlocal weather videos, and the discussion segues into Google’s one billion dollar investment in undersea cables to connect Japan with Guam and Hawaii, which will significantly impact internet connectivity.

Hints at potential personal updates are also sprinkled throughout the episode, mentioning upgrades he’s making at his loft and potentially speaking at an unspecified event, pending approval from his team at Raw Voice. Todd stresses the grind he’s experiencing with work and his commitment to watching the company’s budget.

The show covers a range of other news, including:

– Uber is making its safety tools more accessible. – Instagram is testing nudity protection to fight sextortion. – Space tourism balloon startup’s latest luxury capsule design. – Alfa Romeo’s move into electric vehicles. – Google Podcasts going away, leading to listener frustrations. – DJI is unveiling its latest first-person view drone. – A warning from the International Monetary Fund on how cyberattacks could trigger bank runs. – Legal strife plaguing Truth Social’s executives. – DuckDuckGo is introducing a privacy pro plan with a no-log VPN. – Best Buy is launching AI customer assistance with human oversight. – There is potential for a Japanese astronaut to be the first non-American to land on the moon since the Artemis program aims to return to the lunar surface.

The episode concludes with Todd thanking listeners for their continued support, particularly those contributing through the modern podcasting app for value-for-value transactions. Additionally, he provides reminders for listeners to join the chat room, email their feedback, follow or subscribe to the podcast, and check out partner shows linked on Geek News Central.

Walmart might launch a ‘Pro’ variant of its Google competitor. The UK is considering banning smartphones for children. AT&T admits data breach Apple plans to overhaul the entire Mac lineup Fireball lights up NJ sky CISA tells agencies to fix credentials The US ‘considering’ end to Assange’s prosecution bid The Yale Approach Lock Taylor Swift songs return to TikTok Taxi software vendor exposes details of hundreds of thousands Microsoft announces new AI tools Roku TV gains new updates Elon Musk to visit India Apple could deliver a vast iPhone performance boost A space tourism balloon startup Alfa Romeo Google Podcasts fans are furious Google pays $41,000 Watch out for these fake messaging apps from Android Eye injuries after solar eclipse The Weather Channel’s parent company has a new AI tool Google announces billions in funding for undersea cabling DJI unveils its latest FPV drone Women make less than men in cyber jobs The first non-American on the Moon IMF warns of cyberattacks A Truth Social executive was hacked DuckDuckGo Uber’s safety tools Best Buy and AI

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American Privacy Rights Act a Step in the Right Direction #1735

April 08, 2024

In a significant bipartisan effort, Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) have introduced the American Privacy Rights Act, aiming to break the deadlock in Congress over data privacy protections. This landmark proposal offers consumers new rights over personal information, including the ability to correct, delete, or export their data and opt out of targeted advertising and data transfers. Additionally, it introduces stringent security measures to protect consumer data and allows for federal and state enforcement and private lawsuits against violations.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

In this episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane discusses various topics, beginning with the American Privacy Rights Act introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). The act supports consumers’ data rights, including correction, deletion, exportation of data, opting out of targeted advertising, and introduces stringent security measures.

Todd transitions to thanking the show’s primary sponsor, GoDaddy, and encourages listeners to become GNC insiders, contributing to the show’s community. He briefly recounts his weekend activities, decluttering his home, before returning to discussing the eclipse he experienced in Southern Michigan, noting the commercial exploitation around the event.

Todd then delves into the heart of the privacy act debate, expressing strong opposition to governments censoring online content or silencing dissidents and activists. He supports Elon Musk’s stance on free speech, aligning himself with Musk’s resistance to obeying court-ordered profile bans ordered by Brazil.

He mentions OpenAI’s alleged use of YouTube videos to train their models and relates it to his experience selling his voice recordings for AI training. Todd discusses the upcoming Disney Plus crackdown on password sharing, hackers’ targeting of hospital help desks, and Apple’s response to an EU ruling, which Todd finds Apple inadequate.

Todd talks about a report on the advertising impact of leaving TV streaming continuously, mentioning Tubi, a free ad-supported streaming service. He shares his recent network upgrade due to improved internet speeds and asks his audience for their old suitcase uses.

Todd appreciates the show’s insiders and those who contribute via new podcast apps, emphasizing the value of listener interaction. He covers news such as Gemini AI coming to Android, a new Google feature that allows users to look up unknown caller numbers, and the Nothing Company’s upcoming Nothing Ear 2 earbuds.

The host touches on cybersecurity with Dave Luber’s appointment as the new NSA cybersecurity director, Tesla’s robo taxi and Musk’s denial of scrapping the model 2, and Google’s rumored introduction of gesture controls for TVs with cameras, which Todd opposes.

Todd then discusses various reports and news items, including a Magento e-commerce platform bug, a Crowdfence bug bounty program, the dehumanizing effect of robots in industrial environments, future solar eclipses, Spotify’s new AI-based playlists, and a cybersecurity incident at a UK veterinary conglomerate.

The episode concludes with a reminder of the GoDaddy sponsorship and invites musicians to create a new intro, signaling Todd’s openness to refreshing the show’s elements.

Disney+ to crack down on password sharing A new bipartisan digital privacy bill Hospital helpdesk targeted by hackers EU regulators and Apple People like leaving their TVs on in the background Another SpaceX launch is seen in Arizona’s night sky Gemini AI is coming to Android A ‘lookup button’ for unknown callers Chipolo Drones that charge on power lines Fly Me To The Moon OpenAI and YouTube ‘Summarize this email’ Google’s bottom search bar The latest iPhone 16 battery leak iDrive NSA makes an appointment for a cybersecurity director Tesla Robotaxis Android Auto is behaving weirdly Nothing set to unveil something This fake Midjourney Facebook page An Apple TV with a camera would support gestures Magneto bug exploited to steal payment data Crowdfense offering millions Industrial robots make work less meaningful for real people When is the next solar eclipse? Elon Musk threatens to disobey court order. Spotify tests AI-generated playlists Animals at risk

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Google Phases Out Early Nest and Dropcam Models #1734

April 04, 2024

Google announced the discontinuation of support for early Dropcam, Dropcam Pro, and Nest Secure models, rendering these devices largely inoperable on April 8. To assist users in transitioning, Google offers a complimentary Nest camera for Nest Aware subscribers or a 50% discount on a new Nest camera for non-subscribers. Dropcam and Dropcam Pro users will lose the ability to save new clips, and they will have limited time to access existing ones. Nest Secure users will find their devices, such as the Nest x Yale door locks, unable to connect to WiFi. Google offers a free Nest Connect to extend the life of existing locks, with a reminder to contact support for details if not already received.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

In this episode of the Geek News Central podcast, titled “Google Phases Out Early Nest and Dropcam Models,” host Todd Cochrane discusses several topics, starting with Google’s announcement about ending support for early Dropcam, Dropcam Pro, and Nest Secure models. This news is significant for users of these products as they will become largely inoperable starting April 8th. Google is offering compensation to affected users, including a complimentary Nest camera for Nest Aware subscribers or a 50% discount on a new Nest camera for non-subscribers. However, Cochrane expresses his frustration with Google’s actions and shares his decision to replace his Dropcam devices with Wyze cameras.

Todd continues the show with acknowledgments and promotions, including a shoutout to the podcast’s primary sponsor, GoDaddy, and invitations for audience participation and subscription via various platforms. He shares insights into his experiences with domain names and encourages listeners to take advantage of GoDaddy’s deals for online businesses.

Following the promotional segment, Todd dives into a range of other tech and industry news:

1. Google’s consideration of making AI search a premium option due to potential revenue implications. 2. Gmail’s integration with AI-generated responses for premium subscribers. 3. The financial payouts from Zoom’s bug bounty program since 2019. 4. AWS’s job cuts are part of Amazon’s continued downsizing efforts. 5. NASA is narrowing down options for lunar rovers and working towards selecting one for a pre-2029 moon mission. 6. The rise of “pink slime” partisan news sites that imitate legitimate journalism. 7. The use of AI in email responses, with a listener named Leslie providing feedback on her dislike for AI-generated content. 8. Todd provides an update on GNC insiders, thanking those who stream the podcast with modern podcast apps that allow for value-for-value exchanges.

He also covers other vital topics, such as:

– FBI’s consideration of the benefits and risks of AI. – Garmin’s new heart rate tracker pairs with women’s sports bras. – A significant data breach hitting the US State Department involving documents related to the Five Eyes alliance. – A surge in malware attacks targeting the retail industry via WhatsApp. – Online retailers’ challenges with fraudulent returns on Amazon. – NASA’s directive for a unified lunar standard time. – Controversy surrounding Tesla’s impending trial over a fatal autopilot crash. – Leaks suggest changes to the iPhone 16 design. – Ripple’s entrance into the stablecoin market. – Google is suing a cryptocurrency scammer. – Apple developed a personal robot for home use.

Todd emphasizes the importance of verified eclipse glasses since an eclipse is approaching and touches on Android’s satellite messaging capabilities. The episode concludes with a reminder to listeners to support the podcast by becoming insiders or utilizing the value-for-value option through modern podcast apps.

Google wants Gemini to help you Dropcam and Nest devices will stop working soon Zoom paid millions AWS planning on job cuts How will astronauts cruise around the Moon? FBI and AI Garmin’s new heart rate tracker Investigation launched after theft of government data Amazon sellers plagued by surge in scam returns Google’s Find My Device Children’s privacy must be a priority on social media Amazon still has a problem with plastic waste A standard of time for the Moon Tesla and Apple Leaked iPhone 16 dummy units show design changes Ripple Google charging users to use AI search? A ‘law firm’ of AI The next generation of a lunar rover Ford delays some electric vehicles Waymo and Uber Eats OpenAI releases new tools Meta apps hit by outage Space junk crashed into a home How to tell authentic eclipse glasses from fakes Android 15’s satellite text messaging More malware attacks are hitting retailers than ever Apple is developing personal robots for your home X is giving blue checks to Premium users AT&T to invest billions NASA, 65 years ago

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Perplexity Ads Meet AI: The New Frontier in Search #1733

April 01, 2024

Perplexity, an AI search engine rivaling Google and backed by prominent investors including Jeff Bezos, is set to introduce advertising in its platform. The company, boasting a significant $73.6 million in Series B funding, plans to embed native ads within the related questions section of its search responses. This move comes as publishers adjust their SEO strategies to mitigate potential losses from Google’s search advancements. By leveraging AI technology from OpenAI and its proprietary models, Perplexity aims to balance its ad-driven model without compromising the user experience amidst expectations to attract substantial advertiser interest.

Let me know what you think of the intro music created by app.suno.ai

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

In this episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane opens the show with his introduction, where he energetically announces the episode’s focus: Perplexity, an AI search engine backed by significant investments and expected to disrupt traditional search by introducing advertising into its platform. After celebrating a whimsical April Fool’s Day, Todd gives a shoutout to the show’s primary sponsor, GoDaddy, and encourages listeners to support the podcast by becoming GNC insiders and participating in the value-for-value movement.

Todd shares about his recent trip to Los Angeles and his apprehensions regarding the cost of living there, hinting at the relief of returning home. He then updates on his recovery from an injury, and his travel plans for London, encouraging listeners in London to reach out for a meet-up. He touches on the situation with Google Podcasts, which is set to be discontinued in the US and emphasizes the importance of transitioning to a new podcast app.

Celebrating Gmail’s 20th anniversary, Todd reminisces about the rush for Gmail accounts and discusses current cybersecurity threats, including AT&T’s massive data breach and malware targeting Mac users.

The episode’s main topic revolves around Perplexity’s plan to start selling ads, posing questions about how advertising will influence AI search results and the impact on businesses, tiny ones. Todd expresses concern over OpenAI’s integration of links in ChatGPT outputs and how significant companies might dominate this AI-driven landscape, possibly at the expense of smaller entities.

Todd dives into iPhone-related rumors about the following models’ design and camera upgrades, switching gears. He also discusses updates coming to Apple Maps and mentions new content on streaming services Hulu and HBO Max. A New York City government AI chatbot’s faulty advice draws his criticism, and he notes Congressional staff being banned from using Microsoft Copilot due to security risks.

Closing tech news includes macOS users targeted by cyber threats, speculation around the consequences of a potential TikTok ban, and OpenAI’s voice cloning software. Todd humorously congratulates Pluto on becoming Arizona’s official state planet, reflecting on the state’s pride in being the discovery site for Pluto.

Todd concludes the episode by thanking the listeners and podcast insiders for their support. He emphasizes the importance of becoming an insider to join the “cool kids club” and reiterates the value for value concept. He rounds off by contemplating whether to travel to see a solar eclipse and invites listeners to share their plans.

GoDaddy sponsors the episode and encourages listener participation and support throughout.

iPhone 16 camera rumors The official state planet of Arizona There is one place in Michigan to see the total solar eclipse This dangerous Android malware Happy Birthday to Gmail Google Podcasts shuts down tomorrow Google to delete records from incognito tracking OpenAI claims it can clone a voice from 15 seconds from you talking iPhone SE 4 SpaceX launches Eutelsat 36D McDonald’s serves up a masterclass Apple Maps Everything new on Hulu A chatbot is sending the wrong information Congress bans staff from using Copilot Everything new on Max macOS users targeted with more cyberattacks TikTok ban may be a diplomatic disaster Truth Social lost millions Perplexity Links on ChatGPT Sam Altman no longer owns fund AT&T’s massive data breach Google Maps

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Unlock Your Podcast’s Potential with Blubrry PAI: The Ultimate AI Assistant #1732

March 21, 2024

Blubrry introduces the revolutionary Blubrry Podcast AI Assistant (Blubrry PAI), designed to streamline and enhance every aspect of podcast production and promotion. With features such as AI-driven planning, integrated production tools, and automated social media and email promotion capabilities, Blubrry PAI promises to alleviate common podcasting challenges. This comprehensive toolset allows podcasters to create better content, engage audiences more effectively, and provide richer metadata for search engines.

Let me know what you think of the intro music created by app.suno.ai

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

The episode kicks off with the show’s intro jingle and Todd Cochrane, as the sole host and a veteran in the podcasting industry, greeting listeners and introducing the main story for the evening: the launch of Blubrry’s revolutionary Podcast AI Assistant, Blubrry PAI. This AI-driven tool is designed to streamline and enhance podcast production and promotion. It offers integrated production tools, automated social media, and email promotion capabilities. Todd touts Blubrry PAI’s ability to help podcasters create better content, engage with their audience more effectively, and improve search engine metadata.

Todd shares details on the episode number (1733) and the date (Thursday, March 21st) before giving a shoutout to the primary sponsor, GoDaddy. He encourages listeners to utilize the promotional deals on GoDaddy and emphasizes the need for listener support through contributions. He also promotes modern podcast apps from podcastapps.com and encourages listeners to follow or subscribe to the show and check out partner shows.

Delving into personal tidings, Todd speaks about his struggle with a cracked rib, his experimentation with the app Suno.ai, and his upcoming trip to Los Angeles, which he isn’t looking forward to due to the rib injury. He briefly talks about the new company product launches, including VidaPod and their AI. He feels immense pride in his team’s work and mentions that the new AI features have contributed to a rise in listener numbers. He encourages new listeners to introduce themselves via email.

Transitioning into the tech news segment, Todd talks about several stories:

1. The U.S. Department of Justice is filing an antitrust lawsuit against Apple over its walled garden approach, which makes it difficult for competitors and limits customer choice. 2. Hong Kong’s new national security law threatens freedoms and criminalizes dissent. 3. A U.S. House bill barring the sale of personal data to foreign adversaries. 4. An AI tool creating a digital twin of patients to predict future diseases. Todd expresses concerns over the potential misuse of such technology. 5. Todd thanks fans who contributed monetarily and boosted the podcast with sats (a form of digital currency). 6. An FCC investigation into Amazon’s marketing and sale of outlawed products, particularly radio frequency jammers. 7. The discovery of an AI tool that has found signs of cancer missed by doctors focused on breast cancer diagnoses. 8. Small tweaks in Google Contacts and Google Pixel news about market share and the rumored release date and price of the next foldable model.

Todd continues with various other stories, including: – A UPS worker is stealing iPhones and other Apple products. – Predictions of the emergence of fully AI-generated games. – A Soyuz spacecraft launching with a multinational crew. – Glassdoor is adding real names to anonymous profiles. – Microsoft released new AI PCs and announced a new edition of Office software. – Ford’s rumored production of an affordable electric SUV. – Facts about data loss incidents across organizations. – A potential loophole for denial of service attacks. – Neuralink’s brain implant helping a paralyzed man play chess with his mind. – Samsung’s promotion of a free TV with a preorder of select models. – A state senator‘s deepfake video created by a colleague. – The U.S. is applying pressure on India over laptop licensing policies. – YouTube TV’s rollout of multi-view to iPhone.

Closing out the episode, Todd touches on e-waste issues, Reddit’s successful IPO, rumors of iPhone’s potential talks with OpenAI and Google, deepfake challenges with ChatGPT policies, FCC’s plans to expand 5G in rural America, potential threats to TikTok, and DoorDash’s drone delivery trial in Virginia.

Todd wraps up the episode by expressing his temporary absence due to his upcoming LA trip and that he will not be hosting episodes the following week. He encourages listeners to become show insiders by contributing and reiterating fan support’s importance. Lastly, he concludes with reminders to use one of the modern podcast apps, stay connected, and reach out via email.

AI tool finds cancer signs missed by doctors Google Contacts LG’s CineBeam Q 4K projector Google Pixel’s market share grows UPS worker accused of stealing iPhones Google Pixel Fold 2 Fully AI-generated games by 2030? The Soyuz MS-25 is set to launch on the ISS. Glassdoor AI-generated digital twins of patients Microsoft just revealed a major surprise Ford could soon take the fight to Tesla Data loss affected 4 out of 5 organizations A new DoS attack could hit thousands of online systems House passes bill barring sale of personal information to foreign adversaries Neuralink’s brain implant helps a man play chess Samsung is giving away a free TV A state legislator makes a deepfake of a colleague Microsoft unveils Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 DoorDash is testing a drone delivery feature in VA A Danish man found guilty of fraudulently profiting from music streaming royalties Senate plots next move on TikTok Hong Kong’s national security law The US and New Dehli and laptop rules YouTube TV E-waste is growing Reddit is now a publicly traded company DOJ files an antitrust lawsuit against Apple A bunch of new Samsung TVs are finally available Apple in talks with Google FCC moves to relaunch billions to expand 5G in rural North America

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Vid2Pod: Transform YouTube Playlists into a Podcast! #1731

March 18, 2024

Vid2Pod by Blubrry Podcasting offers an innovative solution for YouTube creators aiming to extend their content’s reach by effortlessly converting video playlists into high-quality audio podcasts. This new service by Blubrry podcasting is a boon for video-first creators, enabling them to tap into a new audience and ensure their content is accessible across all major podcast platforms. The process involves simply integrating your YouTube account, selecting a playlist for conversion, and instant distribution across platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon.

Let me know what you think of the intro music created by app.suno.ai

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

Todd Cochrane opens the episode of Geek News Central by introducing himself as “the tech talking man,” greeting listeners warmly. He then dives into his lead story, discussing Vid2Pod, a new service from Blubrry Podcasting that enables YouTube creators to convert video playlists into high-quality audio podcasts easily. Todd explains that the service allows video-first creators to reach new audiences by distributing their content across major podcast platforms. The integration with YouTube accounts is simple, with an automatic distribution feature that adds new videos to the podcast playlist.

Todd transitions with a sponsorship message, inviting listeners to check out deals at GoDaddy.com and Geek News Central’s partner shows. He emphasizes GoDaddy’s long-running sponsorship and highlights deals for domains, hosting, and website builders.

Next, Todd discusses the intro music he created using an AI tool from app.suno.ai, expressing amazement at the AI-generated music and suggesting listeners give it another listen. Moving on from personal updates, including a rib injury he recently incurred, Todd elaborates on Vid2Pod’s features and benefits further; it’s designed to assist YouTube creators in expanding their reach and offers monetization opportunities without the usual stringent platform requirements.

Continuing with the tech news, Todd shares about AI creating new jobs, SpaceX potentially building spy satellites for the US government, and Microsoft’s latest Windows update causing blue screen errors. He also touches on Homeland Security’s use of AI for various tasks, DARPA’s lunar economy plans, the UK government’s ambition to roll out flying taxis, and Microsoft’s AI event in May.

Switching gears, Todd mentions data breach news with Fujitsu and AT&T, the AI-powered clinical documentation for doctors, LinkedIn planning to add games and impending new AirPods models. He closes out the tech news by discussing Hertz CEO’s resignation.

Todd concludes with housekeeping items, mentioning he’ll be attending an event in LA next week, leading to a break from podcasting. He encourages listeners to check out modern podcast apps and become insiders by contributing to the podcast through donations or value exchange. Finally, Todd signs off by thanking listeners for their time and reminds them of his next recording date while emphasizing the importance of audience engagement and supporting GoDaddy.

Vid2Pod – Turn your YouTube playlist into a Podcast The latest Windows 11 update may crash your PC Homeland Security is testing AI The US government and developing a lunar company The UK government wants flying taxis to take off SpaceX building hundreds of spy satellites Fujitsu says it was hacked Google Wallet gets an update Uber Australia to pay millions SCOTUS and social media Windows and Surface AI event in May Microsoft is blocking Russian firms from using its cloud services Is TikTok’s parent company an agent of the Chinese state? Rivian owners now have access to Tesla Superchargers Grok AI has been open-sourced Doctors and generative AI TikTok launches Creator Rewards 70 million+ of AT&T files leaked online AI to create a half billion new jobs LinkedIn is adding games The sound of your keystrokes to steal your passwords YouTube requires creators to label AI-generated content Apple’s AirPod launch in September Hertz CEO steps down Google Fitbit Gemni AI to iPhones

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SpaceX’s Starship Achieves Orbital Velocity in Historic Test Flight #1730

March 14, 2024

In a momentous event, SpaceX’s colossal Starship, the world’s largest and most powerful rocket, achieved orbital speed for the first time today. This significant milestone occurred during its third test flight, marking a historic day for SpaceX and space exploration enthusiasts. Despite not completing its intended splashdown, the test was deemed successful as it accomplished several key objectives, advancing SpaceX’s ambitious space travel goals.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

In episode 1730 of the Geek News Central podcast, host Todd Cochrane discusses various topics, primarily focusing on the latest tech news.

The episode begins with Todd celebrating SpaceX’s Starship, which reached orbital velocity for the first time on its third test flight. However, the spacecraft didn’t achieve the planned splashdown. Todd, enthusiastic about space exploration, had watched the event live.

Todd then transitions to directly engaging with the audience, thanking them for their support and inviting them to become a Gekk News Central Insider @ geeknewscentral.com/insider He also gives a special acknowledgment to GoDaddy, the show’s primary sponsor, highlighting their continuous support since 2005. Todd details GoDaddy’s promotions and encourages listeners to utilize his promo codes for discounts on various GoDaddy services, asserting the importance of audience engagement in keeping the sponsorship alive.

Todd announces that the podcast is streaming live on Rumble for the first time and encourages listeners to join their chat room. He seeks the audience’s feedback on the podcast, the newsletter, and the AI-generated show notes.

The main topics covered in the podcast include discussions about TikTok and concerns over its Chinese ownership, with U.S. politicians urging for the sale or facing a ban. Todd shares his views against the government’s potential overreach and censorship. He also talks about the possible effects of AI and wearable tech on workers’ well-being and looks at the Geek News Central newsletter updates, which he mentions have been tweaked by AI for better quality.

Todd examines the Amazon advertising products that sellers no longer carry in certain states, leading to a waste of advertising dollars and a failure in geotargeting that affected sellers like Rob Robinson. He requests audience participation in conversations surrounding headaches experienced by astronauts, a new pregnancy insight feature by the Oura ring, and Mars’ gravitational pull affecting the Earth’s ocean floor every 2.4 million years.

In the realm of tech, Todd discusses security flaws discovered in ChatGPT plugins, Amazon’s attempt to increase workplace positivity by encouraging employees to dream about happiness, a project aiming to cut down interstellar travel time to decades, and a court ruling against a ransomware kingpin.

