Today’s trending stories distilled into one-minute bites

Delivered to your inbox, daily

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Technology

Ford Announces Battery Upgrades

Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Ford’s electric vehicles will get new batteries that charge faster and are more affordable, thanks to new chemical breakthroughs in battery tech.
Technology
Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Ford Announces Battery Upgrades

The context
Ford’s electric vehicles will get new batteries that charge faster and are more affordable, thanks to new chemical breakthroughs in battery tech.
Go deeper
 →

Better batteries

  • Ford announced it is opening a $3.5 billion electric vehicle factory in Michigan that will produce batteries with a new formula.
  • The lithium iron phosphate battery's chemistry means they are more durable, faster charging, and more affordable.
  • The new factory will generate 2,500 new jobs.
Go deeper →
The context
Neeva launched a generative AI search engine to an international audience today. The company initially launched the AI search engine to a limited audience in January to provide authentic, real-time AI search to a global audience.
Technology
Monday, February 13, 2023

ChatGPT Competitor Neeva Throws Down a Challenge

The context
Neeva launched a generative AI search engine to an international audience today. The company initially launched the AI search engine to a limited audience in January to provide authentic, real-time AI search to a global audience.
Go deeper
 →

Neeva launches

  • Neeva launched an AI search engine in the US in January to a limited audience of users.
  • The engine was marketed as an "authentic, real-time AI search.
  • The timing of the announcement was auspicious, as Microsoft and Google battle back and forth over integrating AI into their respective search engines.
  • Users have to subscribe to access the engine because Neeva doesn’t monetize through advertising and prevents third-party trackers from using personal data to display personalized ads.
Go deeper →
The context
Blue Origin's spacecraft, New Glenn, will head to Mars with NASA sometime in the distant future. The Mars mission with NASA is Blue Origins' first big government contract.
Technology
Friday, February 10, 2023

NASA and Blue Origin Will Head to Mars

The context
Blue Origin's spacecraft, New Glenn, will head to Mars with NASA sometime in the distant future. The Mars mission with NASA is Blue Origins' first big government contract.
Go deeper
 →

All aboard the Blue Glenn

  • NASA is planning a mission to Mars on Blue Origin's new spacecraft, New Glenn.
  • The mission will be Blue Origins' first big government contract with the New Glenn and was made possible through the Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) program at NASA.
Go deeper →
Technology

Twitter's Newly Pricey API

Thursday, February 9, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Twitter announced that the basic tier of API access will now cost $100 a month. The API will remain free until February 13th.
Technology
Thursday, February 9, 2023

Twitter's Newly Pricey API

The context
Twitter announced that the basic tier of API access will now cost $100 a month. The API will remain free until February 13th.
Go deeper
 →

AP-yikes

  • Twitter announced that developers will have to pay $100 per month for access to the basic tier of the Twitter API, basically a "low level of API usage."
  • Twitter expended the deadline before free API access is shut down until February 13th.
  • Researchers who depend on access to the API to conduct research about misinformation or hate speech will be severely impacted, as will small developers without the capital to pay the new premium.
Go deeper →
Technology

Meta Acquires Within

Thursday, February 9, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Meta has officially acquired VR fitness app maker Within, despite antitrust concerns raised by the FTC.
Technology
Thursday, February 9, 2023

Meta Acquires Within

The context
Meta has officially acquired VR fitness app maker Within, despite antitrust concerns raised by the FTC.
Go deeper
 →

Sorry FTC!

  • The FTC sued Meta in July to try and block them from acquiring the VR developer Within.
  • Within makes VR fitness applications like Supernatural.
  • At the conclusion of the trial between Meta and the FTC, a judge ruled that Meta could proceed with the acquisition.
Go deeper →
Technology

Bing App Downloads Jump

Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Since Microsoft announced it would integrate ChatGPT from OpenAI into its search engine Bing, the Bing app has seen a 10x jump in downloads.
Technology
Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Bing App Downloads Jump

The context
Since Microsoft announced it would integrate ChatGPT from OpenAI into its search engine Bing, the Bing app has seen a 10x jump in downloads.
Go deeper
 →