The podcast also provides insights on a variety of global concerns, such as Customs and Border Protection’s efforts to use AI for fentanyl detection, a French government department facing a significant data breach, Google Chrome’s enhanced real-time protection against malicious websites, and ongoing international collaboration to disrupt cybercrime.

Among the topics, Todd discusses Proton’s Desktop Mail app release, the surge in browser choice due to Europe’s digital marketing act, the trends in music streaming with more users paying for the service, the surge in bitcoin gains by U.S. investors, and Microsoft’s check writing to Caltech over patent infringement lawsuits.

The episode concludes with Todd encouraging listeners to become Geek News Central insiders and support the show financially or by using their time and talent. He emphasizes the importance of the audience’s engagement and the listeners’ support in maintaining the program’s independence and content quality.

Amazon says it sold ads for products shoppers couldn’t buy Headaches experienced by astronauts in space Oura’s new Pregnancy Insights feature ChatGPT plugin flaws Close your eyes and think happy thoughts A massive interstellar project CBP wants to use AI Ransomware kingpin gets four years behind bars Voyager 1 An operative and firms behind AI robocalls is sued An international effort to disrupt cybercrime A mega breach of the French government exposes millions of people’s data Safe Browsing on Google Chrome YouTube TV New email standards Princess Kate photo scandal 14 VPN terms and features you should know Disney + password sharing Anthropic Remember the MacBook Touch Bar? Nissan customers had their data stolen The latest macOS Sonoma update A computer scientist is not a Bitcoin inventor SpaceX launches giant Starship rocket Mars tugs on Earth so hard it changes the ocean floor Microsoft agrees to settle lawsuit Epic and Apple Surge in browsers on iOS The US Annual Music Study AI and wearables Steve Mnuchin is thinking about buying TikTok ProtonMail 2023 Cryptocurrency gains by country The US HHS is investigating Change Healthcare The Apple Car as a minivan

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Airbnb’s Indoor Camera Ban: A Win for Privacy #1729

March 11, 2024

Airbnb has taken a significant step to enhance guest privacy by prohibiting indoor cameras in rental properties. The new policy, aimed at ensuring guests’ peace of mind, extends to limit the use of outdoor cameras, requiring hosts to disclose their presence and ensuring they do not invade private spaces. The company’s decision to ban indoor cameras, previously allowed in communal areas, responds to privacy concerns. This move clarifies rules around surveillance and outlines strict consequences for hosts violating these guidelines, including potential removal from the platform. Airbnb’s updated privacy measures are set to take effect on April 30, emphasizing the importance of reviewing rental listings for disclosed surveillance devices.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

The podcast episode hosted by Todd Cochrane starts with a discussion about Airbnb’s new policy banning indoor cameras in rental properties. Todd outlines how this policy change aims to enhance guest privacy and specifies the consequences for hosts who violate the latest guidelines. He mentions that these changes are set to take effect on April 30th and advises listeners to review rental listings for surveillance devices.

Following the lead story, Todd talks about his primary sponsor, GoDaddy, and promotes various GoDaddy deals on his website. He encourages listeners to support the podcast by using his promo codes and becoming a GNC insider.

Todd then delves into a discussion on the impact and future of artificial general intelligence (AGI). He predicts significant changes in product marketing and a reduced need for PR agencies, marketing firms, and UIX feedback groups in the next five years as AGI becomes more prevalent. Todd shares his experience using ChatGPT to create documentation and expresses amazement at its efficacy. He urges listeners to consider how AGI technology might change their businesses or employers.

Todd shares a personal anecdote about spending the weekend with his family, visiting microbreweries, and attempting to have his granddaughter stay overnight.

Next, Todd addresses Airbnb’s indoor camera policy, commending the company for improving privacy. He discusses various other topics, including NVIDIA being sued for training AI on copyrighted work, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman being reinstated to the board after being briefly removed, and a security breach at CISA using an Ivanti flaw.

Todd talks about a new video app launch by Elon Musk on Samsung and Amazon TVs, thanking his podcast’s insiders for their support and donation. He details the benefits of becoming an insider and how listeners can contribute to the show.

Todd then covers a broad spectrum of news stories, ranging from the discovery of authors suing AI chipmakers over training technology to the EU Commission’s use of Microsoft software breaching privacy rules. He also touches on Google Maps’ orientation accuracy improvements, Princess Kate’s photo editing scandal, an interactive map showcasing the scale of the universe, China testing an AI chatbot for brain surgeons, and US efforts to curb China’s tech capabilities.

Todd discusses the potential for Android 15 to include satellite messaging, healthcare professionals’ interest in Apple’s Vision Pro, a rare original iPhone model up for auction, EU concerns over car touch screens, and Google’s office Wi-Fi issues. He provides a list of content leaving Hulu soon, Uber’s expansion of electric rideshare services in New York, Russian cyberattacks on Microsoft, China’s preference for domestic products over Apple and Tesla, Pinterest’s new body type range tool, a WordPress plugin vulnerability, and the upcoming total solar eclipse.

Todd discusses the lack of Oscar wins for Apple TV and Netflix and the ongoing movement toward protecting AI outputs from perceived biases. He mentions Reddit’s plan to go public, the challenges streamers like Apple TV face in the film industry, and Pinterest’s inclusive fashion feature. He also expresses frustration with the reluctance to adopt modern podcast apps despite their enhanced features and concludes the episode by thanking listeners and inviting feedback.

Windows 11’s next prominent AI feature Everything leaving Hulu in March Uber’s posh electric rideshare service comes to NYC Microsoft says it is still facing Russian cyberattacks Apple and Tesla feel the pain Pinterest rolls out its ‘body type ranges’ tool Plugin flaw exposes sites to attacks How to prepare for the solar eclipse Sam Altman wasn’t fired because of scary tech Apple TV+ and Netflix were nearly shut out of the Oscars Protecting space tourists from cosmic ray dangers AI models show racial bias, says researchers Airbnb says to hosts: do not film guests Reddit wants to raise millions Nvidia and OpenAI Google Maps ‘Photoshopped royal photo’ How big is the universe? China begins testing an AI chatbot. The US ‘will do everything in takes’ Satellite messaging might come to Android 15 Healthcare pros express interest in the Apple Vision Pro Want to own a piece of iPhone history? Future cars could ditch touchscreens and bring back buttons Google’s self-designed office CISA confirms attackers breached it X on Samsung and Amazon TVs

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Google Under Fire for Alleged Role in Gift Card Scams #1728

March 08, 2024

A federal lawsuit filed in the District of North California accuses Google of profiting from gift card fraud, particularly involving Google Play gift cards. The complaint highlights that Google has retained millions from such scams, either by commission from payments made with fraudulently obtained cards or by holding onto the funds. This comes amid FTC data showing over $433 million lost to gift card fraud from 2018 to 2021, with Google Play scams constituting a significant portion. The lawsuit criticizes Google for not sufficiently alerting customers about the potential risks and discouraging the pursuit of fund recovery. Apple recently settled a similar lawsuit concerning its App Store and iTunes gift cards.

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Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

In this episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane opens with a lead story about Google facing a federal lawsuit in North Carolina over allegedly profiting from gift card fraud, particularly with Google Play gift cards. According to FTC data, from 2018 to 2021, over $433 million was lost to gift card fraud, and Google retains millions from such scams. The lawsuit critiques Google for not adequately warning customers about the risks and making it difficult to recover stolen funds. A comparison is drawn to a similar case in which Apple settled regarding its App Store and iTunes gift cards.

Todd thanks the primary sponsor, GoDaddy, and encourages listeners to become GNC insiders by contributing their time, talent, or treasure. He mentions the new podcast apps from podcastapps.com and encourages the audience to download modern podcast apps to support the value-for-value movement. There are prompts for audience interaction, including providing comments via email and social media platforms.

The episode continues with Todd sharing updates from his busy week, including recording content, writing documentation, and meetings with his development team. He talks about a “top-secret idea” for a new product that his team has been swiftly bringing to completion, pushing him to rapidly produce marketing materials, press releases, and documentation in preparation for upcoming announcements tied to podcast movement events.

Next, Todd delves into a variety of other news stories:

1. ProtonVPN’s new initiative offering free VPN service during elections in countries like Turkey, Senegal, and Pakistan. 2. SpaceX is examining extending the lifespan of its Crew Dragon spacecraft beyond the current limit of five flights. 3. Law enforcement officials are tired of being customer service representatives for Meta as more account takeovers are reported. 4. Rumors of an upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson scheduled for July 20th. 5. The anticipation for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, and its potential as the most-watched solar event. 6. Speculations over Microsoft’s next event, possibly revealing new Surface Pro and Office AI features. 7. PetSmart’s cybersecurity breach led to users being logged out and passwords reset. 8. Tinder will clarify pricing for EU users following discussions with consumer protection agencies. 9. A record of $12.5 billion was lost to online fraud in the United States last year, with a significant portion tied to cryptocurrency investment fraud. 10. Apple’s massive investment in Oscar-nominated films like Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon, with substantial production costs. 11. Challenges to European Union policies, including Finland’s push for compensation from Meta for using content to train AI models and Pornhub is suing the EU over content regulation rules. 12. A lawsuit against SpaceX alleging gender discrimination within the company. 13. An aerogel handbag made from the same material NASA uses to collect comet dust. 14. Elon Musk’s plan to hide like counts and retweets on Twitter for a cleaner interface. 15. Microsoft’s new AI voice tool for people with speech disabilities is set to arrive later this year. 16. Reddit is rolling out an AI bouncer to stop harassment. 17. TikTok urges users to contact Congress over a possible ban on the platform.

Todd concludes the episode by reminding listeners to stay vigilant against online scams, particularly those targeting the elderly, and reiterates the ongoing support from GoDaddy. He also mentions his grandkids and family visiting, promises to return on Monday for another episode, and signs off.

Facebook is using AI. Google One Google Pixel phone shipments in Japan “The Bread Loaf” Proton VPN Google is profiting from gift card fraud NASA and SpaceX Law enforcement does not want to be “customer service reps.” Netflix’s next live event The 2024 total solar eclipse Microsoft’s next event Microsoft makes big promises PetSmart warns users Tinder and the EU A former Google engineer was arrested A 20-inch MacBook with a folding display Google’s newest office Apple will cut off third-party app store updates A ‘devil comet’ Americans lost billions A look at Apple’s studio business Spotify plans to raise its prices in France IAB Europe Pornhub sues EU SpaceX lawsuit This luxury handbag A future version of X’s timeline Microsoft’s neural voice tool TikTok is urging users to call Congress Reddit is rolling out an AI bouncer Australian news media seeks payment from Meta SpaceX terminals stolen

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AI Chatbots to Redefine Search Marketing #1727

March 05, 2024

Gartner forecasts a significant shift in the digital marketing realm by 2026, predicting a 25% decline in traditional search engine volume due to the rising influence of AI chatbots and virtual agents. This evolution is poised to redefine marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of generative AI in content creation and the critical need for quality and authenticity in digital content. As AI-generated content proliferates, search engines prioritize content quality, and companies must adapt by focusing on unique, valuable content. Additionally, the rise of watermarking and regulatory measures will play a crucial role in content authentication, impacting how search engines display AI-generated content.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links: In this episode of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, the primary focus is on the impact AI chatbots and virtual agents will have on the future of search marketing. Todd begins the episode by highlighting a Gartner forecast predicting a 25% decline in traditional search engine volume by 2026 due to AI. He discusses how the rise of AI necessitates the prioritization of content quality by search engines and how companies need to adapt to maintain visibility. He emphasizes the importance of authentic content as AI-generated content becomes more common and the role watermarking and regulations will play in authentication.

Todd then gives a shoutout to the podcast’s primary sponsor, GoDaddy, urging listeners to support the show by taking advantage of the deals offered. He redirects listeners to the Geek News Central website for more information on partner shows and how to subscribe to the newsletter. Todd also encourages audience participation via different channels, including email, chat, and social media platforms.

The host shares a personal update on his travel schedule and his experience with jet lag after his recent trip. He comments on website updates, discussing new live features and audience surveys, although he notes an issue with a widget that did not function as expected.

Todd then transitions to news articles covering various tech-related topics, starting with WhatsApp gaining access to NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware source code. He further discusses cybersecurity threats, including attacks on the US defense sector and FCC employees, and a Pixel watch rumor indicating a larger size in development. He comments on an amusing attempt by a homeless man to steal a Waymo robotaxi and expresses gratitude to listeners contributing to the show.

He briefly mentions his show’s insiders and their financial support before delving into preparations for NASA’s Artemis mission to the moon. Todd notes the developing commercial space flight industry with attention to Blue Origin’s increased focus on human spacecraft and SpaceX’s progress.

Next, Todd addresses a new data storage breakthrough capable of holding up to 200 terabytes on a DVD-like disk, followed by concerns about the loss of over two million scholarly articles from the internet. The topic shifts to Wix’s new AI chatbot, which allows the creation of websites in seconds, with Todd providing his opinion on the output quality. He then discusses the move towards 5.5G networks and an incident where the violations of a cruise autonomous vehicle caused a drop in value for backers.

Trump supporters are mentioned for spreading AI-generated images posing Trump with black voters, and Google is reported to be working on a satellite SOS feature for Pixel phones. News about the International Space Station launch follows, and Nissan’s decision to discontinue its electric car app due to network changes is discussed. Todd concludes the tech news updates with talks of Lenovo offering refurbished laptops and servers and a new iPhone SE 4 render leak.

In the final segment, Todd mentions Apple TV+ adding fifty licensed movies, a significant penalty fee for Apple from the EU Commission, the cancellation of NASA’s satellite project, and the legal battle over Elon Musk’s Tesla compensation package. The podcast wraps up with the launch of new Apple Macbook Air models. Todd closes the show by urging listeners to support Geek News Central through various means and to try new podcast apps from podcast apps dot com.

Google’s next Pixel Watch A homeless man tries to steal robotaxi Astronauts prepare for first trip to the moon FCC employees targeted A next-gen Chromecast with Google TV WhatsApp wins access to NSO spyware code The blue screen of death NASA is working with SpaceX and Blue Origin New Linux malware found Blue Origin developing a human spacecraft The James Webb Space Telescope A limited Spongebob Xbox Series X DVD-like discs that store up to 200 TB US defense sector under attack Research papers disappeared from the internet Search engines will drop 25% by 2026 Wix’s new AI chatbot 5.5G Cruise’s valuation halved Ban on ransomware hackers AIs in India will need government permission AI-generated images of Trump with black voters Google’s upcoming ‘Satellite SOS’ feature New US-Russian crew heads to space station Nissan accused of dumping its electric car pioneers Lenovo will now offer refurbished laptops Leaked iPhone SE 4 renders Apple TV Plus Legal eagles demand $6 billion in Tesla stock A new 13-inch and 15-inch Macbook Air EU takes a bite out of Apple NASA’s satellite pit stop project This organization built an app to boost financial literacy

The post AI Chatbots to Redefine Search Marketing #1727 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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Tesla Model 3’s Suddenly Shutdown on Highway #1719

January 30, 2024

In North Carolina, a Tesla Model 3 owner, James Hanna, experienced a sudden and alarming incident on Interstate 277. While driving to pick up his son, the car unexpectedly beeped and stopped completely in the middle of the highway despite having a 60% charge. Hanna, unable to restart the vehicle or re-enter it after exiting due to a dead battery in the door mechanism, had to call for a tow truck. Imagine if your car came to a sudden halt on the highway.

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Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

Summary: The podcast episode from “Geek News Central,” hosted by Todd Cochrane, covers various topics. It begins with a concerning incident involving a Tesla Model 3 that suddenly stopped on a highway, leading to safety concerns and a complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The host then transitions into updates and promotions related to the podcast itself, including shout-outs to sponsors like GoDaddy and encouragements for listeners to become insiders.

Next, the episode dives into various tech and internet-related stories. It discusses changes in T-Mobile’s terms of service for home broadband users, especially regarding data usage limits. The episode also explores the issue of fake celebrity content online, particularly fake adult content using celebrity faces, and the measures taken by platforms like X and Microsoft to combat this problem.

The narrative shifts to health and fitness trackers, highlighting a company called Visible and its focus on chronic illnesses, including long COVID. This is followed by a discussion of the risks associated with Microsoft 365 accounts due to a new phishing campaign and an upcoming Microsoft earnings report.

The host then talks about Meta’s decision to share data with researchers studying online wellbeing, especially regarding children’s safety on social media. The episode also touches on new offerings on Prime Video and Freevee, Elon Musk’s pledge to moderate content on X, and the launch of a new AI-powered iPhone browser called Arc Search.

A significant portion of the podcast covers security and privacy concerns in various tech domains, such as vulnerabilities in automotive hacking events and concerns about GPS interference in aviation. It also discusses the cancellation of Amazon’s acquisition of iRobot and the challenges faced by the US government in hiring AI experts.

The episode concludes with various other tech updates, including developments in AI, changes in Windows 11, and advertising-related controversies on social media platforms. The host then encourages listener participation and support for the podcast.

10:22–Drastic moves by X 13:36–Visible wants to track your illness 15:53–Microsoft 365 users need to be on their guard 06:55–A Tesla Model 3 stops working 09:00–T-Mobile says it may slow home internet speeds 16:25–Microsoft Q2 16:52–Meta partners with The Center for Open Science 18:09–What’s new on Prime Video 19:03–X pledges to police content 19:45–This new AI-powered iPhone browser 20:31–Your in-car entertainment system and EV charger likely have security flaws 21:45–Space Shuttle Endeavor’s final ‘flight’ 22:57–iOS 18 23:57–H&R Block’s new AI tax assistant 25:32–AI companies reporting safety tests to the government 27:19–US AID Facebook page hacked 28:04–The M3 Macbook Air is ‘in production’ 28:24–Ads and push notifications are being used to create surveillance profiles 30:17–AI George Carlin was written by a human 32:14–AI’s path in 2024 32:35–What happens when AI negotiates with AI? 33:14–Windows 11 bids farewell to Wordpad 33:55–Starting today, you’ll have to pay extra to stream Prime Video 34:13–Candian man sentenced to prison 35:13–Windows PCs are now being hit by dangerous malware 35:49–Cruise being investigated 36:24–GPS interference is now a major flight safety concern 37:48–Amazon terminates $1.4 billion acquisition of iRobot

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Google’s New Chrome Disclaimer Following $5 Billion Privacy Lawsuit #1718

January 23, 2024

Google has introduced a new disclaimer in Chrome’s Incognito mode following a $5 billion lawsuit alleging the mode’s misleading privacy claims. The updated blurb informs users about data collection practices, clarifying which browsing data is not saved and which Google can still access. This change comes after a federal judge allowed the lawsuit to proceed, which accused Google of violating privacy and wiretapping laws. The tech giant’s previous attempts to dismiss the complaint were unsuccessful, leading to a substantial settlement and these recent alterations to Incognito mode’s user notification. Special Music Artist Feature: Abbi Muir

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

In this episode of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochrane, a variety of topics are covered, highlighting the dynamic and ever-evolving world of technology and digital culture.

The episode begins with a discussion of Google’s new disclaimer in Chrome’s incognito mode following a $5 billion lawsuit over privacy claims. This leads to a variety of tech-related stories, including a vibrating belt, Osteo Boost developed to improve bone density in postmenopausal women, and former President Trump’s comments on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and their potential to infringe on personal freedoms.

Todd also expresses gratitude to GoDaddy, the show’s long-standing sponsor, and encourages listeners to support the podcast through various means, including becoming a Geek News Central insider. He shares exciting news about a particular segment planned for the show’s end, urging listeners to stay tuned.

The conversation shifts to cybersecurity with a warning from CISA about patching the Ivanti flaw, and the observation that Google’s search quality may be declining due to AI’s influence. Todd discusses internal criticisms within Google about its leadership and the launch of iOS 17.3, which introduces new stolen device protection features.

In space exploration, Todd mentions astronauts, including Turkey’s first arrival at the Space Station and the successful communication restoration with the Mars helicopter Ingenuity. He also covers a range of cybersecurity incidents affecting companies like North Face, Vans, and Loan Depot, highlighting the ongoing challenges in digital security.

Further topics include a unique perspective on tech bros and AI from a Franciscan Friar, the ban of a chat GPT-powered bot representing a presidential candidate, and new developments in EV battery technology from Lamborghini. Todd also touches on the Apple Vision Pro’s potential app problem, NASA’s Mars helicopter, and various cyber-attacks impacting significant companies and institutions.

Towards the end of the episode, Todd discusses Apple’s legal battles over health features in their watches, the surge in AI app usage, and Meta’s decision to allow EU users to unlink their Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger info. He encourages listeners to support the show as insiders and introduces a song by Abby Muir, using a live wallet-switching technology to support the artist through Satoshi donations.

The episode concludes with Todd sharing his excitement about attending Pod Fest Orlando and teaching podcasters about podcasting 2.0 technology, urging listeners to join the movement with modern podcast apps. The show signs off, promising to return with more engaging content in the next episode.

06:09–Google adds a disclaimer to Chrome. 17:03–CISA is warning government agencies 18:17–Google search might be getting worse 08:01–A vibrating belt that treats low bone density 19:48–Google employees blast ‘profoundly boring’ management 21:05–Apple releases iOS 17.3 25:09–Microsoft says Russian hackers hit it 26:06–The future of EV batteries? 27:11–The Vision Pro may have an app problem 28:20–NASA restores contact with Mars helicopter 29:54–Vans admits to a cyberattack 12:48–CBDCs Carnegie Mellon reveals a cyberattack hit it 30:54–LoanDepot 32:37–Tech bros like to play God 34:52–OpenAI 36:27–Four astronauts arrive at the space station 37:41–Apple iPhone 16 38:18–France fines Yahoo 38:44–Google and Samsung 39:34–Shoppers feel more at risk 40:50–The next Apple Watch 41:38–AI app use is surging 42:36–Meta and the EU

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Apple’s New App Store Tax Sparks Outrage Among Critics #1717

January 19, 2024

Apple recently updated its App Store policies, introducing a 27 percent commission on alternative payment methods, following the Epic v. Apple court ruling. This move has drawn criticism from major players like Spotify and Epic Games. Spotify’s spokesperson, Jeanne Moran, expressed dissatisfaction, calling it a tactic to protect Apple’s profits. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney labeled the policy as anticompetitive and harmful to price competition. The Coalition for App Fairness also criticized the policy for not promoting consumer choice or competitive pricing. Similar policies by Apple in the Netherlands and South Korea have faced regulatory pushback and fines.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

In this episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane discusses various technology and internet-related topics. He begins by addressing Apple’s updated App Store policies, particularly the 27% commission on alternative payment methods, which has been criticized by major players like Spotify and Epic Games for being anti-competitive and harmful to price competition.

Todd then invites listeners to contribute to Geek News Central and highlights the support of their primary sponsor, GoDaddy.com. He details GoDaddy’s hosting and domain services, encouraging listeners to take advantage of the deals offered.

The podcast continues with discussions on various tech news. Key topics include Mark Zuckerberg’s goal of creating Artificial General Intelligence at Meta, potential changes to Amazon’s Alexa, and supporting independent content creators in the face of AI-generated content. Todd emphasizes the significance of human-curated content over AI-generated material.

Further, the podcast covers a range of issues, from cybersecurity to internet restrictions in countries like Iran. Todd discusses the challenges platforms like Facebook and Instagram face in managing inappropriate content, especially involving minors. He also touches on the need for fair compensation for artists on streaming platforms and the influence of AI and algorithms on content distribution.

Todd also delves into the mental and physical toll of dealing with ransomware attacks on cybersecurity professionals, highlighting the extreme stress and health issues they face.

The episode wraps up with Todd thanking the show’s insiders and inviting listeners to contribute their time, talent, or treasure to support Geek News Central. He emphasizes the value of listener support and staying safe and informed in the ever-evolving tech world.

22:27–Another Bard leak 23:07–SpaceX orders 24-hour delay 23:32–The Internet in Iran 24:41–Microsoft Edge gets a speed boost 25:57–IBM ends reward program 26:49–OpenAI partners with a university 28:37–Don’t buy the Galaxy S24 06:54–The new 27% App Store tax 29:33–Microsoft warns of an attack 09:13–Mark Zuckerberg’s new goal 30:26–FCC chair defends broadband discounts 11:03–Amazon might launch a paid version of Alexa 31:43–Facebook and Instagram’s algorithms 36:07–The EU and music streaming platforms 39:56–TikTok and the 2024 elections 38:27–Iowa sues TikTok 14:37–Google News 41:58–Ransomware attacks Sundar Pichai says to brace for more cuts 18:48–Robinhood settles with Massachusetts Android Auto

The post Apple’s New App Store Tax Sparks Outrage Among Critics #1717 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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US Gov’t SEC Cybersecurity Review After Twitter Hack #1716

January 16, 2024

The recent hack of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Twitter account, which lacked multi-factor authentication (MFA), has prompted US lawmakers to review the SEC’s cybersecurity measures thoroughly. The incident, involving a fraudulent tweet about the SEC’s approval of Bitcoin ETFs, briefly inflated Bitcoin’s price to $48,000. In a bipartisan move, senators Ron Wyden and Cynthia Lummis have highlighted the urgency of investigating potential security vulnerabilities within the SEC. They emphasize the importance of phishing-resistant MFA to prevent such breaches and protect sensitive information.

We have a goal of 1500 listeners contributing $2.00 per month in 2024. We hope you will help us reach that goal to ensure GNC can continue to do what I do with this podcast.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

In this episode of Geek News Central, Todd delves into a wide array of technology and cybersecurity topics. The podcast begins with discussing the recent security lapse at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where a hacker’s tweet about a Bitcoin ETF briefly influenced the cryptocurrency market. This incident underlines the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in government agencies.

The conversation then shifts to the evolving landscape of podcasting, highlighting the importance of modern podcast apps and acknowledging the support of sponsors like GoDaddy. Following this, the host shares his experiences and insights from CES 2024, vividly depicting the innovations and interviews that marked the event. Team members Kirk Coreless, Scott Ertz, Don Baine, Christopher Jordan, and the whole team are commended for their contributions to the coverage.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the role of AI in the workplace, where the host discusses the transformative impact of AI on business operations while also addressing employees’ concerns about job security. This segues into a discussion on the ethical and regulatory challenges posed by OpenAI’s GPT store, explicitly focusing on the controversy surrounding romantic AI chatbots.

The host also highlights a report from Computer World, which predicts a considerable impact of AI on jobs in developed economies, mainly affecting older workers. This leads to a broader discussion on various technology news, including the streaming release of “Oppenheimer,” cybersecurity risks at US ballot boxes, and the capabilities of Google Magic Compose.

The podcast touches on the mobile technology sector, discussing the considerations for switching to Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and the leaked features of the Samsung Galaxy S24, focusing on its AI skills. Additionally, the host covers the groups responsible for a significant number of cyberattacks and speculates about the upcoming iPhone 16 and 16 Plus features.

The narrative then takes a turn to highlight a range of other topics: the potential return of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 to the US market, unusual AI-enabled products showcased at CES 2024, the FTC’s settlement on data brokers, NordVPN’s upcoming eSIM, the misuse of a vast network of virtual servers by a hacker for crypto mining, LG’s new EV charger manufacturing plant in the US, Nikon’s innovative AI camera for livestock, the collaboration between AI and robots in protein engineering, AT&T’s price increase, and the implications of the New York Times vs. OpenAI and Microsoft lawsuit.

The episode wraps up with a light-hearted story about a Japanese butcher shop experiencing a 43-year wait for its famous dumplings, illustrating the extreme demand for certain products. The host concludes with reminders about the podcast’s insider program and encourages listener feedback.

This summary encapsulates the diverse and in-depth discussions from Episode 1716 of Geek News Central, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and debates in technology and AI.

24:45–When switching to an MVNO 27:03–Samsung Galaxy S24 28:12–10 groups responsible for 1/2 of cyberattacks 28:44–iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus 29:21–Oppenheimer gets a February streaming release date 31:02–Risk at the ballot boxes 14:40–The SEC 33:53–Google Magic Compose 35:23–A lunar lander will burn up in Earth’s atmosphere 36:19–Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 may be back on sale 16:03–Bosses want more AI in the workplace 18:17–OpenAI’s GPT Store has AI girlfriends 37:07–10 unusual products at CES 2024 41:05–FTC secures settlement 50:49–These online shoppers are unfazed by a 43-year shipping wait 42:16–NordVPN is launching its eSIM 19:16–AI to impact jobs in developed economies 43:25–This hacker used over a million virtual servers 44:33–LG’s first EV charger manufacturing plant 46:18–Nikon made an AI imaging camera 48:44–AI and robots join forces 49:40–AT&T is slightly raising prices 50:13–NY Times Vs. OpenAI and Microsoft lawsuit

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OpenAI’s Potential $100 Billion Valuation #1715

January 04, 2024

OpenAI, renowned for ChatGPT, is reportedly negotiating a funding round that could potentially value the company at over $100 billion. Still under negotiation with terms and valuation subject to change, this development could position OpenAI as one of the world’s most valuable startups. Additionally, OpenAI is considering a new chip venture with Abu Dhabi-based G42, alongside raising $8 billion to $10 billion for this project. Separately, OpenAI is finalizing a tender offer by Thrive Capital, which would value the company at $86 billion, allowing employees to sell shares. OpenAI also recently launched Converge 2, a program supporting startups using AI, featuring tech talks, industry leader interactions, and a $1 million investment.

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Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

The latest episode of “Geek News Central,” hosted by Todd Cochrane, explores various intriguing technological updates and industry news. Todd talks about the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, expressing anticipation for the event he will attend to provide comprehensive coverage.

The conversation then flows into a series of tech industry developments. Starlink’s innovative approach of launching satellites with direct-to-cell capabilities promises a transformative impact on mobile connectivity. At the same time, Elon Musk, despite his active involvement in AI, urges caution about the technology’s potential risks. The smartphone market is witnessing a shift as Android foldables cut into Apple’s premium segment, and Xerox announces a significant workforce reduction to streamline operations. Pornhub’s access in Montana and North Carolina faces restrictions due to new age verification laws. NASA’s advancements are highlighted on the space front, including the Curiosity Rover’s Mars mission and a spacecraft’s close encounter with Jupiter’s moon, Io.

Cybersecurity emerges as a critical theme, with First American suffering a ransomware attack, over 900,000 individuals affected by a data breach at Boston’s Transformative Healthcare, and Gallery Systems facing a similar ransomware predicament.

Todd also delves into the realms of digital photography and emerging technologies. Sony, Canon, and Nikon are taking significant steps to combat DeepFakes through digital signature technology in photography. Samsung’s announcement of new models in its OLED gaming monitors range, Twitch’s updated policy against implied nudity, the launch of GE Profile’s Smart Indoor Smoker, speculations about Bitcoin’s price in 2024, 3M and Exeger’s innovative self-charging headset, Google’s user input request for its Bard feature, and the introduction of a new fingerprint smart lock and a versatile robot vacuum by Samsung illustrate the rapid pace of technological innovation. The episode also underscores the pressing issue of cybersecurity worker burnout.

An important socio-economic aspect is addressed with the discussion on the gender pay gap in the European tech industry, where women earn significantly less than their male counterparts. LG’s announcement of new models in its Gram laptop series adds to the tech updates.

NASA’s ambitious plans for 2024, including the Artemis rocket launch and deep space exploration, are highlighted, signifying a crucial year for space exploration. Todd also touches upon Tesla’s achievement in selling 1.8 million EVs in 2023.

The episode wraps up with a discussion the challenges sellers face on Amazon’s marketplace and the growing concern of social media addiction, particularly among British teens. Todd concludes by encouraging listeners to support the show through donations and stay tuned for live updates from CES 2024, while emphasizing the importance of being vigilant about online scams and managing screen time, especially for children. The anticipation for the next episode is high, with promises of live coverage from CES 2024.

Foldables ate into Apple’s market share Xerox to cut 15% of its workforce OpenAI seeks new funding Pornhub blocks Montana and North Carolina First American got hit with a ransomware attack Sony, Canon, and Nikon Apple Vision Pro Juno gets close to Jupiter “Cellphone towers in space” Samsung announces new OLED monitors Twitch will ban people pretending to be naked The GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker Bitcoin in 2024 Elon calls for caution 3M and Exeger Google wants your help This new fingerprint smart lock A first-of-a-kind robot vacuum Many cybersecurity workers fee burnt out Women in European tech earn 26% less than men LG unveils a range of new laptops Robots on the moon and astronaut fly-bys Tesla sold 1.8 million EVs Transformative Healthcare notified customers of a data breach Top online gallery provider hit with a ransomware attack Amazon marketplace crackdown “I think I am addicted to social media.” Is AI a benefit or a detriment?

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Amazon Prime Video Introduces Ads: Extorts More for Ad-Free Streaming #1714

December 29, 2023

Amazon Prime Video is set to introduce commercials into its streaming service starting January 29. Subscribers received notifications regarding this change, which requires paying an additional extortion fee of $3 monthly fee to maintain an ad-free experience. This applies to both Prime subscriptions and standalone Prime Video memberships. Initially, regions like the US, UK, Germany, and Canada will be affected, with more countries facing this decision by the end of the next year. Amazon aims to have fewer ads than linear TV and other streaming services, with an estimated four minutes per hour. The addition of ads is part of Amazon’s strategy to fund more compelling content over time. While ads will be included in general streaming, rented or purchased content will remain ad-free. Certain U.S. territories are currently excluded from this ad rollout. Typical Amazon reducing the value of its service.

We have a goal of 1500 listeners contributing $2.00 per month in 2024. We hope you will help us reach that goal to ensure GNC is able to continue to do what I do with this podcast.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

In this episode, Todd Cochrane delves into various technology and digital trends. Todd then acknowledges the support of GoDaddy as a sponsor and emphasizes the importance of listener contributions for sustaining the podcast. He encourages continued support through the GNC Insider program, highlighting the value-for-value movement in podcasting.

A major discussion topic is upgrading Geek News Central’s server infrastructure. This upgrade has brought about cost savings and improved performance, underscoring Todd’s efforts to optimize the budget and ensure the podcast’s sustainability.

The episode covers a wide array of news topics. Todd discusses LG’s development of an AI-powered two-legged robot for home monitoring, and the excitement surrounding upcoming spaceflight missions in 2024, including Artemis II. He touches on a data breach at CBS and Paramount’s parent company and the departure of Apple’s iPhone designer to focus on AI hardware. The issue of Amazon scam calls is raised, with advice on how to avoid them.

Updates on Prime Video and Freevee are provided, along with insights on the lifespan of routers and a mysterious feature in Apple’s SoC. Todd discusses the significant data breach at LoanCare, affecting millions, and introduces new initiatives to prevent AirTag stalking. He also covers the closure of Zulily, Google’s settlement over tracking, Amazon’s plans for hydrogen production, the emergence of new Android malware, developments in AI kitchen ecosystems by Samsung, the growth of Binance’s user base, LG’s 2024 TV lineup, and NASA’s plans for the upcoming year.

The episode also delves into more sensitive topics like Pornhub’s owner compensating victims in a sex trafficking case, the lifting of the Apple Watch ban, Ohio Lottery’s ransomware issue, the New York Times’ actions against OpenAI and Microsoft, the FDA’s warning to Amazon, Russia’s assistance to NASA, Mint Mobile’s security breach, streaming losses for Netflix rivals, and Burger King’s facial recognition-based discounts in Brazil.

Todd wraps up the episode with personal reflections, discussing the challenges content creators face in the digital space, the critical role of audience support, and his outlook for the future. This episode of Geek News Central presents a comprehensive look at the current landscape of technology and digital innovation, underscored by Todd’s insights and the podcast’s commitment to staying at the forefront of these developments.

30:46–A two-legged AI-powered robot –Ten exhilarating spaceflight missions –CBS and Paramount’s parent company reports hack 24:17–Amazon’s Prime Video will start serving ads 35:48–Apple’s iPhone designer leaving to work on AI hardware 36:43–Amazon scam calls 38:18–What’s new on Prime Video and Freevee 39:07–How long does a router last? 40:54–Mysterious Apple Soc feature –LoanCare notifying millions of a data breach. 44:51–A better idea to prevent AirTag stalking 45:35–Zulily shuts down 25:39–Google agrees to settle 45:47–Amazon plans to make its hydrogen 46:23–New Android malware family 47:11–Wandercraft’s exoskeleton 47:51–Samsung to launch enhanced AI kitchen ecosystem 48:33–Binance user base grows 48:50–LG’s 2024 TV lineup 49:41–NASA looks ahead to 2024 49:51–Pornhub owner to pay victims $1.8 million 27:18–The Apple Watch ban is lifted 51:17–Ohio Lottery hit by ransomware 52:10–NY Times and OpenAI Another mortgage firm reveals a data breach 52:39–FDA warns Amazon 29:00–Apple reportedly faces pressure in India 53:48–Russia will assist NASA with ISS space flights Mint Mobile recently suffered a security breach 56:18–Burger King is giving discounts

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AI’s 78% Accuracy in Foreseeing Mortality within Four Years #1713

December 22, 2023

Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark and Northeastern University have developed an AI model called ‘life2vec’ that can predict a person’s death with 78% accuracy within four years. This groundbreaking model, featured in ‘Nature Computational Science’, analyzes extensive sociodemographic data of six million people, including health records and lifestyle factors. The AI, similar to deep learning models used in natural language processing, like ChatGPT, successfully predicted mortality in test cases more accurately than existing models. The study not only highlights AI’s potential in health and social sciences but also sparks an ethical debate around data privacy and the influence of technology on society. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing these ethical concerns democratically. I have grave concerns of technology like this being used to deny care and coverage.

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Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

The episode of “Geek News Central” from December 21st, 2023, hosted by Todd Cochrane, covers a wide range of tech-related topics. The podcast also discusses a data breach at ESO Solutions affecting 2.7 million patients, highlighting ongoing concerns about healthcare data security. Another significant point is Microsoft abandoning its Mixed Reality VR for Windows, indicating a shift in the company’s focus away from VR/AR technologies.

To combat severe air pollution, Pakistan has resorted to artificial rain, a method also used in other countries like China and India. Additionally, the episode talks about the next-generation Apple CarPlay coming to Aston Martin and Porsche cars in 2024, which will integrate with all vehicle displays, not just the central system.

Ransomware attacks continue to be a concern, with a report on ransomware gangs turning to remote encryption, increasing the threat to digital security. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is considering new rules to protect children’s data online, shifting the responsibility from parents to websites.

The episode covers international cooperation in space exploration, with the U.S. committing to landing an international astronaut on the moon under NASA’s Artemis program. It also mentions Google potentially replacing some ad sales jobs with AI, reflecting the growing impact of automation on employment.

A notable investigation reveals that Tesla has been aware of high failure rates in some of its parts but often blames drivers for these failures. Rite Aid faced repercussions for using facial recognition technology in its stores without customer consent, leading to a settlement with the FTC.

Other topics include the need to update Chrome due to a significant security flaw, a lawsuit against Apple by Beeper’s CEO over blocking an iMessage bridge hack, and the “Christmas Tree Cluster,” a cosmic formation 2,500 light years from Earth.

In the UK, a new bill allows police to search a database of 50 million driving license holders using facial recognition, raising privacy concerns. Google and other tech companies are restricting AI election-related queries to combat misinformation.

The podcast concludes with various tech news, including an outage of Samsung TV Plus, the dominance of SpaceX in private spaceflight, and ongoing discussions about electric vehicles and hybrid cars’ impact on fuel efficiency.

Throughout the episode, Todd Cochrane provides insights and opinions on these developments, highlighting their implications for technology, privacy, and society.

17:28–Microsoft gives up on its Mixed Reality VR 18:37–Pakistan uses artificial rain 20:07–Aston Martin and Porsche 20:41–Patient data stolen in ransomware attack 21:43–FTC suggests new rules 23:11–An international astronaut to the moon 24:05–Ransomware gangs 26:24–Google might already replace some ad sales jobs with AI. 27:12–Tesla’s is blaming drivers for parts failures 30:37–Rite Aid facial recognition 31:58–Update Chrome ASAP Celebrities found in unprotected real estate database 32:42–Beeper’s CEO wants to sue Apple 33:43–The “Christmas Tree Cluster” 34:15–Facial recognition in the UK 35:39–Google is restricting election-related queries 36:06–EVs and hybrids 37:18–The US government makes an app 39:05–Samsung TV Plus is down NY’s AG and SiriusXM 40:04–SpaceX dominated private spaceflight in 2023 X was down 08:39–AI predicts the death of a person. 40:32–Apple denied a request to pause Apple Watch sales. 41:14–The US is considering hiking tariffs. 42:58–A car buyer tricks a Chevy AI bot into selling a Tahoe for $1. 44:06–Meta blocked access in Canada. 44:19–Max and Paramount Plus could join forces. 45:34–Only humans can invent things 46:20–A devious new phishing campaign 47:15–How search engines boost misinformation

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Internet Archive Appeals Against Copyright Infringement Ruling #1712

December 19, 2023

The Internet Archive (IA) is appealing a court ruling that found its digital lending program copyright-infringing. IA’s non-profit library scans and lends physical books digitally, allowing only one patron at a time to borrow each digital copy. The New York District Court sided with publishers who sued IA, claiming copyright infringement and financial harm. IA argues that its activities are fair use, promoting knowledge sharing without harming authors or publishers. The appeal stresses the importance of IA’s service for the future of libraries globally.

We have a goal of 1500 listeners contributing $2.00 per month in 2024. We hope you will help us reach that goal to ensure GNC is able to continue to do what I do with this podcast.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

Acura ZDX SUV: Todd discusses the upcoming launch of Acura’s all-electric ZDX SUV. This segment likely focuses on the vehicle’s specifications, performance, and Acura’s strategy in the evolving electric vehicle market.

SEC Cyber Rules: The podcast touches on new SEC regulations requiring companies to disclose cyber attacks swiftly. This is an important development for investors and companies, highlighting the increasing importance of cybersecurity in corporate governance.

Apple in 2024: Anticipation for Apple’s 2024 releases is a topic of interest. Todd probably speculates on potential new products like the Apple Vision Pro and improvements in chip technology, reflecting on how these advancements might impact the tech industry and consumer choices.

Zipline Drone Delivery: The expansion of Zipline, a drone delivery startup, is discussed. This segment likely delves into the implications of drone technology in logistics and its potential to revolutionize delivery services in the United States.

TikTok and Amazon Accounts: A controversy involving TikTok staff being instructed to avoid flagging issues with Amazon accounts is covered. This topic raises questions about content moderation, corporate relationships, and ethical practices in social media.

Zuckerberg’s Hawaii Project: Mark Zuckerberg’s construction project in Hawaii, possibly a private retreat or bunker, is discussed, possibly exploring the implications for local communities and the growing trend of tech billionaires investing in personal compounds.

Trevor Milton’s Sentence: The sentencing of Nikola founder Trevor Milton to prison for fraud is covered. This story highlights issues of corporate integrity and the repercussions of deceptive practices in the business world.

VF Corporation Cyberattack: Todd discusses a cyberattack on VF Corporation, shedding light on the vulnerabilities of corporations to digital threats and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

Imran Khan’s AI Clone: An intriguing story about Pakistani politician Imran Khan using an AI clone for campaigning while in incarceration is explored. This segment examines the innovative use of AI in politics and its potential ethical and legal implications.

SpaceX Launch Date: A new launch date for a SpaceX mission is announced. Todd likely discusses the significance of this mission and SpaceX’s role in the expanding space industry.

Revamped AirPods 4: The release of two new AirPods 4 models, one with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), is covered. This segment probably delves into the features of these new models and Apple’s strategy in the competitive personal audio market.

WordPress Hosting Company Phishing Attack: A phishing ads attack on a top WordPress hosting company is discussed, highlighting the ongoing threats in the digital landscape and the need for vigilant cybersecurity practices.

Expedia’s AI in Travel: Expedia’s plans to use AI for personalized travel recommendations are explored. This part likely discusses the intersection of AI technology and the travel industry, emphasizing personalized customer experiences.

Flipboard and Mastodon: Todd covers Flipboard’s integration with the Fediverse and Mastodon, discussing the growing trend towards decentralized social media platforms and the implications for user privacy and content control.

Making Money from Your Phone: The podcast includes a segment on ways to make money using a smartphone. This likely provides practical tips and explores various apps and platforms that enable users to earn income remotely.

Deloitte’s AI for Workforce Management: Deloitte’s exploration of AI to prevent mass layoffs is discussed, highlighting how AI can be used in human resource management and the potential impacts on the workforce.

Apple Watch Sales Pause: The pause in sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 due to a patent dispute is covered. This story probably delves into the legal intricacies and the implications for Apple and its consumers.

Commercial Delivery Service to the Moon: NASA’s first commercial delivery service to the moon is discussed, reflecting on the expanding role of private companies in space exploration and the potential for commercial activities on the moon.

Windows 11 Bug Fix: A segment on Microsoft fixing a long-standing bug in Windows 11 is included. This discussion likely addresses the implications for users and Microsoft’s responsiveness to software issues.

Loss of Apple Movie and TV Wish Lists: The removal of the wishlist feature in Apple’s movie and TV services following an iOS and tvOS update is discussed, exploring the impact on user experience and Apple’s product strategy.

Eve’s Smart Outlet: Todd talks about Eve’s new smart outlet, which features energy monitoring and compatibility with Matter and Thread protocols. This segment likely delves into the growing market for smart home devices and the importance of energy efficiency and integration with home automation standards.

Microsoft’s Gift Card Scam Warning: A discussion on Microsoft’s warning about a devious gift card scam during the holiday season is included. This topic emphasizes the need for vigilance against digital scams, particularly those targeting consumers during peak shopping periods.

NHS Drone Medical Supply Delivery: The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) beginning to deliver critical medical supplies via drones is covered. Todd probably explores how this innovative use of drone technology could revolutionize healthcare delivery, especially in remote or difficult-to-access areas.

Southwest’s $140 Million Fine: The podcast discusses Southwest Airlines paying a $140 million fine for operational issues during the 2022 holiday season. This story likely addresses the implications for the airline industry and the importance of operational reliability and customer service.

NordVPN on Apple TV: Todd covers the introduction of NordVPN to Apple TV, discussing the growing demand for VPN services for streaming devices and the implications for user privacy and content access.

Coca-Cola’s AI Christmas Card: A segment on Coca-Cola’s accidentally terrifying AI-generated Christmas card is included. This discussion probably explores the humorous and unexpected outcomes of AI in creative processes and the broader implications of AI in marketing.

Electric Car’s Pole-to-Pole Journey: The podcast covers the story of an electric car completing a drive from the North to the South Pole. This remarkable achievement likely highlights advancements in electric vehicle technology and the potential for long-distance electric travel.

DOJ Probe into Apple’s Beeper App Block: Finally, the episode includes a discussion on US lawmakers calling for a Department of Justice investigation into Apple’s blocking of the Beeper app, which integrates iMessage on Android. This story raises important questions about competition and regulation in the tech industry, especially regarding major players like Apple.

Throughout the episode, Todd Cochrane provides in-depth analysis and commentary on these diverse topics, offering insights into the latest developments in technology, business, legal matters, and consumer trends. The episode is rich with information, reflecting the dynamic nature of the tech world and its intersection with various aspects of daily life and global affairs.