10 times

  • Microsoft recently released a demonstration of a ChatGPT-enabled Bing.
  • Since announcing that Microsoft would be incorporating the chatbot into its search engine, the Bing app has seen a 10x increase in new downloads.
  • The jump in downloads shows the growing demand for new AI experiences, but users who want access to the new Bing will need to sign up for a waitlist and make Bing their default search engine on their PC or mobile device.
Go deeper →
Technology

Google Tees Up its AI Against Bing

Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Google released its new “multisearch” feature, which incorporates Google’s AI to combine text and images in a single response to a user prompt. The feature uses AI technology called Multitask Unified Model, which can make connections across different types of media and information.
Technology
Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Google Tees Up its AI Against Bing

The context
Google released its new “multisearch” feature, which incorporates Google’s AI to combine text and images in a single response to a user prompt. The feature uses AI technology called Multitask Unified Model, which can make connections across different types of media and information.
Go deeper
 →

Google’s A.I.-powered ‘multisearch,’ which combines text and images in a single query, goes global

  • Google’s new “multisearch” feature is now available for global users on mobile devices.
  • Multisearch is powered by Google’s AI Mutlitask Unified Model, which can draw connections between different formats of media and information.
  • The combination of words and images will help Google process and understand more complex search queries and will be especially helpful for shopping.
Go deeper →
Technology

ChatGPT-Enabled Bing Blasts Off

Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Microsoft launched the integration between ChatGPT and its search engine, Bing, today. Users aren’t able to interact with the bot yet but can view a demo on the Bing homepage.
Technology
Tuesday, February 7, 2023

ChatGPT-Enabled Bing Blasts Off

The context
Microsoft launched the integration between ChatGPT and its search engine, Bing, today. Users aren’t able to interact with the bot yet but can view a demo on the Bing homepage.
Go deeper
 →

ChatGPT goes mainstream

  • Microsoft integrated ChatGPT into Bing and released a demo on the Bing homepage today.
  • The bot aims to provide answers to search queries directly to enhance productivity.
  • Microsoft added a more complex version of GPT, GPT 4, into the search engine, which is able to provide more useful answers, annotate answers and provide up-to-date results with fewer errors.
  • One implication of the integration could be that articles or blogs may get fewer clicks, meaning fewer dollars for publishers from ads.
Go deeper →
The context
Mercedes Benz is bringing the electric sprinter van to North America in 2023.
The context
Mercedes Benz is bringing the electric sprinter van to North America in 2023.
Go deeper
 →

Electric sprint begins

  • Mercedes is releasing the largest version of its electric sprinter van in North America in 2023.
  • The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter has excellent mileage both on the highways and in cities.
  • The van can charge with alternating current and direct current.
Go deeper →
Technology

Google Releases Bard

Monday, February 6, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Google released a demonstration of its AI assistant and ChatGPT competitor called Bard. The demonstration showed Bard, which relies on Google's own Language Model for Dialogue Applications, to answer questions in a conversational way after drawing on information from the web.
Technology
Monday, February 6, 2023

Google Releases Bard

The context
Google released a demonstration of its AI assistant and ChatGPT competitor called Bard. The demonstration showed Bard, which relies on Google's own Language Model for Dialogue Applications, to answer questions in a conversational way after drawing on information from the web.
Go deeper
 →

Bard breaks the search engine

  • Google revealed Bard, its AI chatbot, which aims to answer search queries with the breadth of the world's knowledge with its large language models.
  • Bard uses Google's own Language Model for Dialogue Applications to answer questions in a conversational way and pull information from the
  • Bard will be integrated into Google Search in the form of several new features.
  • Bard has been positioned as a competitor to OpenAI's ChatGPT, which will be integrated into Microsoft's search engine, Bing, soon.
Go deeper →
Technology

Good News for the Good Twitter Bots

Monday, February 6, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
After announcing last week that the Twitter API will start costing money to access on February 9th, CEO Elon Musk said today that the Twitter API would be provided to bots who write "good" content for free.
Technology
Monday, February 6, 2023

Good News for the Good Twitter Bots

The context
After announcing last week that the Twitter API will start costing money to access on February 9th, CEO Elon Musk said today that the Twitter API would be provided to bots who write "good" content for free.
Go deeper
 →