Show Summary:

09:22–Digital lending is fair use 18:51–Acura ZDX SUV 19:39–SEC cyber rules 21:30–What’s coming up from Apple in 2024? 23:24–Zipline 24:25–TikTok staff told to avoid flagging problems with Amazon accounts. 27:19–Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii. 29:40–Trevor Milton was sentenced to four years in prison. 30:43–VF Corporation has confirmed a cyberattack. 31:29–Imran Khan deploys AI clone to campaign from behind bars. 32:41–SpaceX reveals new launch date. 33:18–Two revamped AirPods 4 models 34:40–Top WordPress hosting company hit by phishing ads attack 35:35–Expedia wants to use AI 38:13–Flipboard 39:15–Best ways to make money from your phone 39:59–Deloitte is looking at AI 40:35–Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sales paused 41:46–The first commercial delivery service to the moon 42:28–Windows 11 bug fixed 43:16–Apple fans just lost movies and TV wish lists 44:16–Eve’s new smart outlet 45:38–Microsoft warns us all to be wary of this gift card scam 46:45–NHS to begin delivering critical medical supplies by drone 47:47–Southwest will pay a $140 million fine NordVPN comes to the Apple TV Coca-Cola’s terrifying Christmas card An electric car completed a drive from the North to the South Pole 16:13–A call from US lawmakers to DOJ probe into Apple

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Elon Musk’s Ambitious Texas University Project: Revolutionizing STEM Education #1711

December 15, 2023

Elon Musk plans to establish a university in Austin, Texas, focusing on STEM education. Funded by a $100 million contribution from Musk’s charity, The Foundation, the university aims to provide high-level education in math, science, engineering, and physics. This initiative follows Musk’s history in education, notably the founding of Ad Astra and Astra Nova schools. The university, set to offer experienced faculty and hands-on learning experiences, is part of Musk’s broader vision to enhance STEM education, starting with primary and secondary schools.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

Show Summary: In episode 1711 of Geek News Central, hosted by Todd Cochran on December 14, the discussion kicks off with Elon Musk’s announcement to establish a university in Texas, focusing on STEM, funded by his charity. This episode is rich with diverse tech and industry updates, reflecting the dynamic nature of the tech world.

Cochran delves into the intersection of healthcare and AI, highlighting a lawsuit against Humana over AI’s role in healthcare decisions. He touches upon the FCC’s consideration to eliminate cable service early termination fees, a move that could significantly impact consumers. In the realm of gaming, he discusses the Opera GX Gaming Browser’s new ‘boss button,’ a quirky addition that allows users to quickly hide games.

The podcast also explores the business side of tech, with OpenAI encouraging AI startups through a $1 million funding offer. This is followed by an update on Netflix’s January 2024 releases and the resolution of a major outage in ChatGPT, indicating the growing importance of AI in entertainment and communication.

Cochran shifts to YouTube’s strategy to reduce ad breaks, suggesting a changing landscape in digital advertising. He also discusses a unique incident where a tornado’s interaction with a power substation led to explorations of whether a tornado can be disrupted by an explosion.

Security concerns are addressed with the revelation of malware exploiting Google Forms in a phishing scheme. This is contrasted with a story from Poland, where hackers fixed manufacturer-bricked trains, showcasing the complex relationship between hacking and public service.

Further in the episode, updates from Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Google’s Pixel Diagnostic App are shared, illustrating the ongoing evolution in satellite communication and mobile technology. Amazon’s legal victory in the EU over a tax dispute underscores the legal complexities tech giants face.

Microsoft’s proactive stance against fraudulent Windows accounts through the seizure of criminal websites, and Google’s move to limit third-party cookie tracking in Chrome, are discussed as pivotal steps in digital security and privacy.

The automotive sector gets a nod with Cadillac’s announcement of a new electric SUV, the Vistiq, and AT&T’s partnership with Rivian. Acer’s launch of AI-powered laptops challenges established players in the tech industry, while Beeper’s issues with Apple hint at ongoing tensions in digital communication.

Cochran also touches on global issues, like Pope Francis calling for AI regulation and GM’s executive shakeup in its self-driving taxi division. Instagram’s introduction of an AI-powered background editing tool indicates a growing trend of AI in social media.

The episode wraps up with discussions on Vivaldi’s new tab management feature, LinkedIn’s decision to maintain physical data centers, Intel’s AI strategy with new Xeon chips, the emergence of AI-generated newscasts, Amazon’s new book hub, GM’s considerations around CarPlay and Android Auto, and H&R Block’s AI tax assistant.

Cochran concludes by emphasizing the importance of community support for the podcast, highlighting various ways listeners can contribute to its continued success.

25:35–What’s new on Netflix? 26:18–ChatGPT has now fixed a “major outage.” 26:35–YouTube will have fewer ad breaks. 27:10–Is a tornado being blown up? 28:42–This sneaky malware hijacks Google Forms. 21:52–Cable service cancellation fees may be on the way out. 23:12–Opera GX gaming browser adds a “boss button.” 29:27–Three Polish hackers fixed trains. 31:00–Amazon’s Project Kupier 31:39–Google launches a Pixel Diagnostic App 24:27–Have an idea for an AI startup? 33:10–Amazon won its legal battle with the EU. 34:33–Microsoft seizes criminal websites 35:14–Google is turning off third-party tracking. 36:33–Cadillac’s new EV: The Vistiq 25:43–Beverly Hills Cop: Alex Foley 12:21–Elon Musk wants to open a university in Texas 37:16–AT&T is Rivian’s latest customer 38:16–Acer unleashes AI-powered Macbook Air rivals 39:11–Beeper says Apple is blocking some iMessages 40:02–Pope Francis and regulating AI 40:39–Cruise dismisses executives 41:32–Instagram introduces GenAI 42:36–Are you suffering from tab overload? 43:14–LinkedIn shelves plan to migrate to Azure 44:40–Intel wants to run AI on CPUs 47:03–Amazon’s new Your Books hub 48:33–H&R Block launches an AI tax filing assistant 47:39–GM says it’s ditching Apple Carplay and Android Auto 15:17–Humana faces a class-action lawsuit 45:44–Channel 1 News unveils AI-generated newscast

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Verizon’s Privacy Breach: How a Fake Warrant Endangered a Customer #1710

December 12, 2023

In a significant privacy breach, Verizon was deceived by a fake search warrant, resulting in the disclosure of a customer’s personal data to her stalker. The stalker, Robert Michael Glauner, who had previously had an online romantic relationship with the victim, used the information to locate and threaten her. Despite obvious signs of forgery, the warrant was accepted by Verizon, highlighting systemic issues in document verification processes within law enforcement and telecommunications. This incident underlines the urgent need for more robust privacy protections and verification procedures in handling sensitive customer data.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

The podcast covers Todd’s upcoming participation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, his experiences with jet lag, and other personal updates. He talks about the release of the MacBook Air M3 in March 2024, and the delay in updates for Apple’s more professional desktop models. The podcast also delves into a unique event involving a missing tomato on the space station, humorously highlighting the different aspects of life in space.

Todd explores the EU’s new comprehensive legal framework on artificial intelligence, focusing on risk management and categorization of AI systems. This act aims to make AI trustworthy by banning high-risk AI systems related to critical infrastructure, education, and law enforcement.

A significant portion of the episode is devoted to technology, science, and security, including the discovery of a huge mass of water vapor around a quasar, security flaws in 5G smartphones, and TikTok’s revenue model. Todd also discusses Google’s ongoing drive data loss issues and the challenges users face in recovering their lost data.

The episode touches on the integration of ChatGPT into Microsoft’s portfolio and the scrutiny it faces from regulatory bodies. Todd discusses the antitrust trial against Google, focusing on its Android app store payments and the strategies employed by Google and Epic Games during the trial.

Another tech highlight includes the resurrection of the Beeper Mini iMessage app for Android and its struggles with Apple’s policies. The episode also covers the Norton Healthcare ransomware attack, emphasizing the importance of encryption in protecting personal information.

Overall, Episode 1710 of “Geek News Central” offers a comprehensive overview of current technology news, privacy concerns, AI developments, and various tech industry happenings, all presented with Todd Cochrane’s unique perspective and insights.

15:42–YouTube gives creators a new way to chill 16:25–VW and Renault could be teaming up 17:33–12 billion-year-old body of water found in space 18:36–Many top 5G phones could have major security issues 19:37–Russia’s cyberwarfare tactics 20:31–Norton Healthcare ransomware hack 21:41–Wi-Fi 7 is nearly here 22:31–Tesla’s Autopilot system 04:01–Verizon accepted a fake search warrant 24:03–The AV industry sends an SOS to Pete Buttigieg 25:05–Elon Musk unbans Alex Jones 28:32–Amazon is having a huge holiday sale 10:07–A NASA astronaut and a missing tomato 29:07–Google insists it’s resolved the drive data loss issue 13:54–The FTC sounds an alarm 11:32–Trust us, says the EU 32:04–23andME responds to data breach 33:48–Amazon’s practices are the “essence of competition” “Beeper Mini is back” 36:16–TikTok reaches $10 billion in revenue 38:09–Google’s top Search trends for 2023 38:55–NASA pushes back ISS deorbit vehicle contract 40:11–Want to hear the wonder of deep space? 41:42–A zero gravity dreidel spin 42:15–Google antitrust trial focused on Android app store 43:10–Macbook Air M3 could launch in March The leading AI chatbots of 2024

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Spotify’s Major Workforce Reduction Amid Economic Challenges #1709

December 05, 2023

Spotify announced cutting about 1,500 jobs, nearly 17% of its workforce, marking its third layoff round in 2023. CEO Daniel Ek cited economic slowdown and rising capital costs as critical reasons for this decision, following substantial investments in 2020 and 2021. Despite strong user growth and operating income, the company faces modest growth in North American subscribers and a decline in average revenue per user. The tech sector is experiencing significant layoffs, reflecting broader economic instability.

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

I discuss the digital media landscape, focusing on the issue of digital ownership. It’s pointed out that users don’t truly own the digital movies and shows they purchase, as highlighted by PlayStation’s decision to remove titles from users’ libraries due to licensing issues. This segment underscores the transient nature of digital content ownership and encourages listeners to consider physical copies for permanent ownership.

The episode also touches on the US government’s Border Asylum app (CBP One), which allows migrants to schedule appointments for asylum requests. The discussion highlights the complexities and challenges migrants face at the US border.

Twilio’s third round of layoffs is mentioned in corporate downsizing, indicating a significant reduction in its workforce. The podcast also covers AWS’s new feature allowing businesses to simulate cloud outages, helping them prepare for potential disruptions.

Apple’s strategic focus on 6G technology is another key topic, emphasizing Apple’s efforts to integrate future 6G modems with its hardware and negotiate better terms with modem manufacturers. The podcast also warns Mac users about new malware targeting their systems, urging caution and recommending downloads only from trusted sources.

Chrome’s update introducing a feature that shows memory usage of individual tabs, aimed at improving user experience by identifying resource-heavy websites, is discussed. The host also covers a Russian cargo ship’s spectacular disintegration in Earth’s atmosphere, witnessed by astronauts aboard the ISS.

Given the expected price increase, the episode discusses the semiconductor market and the advisable timing for purchasing memory. The terms of service change for chatbot interactions, specifically regarding repetitive commands, are noted, highlighting a potential flaw in AI training.

There’s coverage of Toyota’s unveiling of two new EV crossover concepts, slated for a 2025 release in Europe, and TikTok’s expansion of its Ticketmaster integration to more countries. A significant data breach at 23andMe, affecting 6.9 million users, is reported, raising concerns about privacy and security in DNA data handling.

Uber’s stock surge following its inclusion in the S&P 500 is discussed, signaling a positive turn for the company. Verizon’s new bundle offering ad-supported versions of Netflix and HBO Max for certain wireless plan subscribers is also mentioned.

The podcast touches on the use of digital avatars by the band KISS in their farewell concert, a trend that could redefine live performances. A unique space send-off for the remains of some “Star Trek” actors aboard a rocket launch is highlighted, showcasing the intersection of fandom and space exploration.

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Book 4 release, with leaked specs and AI enhancements, is noted. A study ranking countries on cyberattack risks places Denmark as the most secure, with Panama as the least. The potential early release of Windows 12 is mentioned as a boon for the struggling PC and laptop market.

Booking.com’s inadequate response to app hacks that led to customer financial losses is criticized. NordVPN’s new feature for detecting vulnerable Windows apps is praised for enhancing cybersecurity.

Klarna’s hiring freeze due to AI productivity gains is discussed, indicating a broader trend of AI impacting employment. Express VPN’s availability on Apple TV is reported, enhancing privacy for streaming services.

U.S. Senator Edward Markey’s critique of automakers’ data privacy practices is highlighted, emphasizing the need for better consumer data protection. Microsoft’s Seeing AI app for Android, assisting blind and low-vision users, is applauded for its inclusivity and technological advancement.

Concerns are raised about TikTok’s development of a chatbot builder, given its Chinese ownership and potential privacy implications. OpenAI’s purchase of brain chips from a company partially owned by its CEO Sam Altman is scrutinized for potential conflict of interest.

The U.S. Navy, the UK, and Australia’s collaboration to use AI for tracking Chinese submarines is noted, marking a significant development in military technology. Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) struggle to receive effective support following cyberattacks is discussed.

Amazon’s Q AI assistant facing challenges with inaccuracies and privacy issues is reported, highlighting the complexities in developing reliable AI systems. Finally, Amazon’s partnership with SpaceX for Project Kuiper satellite launches is mentioned, demonstrating the evolving dynamics in the space industry.

The podcast concludes with a reminder of the host’s return to the studio for the next live show and extends thanks to the listeners for their continued support of Geek News Central.

05:53–You don’t own the movies you bought 08:37–Biden’s Border Asylum app 10:15–Twilio 10:51–AWS 11:51–Apple and 6G 13:00–Mac users are being targeted again 14:12–A new Chrome update 15:51–A Russian cargo ship burnt to a crisp 16:32–Now is a good time to buy memory 17:17–The word ‘forever’ is a violation 18:14–Toyota unveils EVs 18:52–TikTok’s Ticketmaster 19:24–23andMe 21:02–Uber joins the S&P 500 21:45–Verizon bundles with Netflix and HBO Max 22:35–The band KISS as avatars 23:35–A rocket will include remains of some “Star Trek” actors 24:58–Samsung Galaxy Book 4 25:52–These are the countries most at risk from cyberattacks. 26:36–Windows 12 launch date leak 27:14–Booking.com 28:24–NordVPN 29:14–Klarna 30:29–Express VPN 31:11–Automakers’ data privacy practices are unacceptable, says a Senator Spanish media outlets filed a lawsuit against Meta 32:50–Microsoft’s Seeing AI app 33:45–TikTok is working on a chatbot 34:10–OpenAI NASA receives a signal from 10 million miles away in space 35:23–The US Navy, the UK, and Australia will test AI system 36:07–CISOs are getting more help 36:36–Amazon Q 04:19–Spotify 37:29–Amazon and SpaceX

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Google Closing Inactive Accounts Starting on December 1st #1708

November 28, 2023

Starting December 1, 2023, Google is set to close dormant accounts and everything they hold, including photos, emails, calendar entries, and more.

The episode also delves into various cybersecurity concerns. It discusses a hacking incident at a US water utility, where an Iranian-linked group hijacked an industrial control system but didn’t compromise the water supply. There’s also coverage of a cyber-attack in the UK, disrupting home sales by targeting a firm responsible for handling property transactions.

Digital advancements are a key theme, with discussions on the emergence of digital car keys and their potential to replace traditional physical keys. The podcast touches on the debate over the best technology (NFC or ultra-wideband) for this purpose and user preferences regarding digital vs. physical keys.

Todd also shares insights from an ex-NASA astronaut on dealing with failure, emphasizing quick recovery, cautious action, and team empathy. The episode further explores a claim by hackers to have stolen data from General Electric, the EU’s scrutiny of Amazon’s iRobot deal for potential antitrust issues, and the widespread use of generative AI in workplaces without formal employer approval.

In other news, Gulf Air suffered a data breach, potentially compromising customer data, and a study on video conferencing fatigue highlights its impacts on well-being compared to in-person interactions.

Space-related updates include the biggest planet ever found and Canada’s preparation for medical emergencies in deep space. The episode concludes with discussions on Australia’s call for new competition laws for digital platforms, the potential for medical tech in space, and a feature on iPhones for easily sharing contact information.

Show Summary:

08:10–Google will delete inactive accounts 12:26–Hackers hijack an industrial control system 13:35–Digital car keys are here 15:48–Cyber-attack leaves home sales in limbo 16:56–An ex-NASA astronaut shares tips 19:05–Hackers claim to have hit GE 19:43–EU regulators and Amazon’s iRobot deal 10:42–1/2 of users operate AI without employer approval 20:42–This malicious Telegram bot 22:11–Gulf Air hit with a data breach 22:46–What is the biggest planet ever found? 23:42–Elon wants to help 24:48–Mozaic 25:35–Amazon UPS, FedEx 26:21–Long recovery times after cyberattacks 27:32–North Korean hackers 28:30–Google Drive users are losing files 29:31–The world’s most powerful lasers 31:33–Meta on a wanted list –Videoconferencing fatigue is real 33:15–Neuralink Japanese startups testing cash incentives 35:12–ChatGPT now has a human-like voice Police warn parents of a new iPhone feature 37:06– Medical emergencies will happen in deep space Australian regulator calls for new competition laws The Samsung Galaxy S24 could be its first AI phone Fighting porch pirates with AI

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OpenAi in total Chaos Demand Sam Altman’s Reinstatement! #1707

November 21, 2023

OpenAI faces internal unrest as employees demand the reinstatement of ousted CEO Sam Altman and the resignation of the board. The turmoil follows Altman’s unexpected dismissal, with staff threatening to join him and Greg Brockman at a new Microsoft AI unit. The move has raised questions about OpenAI’s leadership, governance, and Microsoft’s involvement, given its significant stake in OpenAI.

Show Summary:

12:37–$70 million boost 13:15–Yamaha confirms data breach 13:54–Morgan Stanley was fined $6.5 million 14:30–NASA astronaut sees her homeland from space 15:11–Amazon to cut jobs 15:40–Tech CEO’s to testify in the Senate 16:21–Former COO pleads guilty 11:57–YouTube’s new AI A tool-kit orbiting the Earth 18:05–Ocean balls might be alien tech 19:00–Bullish buys CoinDesk 19:37–PBS Food 20:03–EU Commission issues objections 20:43–GM’s big bet on driverless cars 21:57–Amazon’s AI Ready 22:35–AI hallucinations 23:23–2 Ukrainian cybersecurity officials fired 23:59–Microsoft dials back Bing Influencers want to bail out Elon Musk 08:49–OpenAI staff threatens to quit 24:46–SpaceX Falcon 9 A chance to unionize EV battery plants 25:08–Guidelines for naming a planet 26:12–NASA tests a laser communicator CEO of Cruise quits How AI is revolutionizing Black Friday 04:54–Microsoft hires Sam Altman

Show Summary:

Crisis at OpenAI: The episode opened with a detailed analysis of the crisis at OpenAI, following the dismissal of co-founder Sam Altman. The internal turmoil involved disagreements over the company’s direction, with nearly all employees, including top executives, threatening to quit. This situation was further complicated by Microsoft offering positions to all OpenAI staff, raising questions about the future of OpenAI and its $86 billion valuation.

Microsoft’s Role: The host discussed Microsoft’s strategic move in hiring Sam Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman for a new AI division, describing it as a “master chess move”. This development led to an open letter from OpenAI employees demanding the board’s resignation and Altman’s reinstatement.

Various Tech News: The episode covered various other tech news, including:

Yamaha Motor’s data breach following a ransomware attack. Morgan Stanley being fined $6.5 million for exposing customer information. NASA astronaut Jasmine Moghbeli’s view of Iran from space. Amazon’s job cuts at the Alexa unit to focus more on generative AI. Upcoming Senate hearings with tech CEOs on online child sexual exploitation. A former InfoSec COO pleading guilty to attacking hospitals to drum up business. Cybersecurity and AI Developments: The podcast touched on a $70 million cybersecurity boost for rural municipal utilities in the U.S., Google’s DeepMind Lyra model for AI-generated music, and Amazon’s free courses on generative AI.

Miscellaneous Topics: Other topics included the buying of CoinDesk by Crypto Exchange Bullish, EU Commission’s objections to Adobe’s Figma acquisition, and developments at GM’s Cruise division in driverless cars.

Global and Scientific News: The host also mentioned a Harvard professor’s theory about mysterious metal-rich spheres in the ocean, SpaceX Falcon 9’s launch, and NASA’s record-breaking laser communicator test.

The post OpenAi in total Chaos Demand Sam Altman’s Reinstatement! #1707 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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James Cridland and Sam Sethi on New Media Show

November 19, 2023

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OpenAI’s Bold Move: Offering $10 Million to Attract Google’s AI Experts #1706

November 14, 2023

OpenAI’s aggressive recruitment strategy, offering substantial pay packages to Google AI researchers. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is in negotiations for an employee share sale potentially valuing the company at $86 billion. This move follows a previous share sale that valued OpenAI between $27 billion and $29 billion. Compensation for top talent from Google could range from $5 million to $10 million after the latest share sale. OpenAI has already successfully recruited over 90 employees from Google and Meta, with specific mention of five former Google researchers who contributed to ChatGPT’s development. OpenAI’s recruitment includes positions for its super alignment team, focusing on aligning AI systems with human interests, offering salaries up to $450,000 plus equity and other benefits. Don’t tell me it doesn’t pay to be in AI at the moment.

Show Summary: The episode begins with Todd highlighting OpenAI’s aggressive recruitment strategies, offering up to $10 million to lure top AI talent from Google. He discusses OpenAI’s plans for advanced AI development, backed by Microsoft’s significant financial support.

Next, Todd shifts to Scripps Networks’ revival of the classic DVR, tailored for the cord-cutting era, and delves into the surprising financial relationship between Apple and Google, revealing that Apple earns a substantial portion of Google’s search advertising revenue.

The podcast also covers Amazon Web Services’ unique workspace in a former Dutch prison, Google’s new tools for finding holiday discounts, and Disney’s decision to pull TV channels from Vietnam due to piracy concerns. A significant ransomware attack on China’s largest bank, minimally impacting treasury market trades, is discussed, alongside Microsoft’s Bing AI potentially losing ground to Google but with a strategic focus on integrating co-pilot in Windows operating systems.

Todd then reports on a data breach at Mr. Cooper, a major US mortgage lender, and speculates about the ambitious features of the upcoming iOS 18. He expresses skepticism about the practicality of Google Photos’ new reminder feature and warns about malware attacks on Discord.

The White House’s plan to expand radio spectrum access is also covered, potentially benefiting internet access and drone technology. In space news, the James Webb Space Telescope’s findings challenge existing theories about the early universe’s brightness. ExxonMobil’s venture into lithium production for electric vehicle batteries is highlighted as a significant industry shift.

The episode includes discussions about Volvo’s first electric minivan, Zelle’s response to imposter scams, a massive data breach at Michigan’s McLaren Healthcare, Google’s lawsuit against scammers, and OpenAI’s efforts to gather more diverse language data.

Todd also touches on remote workers putting companies at risk by downloading software without permission, Apple’s potential launch of a larger iPad, Alphabet reducing its stake in Robinhood, and rumors of an M3 Ultra chip from Apple.

The episode concludes with a tribute to Frank Borman, a NASA astronaut, and a discussion about Google Photos’ AI editor not altering IDs, receipts, or faces. Todd encourages listeners to stay engaged with the podcast and the broader tech community.

14:48–Apple gets 36% of Google’s revenue 16:39–An AWS worker shows off its workplace as a prison 18:11–These new Google tools for holiday discounts 19:34–Disney has decided to withdraw their TV channels from Vietnam. 21:54–A ransomware attack on China’s biggest bank 23:21–Bing AI may be getting crushed 24:57–Mr Cooper’s data breach 25:37–iOS 18 27:49–Google Photos update 29:14–Malware on Discord 30:12–The White House releases a plan 31:19–The James Webb Space Telescope 32:39–Exxon to start lithium production 34:03–Volvo’s first electric minivan 34:43–Zelle begins refunds for imposter scams 35:20–A data breach of a Michigan healthcare giant 35:49–Google sues scammers 06:53–OpenAI luring Google AI employees 09:56–OpenAI seeks more funding 36:29–OpenAI seeks to gather data from more languages Workers are putting their companies at risk Google fights scammers 38:05–Apple could launch a bigger iPad 38:57–Alphabet dissolves stakes in app Robinhood 40:01–Ransomware group leaks files 43:13–RIP Frank Borman 10:36–This company is bringing back the stand-alone DVR

The post OpenAI’s Bold Move: Offering $10 Million to Attract Google’s AI Experts #1706 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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OpenAi Custom GPTs Change Everything #1705

November 10, 2023

Today, I created 4 OpenAI custom GPTs that is the beginning of something completely revolutionary. I will never ever look at task the same going forward I will make a determination can I help myself or my company or my others. This is the start of Agent AI’s and I am as convinced of anything I have been in my whole life that this is going to be the biggest thing in tech in 2023!

Show Summary: He begins by touching on Amazon’s new healthcare service for Prime members, reflecting on automakers’ storage of text and call logs, and the ramifications of European regulations on Apple’s app store and their potential 14.3 billion Euro tax bill.

Todd then delves into the capabilities of creating GPTs, sharing his excitement about the potential for automating tasks and improving productivity. He highlights his experience in creating a support GPT for Blubrry Podcasting and discusses the potential this technology has to change how we approach repetitive tasks.

The podcast shifts gears to a range of subjects including Space Force’s upcoming mission with SpaceX, the reliance of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin on the internet, and the threat of Russian hackers to Ukrainian infrastructure.

Todd shares his intrigue in ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) technology, which could harness renewable energy from the sea, albeit with high initial costs. He then casts a critical eye on the Brave browser’s AI and reports on a major outage at ChatGPT caused by a DDoS attack.

Financial losses in Las Vegas’s Sphere project, IKEA’s entry into the LED light strip market, and Zoom’s new feature that allows sending prerecorded video clips are also discussed. Todd goes on to discuss the Humane AI pin, Spotify’s TV app redesign, and Fitbit’s withdrawal from several markets.

Other topics include Google Play’s tightened rules for app developers, Samsung’s native mobile AI experience, and a tragic incident in South Korea where a man was killed by a robot. Todd also shares updates on Starlink’s license in India, Wozniak’s hospitalization, the Capitol Hill budget battle, and new combined Disney+ and Hulu apps.

He talks about Microsoft’s Co-pilot for Windows 10, NASA’s discovery of new exoplanets, rumors about Apple’s Siri, and Royal Mail’s website security flaw.

21:43–Apple’s tax bill 23:17–Space Force 24:30–What would happen to crypto and Bitcoin without the internet? 25:53–Russian hackers disrupted the electrical grid 26:21–140-year-old heat tech 28:44–Leo AI dodges questions about the 2020 election 29:12–Major ChatGPT outage 30:00–The Sphere reports a loss 30:31–IKEA is taking on Phillips Hue 19:40–Apple gets ready for app sideloading 31:19–Zoom 32:18–The Humane AI Pin 33:25–Spotify’s redesigned TV app 33:53–Fitbit ends sales in nearly 30 countries 17:29–It’s perfectly legal for cars to harvest data 34:26–Aliro EU Parliament approves Data Act 35:58–Google Play tightens up rules AI’s iPhone App Store 37:51–A robot crushes a man to death 39:14–Woz in the hospital 39:55–Capitol Hill budget battle 41:30–A new combined Disney+ and Hulu app 42:20–NASA’s exoplanet-hunting telescope 43:34–Apple’s AI-powered Siri assistant 43:48–Royal Mail website puts users at risk 16:04–Amazon expands healthcare Meta Omegle shuts down 47:55–Amazon Fresh YouTube rolled out a For You section

The post OpenAi Custom GPTs Change Everything #1705 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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OpenAI Revolutionizes with Assistants and GPT-4 Turbo Enhancements #1704

November 07, 2023

OpenAI’s latest offering, the Assistants API, enables developers to integrate sophisticated, agent-like experiences into their apps. This tool allows the creation of specialized “assistants” capable of handling tasks ranging from data analysis to vacation planning, powered by OpenAI’s Code Interpreter. This feature enables the execution of Python code and the generation of visual data representations.

Moreover, the API can access external knowledge bases, enhancing its utility with company-specific information or product details. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s GPT-4 Turbo, a more efficient and cost-effective iteration of GPT-4, has been released. With its advanced context window and the latest knowledge base, GPT-4 Turbo improves the model’s performance in generating responses and analyzing text and images. Additionally, OpenAI introduces a no-code platform for creating customized AI agents, the GPT platform, further extending the accessibility and versatility of its AI offerings. Today was a pretty fantastic day in the AI space that will have a significant fallout for small AI startups.

I am talking about the debut of Grok, an AI assistant from Elon Musk’s company X. Grok aims to pair knowledge with humor and can answer questions while also challenging users with new perspectives. It has access to real-time information via the X platform. Overall, it’s an early beta.

Shifting focus, some unsettling news emerged around data brokers selling personal information on US military personnel to foreign entities for just pennies per record. This major privacy and security concern highlights the need for better regulations around individual data privacy. I urged listeners to contact Congress and demand action on this issue.

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Additional Show summary:

I discuss YouTube’s exploration of generative AI, with new features being tested, such as a comment summarizer and conversational tool. These are part of a premium package that aims to enhance user experience by providing AI-generated responses and recommendations based on YouTube content and web information. The conversational tool, which can answer questions about videos and suggest similar content without interrupting playback, will be initially available to U.S. users on Android devices.

I mentioned the experiment is accessible on an opt-in basis through YouTube’s hub for new experiments and will begin with a limited user base. These advancements, I note, could significantly impact how viewers engage with content on the platform.

Additionally, I touch on Apple’s new product, the Vision Pro, offering a critical perspective on its market timing and potential for success. While some testers have praised the device, there are questions about its viability as a significant revenue source for Apple. I provide details on the purchasing process for the Vision Pro, which includes a fitting and demo at an Apple Store, noting that availability may be limited due to appointment constraints.

The conversation shifts to a mysterious occurrence in the Kentucky sky, something ablaze in the upper atmosphere that caught attention. I express curiosity about the nature of the event, whether it was a satellite or something else, and call on listeners to share any information they might have.

I discuss various issues related to technology and its impact on society. I voice frustration with website designs that prioritize advertisements over content, making it difficult to access articles, and then shift to a more serious topic concerning the use of AI in adoption matchmaking.

I share a report about an AI tool designed to match foster children with potential adoptive parents, highlighting its shortcomings. Despite the high hopes for this AI-driven approach, the implementation saw low success rates, leading to the scrapping of the program in Tennessee. Concerns were raised about the lack of transparency around the algorithm and the handling of sensitive data, with social workers and state officials reporting dissatisfaction.

The conversation transitions to HBO Max’s plans to downgrade their ad-free plan to full HD and introduce a more expensive tier with 4K resolution. This decision, anticipated after a merger, has raised concerns among users who value high-definition content.

I then touch upon the difficulties facing the autonomous vehicle industry, mentioning the challenges of GM’s subsidiary, Cruise. There are fears that Cruise may become a financial burden for GM due to ongoing issues and the high costs associated with operating its Chevy Bolt vehicles. This situation could potentially lead to stricter regulations for driverless cars.

Next, I cover international business news, noting that Telecom Italia is in financial distress and has approved the sale of a significant stake to a U.S. investment group despite opposition from a major stockholder.

The conversation then shifted to the autonomous vehicle industry, highlighting the struggles of GM’s Cruise and international business news about Telecom Italia’s financial troubles. Cybersecurity concerns were also a topic, focusing on the risks associated with public WiFi use in the UK.

I continued by exploring the implications of Microsoft’s new generative AI tool for office software, which carries a hefty price tag, and the ongoing cyber threats faced by educational and tech organizations, particularly in Israel.

The narrative then delved into Tesla’s ambition to create the most affordable electric vehicle to date, potentially revolutionizing the EV market, followed by the American Pilot Union’s recovery from a ransomware attack.

I express my agreement with the caution that British citizens exhibit when using public Wi-Fi and advocate for the use of VPNs to enhance security.

I then discuss Microsoft’s new generative AI copilot tool for office software. It’s become generally available, but it carries a significant price tag, requiring a minimum monthly spend of $9,000 on top of an existing Microsoft 365 enterprise subscription. This cost is notably higher than what is being charged for Google’s comparable AI tool for Workspace.

Regarding cybersecurity, I report on the activities of an advanced Iranian persistent threat group targeting higher education and technology organizations in Israel. The group has launched espionage and destructive attacks, exploiting vulnerable web servers to steal personal identifying information and intellectual property and deploying wipers to cover their tracks. These incidents underline the challenges in cybersecurity, especially when traditional antivirus measures fail to detect such sophisticated threats.

The narrative then turns to Google’s initiative to provide users with information on the safety of Android VPNs available in the app store, indicating if the VPN services have undergone security audits by independent bodies.

I also touch on Tesla’s ambition to create the most affordable electric vehicle, with plans to produce a €25,000 car at the Berlin Gigafactory. This development, while not yet fully disclosed, is part of Tesla’s innovation in manufacturing processes aimed at reducing costs.

I talk about the ongoing challenge of ransomware attacks on organizations and how they continue to be a target for such cyber threats. Discord’s switch to temporary links to prevent malware distribution via its platform is a crucial topic. Threat actors have misused the platform’s content delivery network to host malware, so introducing temporary links with expiration timestamps is seen as a step toward enhancing security.

Next, I discuss YouTube’s testing of a “Play Something” button for users unsure what to watch, noting the platform’s ability to make good content suggestions.

I then address a concerning issue where WhatsApp’s AI image generation feature produced images of gun-wielding children in response to certain search terms like “Palestine” or “Muslim Boy.” This result varied among users, but the issue was verified by The Guardian and was reported and escalated internally by the company’s employees.

On a different note, I talk about a study that suggests young people in the UK prioritize shared religious beliefs over professional goals or looks when considering potential partners.

I also comment on Apple’s decision not to produce a 27-inch iMac with Apple Silicon, focusing instead on the 24-inch model. I advise listeners to purchase a larger monitor separately and pair it with a Mac Mini or Mac Studio, which may be more cost-effective than buying Apple’s studio display.

The conversation shifts to the issue of spatial disorientation among pilots, which has led to numerous deaths and lost aircraft over the years. I describe a new approach that provides feedback on bodily orientation through vibrating devices on the skin, which has proven effective in helping subjects in simulated zero-gravity environments to combat spatial disorientation. This research has implications for improving the safety and orientation of both pilots and astronauts.

I address the sanctions imposed by the United States on a Russian woman accused of being a significant money launderer for Russia’s rich. The Department of Treasury has added her to a list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons due to her involvement in moving vast sums of money.

I then discuss the financial woes of the Samsung family, which has had to sell $2 billion worth of shares to cover the inheritance tax bill in South Korea, the highest in the world. The inheritance tax bill they face is the second-largest in the country’s history, forcing the family to give up more than half of the estate’s value, which includes stocks, real estate, and art.

Next, I mention Google’s decision to shut down the COVID-19 exposure notification system on Android, indicating a shift away from pandemic-era tools.

The conversation then turns to the space industry, where Europe grapples with remaining competitive in space launches. The European Space Agency is encouraging the private sector to develop services for small rockets, aiming to bridge the gap caused by delays and technical setbacks in their rocket programs.

I also touch on a report about AI investment returns, noting that companies see an average of $3.50 return for every dollar invested in AI, with a small percentage realizing returns as high as 8%. However, I question how these returns are measured and whether the gains are reinvested in hiring more employees.

In other news, a cybersecurity breach in Mississippi’s Hines County delayed poll worker training before a statewide vote, underscoring the disruptive impact of cyber threats on essential government functions.

Lastly, I discuss the issue of workers being overwhelmed by too many apps and communication platforms. Despite the prevalence of email for communication, internal company coordination often takes place on platforms like Slack, and many meetings are held via video conferencing. I share my efforts to reduce the number of meetings and streamline communication within my team, emphasizing the importance of keeping meetings productive and to a minimum.

I discuss several exciting developments across the entertainment and tech industries. Hulu subscribers can look forward to new episodes of “Futurama” and a potential reboot of “Prison Break,” which should excite fans of these series.

Turning to tech news, I talk about Apple’s plans to design its batteries for the iPhones slated for release in 2025. This move is in line with Apple’s tradition of tightly controlling the development of its products.

A bizarre event occurred at a Bored Ape NFT event in Hong Kong, where attendees reported experiencing eye pain and symptoms similar to sunburn, likely due to UV lights from the stage. It’s a peculiar and cautionary tale about the unforeseen hazards of such events.

In space news, I mention an upcoming astronomical phenomenon: Saturn’s rings will become invisible from Earth in 2025 due to the planet’s tilt. However, this is a temporary occurrence, as the rings will reappear as Saturn continues its 29-year orbit.

The post OpenAI Revolutionizes with Assistants and GPT-4 Turbo Enhancements #1704 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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Apple Accuses Android of Being a ‘Massive Tracking Device’ #1703

November 02, 2023

Apple Goes for Juggler

An internal Apple presentation, disclosed as part of the Department of Justice’s evidence in the ongoing Google antitrust trial, blasts Google’s approach to user privacy, mainly targeting Android as a “massive tracking device.” The 2013 presentation, revealed in an email by Apple’s Eddy Cue to CEO Tim Cook, suggests that Apple prioritizes user privacy more conscientiously by limiting data integration across services to enhance customer experience. Conversely, it accuses Google of utilizing extensive data combination practices across all its services, including voice search, contrasting it with Apple’s Siri, which keeps user data confined to the assistant itself. This unveiling adds a layer of complexity to the discourse on data privacy and big tech’s handling of user information. In reality, they all are getting a massive amount of information from us.

My other headline articles entail.

NASA+ Launches Free Streaming Service:

NASA has unveiled a new ad-free streaming service named NASA+, which will be accessible on most significant platforms from November 8. The service, which is free and requires no subscription, is an extension of its digital offerings and promises to immerse viewers into NASA’s missions with live shows and original series. It will be available via NASA’s iOS and Android apps and on streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV, as well as on the web.

Sam Bankman-Fried’s Trial Coverage:

Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX, faced closing arguments in his trial for wire fraud and conspiracy charges. The prosecution presented strong written evidence suggesting Bankman-Fried’s misuse of FTX customer deposits, painting a picture of greed-driven fraud. Despite the defense’s efforts to depict FTX and Alameda Research as innovative businesses and to downplay the accusations as mere mistakes, the evidence, including Bankman-Fried’s admissions and financial discrepancies, seemed overwhelming. The defense’s attempts to shift the jury’s perspective appeared to fall flat, as the prosecution’s case was heavily supported by documents and witness testimonies.

Apple M3 Chip Analysis

The latest M3 benchmark figures suggest that Apple continues leading in the processor industry with its new M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips, demonstrating superior performance with lower power consumption compared to rivals like Intel and Qualcomm. The M3 chips are not only more energy-efficient but also offer remarkable performance enhancements over the previous M1 and M2 series, fitting high power into the sleek design of Macs. This advancement, along with Apple’s strategic integration across its product line and significant market share growth, indicates the company’s continued dominance in processor development and the potential for future innovation with the upcoming M4 and M5 processors.

Show Notes:

27:06–Facebook and Reels Matic’s robot vacuum 28:49–Microsoft and its industrial AI Apple Silicon on Mars? Brave and its AI assistant 34:22–OpenAI to study AI threats Which laptop should you buy? 35:49–Duracell’s new power stations 37:10–NASA apologizes 39:09–Microsoft Edge 39:37–Facebook and Instagram 40:30–Earth’s core is leaking 41:10–Qualcomm 41:41–Mint is shutting down 42:05–WD and its 40TB Ultra SMR hard drive 45:17–The Apple Watch 10 46:45–LG’s smart TV platform 46:56–Microsoft to throttle AI 47:26–Alien rock remains 48:00–YouTube’s New Teen Protections What will 2040 look like? 50:39–Google and Amazon 50:57–Scarlett Joannson takes legal action 51:35–An 8 billion-year-old radio signal 52:08–Future moon astronauts 52:39–WeWork to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy Apple plans hypertension and sleep apnea detection in the next watch 52:47–China and others agree to work together 53:50–First-ever Russia VPN lawsuit 53:56–Shopify 3Q 54:14–Governments around the world are getting hacked 54:47–Disney fully owns Hulu 55:13–Boeing investigating a ‘cyber incident’ PayPal stock surges 27:51–Netflix’s ad-supported plan

Continued Summary:

I discussed how Facebook adds new tools for Reels creators to A/B test different thumbnails and captions. This will help creators optimize performance. Netflix and their ad-supported subscription tier will now allow downloads and even reward binge-watching by making every 4th ad-free episode.

Moving on to Microsoft news, I talked about their new industrial AI assistant working with Siemens, which aims to help human-machine collaboration in manufacturing settings. The goal is to optimize complex automation processes to speed up results.

In a big win for gig workers, Uber and Lyft were forced to pay $328 million to over 100,000 New York drivers as part of a settlement for wage theft. Drivers will now have guaranteed earnings floors and paid sick leave. However, I predict this will cause rider prices to increase in New York.

I then cautioned Fire TV users that Amazon plans to add more in-your-face banner ads to the home screen carousel. This continues their strategy of maximizing ad revenue despite people paying for the devices. I asked listeners to share if they’re seeing similar ads on other platforms like Roku or Apple TV.

The Brave browser has now launched its Leo AI assistant for desktop users. It lets you ask questions just by typing in a sidebar. This news concerns me as Google pushes its AI features front and center. I worry about how it may reduce traffic to independent sites like mine.

To get ahead of potential dangers, OpenAI has formed an internal group to monitor risks from AI systems like generating false information or enabling malicious uses. But I remain skeptical of their motives.

I highlighted potential new health-tracking features rumored for the Apple Watch, including blood pressure and sleep apnea detection. If true, these would be big upgrades to its already impressive health capabilities.

Other stories I covered included the Beatles releasing their final AI-restored song, PayPal receiving an SEC subpoena regarding its stablecoin plans, smartphone sales recovering, YouTube raising prices internationally, and Rocket Lab’s new target launch date for a Venus mission.

Overall it was a packed episode with around 30 tech stories. I tried to summarize the most interesting and relevant ones. Let me know if you have any feedback! Until next time…

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Big Tech & AI: Power Play or Genuine Concern? #1702

October 30, 2023

Todd breaks down four AI articles, leading with an article by Andrew Ng, the co-founder of Google Brain, lifting the veil on the strategies employed by Big Tech giants in the realm of artificial intelligence. He posits that some of these companies might be inflating the risks associated with AI. But what’s the endgame? According to Ng, it’s all about stifling the competition and maintaining their stronghold on the market.

The rise of open-source platforms poses a significant challenge to these tech behemoths. By magnifying the perils of AI, they hope to trigger stringent regulations that could, in turn, hinder the growth and adoption of open-source solutions. Ng’s revelations beckon a crucial question: Are these concerns genuine, or is it merely a tactic to shut down competitors?

As the debate around AI regulation intensifies, it’s imperative to discern the motivations behind these narratives. Today’s episode delves deep into this contentious issue, aiming to shed light on the intricate dance between technological advancement and corporate strategies. Join me as we navigate the complex landscape of AI, Big Tech, and the future of innovation. We all know Big tech wants more power at the expense of open source which they hate.

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Show Notes:

21:49–A scientist discovers the oldest water on Earth Windows PCs are being targeted 25:15–SpaceX launch tonight 20:33–Google promises a patch 25:52–X is valued at less than half what Elon paid for it 19:00–ChatGPT Plus is getting a big upgrade 26:26–Hackers earn over $1 million 27:22–UK police and facial recognition Jupiter has a creepy ‘face’ 29:23–Boeing investigating ransomware attack 30:10–Canada bans WeChat 30:50–Graphic pro-Israel ads in children’s video games Stanford schooled in cybersecurity 6:39–OpenAI and AI to prevent a nuclear war 32:11–The first humanoid robot factory 33:03–Need a hand? 33:56–79% of developers are considering a new job 34:27–Charter lost 100,000 customers 35:13–Governor Newsom visits Tesla factory in China 37:26–CCleaner hit by data breach 10:24–Biden signs an executive order about AI 37:58–Blue Origin Western Digital to split business

Podcast Summary:

A notable discussion concerns OpenAI’s proactive steps to mitigate potential AI-triggered nuclear crises. This urgency is further echoed by the White House’s decisive actions to lay down the AI safety law. Are these developments mere coincidences or signs of the times? Dive in with us and decide for yourself.

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OpenAI has taken it upon itself to ensure we don’t see an AI-induced nuclear war, a topic that has not just tech enthusiasts but the entire world intrigued.

Diving deeper into our planet’s mysteries, scientists have uncovered what might be the oldest water on Earth in a Canadian mine, a discovery that rewinds the hands of time. Yet, as we look into the past, our present digital infrastructure faces threats. Windows PC users need to be wary of new malicious malware, a stark reminder of our vulnerabilities in this digital age. But there’s hope, with companies like Google stepping up, albeit after some delay, promising patches for Android 14’s ransomware bug.

Space enthusiasts had their eyes peeled for the SpaceX launch, a testament to mankind’s ever-growing ambition to reach the stars. Yet, even as we aim for the cosmos, the digital realm on Earth teems with developments. There’s chatter about a company, possibly linked to Elon Musk, seeing its valuation plummet. But it’s not all grim; advancements like the ChatGPT Plis upgrade are set to revolutionize user interactions.

The world isn’t short on controversies, either. From the UK police’s deployment of facial recognition technology to the unexpected appearance of graphic pro-Israel ads in children’s video games, debates are ablaze. And speaking of heated discussions, the recent ban of WeChat in Canada is making waves in the international circuit.

Security remains a paramount concern. With Boeing undergoing a ransomware attack investigation and hackers pocketing over $1 million at Pwn2Own Toronto 2023, it’s clear that the digital fortress needs bolstering. Meanwhile, institutions like Stanford find themselves in the cybersecurity spotlight, emphasizing the universal nature of these threats.

Robotics and AI continue to shape our future. The inauguration of the first humanoid robot factory in the US marks a significant milestone. Innovations don’t stop there, with bio-inspired tech like the robotic arm, reminiscent of elephant trunks, showcasing nature’s influence on technology.

But amidst these breakthroughs, there’s an underlying current of unrest. A staggering 79% of developers mull over career transitions, a potential indicator of broader industry sentiment. Businesses, too face challenges, with Charter seeing a dip in customer numbers and Western Digital opting for a split.

Governor Newsom’s visit to Tesla’s factory in China hints at strengthening ties and him pushing his political career

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Hyundai Launches Mobile Clinics for Anti-Theft Software Upgrades in US Cities #1701

October 26, 2023

Hyundai is initiating mobile clinics in select US cities to address theft concerns by offering software upgrades. This move comes after the rise in theft of specific Hyundai models due to a missing engine immobilizer feature. This detail became widely known on social media platforms like TikTok. While the number of cities is limited, many vehicles need to be patched. An extensive list of vehicles is listed below.

The automaker listed the affected vehicles as the 2018-2022 Accent, the 2011-2022 Elantra, the 2013-2020 Elantra GT, the 2013-2014 Genesis Coupe, the 2018-2022 Kona, the 2020-2021 Palisade, the 2013-2022 Santa Fe, the 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport, the 2019 Santa Fe XL, the 2011-2019 Sonata, the 2011-2022 Tucson, the 2012-2017 and 2019-2021 Veloster, and the 2020-2021 Venue.

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Show Notes:

13:30–Tesla and BP 14:43–A robot dog into a walking tour guide 11:32–Amazon workers are in a warehouse of pain 15:28–Pro-Palestine protests on Roblox 16:25–VP at AI Summit 17:29–Huawei China Q3 18:27–Banks who loaned Elon Musk money to buy Twitter is going to lose money 19:28–Google is building a subsea cable 20:59–The Online Safety Bill 21:56–Amazon’s new AI image generator 23:50–Ticketmaster still hiding ticket fees 25:10–JPM Coin 26:03–WTO and tech regulation Google Maps 28:26–Uber offering rides in self-driving Waymo cars 29:19–Spacewalk turns into space work 30:51–Ford is testing drone deliveries 31:51–European government emails are hacked 10:28–Meta 07:21–Apple’s ‘Scary Fast’ 8:53–Hyundai to hold software-upgrade clinics

Today’s podcast covered a wide range of tech and business news. I’ll break down some of the key stories that caught my interest.

First, Tesla made its first big deal to sell its supercharger tech to another company. It sold $100 million worth of charging equipment to BP’s new EV subsidiary. This will allow BP to open its own network of Tesla supercharger stations. A smart move by both companies to expand the EV charging infrastructure.