Only the good bots

  • Twitter is shutting down free access to its APIs on February 9th.
  • After an outcry from developers and researchers, Elon Musk said that Twitter will provide free write-only API access for bots that are creating "good content."
  • Researchers and student developers rely on Twitter APIs to conduct research or build new products.
  • Putting the Twitter API behind a paywall will interfere with research and projects that rely on free access.
Go deeper →
Technology

FTX Asks For Donations Back

Monday, February 6, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
The bankrupt cryptocurrency giant FTX, once valued at $32 billion, and its affiliated debtors reportedly asked politicians and PACs to return donations in an effort to return capital to investors in the firm as the company goes through bankruptcy filings. The requests were made via letter and gave the parties who received money from FTX until February 28th to return the donations.
Technology
Monday, February 6, 2023

FTX Asks For Donations Back

The context
The bankrupt cryptocurrency giant FTX, once valued at $32 billion, and its affiliated debtors reportedly asked politicians and PACs to return donations in an effort to return capital to investors in the firm as the company goes through bankruptcy filings. The requests were made via letter and gave the parties who received money from FTX until February 28th to return the donations.
Go deeper
 →

Return to sender

  • A group of affiliated debtors with FTX, who dubbed themselves "FTX Debtors," sent letters to politicians, PACs, and other recipients of donations from FTX, asking them to return donations they received from the embattled cryptocurrency exchange.
  • Recipients of the letters also included parties who received funds from CEO Sam-Bankman Fried.
  • The letter requested that the funds be voluntarily returned and threatened that action would be taken to get the funds back if the parties did not comply.
Go deeper →
Technology

Biden Expands EV Credits

Friday, February 3, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
The Biden administration is expanding the definition of "SUV" to make more electric vehicles eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits established in the Inflation Reduction Act. This makes more vehicles from Tesla, General Motors, and other automakers eligible for federal tax credits.
Technology
Friday, February 3, 2023

Biden Expands EV Credits

The context
The Biden administration is expanding the definition of "SUV" to make more electric vehicles eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits established in the Inflation Reduction Act. This makes more vehicles from Tesla, General Motors, and other automakers eligible for federal tax credits.
Go deeper
 →

Boost for Automakers

  • The US Treasury announced today that it is changing the definition of "SUV" to encompass more vehicles so that more electric vehicles will qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits.
  • The decision means that more vehicles from Tesla, GM, and other automakers will qualify for the credits at higher price points without having to reduce prices for their SUVs.
Go deeper →
Technology

Twitter Puts API Behind A Pay Wall

Thursday, February 2, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Twitter is placing its API behind a paywall. There will be different subscription levels depending on how many calls to the API are made by users.
Technology
Thursday, February 2, 2023

Twitter Puts API Behind A Pay Wall

The context
Twitter is placing its API behind a paywall. There will be different subscription levels depending on how many calls to the API are made by users.
Go deeper
 →

Bye bye API

  • Developers use the Twitter API to create third-party tools on the platform.
  • Researchers use Twitter data gathered by the API in their work.
  • On February 9th, Twitter will stop offering its API for free and start charging to access it.
Go deeper →
The context
TechCrunch profiled the company’s latest product, Link Previews, today. On websites with Link Previews implemented, when users hover over hyperlinked phrases or words, a short summary written by AI of the linked article pops up. Link Previews improve SEO metrics for sites and user experience for readers. Links Previews are set to make upgraded hyperlinks with AI the newest star of the tech world.
Technology
Wednesday, February 1, 2023

TechCrunch Discovers the Magic of Summari

The context
TechCrunch profiled the company’s latest product, Link Previews, today. On websites with Link Previews implemented, when users hover over hyperlinked phrases or words, a short summary written by AI of the linked article pops up. Link Previews improve SEO metrics for sites and user experience for readers. Links Previews are set to make upgraded hyperlinks with AI the newest star of the tech world.
Go deeper
 →

Not like other links

  • Summari started by providing readers with article summaries on demand, but a year later, it is taking its summarization capabilities to new heights with a new service: link previews.
  • When a reader hovers over a link, a short summary written by AI pops up to deliver the reader more useful information.
  • When the product is implemented, websites experience over 50% more page views.
Go deeper →
The context
A record $3.8 billion in cryptocurrencies was stolen from various platforms last year. $3.3 billion was stolen last year. The thefts were attributed to various hacking groups, including North Korean state-sponsored hackers.
Technology
Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Record $3.8 Billion in Crypto Stolen Last Year