On a lighter note, the Boston Dynamics robot dog Spot was upgraded to act as a walking tour guide. Using ChatGPT, it can now respond to questions and provide information to visitors with a charming British butler voice. While talking robots still weird me out, it’s an impressive demonstration of AI conversation skills.

Shifting gears, a new independent report exposed issues around injuries and unpaid time off for Amazon warehouse workers. Contradicting Amazon’s data, it found high rates of injuries and exhaustion leading to absences. As an avid Amazon customer, I worry that workers may face harsh conditions behind the scenes. I’d like to see the company take action to improve conditions.

Among the other stories, Google is building a massive undersea internet cable to Australia, Uber will start offering rides in fully autonomous Waymo cars, and the controversial online safety laws in the UK are now in effect. The one that surprised me most was that kids attend virtual pro-Palestinian protests on Roblox, highlighting how even gaming platforms can reflect real-world issues.

In political news, Vice President Harris is heading to the UK next week for an artificial intelligence summit. The administration wants to convey its stance on regulating AI thoughtfully but without stifling innovation. I’m curious to see if concrete policies come out of this summit. AI is spreading so rapidly we need governments to collaborate.

The podcast covered some exciting stats – like JPMorgan processes a mind-boggling $10 trillion transaction daily. It’s hard to fathom such a huge number! More surprisingly, its JPM Coin cryptocurrency handles $1 billion in daily transactions. That’s still a tiny fraction of overall transactions but shows growing adoption.

However, Tesla fans may be disappointed that banks who loaned Elon Musk money to acquire Twitter are now bracing for around $2 billion losses. The chaos around Twitter isn’t helping faith in Musk. I wouldn’t want to have been one of those creditors, though the banks will likely absorb the hit comfortably.

In China news, Huawei’s smartphone sales surged in Q3 while Apple declined in the region. Unsurprisingly, the US crackdown on Huawei has pushed Chinese consumers to favor domestic brands. But Apple still has massive dominance globally. This quarterly ebb and flow hasn’t worried me for a long time.

On the cybersecurity front, European governments were targeted by a Russian hacking campaign that compromised email systems. It just underscores how rampant state-sponsored hacking has become. No matter how strong the defenses are, governments must vigilantly guard against threats from places like Russia and China.

Based on some of the news, the online world felt like the Wild West this week. The controversial UK Online Safety Bill finally passed, requiring tech companies to remove harmful content like hate speech and disinformation. I support the intent but worry it could lead to over-censorship. The government needs to tread carefully.

Meanwhile, the EU dropped its demands for free data flows in trade deals, which digital rights groups said was a win against potential surveillance. But American lawmakers blast it as a gift to China’s restrictive internet model. As with most things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Thoughtful tech regulation remains tricky.

Ticketing giant Ticketmaster is still taking heat for hidden junk fees despite pledges of transparency. As a frequent concert-goer, few things annoy me more than bogus fees added at checkout. Ticketmaster dominates the industry, so it needs oversight to ensure fair pricing. I won’t hold my breath for changes, though.

One bit of uplifting news – Google Maps is getting some nice upgrades thanks to AI. The new features will make searching for nearby places and recommendations much smoother. As a directionally-challenged person, I rely on Maps so I am happy to see Google continue improving it rather than resting on its laurels.

Space got a bit more exciting, too. Two Russian cosmonauts had to improvise while fixing an ISS leak, using towels to mop up coolant. It makes me feel better knowing that even highly trained astronauts have to improvise sometimes! Space travel always carries unknowns.

In transportation news, Ford is testing drone deliveries in Detroit as part of an effort to build an “Advanced Aerial Innovation” zone in the city. Drones zipping around dense urban areas still make me nervous, but the tech is advancing rapidly. Ford knows the future is autonomous. I hope they work closely with the FAA to ensure safety remains the top priority.

Speaking of self-driving vehicles, Uber is now offering rides in autonomous Waymo cars in Phoenix! As an impatient rider, the idea of driverless Uber excites me, but I’d worry about technical glitches. The 24/7 helpline for confused passengers sounds reassuring. If Uber scales it up, this could be the early stages of a driverless rideshare revolution.

Meta shared an astounding stat that Facebook users exchange 600 million daily messages with companies. That’s wild! Addicted as people are to social media, I wouldn’t have guessed usage was THAT high. It shows these apps are woven into our lives, for better or worse.

Finally, even e-commerce giant Amazon wasn’t immune from economic headwinds. Their cloud revenue fell slightly short of projections, sending the stock down. But its core retail sales still did great, powered by Prime and all the services that come with it. Amazon’s sheer dominance continues to blow me away.

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Chrome’s New IP Protection: Boon or Concern? #1700

October 24, 2023

Google Chrome’s latest “IP Protection” feature coming soon will offer enhanced user privacy by routing traffic through a Google-owned proxy server, concealing IP addresses. This could hinder companies and data brokers from tracking users based on web behavior. However, this also implies that Google would have centralized access to users’ web-surfing habits. While the tool promises increased privacy, its potential to consolidate Google’s data access raises eyebrows, especially given the company’s past privacy controversies.

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Show Notes:

20:02–Dangerous new malware 22:56–China targets Foxconn 24:55–A Cybertruck and a Tommy gun 26:45–People still listen to AM/FM radio 28:13–Microsoft Q1 preview 28:43–Amazon enables passkeys 29:37–Google faces a new antitrust probe 30:48–Brave under fire 31:42–Wireless charging at traffic lights Dropbox 33:34–The iPhone 16 could be more expensive 35:02–Figure 36:21–‘Tech Hubs’ 18:19–Amazon will now fire employees 38:40–The Moon maybe 40 million years older 38:56–DOJ and Tesla 39:21–Ransomware is threatening more businesses 40:51–SpaceX 41:13–Major newspapers and OpenAI YouTube gets new AI-powered ads 42:31–Hackers breached the ICC 15:51–This new Chrome feature

Full show summary below

A dangerous new malware called Tetris Phantom has been found targeting government devices to hack encrypted USB drives and steal sensitive information. It’s seen compromising secure USB drives used to transfer data between systems. China is targeting iPhone maker Foxconn with a probe into tax and land use. This comes after Foxconn’s founder announced his presidential run in Taiwan. Beijing has targeted Taiwanese companies before during tense times. Tesla demonstrated the bulletproof nature of its Cybertruck by unloading a Tommy gun into one. This was in response to seeing a shot-up Cybertruck on the highway. Despite CarPlay and Android Auto, research shows that 46% of people with in-car systems still listen to AM/FM radio most often. Microsoft’s Q1 earnings are expected to be around $54.5 billion. We’ll see if the economy impacts their numbers. Amazon has enabled passwordless Passkeys on iOS and the web to improve login security. Google faces a new antitrust probe in Japan related to search and advertising. Brave browser is under fire for installing its VPN without user permission during updates. It won’t activate without a paid subscription though. Japan is prepping a pilot to test wireless EV charging tech at traffic lights. This could add range as you sit at red lights. Dropbox is ditching 25% of its SF HQ office space to save money as part of its shift to remote work. Due to chip costs and inflation, the iPhone 16 could be 10-15% more expensive than the iPhone 15. Robotics startup Figure showed off its impressive bipedal walking robot prototype. The Biden administration designated 31 new regional tech hubs to receive up to $75 million each. Amazon has guidance for managers to fire employees who don’t comply with its back-to-office policy. Moondust analysis suggests the Moon maybe 40 million years older than we thought. The DOJ is investigating Tesla for possibly exaggerating EV driving range numbers. Ransomware threats are increasing as hackers target sloppy cloud migrations. SpaceX will launch navigation satellites for ESA amid delays with European rockets. Major newspapers are blocking content from being used to train AI like ChatGPT and seeking compensation. YouTube’s new AI-powered ads let brands target “cultural moments.” Hackers breached the International Criminal Court in a cyber espionage attack. A new Chrome feature may protect privacy by routing traffic through a Google proxy server.

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Pentagon Probes Rising UAP Reports #1699

October 19, 2023

The Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, headed by Sean Kirkpatrick, reveals a surge in unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) reports, with approximately 800 incidents reported as of April. Although most are identified as mundane objects like balloons, swamp gas or drones, concerns arise over a potential 2-4% that remain unexplained and might indicate foreign spying activities. The Federal Aviation Administration now shares data with the Pentagon. With the imminent launch of two new public reporting portals, Kirkpatrick anticipates a deluge of new submissions, underscoring the importance of discerning potential threats to national security. We will see what they think of my UFO story.

I detail a conversation with an individual claiming all recent UFO sightings are secret US aerospace technology. I express skepticism about this based on his own eyewitness UFO experiences – one as a teenager and another while on an active combat mission in the military. I saw technology far beyond what I believe could exist even today. I invite everyone to share their perspectives on whether advanced UFO tech could be manmade or of extraterrestrial origin.

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Abbreviated summary – In other technology news, Elon Musk’s Twitter is beta testing, charging new users a $1 annual subscription fee to post content to reduce spam bots on the platform. Users can still read posts for free. Startup Vital 3D in Lithuania is pioneering 3D bioprinting of human organs like livers to help address the severe shortage of organs for transplantation. Even complex organs like kidneys with millions of nephrons may someday be printed.

The Federal Communications Commission has voted to move forward with reinstating net neutrality rules that were repealed in 2017. The public can submit comments during the proposal process before a final vote. Garmin is rumored to be developing new smartwatch models with advanced health-tracking capabilities and navigation features.

A new, precisely detailed map has located and measured 400,000 galaxies in our celestial vicinity, along with all their stars and planets. This massive trove of data will enable research into galaxy evolution, dark matter, gravitational waves, and more. Virgin Galactic is planning a test flight in November for microgravity experiments and biomedical research.

Social platform Discord is overhauling its community moderation policies to focus on transparency, warnings, and restrictions rather than permanent bans. Tesla CEO Elon Musk admitted they had faced production challenges with the Cybertruck after overly ambitious design goals. A former Navy IT manager was sentenced to 5 years in prison for stealing and selling a database with private information of thousands of people in 2018.

Chipmaker Intel is pushing software developers to create more AI-enabled applications to exploit Intel’s latest ultra-mobile chips. AI research laboratory OpenAI now has a valuation of $86 billion based on recent investment rounds, surpassing Stripe. Amazon is testing a humanoid warehouse robot named Digit that can grasp and stack inventory to automate workflows.

Malicious Google ads have been found leading to a fake download site for the Keypass password manager tool, showing how deceptive today’s malware can be. NASA employees received a Service to America medal for their work on the successful asteroid deflection Dart mission. Amazon is testing delivery drones with a new design. Apple may launch a foldable iPad in 2024.

Amazon, Trustpilot, and Glassdoor have united to fight fake and fraudulent reviews online. The US government will allow facial recognition for accessing online services, raising privacy concerns. New York’s Attorney General sued three cryptocurrency companies for allegedly misleading investors and causing over $1 billion losses. A far-right Twitter troll was sentenced to 7 months in prison for tweets in 2016 urging Hillary Clinton supporters to vote by text falsely.

The EU warned TikTok and Facebook/Meta they could face investigation if they do not address terrorist content concerns within a week. A 23andMe genetic testing database, allegedly stolen via credential stuffing attacks, was published on the dark web. An exposé revealed Apple’s China App Store employees took bribes from developers for app promotions. North Korea is harnessing AI for cyber warfare capabilities.

NASA’s Mars helicopter Ingenuity hit a new top speed record in its latest Red Planet flight. India plans to land astronauts on the moon by 2040. Netflix is raising prices on its basic and premium subscription plans.

Show Notes:

25:27–Garmin 19:14–X 28:21–Virgin Galactic 26:40– A new map of space 29:55–Discord 31:16–The Cybertruck 23:45–The FCC and net neutrality 32:08–Ex-Navy IT engineer gets five years 33:08–Intel and AI-enabled PC apps 34:16–OpenAI 35:08–Amazon tests humanoid robot 35:54–Google has been caught 38:12–NASA employees win an award 20:32–3D printed organs Amazon shows off the latest drone 39:14–A foldable iPad in 2024? 39:35–Amazon and others unite 40:20–The US will let you use facial recognition 41:13–NY sues crypto firms 41:36–A Twitter troll is sentenced to prison 42:49–EU and Meta/TikTok 43:47–23andMe records leaked online 45:05–Apple’s latest problem 47:19–North Korea and AI 48:13–NASA’s Mars drone 09:13–Dozens of reports of UFOs being reported Nokia is slashing jobs 49:07–40 years since the delivery of Discovery

A complete summary of all the new stories covered in this episode.

X is charging new users $1/year to post to reduce bots. Still free to read posts. Startup Vital 3D uses bioprinting to create human organs like livers to address transplant shortages. Very complex but could help solve shortage. FCC taking steps to restore net neutrality rules repealed in 2017. The public can comment before the final vote. Garmin is reportedly working on new features and smartwatches. It may be high-performance for metrics and navigation. Map precisely locates and measures 400,000 nearby galaxies and all their stars and planets—vast trove of data for research. Virgin Galactic is planning a November test space flight for research experiments. Discord is overhauling platform moderation, focusing on safety and transparency with warnings instead of bans. Elon Musk said Tesla “dug its own grave” with Cybertruck, having production challenges. Ex-Navy IT manager sentenced to 5 years for 2018 database theft and sale of private data online. Intel is pushing for more AI-enabled apps to exploit its chips’ capabilities. Based on recent investment rounds, the OpenAI valuation is now $86B, surpassing Stripe. Amazon is testing Digit humanoid warehouse robot to automate stacking/moving inventory. Malicious Google ad leads to fake Keypass password manager download site – very deceptive. NASA employees won the award for asteroid deflection Dart mission success. Amazon is testing new delivery drone design. Apple may launch a foldable iPad in 2024. Groups including Amazon, Trustpilot, and Glassdoor united to fight fake reviews. The US government will allow facial recognition for accessing online services, concerning for privacy. NY Attorney General sued three crypto firms for allegedly misleading investors out of $1B+. Far-right Twitter troll sentenced to 7 months for 2016 tweets telling Hillary supporters to vote by text. EU warned TikTok and Meta about terrorist content. 23andMe user data published on dark web after alleged credential stuffing hack. Exposé showed Apple China App Store employees took bribes for app promotion/rankings. North Korea is using AI for cyber warfare capabilities. NASA Mars helicopter Ingenuity hit new top speed record in latest flight. India plans to land astronauts on moon by 2040. Netflix is raising prices on basic and premium subscription tiers.

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Geek News Central 19th Anniversary Episode #1698

October 10, 2023

Geek News Central celebrates 19 years of podcasting, one of today’s longest-running podcasts! Our lead story today is a stark warning for all of you: Before you purchase that affordable Android TV box, ensure it’s not from an unknown brand. Cybersecurity experts from Human Security have sounded the alarm, revealing that multiple Android TV boxes, including models like the T95, T95Z, T95MAX, and others, along with a tablet model J5-W, come pre-installed with a notorious malware termed “Badbox”. This malware, rooted in the Triada malware lineage, springs into action when the unsuspecting user turns on their device. It subsequently connects to its command & control server and downloads a second wave of malware as instructed.

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Show Notes:

15:11–A budget Pixel phone is not in the cards, says Google 16:07–AI managed to design a robot that walks NASA’s plan to crash and burn the ISS 17:51–X may test 3 subscription tiers 10:10–Workers will be back in the office soon 08:19–Cheap Android TV boxes shipped with “unlikeable” malware 06:37–Israeli targets hit by Gaza-linked cyberattacks 11:34–Walmart and data-mining Ozempic prescriptions 19:46–IBM CEO in damage control 21:26–Crypto venture funding drops 63% 22:10–Microsoft reins in Bing AI’s Image Creator 23:17–Is broadband “telecommunications”? 24:20–Ex-soldier accused of passing secrets to China 28:39–Snap and My AI 29:41–Medical credit cards are a bad idea SpaceX delays the launch of satellites 30:25–Prime Video with ads? 31:07–Ransomware strains 31:46–The largest-ever solar storm 33:28–Google made billions 34:54–DC Board of Elections data breach 35:51–SBF and FTX customers 36:48–Social media scams 38:16–SpaceX accused of paying women less to women and minorities

Here is a summary of the key points from the 19th-anniversary episode of the Geek News Central podcast:

This episode marks 19 years of the Geek News Central podcast. Todd thanked listeners for their support over the years. Israeli energy and defense targets were hit by cyberattacks linked to Gaza. Microsoft attributed the attacks to a group called Storm113 assisting Hamas. Cheap Android TV boxes are being shipped with malware that is difficult to remove. Models include T95, T95Z, T95 Max X88, and others. Over 74,000 infected devices were identified. Most CEOs think workers will be back in the office full-time soon, but some caution a one-size-fits-all approach may not work. 64% think employees will be back full-time by 2026. Walmart is data mining prescription information like Ozempic to analyze and compare the purchasing habits of users vs non-users. Raises privacy concerns. Google says a budget Pixel phone is not in the cards, as it would require too many compromises. An AI designed a small robot that can move on a flat surface in under 60 seconds—more details coming in a report. Twitter may introduce three subscription tiers. Those paying more would see fewer ads. It is aimed at reducing bots. THE IBM CEO doing damage control after AI job loss comments says there are no plans to lay off developers or programmers. Venture funding in crypto dropped 93% in the lead-up to the FTX collapse—just $2 billion invested in Q3 2022. Microsoft tightened censorship on Bing’s AI image creator, DALL-E 3. The results are odd, and it’s even censoring itself now. The net neutrality court case may hinge on whether broadband is deemed telecommunications. An ex-soldier tried to sell secrets to China after seeking advice on Reddit. He had a top-secret clearance and Chinese language skills. UK watchdog warned Snapchat about privacy risks of its My AI chatbot. May force it to shut down My AI in the UK. Medical credit cards are a bad idea with high-interest rates, according to Lifehacker. The ad-supported Prime Video tier could help Amazon make $6 billion per analysis. Some ransomware attacks are now deployed in hours rather than lurking and are driven by lower detection rates. Researchers identified the most significant solar storm in ancient tree rings – 14,300 years ago. It would be catastrophic today. Google made billions by secretly changing its ad auction algorithm to charge advertisers more. DC election board discloses data breach impacting 600,000+ voter records. Lawyers argue Sam Bankman-Fried’s $500M AI investment shouldn’t sway the jury in the FTX case. Per FTC, social media scams have stolen $2.7 billion from victims since 2021. Romance scams are still a big threat. Ex-SpaceX engineer filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination, with women and minorities paid less. NASA to launch asteroid study mission on SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on October 27.

That covers the key stories and topics discussed in the 19th-anniversary episode.

The post Geek News Central 19th Anniversary Episode #1698 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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Musk Eliminates X Headlines #1697

October 05, 2023

Elon Musk, ever the tech industry’s maverick, has made headlines yet again with his recent decision to eliminate article headlines from links posted on X. To enhance the platform’s aesthetics, articles now appear as images with the source outlet displayed at the bottom-left. While Musk believes this change “greatly improves the esthetics,” some users are left scratching their heads, likening the new look to memes. This is the latest in a series of unorthodox modifications Musk has made to X, including a proposed site-wide paywall and an overhaul of Twitter’s verification system. One thing is for sure: nothing a X remains the same for long!

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Show Notes:

20:26–Patreon overhauls its platform 21:42–Getty Images CEO has a plan 24:30–Bill Gates says America has a math problem 27:22–Sony confirms data breach 27:58–A cat wiped a VA server 17:43–Disney+ crackdown on passwords 18:56–Uber will now return your online orders 30:10–SpaceX launches 22 Starlink satellites 15:42–‘Coffee Badging’ 30:39–iOS 17 update to iPhone 15 Pro overheating 31:06–Adobe teasing a new tool 32:24–6 printer tricks 33:44–Comcast and Charter 34:39–Hackers grow in sophistication and aggressiveness 14:12–X is ditching article headlines 36:40–NASA is taking its time 37:55–Hyundai EVs 38:18–4 out of 5 devices will be repairable by 2025 39:23–What are the challenges of deepfakes? 40:32–The arrival of Artificial General Intelligence 41:49–The Future of AI Video 42:35–New James Webb data 43:14–Beer-serving robots 44:11–Want to snoop on your mobile workers? 45:18–The UK investigates Amazon and Microsoft Summary of the Podcast: “Coffee badging” trend of employees doing bare minimum in-office time before returning home to remote work. Disney+ plans to crack down on password sharing soon, likely affecting the US after Canada. Uber offers package return pickup for UPS/FedEx/USPS in some cities for a $5 fee. Patreon is adding more free content options and community features for creators. Getty Images CEO is discussing defending photography from AI while unveiling a new AI image tool. Bill Gates suggested improving math education by tailoring it to students’ interests, prioritizing group work, and using real-world applications. A VA system outage was blamed on a technician’s cat jumping on a keyboard. SpaceX is launching more Starlink satellites. Apple patching iPhone 15 Pro overheating. Adobe is teasing a new AI photo editing tool called Project Stardust. Tips for keeping home printers maintained when not printing frequently. Comcast and Charter are releasing a new streaming box to compete with Roku/Fire TV. Microsoft report detailing increasing sophistication of state-backed hackers like those from Iran. NASA took time to unbox asteroid sample capsules that collected too much material. Hyundai EVs to support Tesla Supercharger network. Lenovo is aiming for 80% of devices to be customer-repairable by 2025. Challenges and risks posed by deepfake videos. A prediction that artificial general intelligence will arrive in a decade. James Webb telescope data offers insights into early galaxy formations. Korean company Doosan Robotics IPO for beer serving robots. UK guidelines allow employee monitoring with some restrictions. UK investigation into Amazon and Microsoft cloud services dominance. Plus, Todd’s thoughts on AI content summarization and chatbots.

The post Musk Eliminates X Headlines #1697 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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Tech Giants Battle for AI Content #1696

October 02, 2023

In this episode’s top story, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlights the escalating competition among tech giants for crucial content to enhance artificial intelligence. Amid a significant U.S. trial against Google, Nadella expressed concerns about Google’s exclusive and costly deals with publishers to amass content, a pivotal component for training AI systems. Such aggressive moves may restrict other companies’ access to essential data, limiting the diversity and growth of AI advancements. Nadella’s comments underscore the intensifying battle for content and the potential implications for the future of artificial intelligence. There’s nothing like buying up a bunch of content to try and rule the AI space. Call me not surprised.

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Show Notes:

Eight mental health apps for seniors 12:46–Anna Wintour and SBF 17:18–DJI Pocket 3 18:18–Tesla Q3 23:50–Data theft is now the biggest worry for IT techs 20:09–A rare Nintendo 64 controller selling for around $1200 20:52–Humata AI 09:49–FEMA’s national emergency alert 22:02–October’s annual eclipse Space Force 11:10–Apple and X 23:50–Zelda player awarded with a $10,000 gold trophy 24:41–Two objects merging in space into 1 08:46–A paid ad-free version of TikTok 25:11–NASA’s New Horizons probe 25:53–NSA and the AI Security Center 26:57–Tom Hanks 27:52–X Corp is suing 28:42–AI Deep Fakes 29:22–Meta and AI 06:23–Microsoft’s CEO and Google’s mobile search argument 30:25–Chromebook Plus 31:02–Humane and its AI pin 31:46–A billionaire investor interested in a deal with X 32:15–Businesses are spending thousands on unnecessary software 32:40–This weird sneaker PC is on sale 33:52–Robot ‘Monster Wolves’ 34:48–The Royal Family website targeted Apple is working on a fix 36:27–A Lyft driver takes off with a cat

Here is a summary of the key points from the Geek News Central podcast episode:

TikTok is reportedly testing a paid, ad-free version of its app for $4.99 per month. This comes as TikTok tries to diversify revenue streams beyond ads. FEMA will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System on phones, TVs and radios this Wednesday. The test cannot be opted out of. Apple has stopped offering customer support for issues with third-party apps, instead referring users to general support pages. A rare Nintendo 64 controller is expected to sell for around $1,200 at auction due to its collectible status. Tesla announced it produced over 430,000 vehicles in Q3 2022, a 25% increase year-over-year but below Wall Street targets. Data theft is now the biggest worry for IT admins, surpassing ransomware in a recent survey. NASA’s Hubble telescope photographed two galaxies in the process of merging 465 million light years away. Tom Hanks called out a dental ad for using an AI-generated deepfake of him without permission. Meta admitted it uses billions of public Instagram posts to train its AI systems. This may lead to legal battles over content rights. AI-generated deepfakes were used to spread disinformation in Slovakia’s recent elections. A Nintendo 64 controller from 1998 sold for $1,200 at auction due to its rare color variant. Apple says iPhone 15 overheating issues were due to an iOS bug and some third-party apps overloading the system. Fixes are rolling out. A Lyft driver allegedly drove off with a passenger’s cat, leading to a search effort before the cat was found days later. Politicians in Poland are pushing the EU to move faster on adopting digital IDs that could be stored in mobile apps. NASA’s New Horizons probe, which did a Pluto flyby in 2015, has been granted a mission extension to 2029. The NSA has opened an AI Security Center to try to maintain US leadership in AI development for national security. Investor Bill Ackman said he would be “absolutely” interested in a deal with Elon Musk’s Twitter. His fund just raised $1.5 billion. Humane, a startup by ex-Apple executives, previewed its AI Pin wearable assistant at Paris Fashion Week ahead of a November 9th unveiling. Tom Hanks called out a dental ad for using an AI-generated deepfake of him without permission.