The context
A record $3.8 billion in cryptocurrencies was stolen from various platforms last year. $3.3 billion was stolen last year. The thefts were attributed to various hacking groups, including North Korean state-sponsored hackers.
Go deeper
 →

Record year for hackers

  • A record $3.8 billion in cryptocurrency was stolen from various companies last year.
  • Much of the theft was orchestrated by North Korean-linked hackers.
  • North Korean-linked hackers stole an estimated $1.7 billion in cryptocurrency from various hacks in 2022.
  • Hackers targeted decentralized finance protocols and cross-chain bridge protocols.
Go deeper →
The context
Google revealed that Google Fi customers' data was accessed by hackers. The security breach is likely tied to a massive hack at T-Mobile, where hackers accessed millions of customers' personal information.
Technology
Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Google Fi Customers Caught in T-Mobile Hack

The context
Google revealed that Google Fi customers' data was accessed by hackers. The security breach is likely tied to a massive hack at T-Mobile, where hackers accessed millions of customers' personal information.
Go deeper
 →

Information breach

  • Google Fi, which is Google's cell network, confirmed a data breach this morning.
  • The breach is likely related to a recent security breach at T-Mobile, where hackers accessed the personal data of millions of T-Mobile customers.
  • Google alerted customers this morning that there had been suspicious activity in a support system that contained a limited amount of customer data.
Go deeper →
Technology

Google Plays Coy About New AI

Friday, January 27, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Google reportedly created an AI tool that can generate music from text descriptions but won't release it to the public.
Technology
Friday, January 27, 2023

Google Plays Coy About New AI

The context
Google reportedly created an AI tool that can generate music from text descriptions but won't release it to the public.
Go deeper
 →

AI music

  • Google has developed a new AI system that can generate music in any genre from text descriptions.
  • The tool, MusicLM, was trained on 280,000 hours of music to learn to generate coherent songs.
  • The system can also build on existing melodies and can write a narrative from the prompt.
Go deeper →
Technology

Trump Allowed Back on Meta

Thursday, January 26, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Former President Trump was allowed back onto Facebook and Instagram by Meta. The former president was banned when his supporters stormed the Capitol building on January 6th, 2021.
Technology
Thursday, January 26, 2023

Trump Allowed Back on Meta

The context
Former President Trump was allowed back onto Facebook and Instagram by Meta. The former president was banned when his supporters stormed the Capitol building on January 6th, 2021.
Go deeper
 →

Meta allows Donald Trump back on Facebook and Instagram

  • Former President Trump has been allowed back on Facebook and Instagram by Meta, two years after he was banned for inciting violence after his supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021.
  • Facebook is a powerful fundraising tool that is likely to be heavily utilized by Trump's campaign for the 2024 presidential election. In the 2020 election, Trump generated millions of dollars in campaign contributions on the platform.
  • Democrats argued that Trump still poses a threat to public safety and, as such, should not be reinstated on Meta's platforms.
Go deeper →
Technology

GitHub Hits 100 Million Users

Thursday, January 26, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
The code-hosting platform GitHub says it now has 100 million active users.
Technology
Thursday, January 26, 2023

GitHub Hits 100 Million Users

The context
The code-hosting platform GitHub says it now has 100 million active users.
Go deeper
 →

100 million users

  • GitHub reached 100 million active users.
  • Github had 90 million plus users three months ago, and 28 million five years ago when Microsoft acquired the company.
  • The platform now serves as the default hosting service for millions of proprietary and open source software projects.
Go deeper →
Technology

Justice Department Versus Google

Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Eight states and the Justice Department filed an antitrust suit against Google for monopolizing the online advertising industry. The suit alleges that Google purposefully locked out competitors to claim profits that belonged to advertisers and publishers.
Technology
Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Justice Department Versus Google

The context
Eight states and the Justice Department filed an antitrust suit against Google for monopolizing the online advertising industry. The suit alleges that Google purposefully locked out competitors to claim profits that belonged to advertisers and publishers.
Go deeper
 →

What's in the suit?