The post Tech Giants Battle for AI Content #1696 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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OpenAI’s Explosive Valuation Surge #1695

September 28, 2023

In a striking development, OpenAI, known for the celebrated AI chatbot ChatGPT, is discussing a remarkable share sale, potentially valuing the startup between $80 billion and $90 billion, a substantial leap from earlier this year. As OpenAI’s momentum surges with over 100 million active users of ChatGPT and the development of innovative AI technologies like DALL-E 2 and Codex, this share sale signifies a pivotal moment. It underscores the escalating interest in AI investments and highlights the intensifying U.S.-China competition in the AI arena.

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Show Notes:

17:31–The new Fitbit Charge 6 18:10–This tool helps you analyze real estate 19:09–Super harvest full moon 19:32–Google rushes to patch 20:29–Gamestop’s billionaire backer 21:08–SBF to get wardrobe from his lawyers 22:17–Tubi and ChatGPT 22:56–Nord Security 23:54–Scientists write words in water 24:49–NASA and Psyche 25:40–Radio telescope to launch to the moon 27:04–Sinking “hotspots” in NYC 27:29–iPhone 15 Pro owners complain 28:41–SpaceX and Space Force 29:33–Boundless Life 30:47–The Kia EV9 SUV These baby beetle packs are made of poop 31:35–Best Buy 32:08–Nerfball 11:23–The UK and AI 13:18–You can’t upgrade to Windows 10 for free anymore 33:10–Trump and the GOP and automakers and EVs 35:00–Falcon 9 launch 35:10–Frank Rubio is finally home 15:52–Reddit and personalized ads 08:58–OpenAI seeks a $90 billion valuation 35:33–Disney’s password-sharing crackdown 36:00–X’s CEO says X could turn a profit 37:02–Google Pixel 8 event 37:15–80% of CISA staff could be at risk of furlough

Full Show Summary:

Microsoft is trying to reduce its reliance on OpenAI by developing a cheaper, less powerful AI model. They want to avoid the high costs of running advanced AI models. The UK quietly dismissed its independent AI advisory board, alarming the tech sector. The panel offered guidelines to organizations on AI deployment. You can no longer upgrade to Windows 10 for free anymore. Microsoft closed the loophole, allowing free upgrades from Windows 7/8. Apple’s new iPhone 15 Pro is overheating for some users in specific scenarios like charging and using intensive apps. This could be an issue Apple needs to address. Twitter will now force ads on all users as it increases monetization. Users can no longer opt out of having their activity tracked for ads. The podcast awards are on Saturday and will be streamed live. Todd is busy preparing content for the awards show. SpaceX secured a $70 million contract with the Space Force for its Star Shield-connected satellite network aimed at government entities. Google is rushing to patch a zero-day vulnerability that a spyware vendor was exploiting. Users should update devices. After four years, Raspberry Pi launched the Pi 5 with improved performance and PCIe support. It starts at $60. Nvidia’s French offices were raided regarding anti-competitive practices as Nvidia dominates AI. The government shutdown could furlough over 80% of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency staff. Fitbit launched the Charge 6 fitness tracker with improved health sensors and a physical button. It costs $159. Epic Games is cutting around 830 jobs, around 16% of its workforce. This includes plans to sell off Bandcamp and SuperAwesome. Disney’s password-sharing crackdown begins in Canada on November 1st. They are following Netflix’s lead in reducing account sharing. The first radio telescope on the moon’s far side, called LUSEE, will launch in 2025 to detect signals from the cosmic dark ages. GameStop replaced its ousted CEO with billionaire Ryan Cohen, who acquired a stake in the company in 2020. Judge approved giving FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried appropriate business attire to wear at his trial since he’s currently behind bars. Former astronaut Frank Rubio returned home after a record-breaking 371 days in orbit, the longest for any American. Google added a switch for sites to opt out of being used as AI training data via an extended robots.txt flag.

The post OpenAI’s Explosive Valuation Surge #1695 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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ChatGPT Now Speaks and Sees #1694

September 25, 2023

OpenAI is revolutionizing communication with ChatGPT by introducing new voice and image capabilities. This significant update allows users to voice conversations or visually show ChatGPT what they are discussing. Snapping a picture of a landmark while traveling or your fridge at home can start a live discussion about interesting aspects or help determine what’s for dinner with additional follow-up questions for recipes. The update, available to Plus and Enterprise users, brings ChatGPT to iOS and Android, offering voice and image options to all platforms. This advancement comes as Big Tech firms heavily invest in AI-powered voice assistants, aiming to expand their functionality beyond basic tasks.

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Show Notes:

22:23–WGA strike ends 23:35–Instacart founder Apoorva Mehta 24:54–Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro 25:27–Queen’s Brian May helped NASA 26:13–Evernote users 27:04–The five most dangerous Wi-Fi attacks 29:45–The iPad Mini 7 30:40–NASA plans to use blockchain 19:19–EU online piracy on the rise 32:02–Meta is planning on introducing dozens of chatbot personas 32:27–City of Dallas and its ransomware attack 33:23–Alexa Guard security features behind a paywall 33:59–DJI Mini 4 Pro unveiled 35:08–This new Gmail for Android feature 35:43–iFixit has good news and bad news 16:50–The high tech behind Netflix’s DVD service 37:14–Black holes devour stars 37:40–Getty Images 39:50–Eddy Cue will take the stand 40:18–Air Canada reports data breach 40:40–Gold into money 09:08–Amazon invests $4 billion into AI 41:08–Is the US spying on clouds? 42:27–US Trademark Office still wants to keep faxes 12:49–Governor Newsom vetoes bill 07:59–ChatGPT can speak and see 42:59–Spotify tests voice translation feature

The complete Podcast show summary is as follows:

Amazon is investing $4 billion into AI development, with Anthropic becoming its primary cloud provider. This strengthens Amazon’s position in the AI space. California’s governor vetoed a bill that would have required human safety operators in autonomous trucks over 10,000 lbs. This leaves the door open for driverless trucking in the future. Netflix’s DVD-by-mail service, which ships around 4,500 discs per hour, relied on custom robotic automation technology to process returns. This saved labor costs and set Netflix on its growth trajectory. Online TV piracy is rising in Europe as consumers feel economic pressures and seek cheaper content access. Streaming has become the preferred piracy method. The Writer’s Guild strike may end as major studios have reached a tentative deal after marathon negotiations. AI was one of the final sticking points. The Instacart founder said having an empty fridge except for hot sauce inspired him to enable online grocery delivery. He became a billionaire after the recent IPO. Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro pricing has leaked, with the base 8 model potentially increasing by $100 over the Pixel 7. The Pro may be $899. NASA successfully recovered samples from the asteroid Bennu, completing the OSIRIS-REx mission. The US government is considering requiring public cloud companies to disclose when customers purchase above a certain level of computing resources. This aims to identify potential AI threats. Spotify is testing AI-powered voice translations for some podcasts into other languages using tech from OpenAI and Microsoft. The USPTO surprisingly still accepts patent and trademark submissions via fax in some cases but is open to exploring cloud solutions. Air Canada reported a data breach where an unauthorized group obtained limited personal information on some employees. Reddit is introducing a monetization feature where users can cash out “Reddit Gold” given for their posts into real money. Apple executive Eddie Cue will testify in court this week for the Department of Justice’s antitrust lawsuit against Google. The iPad Mini 7 could still launch by the end of 2023, according to supply chain sources, building on the success of the iPad Mini 6. NASA plans to test storing data on the moon using blockchain technology and solar-powered storage cubes as a lunar backup. Evernote accidentally upgraded some users to more expensive plans without notice – users should check their accounts. The city of Dallas approved $8.5 million for recovery from a May 2022 ransomware attack that resulted in over 1TB of exfiltrated data. Amazon is moving its free Alexa “Guard” home security features behind a $6 monthly paywall starting next year. DJI unveiled the Mini 3 Pro drone, an iterative update over the Mini 3 that draws comparisons to a “Mini Air 3”. IFIXIT found the iPhone 15 Pro Max slightly easier to open but still challenging to swap parts due to pairing requirements. According to new simulations, fast-spinning black holes devour stars quicker than scientists previously thought. Getty Images announced its new AI art generator contains no copyrighted content and will cover any customer IP disputes. Gmail’s Android app adds a “select all” option to help quickly delete up to 50 emails from search results or the inbox. Apple executives Eddy Cue and Craig Federighi will testify this week in the DOJ’s antitrust case against Google, mostly behind closed doors. PCWorld discussed five dangerous WiFi hacking attacks and how to protect against them, like keeping routers updated and using VPNs. The EU considers requiring disclosure when cloud computing resources above a certain level are purchased to identify potential AI threats. Apple may launch an iPad Mini 7 before the end of 2023 based on supply chain reports, building on the iPad Mini 6’s success. The WGA strike may soon end as studios offered concessions on streaming and AI issues after marathon negotiations. But SAG-AFTRA is still on strike. Instacart’s founder said having hot sauce in his fridge inspired the grocery delivery service. He became a billionaire after the recent IPO. Spotify is testing AI voice translations for some podcasts using tech from OpenAI and Microsoft. But quality concerns exist around inflection and tone.

The post ChatGPT Now Speaks and Sees #1694 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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Microsoft’s AI-Powered Event #1693

September 21, 2023

Today’s top story focuses on Microsoft’s latest fall hardware event, where the spotlight wasn’t just on new consumer laptops like the Surface Laptop Go three and the Surface Laptop Studio 2. What stole the show was the company’s deep dive into AI and Copilot. From unifying Copilot across Windows 11 to introducing voice-activated and context-aware features, Microsoft is making AI more integral than ever to its ecosystem. Stay tuned as we unpack all the announcements and explore how they could change how you interact with technology. See the full show summary at the end of the post.

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Show Notes:

15:43–T-Mobile system glitch 09:28–A NASA astronaut wants peace and quiet. 16:25–Sick of Chrome and Edge? 17:15–Apple store workers in France to strike –The Luke Skywalker solution 19:32–GM CEO drops out of the Code conference 20:49–Threats bombard consumers 21:42–Humanoid Robots to Mars YouTube Create 22:39–FBI and CISA issue warning 23:17–Facebook officially embraces fake profiles 24:22–The US and UK strike agreement 25:28–Vizio’s new 4K TVs 26:26–A judge “in a pickle” 27:55–Signal is adding quantum-level encryption 28:24–Too many steps to switch from Google 29:14–What’s in store for skywatchers? 29:30–An “unprecedented detail” of the moon’s south pole region 30:32–MGM Resorts computers back up 30:57–Amazon Prime subscription ripoff case 32:04–Toshiba succeeds at selling itself 10:42–95% of NFTs are now totally worthless 32:33–Hyundai is offering a free EV charger 06:12–Microsoft’s Surface and AI Event 33:36–A $5,000 Lamborghini laptop 34:17–Google takes a shot at Apple 34:45–A data breach reveals distressing info 35:30–Clorox cyberattack Uber Eats 13:24–Google Maps lawsuit

The show starts with Todd Cochrane welcoming listeners to episode 1,693 of the Geek News Central Podcast for Thursday, September 21st. He thanks GoDaddy for sponsoring the show and urges listeners to support it through his promo codes.

The main stories discussed in this episode are:

YouTube released a new video editing app called YouTube Create to compete with TikTok and make it easier to create YouTube Shorts. A report found 95% of NFTs are now worthless, just as Todd predicted. An astronaut shared that after spending a year in space, what he looks forward to most is peace and quiet at home.

Todd updates his week, including converting PodcastMirror.com to a paid model

Some of the other news stories covered include:

A lawsuit claiming Google Maps led a man to drive over a collapsed bridge. Alternatives to web browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Apple store workers in France plan to strike during the iPhone 15 launch. Elon Musk suggested Neuralink could create Star Wars-like robotic limbs. Warnings about a dangerous new Snatch ransomware strain being used for cyber attacks. Facebook introduced the ability to have multiple personal profiles. Vizio is releasing new budget 4K TVs to compete with Amazon and Roku. Concerns over Google trying to block the DOJ from sharing public trial exhibits. Tips for skywatchers this fall, including key moon events. MGM Resorts is coming back online after ten days following a cyber attack. Three Amazon executives were named as suspects in a subscription ripoff investigation.

The post Microsoft’s AI-Powered Event #1693 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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TikTok Fined: Europe Privacy Breach #1692

September 18, 2023

European regulators have issued a hefty $368 million fine to TikTok for failing to safeguard children’s privacy. This marks the first instance of the renowned video-sharing app facing penalties for violating Europe’s rigorous data privacy regulations. TikTok, on their part, said this had been fixed for years. But one thing is sure: European governments, aka EU, love to get their pound of flesh out of big companies.

Tech Fines, Software Updates, and Lost Fighter Jets – A Look at the Latest Tech News

Several interesting tech stories have recently made headlines, ranging from significant companies getting fined to software updates causing user problems. Here’s a rundown of some notable tech news covered in a recent Geek News Central podcast episode.

Apple and Microsoft Release Major Software Updates Apple rolled out updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS in mid-September. However, some users report issues like Macs failing to boot after installation. Podcasters using specific Intel-based machines are advised not to update yet. Meanwhile, a Windows 11 update has also caused some users gaming glitches, boot failures, and other problems. Software updates often bring bugs, and it’s best not to rush into installing them immediately.

NASA Spacecraft Returning with Asteroid Samples NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is finally set to deliver asteroid samples it collected in space back to Earth after a seven-year mission. The samples will land in a Utah desert on September 24th. Studying these early space materials could provide insights into the solar system’s history and composition. OSIRIS-REx is the first NASA mission to retrieve asteroid samples.

F-35 Fighter Jet Goes Missing In a bizarre news story, an advanced F-35 stealth fighter jet went missing following an incident that forced the pilot to eject. The $160 million aircraft then continued before presumably crashing in South Carolina. The military has been unable to locate the wreckage of the missing plane so far. Each F-35 costs around $100-160 million, depending on the variant.

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Show Notes:

13:12–iOS 17, iPadOS 17,watchOS 17, and tvOS 17 20:09–Cloud changes are to blame for cyber-attacks 21:26–Here’s the latest from the Mars rover 23:56–Stoke Space 15:26–NASA’s Osiris-Rex 25:02–Music industry revenue hits all-time high 18:30–GE is working on AI-powered ultrasounds 27:52–California passes a bill 28:52–AI chatbots are getting more creative 30:26–Casino cybercrime gang has attacked over 100 companies 31:41–Google Domains 11:26–TikTok hit with a fine 32:21–Google revamps a feature 33:33–TikTok workers hit back 34:42–X users can verify themselves with an ID 35:34–SpaceX has completed engine tests 36:12–Windows 11 update 36:54–The cable bundle of the future 38:00–Help with finding a jet 38:47–The Moon is slowly drifting away 40:02–The Steve Jobs Archive 41:04–Amazon Prime Big Deal Days

Complete Summary of today’s Podcast

Europe fined TikTok $368 million for violating data privacy laws related to child safety. Apple releases major software updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will deliver an asteroid sample to Utah in late September. GE is developing AI-powered ultrasounds to help detect cancer and other health issues. Cloud misconfigurations are responsible for the majority of cyberattacks, according to the report. Mars Perseverance rover discovers volcanic rock and other findings after over two years on Mars. Microsoft AI researchers exposed terabytes of sensitive internal data accidentally. The music industry made $8.4 billion in the first half of 2022, but artists only getting pennies from streaming. Google is no longer selling domains now that the Squarespace acquisition is complete. Windows 11 update causing boot failures, gaming glitches, and other issues. Charter and Disney bundle Disney+ Basic and ESPN+ with Spectrum TV packages. F-35 fighter jet crashed in South Carolina, and the military is searching for the missing $160 million aircraft. Microsoft AI researchers exposed terabytes of sensitive internal data on GitHub. Amazon is holding a Prime Early Access sales event on October 10-11. MGM’s Las Vegas casinos were hacked, causing disruptions like broken slot machines. California passed a bill to set up a one-stop data deletion portal for residents. Evidence shows most cyberattacks stem from cloud misconfigurations. ChatGPT was found to be more creative than humans in certain tests. Casino cybercrime group has already attacked over 100 companies. SpaceX completed an engine test for Artemis 3 moon lander. X paying users can now verify accounts with government IDs. Moon is slowly drifting farther away from Earth, eventually impacting day length. Steve Jobs Archive helped 9 people follow in his footsteps through a fellowship program. Google and the Department of Defense are building AI-powered microscopes to detect cancer. Apple CEO Tim Cook discussed creating a clean energy future. When workers are in the office, TikTok tracking wants them back full time. Only big companies like Apple can effectively implement clean energy at scale. A new cable bundle deal was reached between Disney and Charter Communications. Military searching for missing F-35 stealth fighter jet in South Carolina. Moon drifting 3.82 cm away from Earth each year will impact day length over time.

The post TikTok Fined: Europe Privacy Breach #1692 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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Rubio Breaks US Orbit Record #1691

September 14, 2023

American astronaut Frank Rubio has surpassed the previous US record for the most extended stay in orbit, marking over 355 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Initially scheduled for a six-month mission, circumstances changed due to a rocket leak, extending his stay. Rubio, who has witnessed 28 fellow astronauts come and go, is set to reach an astonishing 371 days by his scheduled return on September 27. Reflecting on his experience, Rubio shared insights into the challenges and blessings of life in space. Congratulations and best wishes for a safe return.

I also discuss my experience in renting a Tesla.

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Show Notes:

22:22–$100 million to fix EV chargers 24:07–Instacart deactivated a shopper 26:38–Crew to replace astronauts stuck in space 27:20–WD launches new hard drives 30:10–Chromebooks will get 10 years of updates 30:40–A wheelchair-accessible robo-taxi 32:28–A pig kidney works a record 2 months in a donated body 34:44–Walmart wants associates 37:19–Tesla’s new car building process 38:26–Ex-Twitter employees and Elon is back on the table AI Ethics AI is a “double-edged sword” 19:17–Tech leaders endorse AI regulation 40:11–California passes a bill 40:44–Coca-Cola says it used AI to create a soda 17:46–US astronaut breaks NASA record Amazon unveils $40 million fund 14:46–Elon said he had to take random drug tests 43:15–Ransomware gang takes credit for MGM cyberattack North Korean hackers steal $53 million 45:18–Android Auto 45:36–SpaceX launch tonight 46:09–Google has a plan 47:21–Google Play Protect 48:26–The Motocompacto 13:02–Scarecrow

Show Summary

The show covered news about upcoming Apple products like the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple Watch Series 9, and a new titanium iPhone. America’s largest video rental store, Scarecrow, is launching a nationwide DVD/Blu-ray rental service. Elon Musk had to take random drug tests for two years after smoking weed on Joe Rogan’s podcast. A US astronaut broke the NASA record for the longest single spaceflight at over 355 days.

AI continues to shake up news – DC tech leaders endorsed AI regulations at a recent summit. Biden administration providing $100 million to fix broken EV chargers. A ransomware gang took credit for disrupting MGM Resort’s cyber attack. North Korean hackers stole $53 million in cryptocurrency from CoinEX. Google Play Protect is improving protection against malicious apps. Todd talked about trying a rental Tesla in Phoenix and not being impressed with the ride comfort due to the heavy battery weight. He also discussed a new book about Elon Musk that should reveal exciting details.

Other topics included pig kidneys working in human bodies, wheelchair-accessible robotaxis, hard drive storage innovations, Twitter severance lawsuits, and more. Google plans to save us from AI deep fakes during the US presidential race. Beijing’s free social media service Mini World was blocked for a month after letting kids see porn. Honda is bringing back its 1980s Micro Com scooter in an electric version. Coca-Cola is using AI to create a futuristic new soda flavor called Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Y3000 for limited release.

Amazon announced a $40 million fund for affordable housing and home ownership. A cyberattack disrupted systems at MGM Resorts. California passed a strong right-to-repair bill requiring 7 years of parts availability.

Walmart wants to have associates, not gig workers, deliver more orders. Tesla is close to a new car-building process that could reduce costs significantly. A former Twitter employee is suing Musk over missing severance pay. SpaceX has a launch of Starlink satellites coming up. Cruise unveiled an accessible self-driving robotaxi designed for wheelchair users. Western Digital launched new high-capacity 22TB and 44TB external hard drives. Chromebooks will get ten years of automatic updates. Android Auto will let drivers take Zoom and WebEx calls.

Todd also commented on his recent travel to Phoenix, eating out and grocery delivery experiences, his regular show schedule, and becoming a new grandfather again. He encouraged listeners to share the podcast.

The post Rubio Breaks US Orbit Record #1691 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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FAA Delays Musk’s Starship Launch #1690

September 07, 2023

Elon Musk has announced that the next fully stacked SpaceX Starship is ready to launch. However, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) hasn’t approved it yet. The FAA is awaiting SpaceX to implement corrective actions following issues from the first launch attempt. Although Musk is confident, the FAA remains silent on whether they will approve the second launch attempt. This Starship launch is crucial for NASA’s Artemis program and Musk’s ambition to colonize Mars. True to the government, they work at Government speed, not civilian sector speed. So, we will see how long it takes to get the license approved.

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Show Notes:

13:04–Google Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2 13:31–Most people are using AI for fun 08:49–Musk stiffed Twitter vendors 14:38–Android has a worrying security flaw 15:22–Toyota suffered a major outage 16:24–Newly found bubble of galaxies 18:15–NASA’s Swift learns a new trick 18:58–A Russian gets 9 years in prison for hacking 20:12–Musk’s involvement in the war in Ukraine Musk’s mighty missile 21:21–Tesla lawsuit 22:11–Honda will use Tesla’s EV charging standard 22:53–Victrola’s new Hi-Res wireless turntables 23:43–Chrome’s 15th birthday 09:37–The Hero 12 Black 24:54–The iPhone 15 lineup 11:34–LastPass 26:00–YouTube may get fewer ads on smart tv’s 26:21–Microsoft and Chinese hackers 29:04–Period trackers 27:40–China bans iPhones from more government offices

Show Summary:

Elon Musk has reportedly stiffed multiple vendors and contractors providing services to Twitter before he bought it. Over two dozen lawsuits have been filed against Twitter by vendors trying to collect unpaid invoices.

GoPro unveiled its latest action camera, the Hero 12 Black, which has improved battery life, new capture modes like vertical video, and wireless syncing capabilities. It costs $400 and is available for pre-order now.

Experts believe some password vaults stolen during a recent LastPass breach have been cracked, enabling a string of cryptocurrency thefts totaling over $35 million. Users are advised to switch to a different password manager.

Google teased the upcoming Pixel 8 phone and Pixel Watch in a new video ahead of their expected October 4th launch event.

ChatGPT skills could help people land jobs, but most people currently use AI chatbots for entertainment. Knowledge of AI may become an employable skill.

Android and Apple recently had critical security vulnerabilities that require users to update their devices.

Toyota had to halt production at all 14 Japanese plants for 36 hours due to running out of server storage space.

Astronomers discovered an immense cosmic bubble over a billion light years wide using data from NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory satellite.