  • The Justice Department and eight states filed a suit against Google for abusing its position at the center of the online advertising industry to create a monopoly and claim profits that should have gone to advertisers and publishers.
  • The allegations in the suit also include charges that Google bought up competition and strong-armed advertisers into using Google over other competitors.
  • Google runs an automated auction when you load a site to find advertisers who are willing to pay to show their ads.
  • The suit won't have any immediate impact on users.
Go deeper →
The context
Shutterstock has added a generative AI toolkit to its Creative Flow online design platform after inking a deal with OpenAI. Users can generate images with OpenAI's DALL-E 2 based on text prompts.
Technology
Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Shutterstock Rolls Out Generative AI Toolkit

The context
Shutterstock has added a generative AI toolkit to its Creative Flow online design platform after inking a deal with OpenAI. Users can generate images with OpenAI's DALL-E 2 based on text prompts.
Go deeper
 →

AI toolkit

  • Shutterstock and OpenAI partnered to offer users of its online design platform Creative Flow to generate images based on text prompt with DALL-E 2.
  • The images are ready for licensing right after they are generated on the platform.
  • Shutterstock's partnership with OpenAI is exciting for both as image generators become more and more mainstream.
  • The partnership could set Shutterstock apart by integrating it into the Creative Flow platform.
Go deeper →
The context
The FBI accused a coalition of North Korean government hackers of stealing $100 million in the Harmony Horizon Bridge theft.
The context
The FBI accused a coalition of North Korean government hackers of stealing $100 million in the Harmony Horizon Bridge theft.
Go deeper
 →

Trader traitors

  • US authorities have accused a pair of North Korean hacker groups of stealing more than $100 million in crypto from Harmony's Horizon Bridge.
  • The hackers used a malware campaign called "TraderTraitor" to gain access to the assets.
Go deeper →

$100 million

  • North Korean hackers exploited a vulnerability in Harmony's Horizon Bridge to steal $100 million in crypto assets.
  • The state-sponsored hackers hacked into the company's cross-chain bridge, which users use to transfer digital assets from one blockchain to another.
  • The FBI said that stolen crypto assets are used to fund North Korea's nuclear weapons program and evade international sanctions.
Go deeper →
Technology

Amazon Launches RxPass

Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Amazon launched RxPass today. RxPass is a $5 per month pass for US users to buy all the generic medications they need on Prime.
Technology
Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Amazon Launches RxPass

The context
Amazon launched RxPass today. RxPass is a $5 per month pass for US users to buy all the generic medications they need on Prime.
Go deeper
 →

New pass

  • Amazon launched RxPass, a service where Prime users can pay a fee of $5 out of pocket to get as many generic medications as they need.
  • The pass covers 80 common ailments, and the conditions were specially selected to reach the largest number of customers.
  • The pass is not open to people on Medicare or Medicaid.
Go deeper →
Technology

Meta Will Offer More NBA Games in VR

Monday, January 23, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Meta is expanding its partnership with the NBA and will offer 52 games in VR this season, starting with tonight's game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Detroit Pistons.
Technology
Monday, January 23, 2023

Meta Will Offer More NBA Games in VR

The context
Meta is expanding its partnership with the NBA and will offer 52 games in VR this season, starting with tonight's game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Detroit Pistons.
Go deeper
 →

More games for fans

  • Meta is expanding its partnership with the NBA this season to offer more than 50 live games in VR on the Meta Quest headset.
  • The package includes 54 live games and five immersive 180-degree monoscopic VR games in the Xtadium and Meta Horizon Worlds.
  • Meta is also added NBA-branded apparel to its virtual store for avatars.
Go deeper →
The context
Microsoft announced that it is extending its partnership with OpenAI and making a multibillion-dollar investment in the company.
The context
Microsoft announced that it is extending its partnership with OpenAI and making a multibillion-dollar investment in the company.
Go deeper
 →

New deal

  • Microsoft announced it was extending its partnership with OpenAI into a third phase after it invested in the Chat-GPT maker in 2019 and 2021.
  • The renewed partnership includes a new multi-year, multibillion-dollar investment into OpenAI to accelerate breakthroughs and commercialize advanced technologies.
Go deeper →

Partnership extends

  • Microsoft announced it was extending its partnership with OpenAI, the startup behind ChatGPT and DALL-E 2.
  • The multi-year, multibillion-dollar contract will be used to further advance AI research and develop products that are "safe, useful, and powerful."
  • The infusion of capital will be used in the deployment of supercomputing systems that are the backbone of OpenAI.
Go deeper →
Technology

Genesis Files For Bankruptcy

Friday, January 20, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
The crypto lender Genesis Trading filed for bankruptcy last night.
Technology
Friday, January 20, 2023

Genesis Files For Bankruptcy

The context
The crypto lender Genesis Trading filed for bankruptcy last night.
Go deeper
 →

Silbert's empire

  • The cryptocurrency lender Genesis Global Holdco filed for bankruptcy on Thursday night.
  • Genesis is a subsidiary of the Digital Currency Group, which is owned by Barry Silbert.
  • Genesis is the latest crypto company to fold since the collapse of FTX.
Go deeper →

FTX-triggered collapse

  • Crypto broker Genesis filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, listing 100,000 creditors with liabilities ranging from $1.2 billion $11 billion.
  • Three bankruptcy petitions were filed for Genesis' holding companies.
  • Genesis was a crypto lender, providing loans to crypto hedge funds and over-the-counter firms.
  • The collapse of FTX locked a large portion of Genesis' assets on the platform and led to the lender filing for bankruptcy.
Go deeper →
Technology

Genesis Files For Bankruptcy

Friday, January 20, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
The crypto lender Genesis trading filed for bankruptcy.
Technology
Friday, January 20, 2023

Genesis Files For Bankruptcy

The context
The crypto lender Genesis trading filed for bankruptcy.
Go deeper
 →

Genesis collapsed

  • The cryptocurrency lender Genesis Global Holdco filed for bankruptcy on Thursday night.
  • Genesis is a subsidiary of the Digital Currency Group, which is owned by Barry Silbert.
  • Genesis is the latest crypto company to fold since the collapse of FTX.
Go deeper →

Silbert's collapsing empire

  • Crypto broker Genesis filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, listing 100,000 creditors with liabilities ranging from $1.2 billion $11 billion.
  • Three bankruptcy petitions were filed for Genesis' holding companies.
  • Genesis was a crypto lender, providing loans to crypto hedge funds and over-the-counter firms.
  • The collapse of FTX locked a large portion of Genesis' assets on the platform and led to the lender filing for bankruptcy.
Go deeper →
Technology

Getty Sues Stable Diffusion Maker

Friday, January 20, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Getty Images is suing the makers of Stable Diffusion for illegally scraping its images to create the AI image generator.
Technology
Friday, January 20, 2023

Getty Sues Stable Diffusion Maker

The context
Getty Images is suing the makers of Stable Diffusion for illegally scraping its images to create the AI image generator.
Go deeper
 →

Illegal training

  • Getty Images is suing the company behind Stable Diffusion.
  • Getty says that the makers of Stable Diffusion illegally copied and processed Getty's database of copyrighted images to train its AI image-generating tool.
  • The suit was filed in the High Court of Justice in London.
  • Getty has gone as far as to ban AI-generated images from its database and has decried the use of artist-owned, copyrighted images to train AI image generators.
Go deeper →
Technology

T-Mobile Announces Another Hack

Friday, January 20, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
T-mobile confirmed that a hacker was able to access the personal data of 37 million customers.
Technology
Friday, January 20, 2023

T-Mobile Announces Another Hack

The context
T-mobile confirmed that a hacker was able to access the personal data of 37 million customers.
Go deeper
 →

Personal data leaked

  • T-Mobile revealed that a hacker accessed the personal data of 37 million customers.
  • The hacker accessed names, billing addresses, emails, phone numbers, dates of birth, and other information.
  • T-Mobile has been hacked eight times in the last eight years, with the most recent hack happening last year.
Go deeper →

Data stolen

  • The hacker who accessed the personal information of 37 million T-Mobile users breached a single application programming interface that held the user's information.
  • Payment information, social security or tax ID numbers, driver's licenses or government IDs, or passwords were not stolen.
Go deeper →
Technology