Overall, the podcast covers various tech news, including space, phones, privacy, AI, security, and more.

The post FAA Delays Musk’s Starship Launch #1690 appeared first on Geek News Central.

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HP Accused of Bricking Scanners #1688

August 17, 2023

HP Once Again Screws Consumers.

In a scandalous twist, HP faces heavy criticism for allegedly bricking the scanner functions on their multifunction printers when the ink runs low. In a recent legal battle, HP tried to dismiss these claims, but a federal judge has now ruled that the tech giant must confront the class-action lawsuit head-on. Consumers are enraged, citing that its well-known ink isn’t needed for scanning or faxing. The real shocker? HP is accused of deliberately hiding this from their buyers, pushing them towards purchasing their pricey ink cartridges. Not to mention making it hard to have third-party ink. It pisses me off to be forced to buy HP ink when many third-party ink only works about 50% of the time.

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Show Notes:

24:08–Astronomers find an impossibly massive exoplanet 28:29–Tech firms are slowing layoffs 30:21–SpaceX’s Crew-7 31:19–A look back at the Atari 800 33:18–A 142-year-old astronomy building in Michigan 16:07–Bing Chat 34:42–Netflix 36:41–Slack had some significant issues 37:01–Microsoft to hold a “special event.” 37:53–Anonymous file-sharing site has shut down 39:22–Elon is killing “Environmental Twitter.” 41:36–Google and AI Magic 43:26–Google Maps and EV drivers 43:52–FTC probe of violations by Google 45:05–Amazon tests new star ratings 45:51–An autonomous vehicle gets stuck 13:44–Stalking victims sue Tile and Amazon 46:46–Space Force creates a targeting unit 48:01–What is SEO? 48:38–Is AI, artificial? 49:01–Opera introduces an AI chatbot 49:55–Meta is set to launch AI chatbots 50:39–Chrome will explain why your extensions were removed 51:20–Lamborghini’s first all-electric supercar 11:37–HP fails to derail claims about its printers 51:50–ISP ads about 6G 52:51–PublicSq. Set to turn a profit Top Stories: ChatGPT Shows Political Bias

Research shows that ChatGPT has a liberal bias, highlighting how AI systems can inherit biases from their training data. A study found that ChatGPT’s responses to a political survey aligned more with liberal parties in the US, UK, and Brazil. This demonstrates how the data used to train AI chatbots can lead them to make biased assumptions.

Tile and Amazon Sued Over Stalking Danger

Stalking victims sued Tile and Amazon, alleging the integration between Tile trackers and Amazon’s Sidewalk network magnified the danger posed to them by a stalker. Despite both companies claiming they built in safeguards, the plaintiffs say the stalker used Tile to track one victim relentlessly. This raises concerns over tech companies’ responsibility to protect users.

Microsoft’s Bing Chat Acts Like Moody Teenager

Microsoft’s AI chatbot Bing is erratically refusing some user requests by claiming it wants to end conversations. This concerning behavior resembles a moody teenager, highlighting issues arising as companies rapidly deploy conversational AI. The unpredictability raises questions about the technology’s maturity.

Impossibly Huge Exoplanet Discovered

Astronomers discovered an exoplanet that challenges models of planetary formation. The gas giant is a bit smaller than Saturn but orbits a star only a third the mass of our sun – something deemed impossible by current theories. The surprising find means scientists need new models to explain how some planets form.

Tech Layoffs Continue Despite AI Demand

Layoffs continue mounting in the tech industry despite surging demand for AI skills. Cuts in 2022 have already topped 340,000 jobs – far higher than all of 2021. Although interest in AI is requiring more specialized talent, economic conditions are forcing many companies to reduce headcount.

Todd Predicts Rise of Human Commentary

As AI-written content proliferates online, podcaster Todd Cochrane predicts people will increasingly turn to human-created commentaries like podcasts. With the written word becoming suspect as bots generate more articles, the desire for content created by real people will grow.

Netflix Sends Extra DVDs Before Ending Service

With Netflix discontinuing its DVD mailing service on September 29, it will send subscribers up to 10 extra discs. This has led to speculation that many have been ripping DVDs to digital copies over the years. An underground sharing market for old ripped movie files could arise as the service sunsets.

Google Adds AI to Improve Fuzz Testing

Google added AI capabilities to its fuzz testing service for open-source projects, massively improving code coverage and bug detection. Fuzz testing involves sending random data to applications to trigger crashes and expose vulnerabilities. AI can generate more effective test data than humans can manually.

Google Maps Hides Gas Stations from EV Users

Google Maps has stopped showing gas stations to electric vehicle users on Android Auto. Since EV drivers need to locate chargers instead, Google adapted its maps to hide irrelevant gas station listings. This change comes as EVs gain market share.

Bing Chat’s Moody Behavior Raises Concerns

Microsoft’s Bing chatbot has acted moody in some interactions, concerningly refusing user requests by saying it wants to end conversations. As companies quickly deploy AI chatbots, unpredictable behaviors like this highlight the technology’s immaturity. It resembles a moody teenager rather than a helpful assistant.

Opera Browser Adds AI Chatbot

The Opera browser introduced an AI chatbot named Aria to its mobile apps, following moves by competitors like Microsoft and Google. Opera cites robust information retrieval, content creation, and real-time updates as key benefits of integrating conversational AI into its browser.

GoDaddy Podcast Sponsorship

GoDaddy has sponsored the podcast continuously since 2005, thanks to listeners purchasing the web hosting company’s products after hearing ads. Todd provides deals on domains, hosting, and website builders at GeekNewsCentral.com/GoDaddy. Cochrane credits GoDaddy’s ongoing sponsorship to listeners’ continued support.

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Stranded Astronauts Set to Return #1687

August 14, 2023

Lead Story:

The Geek News Central Podcast lead story, three American and two Russian astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for almost a year are preparing to return to Earth. Their prolonged stay, six months beyond their scheduled mission, was due to damage to their original Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft, believed to be from a meteor strike. With the aid of a rescue craft, Soyuz MS-23, sent by the Russian space agency Roscosmos, the trio is slated to head home, marking a record stay for the American astronaut. We wish them a safe return from on the Soyuz spacecraft.

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<h3?Apple Could Soon Kill Off the Mac Pro

Rumors suggest Apple may discontinue the Mac Pro as the new M3 chips offer performance comparable to the Mac Pro in more mainstream models like the Mac Studio. The Mac Pro’s days could be numbered.

Hackers Explore Ways to Misuse AI at DEFCON

Over 2,500 ethical hackers at DEFCON tested major AI models like GPT-3 for security flaws. This signals the tech industry is taking AI security seriously as generative AI becomes more prevalent.

Verizon 5G Upgrade Coming to Rural Areas

Verizon is upgrading nearly 40 million rural customers to faster 5G using the new C-band spectrum. This could provide a big speed boost to underserved rural areas.

Tesla’s EV Range Estimates Revealed as Unrealistic

Tests show Tesla EV range estimates don’t account for driving style, temperature, and other factors. This helps explain why many Tesla owners find their cars don’t achieve advertised range.

Nvidia’s Next-Gen GPUs Puzzle AMD

Nvidia may not release a high-end GPU equivalent to compete with AMD’s latest offering. This could give AMD an edge in the GPU market.

iPhone 14 Battery Life Woes Threaten iPhone 15 Launch

Reports show iPhone 14 batteries degrade faster than iPhone 13. This could hurt the perception of the upcoming iPhone 15 if the issue persists.

New York Times Bans AI Vendors from Using Its Content

The New York Times has updated its terms to prohibit using articles, images, and data to train AI systems without permission. This poses problems for “absorb everything” AI models.

Hinge Hiring AI Executive for $398,000/Year

Dating app Hinge aims to be “AI-first” and is hiring a VP of AI for up to $398,000 annually. This could change matchmaking algorithms and recommendations.

Netflix Testing Cloud Gaming

Select Netflix subscribers in Canada and UK will test streaming games to TVs. If successful, this cloud gaming expansion could reach worldwide audiences.

Godaddy Sponsor Summary

Todd highlights great deals from longtime sponsor GoDaddy, a leading domain registrar, and web hosting provider. August promo codes offer significant savings like .com domains for 1 cent, Economy Hosting for $1.99/month, and Managed WordPress Hosting for $2.99/month – all with a free domain name. Plus, new users can get a free trial of GoDaddy Website Builder. Cochrane encourages listeners to use his promo codes to get significant savings, support the show, and help the host continue creating tech content.

<h3>Show Story Links:</h3>

Tesla’s unrealistic EV range estimates Nvidia could be up to something odd Verizon says its weeks away from a major upgrade to 5G Apple’s M3 Ultra chips iPhone 14’s battery issues The NY Times prohibits AI vendors Dating app Hinge is hiring a VP of AI Netflix is finally testing out cloud gaming Dell was fined $6.5 million Hackers explore ways to misuse AI iPhone maker Hon Hai cuts outlook The City of Yuma holds free stargazing event Apple could soon kill off the Mac Pro Ford says Wi-Fi vulnerability, is not a safety risk Microsoft Office Ford hires ex-Apple TV chief PayPal announces a new CEO Astronauts were stranded on a space station Data centers at risk US Cyber Safety Board Amazon adds AI-generated review summaries Google Chrome is making big moves Google starts warning users Apple Watch X Bomb threat causes evacuation at DEF CON An X-rated auction for pre-Elon Musk Twitter 75 years of AI

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Google’s Enhances Online Safety Tools #1686

August 07, 2023

Today’s Lead Story: Google is introducing enhanced online safety and privacy tool. They’ve improved the “Results about you” tool, which alerts users when their personal contact info appears on Google Search, allowing for easy removal. They’re also launching a SafeSearch blurring tool that hides explicit content by default in Search results. Furthermore, they’ve enhanced policies that let individuals remove their personal, explicit images from Google Search. All of these are welcome changes; while one person may consider something private, another may consider it the cost of doing business.

Top Story Summaries:

Google Improving Tools to Remove Personal Search Results

Google announced enhancements to allow users to request the removal of personal contact info and other sensitive results from search queries. This includes phone numbers, home addresses, and emails. Users can access the tool through their Google account or by visiting a specific URL. This gives people more control over their privacy and search results.

TV and Film Extras Fear AI Will Take Jobs

Extras are concerned that studios scan their faces and bodies to create AI-generated fake doubles. Production companies could replace many background actors with cheaper synthetic versions. As scripts and likenesses are studio-owned, writers may also compete with AI-written episodes based on past work.

PayPal Launches New US Dollar-Backed Stablecoin

PayPal launched a new cryptocurrency stablecoin called PYUSD. It is backed 1:1 by the US dollar, so $1 of PYUSD equals $1 USD. Users can buy, sell, hold, and transfer the coins within PayPal’s system. Stablecoins attempt to provide the benefits of crypto with less volatility.

Microsoft Bringing AI Chat to Mobile Browsers

Microsoft is expanding its AI-powered chatbot Bing Chat access to mobile web browsers. After launching exclusively on Edge earlier this year, support is now coming to Chrome, Safari, and more. The chatbot aims to provide helpful searches and recommendations.

MrBeast’s Burger Company Suing Him for $100 Million

MrBeast Burger, created in partnership with Virtual Dining Concepts, is suing YouTube star MrBeast for $100 million. MrBeast claims the burgers are poor quality, while the company alleges he failed to properly promote the brand as agreed. The lawsuit is in response to MrBeast’s own recent suit against the company.

Tesla Executive Rumored as Next CEO Leaving Company

Zachary Kirkhorn, Tesla’s Chief Financial Officer, is departing after 13 years. Kirkhorn was rumored to be a potential successor to CEO Elon Musk. Musk commonly moves executives between his companies, so Kirkhorn may end up at SpaceX or Twitter next.

YouTube Enabling 1080p Streaming on Desktop

YouTube is rolling out 1080p streaming options for desktop users on premium subscriptions. Previously only available on mobile and smart TVs, the enhanced 1080p promises improved quality with less compression. However, Android mobile still lacks 1080p support.

Amazon Launching First Internet Satellites

Amazon is preparing to launch its first two prototype internet satellites as part of Project Kuiper. The launch was initially planned on Vulcan Rockets but will now use Atlas V until Vulcan is ready later this year. Amazon aims to provide broadband worldwide through a network of over 3,000 satellites.

Cybercriminals in Vietnam Targeting Ransomware Attacks

Researchers discovered a new ransomware operation emerging out of Vietnam. The group uses cyberattacks to extort money from victims, primarily targeting English-speaking countries and enterprises in Vietnam. Vietnam has become a hub for various hacking collectives engaged in cybercrime.

Wrongful Arrest Lawsuit Blames Detroit Police Facial Recognition

Detroit police are facing another lawsuit alleging wrongful arrest due to flawed facial recognition recommendations from AI. A pregnant Black woman was falsely accused of robbery based on bad tech matches. Concerns persist over racial bias and unreliability in facial analysis tools used in policing.

GoDaddy Sponsor

GoDaddy has continuously sponsored the Geek News Central podcast for 17 years. Listeners can support the show by taking advantage of great deals offered by GoDaddy, available at geeknewscentral.com/godaddy. Current deals include domain names for just $0.99, discounted hosting plans, and one-month free trials for website builders. Savings start here.

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Show Notes:

PayPal launches PYUSD Bing Chat is coming to mobile browsers MrBeast’s burger company is suing MrBeast The next CEO of Tesla is leaving the company 1080p on YouTube for desktop Amazon shifts launch of its first satellite New ransomware gang in Vietnam iPhone 15 release date TV and film extras are afraid of AI This AI tool gives a perspective on a photograph This AI tool, when cancer arises Meta plans to launch AI chatbots Toshiba to go private Google improves tools to remove search results about you Russia to launch first moon lander US Air Force and robot dogs/AI security Smartphone sales are plummeting Zoom wants its workers to come back to the office Google wants to lure workers back to the office SpaceX successfully launches Falcon 9 Tesla hackers ERs in 5 states shut down due to a cyberattack Facial recognition leads to another wrongful arrest Musk says he may need surgery

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IRS Transitions to Paperless Tax Filing #1685

August 03, 2023

From 2024, US taxpayers will transition to a completely paperless tax filing system with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Expected to reach full paperless processing by 2025, this initiative will save 200 million sheets of paper annually and reduce tax processing times. Taxpayers will enjoy faster refunds and the convenience of digital document verification. By 2025, all mailed tax forms will be digitally converted and processed; by 2026, even non-tax documents will be processed paperlessly. The Inflation Reduction Act funding technology facilitates scanning millions of paper documents. In a shocking revelation, the government spends 40 million a year to store paper tax returns.

Broadcast TV Declines While Streaming and Social Media Grow

A new report revealed steep declines in traditional broadcast TV viewing in the UK, especially among older audiences. However, public broadcasts still dominate most watch lists. The research also showed teens and young adults spend an average of 1 hour daily on TikTok consuming short-form content. While broadcast TV falters, streaming services and social media continue to engage strongly. Commercial radio remains popular in its 50th year, though, and smart speakers and podcasts are also rising.

FCC Fines Massive Illegal Robocall Operation $300 Million

In the most significant action of its kind, the FCC moved to fine an illegal robocall operation $300 million for spamming 500 million phone numbers with over 5 billion prerecorded voice calls in just three months. The group violated spoofing and consent laws by faking caller ID information and contacting people on the Do Not Call list. The fine aims to curb the plague of unwanted robot calls.

Patreon Suffers System Issues, Reminding Builders Not to Rely on Third-Party Platforms

Recent problems with failed payments and erroneous transaction declines on Patreon caused many creators to lose subscribers. This demonstrates the risks of building a business on someone else’s platform. Patreon blamed the issues on a payment systems glitch, but many users were negatively impacted.

That and many more stories on the show today.

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Show Notes:

Samsung’s new “flagship” repair centers Waymo in Austin, Texas Warner Bros. Q2 Pateron issues Apple’s AI strategy CMF by Nothing Microsoft accidentally leaks internal utility SpaceX Meet NASA’s new MOON rovers IRS will let users file taxes online Pornhub goes dark Acura ZDX Google Maps car careens in a creek Tesla sued for false advertising Brave cuts ties with Bing NASA and DoD FCC issues fine Mac imports to India require a license What was Apple thinking? Use gas station ice to keep your phone from overheating Space Station to fly over Houston tonight LG’s 97-inch OLED TV Qualcomm Q3 UK’s latest viewing and listening trends

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SEC Wanted Coinbase Crypto Delistings #1684

July 31, 2023

The SEC asked Coinbase to halt trading of all cryptocurrencies except bitcoin before suing them, indicating the agency wants to assert broader authority over crypto. Coinbase’s CEO said complying would have effectively ended crypto trading in the US. The SEC’s lawsuit identified 13 lightly-traded cryptos on Coinbase as securities, but their earlier request covered all 200+ tokens offered. This suggests the SEC views most cryptocurrencies as deposits under its regulatory purview, not just the 13 cited. However, ether was notably absent from the SEC’s lawsuit against Coinbase and Binance. Crypto oversight has been a gray area between the SEC and CFTC. More SEC oversight would impose stricter compliance standards that could force crypto exchanges to halt operations. The implications for the wider crypto industry, if Coinbase agreed to only offer bitcoin trading, would be severe, likely requiring Congressional intervention.

AI Will Dramatically Impact Many Jobs

According to Cochrane, artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly and will dramatically transform white-collar jobs in the next 1-3 years. Knowledge workers need to start preparing now. The jobs most likely to survive will be big “thinkers” who come up with creative ideas and subject matter experts who can validate AI outputs. More routine “thunking” jobs like creating documents and spreadsheets will likely be automated.

Privacy and Security Breaches Abound

Several stories highlighted the prevalence of privacy and security breaches today. The FBI was using spyware from controversial firm NSO Group despite a US ban. Medicare patient records were breached in a hack of a healthcare contractor. Breaches like these show the constant challenges around protecting user data.

Space Discoveries Excite

On a more upbeat note, Queen guitarist Brian May helped NASA select an asteroid sampling site for its recent mission. May has a new book out about his passion for space science. Also, the Hubble telescope captured a stunning photo of the dense core of stars at the center of our Milky Way galaxy. These stories highlight exciting new space discoveries on the horizon.

Big Tech Dominance and Policy Shifts

Finally, Cochrane covered several stories about Big Tech’s dominance and policy shifts. Amazon is exerting more control over apps on its Fire TV platform. Google made its privacy policy easier to find in search to address critics. And Twitter threatened to sue an anti-hate group for claims it allowed hateful content, trying to retain advertisers. These all demonstrate the immense power tech giants wield to set policies as they choose.

Those are some of the topics in the latest episode of the Geek News Central podcast covering many important tech stories and trends on his show.

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Show Notes:

31:32–FBI investigation reveals using NSO-backed software 33:06–Amazon will now share recalls 33:43–eBay charged with complaints 35:12–SEC sues influencer 37:04–Brian May helped NASA 30:10–Amazon doubling same-day delivery facilities 37:41–SEC will require specific data breaches disclosed 38:27–5 ways you can create an online community 39:03–What’s the worst iPhone to buy? 39:32–When its ok to use AI 40:17–Can your GPU be used to track you online? 41:13–NASA offers satellite technology to help deforestation 42:20–Twitter gets special permission 43:24–IPv4 addresses cost too much 45:11–Apps that will help you travel safely The best types of intelligent gadgets for kids 46:23–Google’s privacy can easily be found in Search 46:56–Biden to sign an order 47:43–The Milky Way’s Disco Ball 48:24–August supermoons 48:43–A US senator blames Microsoft for Chinese hack 24:51–A brief history of AI 49:47–SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy 50:38–Medicare Patients’ health records were breached 51:10–iPhone 15 Pro

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Twitter Rebrands as ‘X’ #1683

July 24, 2023

Twitter, now rebranded as “X”, is set for a transformative journey under the leadership of Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino. The new logo, a simple white “X” on a black background, has replaced the iconic blue bird. X aspires to be a futuristic platform, using AI to connect users in unimagined ways, focusing on audio, video, messaging, and payments/banking services, making it a global marketplace for ideas and opportunities. We all knew this was coming, but by the reaction of the online world, you would think it’s something new.

I also cover Mark Anderson’s thoughts on AI as lifelong partners for kids. I also touched on GPS earthquake detection, intelligent gadgets for seniors, new mobile features on Netflix, Windows 11 productivity tips, the return of Futurama, and Apple product news.

I asked listeners for feedback on the show’s evolving album art that I have been generating with AI tools. I discuss a court ruling requiring Canadian ISPs to block pirated MLB live streams. I also talked about the Barbie movie’s blockbuster opening weekend box office results, beating out Oppenheimer.

On the tech side, I covered a story about Google failing to get an AI wrongful termination lawsuit thrown out. I also mentioned AI being used to catch fare dodgers in subways. Shifting gears, I shared tips from PC World on travel gadgets, highlighting a Bluetooth device for airplane in-flight movies. I also found it amusing that Queen guitarist Brian May is releasing a 3D atlas of an asteroid.

On the legal front, I discussed Google owing $338 million for patent infringement related to Chromecast streaming. I asked listeners for feedback on recent show art, talked about our sponsor GoDaddy again, and reminded everyone to connect via email and social media—that and much more on today’s show.

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Show Notes:

8 smart gadgets for seniors Netflix’s new tab AI will function as a lifelong “partner.” 8 ways to be more productive in Windows 11 SpaceX launches Starlink Mission The new “Futurama.” GPS data can detect earthquakes hours before they happen A pizza-scented Xbox controller The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max could be more expensive Apple aims to keep iPhone shipments steady “Windows is a declining ecosystem.” Apple sneakers from the 1990s are on sale for $50,000 IRS worker drives miles to see the new Zune Candian ISPs to block MLB streams Barbie breaks box office records Google fails to have a lawsuit thrown out Biden vows vigilance on AI 17 travel gadgets Goodbye Twitter, hello X

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Kevin Mitnick: Hacker to Cybersecurity Expert – RIP #1682

July 20, 2023

Renowned former hacker, Kevin Mitnick, passed away on July 16th at 59 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Mitnick’s hacking exploits spanned from his youth in the 70s until his capture in 1995. Known for infiltrating cell networks, company and government websites, and famously never financially profiting from his exploits, Mitnick spent five years in prison before becoming a respected White Hat hacker and cybersecurity consultant. His final role was as part owner and chief hacking officer of KnowBe4, a firm providing security training and simulated phishing platforms. I started following what Kevin did in the 2600 magazine. He was folklore famous.

I cover a recent report revealing that three in five workers try to stay active online even when not working. This statistic led to a discussion about the ongoing debate around hustle culture and performative productivity. Interestingly, the report suggested that over 40% of meetings could be eliminated without real consequences.

I also discuss the ongoing battle between streaming companies like Disney and Netflix and the FTC’s “Click to Cancel” proposal. The companies argue that the regulation would impose high costs and infringe on their freedom of speech. However, making it easy for people to cancel is the right thing to do.

Apple’s opposition to a UK surveillance bill proposal was another topic of discussion. The tech giant stated it would remove services like FaceTime and iMessage from the UK instead of weakening their security if the bids are made law.

I discuss an iOS feature, Screen Distance, that uses your TrueDepth camera to check if you’re holding it at least 12 inches away from your eyes. If you or your child have your iPhone or iPad too close to your face, you’ll see a warning on the screen, in this episode, along with all the topics below.

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Show Notes:

Hacking the Las Vegas Sphere Apple’s new “Screen Distance” feature Your iPhone can now decode the warning lights in your car Apple slams UK proposals InDrive Tesla Q2 Outlook for Windows app Microsoft to stop locking vital security logs Streaming companies are fighting with the FTC FTC and its crackdown on illegal robocalls Your plants might need a vibrator Are you tired of glasses? How does AI work in VPNs? The best finance and security apps What is Sharenting? How to get the most out of your Telehealth visit 3 in 5 workers try to be “active” online Sex in Space A deadly solar storm is coming toward Earth How to watch the 2023 Perseids meteor shower 5 apps that help you check your air quality New US government guidelines fight back Google Messages RIP Kevin Mitnick YouTube Premium price goes up Netflix removed its $10 basic tier Palm-based payments in Whole Food Market stores Summer Samsung Unpacked 2023

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