Google Cuts 6% of Jobs

Friday, January 20, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Google announced it would lay off 6% of its workforce in cuts that began this morning. The cuts come as Google is reportedly increasing the company's focus on AI.
Technology
Friday, January 20, 2023

Google Cuts 6% of Jobs

The context
Google announced it would lay off 6% of its workforce in cuts that began this morning. The cuts come as Google is reportedly increasing the company's focus on AI.
Go deeper
 →

12,000 people

  • Alphabet, the parent company of Google, announced its cutting around 6% of its workforce as the pandemic-driven digital boom dwindles.
  • Google is the latest tech giant to announce layoffs after Microsoft and Amazon announced layoffs this week.
  • The cuts will impact about 12,000 people.
Go deeper →

Increased focus on AI

  • Alphabet is cutting about 6% of its workforce, about 12,000 jobs.
  • Google's parent company is facing increasing competition in the AI space from companies like Microsoft.
  • Alphabet made the decision to cut staff after a review of company priorities, which includes intensifying efforts to improve the company's AI-based products and decreasing spend on recruiting.
Go deeper →
The context
A study revealed that the top Twitter advertisers cut ad spending by 42% after Elon Musk took over the company.
Technology
Thursday, January 19, 2023

Twitter Advertisers Cut Ad Spending By 42%

The context
A study revealed that the top Twitter advertisers cut ad spending by 42% after Elon Musk took over the company.
Go deeper
 →

Ad spend declines

  • Ad spending by the top 30 advertisers on Twitter fell by 42% after Elon Musk took over the social media company.
  • Research from Pathmatics showed that companies significantly reduced ad buys after Musk's takeover.
  • Of Twitter's top 100 advertisers, 50 stopped their activity or fully cut ties with the platform within the first month of Musk's reign as CEO.
Go deeper →
Technology

Apple Announces New Home Pod

Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Apple announced an upgraded version of its HomePod that is larger, has upgraded audio, and more smart home tools.
Technology
Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Apple Announces New Home Pod

The context
Apple announced an upgraded version of its HomePod that is larger, has upgraded audio, and more smart home tools.
Go deeper
 →

Upgraded pod

  • Apple discontinued the original HomePod smart speaker in 2021, but today they announced a rerelease of the speaker.
  • The HomePod smart speaker is larger than the original, with upgraded audio, an S7 chip, and a lower price.
  • The speaker also includes new smart home tools.
Go deeper →
Technology

Amazon Layoffs

Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Amazon announced another round of layoffs. Today's round of layoffs and additional ones to come in 2023 would impact 18,000 employees. Impacted employees will receive a 60-day non-working transitional period with full pay and benefits, and severance.
Technology
Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Amazon Layoffs

The context
Amazon announced another round of layoffs. Today's round of layoffs and additional ones to come in 2023 would impact 18,000 employees. Impacted employees will receive a 60-day non-working transitional period with full pay and benefits, and severance.
Go deeper
 →

Job cuts

  • Amazon kicked off its largest round of job cuts ever today, impacting 18,000 employees globally.
  • US, Canada, and Costa Rice-based employees were notified today by email, and workers in Europe will be notified in the coming days.
  • Employees in China will be notified after the Chinese New Year.
Go deeper →
Technology

Microsoft Layoffs

Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Microsoft announced they would lay off 10,000 employees by the end of March and warned that the next two years would be tumultuous and challenging at the company. Eight hundred employees were notified they were laid off today.
Technology
Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Microsoft Layoffs

The context
Microsoft announced they would lay off 10,000 employees by the end of March and warned that the next two years would be tumultuous and challenging at the company. Eight hundred employees were notified they were laid off today.
Go deeper
 →

Two years of challenges

  • According to CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft is embarking on a difficult two years and will lay off 10,000 jobs by the end of the third quarter.
  • Microsoft ended the fiscal year with $83 billion in operating income and $198 billion in revenue.
Go deeper →

Layoffs announced

  • Rising prices and lower spending on tech prompted Microsoft to cut its workforce dramatically.
  • Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that customers are reducing their digital spend, which is impacting Microsoft's profits.
Go deeper →
Technology

Elon's Funding Tweet Trial Begins

Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
After Elon Musk tweeted "funding secured," hinting that he intended to take Tesla private in 2018, investors lost billions when stock prices plummeted after Musk decided not to follow through and buy back Tesla from the public. Those investors sued Musk for their losses, and the trial began in San Francisco today.
Technology
Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Elon's Funding Tweet Trial Begins

The context
After Elon Musk tweeted "funding secured," hinting that he intended to take Tesla private in 2018, investors lost billions when stock prices plummeted after Musk decided not to follow through and buy back Tesla from the public. Those investors sued Musk for their losses, and the trial began in San Francisco today.
Go deeper
 →

2018 tweet

  • In 2018, Elon Musk tweeted about a plan to take Tesla private, causing the carmaker's stock to jump, then plummet when Musk didn't follow through with the plan.
  • The tweet debacle caused investors to lose billions.
  • If the tweet is found by the court to be a false statement in a trial that began today, Tesla and Musk could be liable for billions in damages.
  • The plaintiffs need to prove that the money they lost on Tesla stock was directly tied to Musk's statement, and Musk will need to prove that he did indeed have the funding secured to take Tesla private when he crafted the tweet.
Go deeper →
The context
According to reporting from The Verge, Microsoft intends to lay off thousands of employees tomorrow as they cut about 5% of their workforce.
Technology
Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Microsoft Gears Up to Lay Off Thousands Tomorrow

The context
According to reporting from The Verge, Microsoft intends to lay off thousands of employees tomorrow as they cut about 5% of their workforce.
Go deeper
 →

Microsoft lay offs

  • Microsoft is reportedly preparing to cut about 5% of its workforce tomorrow.
  • Thousands of people may lose their jobs at the software giant.
  • Microsoft recently implemented a new unlimited time off policy, and CEO Satya Nadella also warned of challenges in 2023.
Go deeper →
The context
Apple announced a new Mac Mini with the M2 and M2 Pro chips and new Macbook Pros with the M2 Max and M2 Max chips.
Technology
Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Apple Announces New Models with M2 and Max Chips

The context
Apple announced a new Mac Mini with the M2 and M2 Pro chips and new Macbook Pros with the M2 Max and M2 Max chips.
Go deeper
 →

New Mac Mini

  • The Mac Mini is the latest Apple computer to get a boost from the M2 chip.
  • The new Mac Mini features 16GB of RAM, an additional two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and 512GB of SSD storage.
  • The new Mac Mini will have the new M2 chip, which is super powerful.
Go deeper →

MacBook Pro updates

  • Apple announced new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with the new M2 Pro and Max chips.
  • Apple announced the new MacBook Pros in a Youtube video.
  • The M2 chips is expected to deliver an 18 percent faster CPU and 35% faster GPU compared to the M1.
Go deeper →
The context
A Canadian accountant has been ordered to repay her former employer over $2,000 after time-tracking software installed on her laptop showed she misrepresented 50 hours of work.
Technology
Friday, January 13, 2023

Woman Ordered to Pay Up For Stolen Time

The context
A Canadian accountant has been ordered to repay her former employer over $2,000 after time-tracking software installed on her laptop showed she misrepresented 50 hours of work.
Go deeper
 →

Software snag

  • Canadian accountant Karlee Besse was fired for being unproductive in her job, but she sued the company saying she had been fired without just cause.
  • The company claimed she was engaged in time theft by misrepresenting more than 50 hours of work.
  • Time-tracking software installed on her work laptop proved that she had misrepresented the hours, and she was ordered by a Canadian court to pay $2,756 to her former employer.
  • Time-tracking software is growing in popularity as work-from-home policies become more commonplace.
Go deeper →
Technology

Pentagon Releases 2022 UFO Report

Friday, January 13, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
The Pentagon released the 2022 UFO report. The report reveals that the Pentagon received more than 350 reports of UFO sightings in 2022. The majority of sightings came from Navy and Air Force aviators and operators, and about 20 of the reports were attributed to drones to weather balloons.
Technology
Friday, January 13, 2023

Pentagon Releases 2022 UFO Report

The context
The Pentagon released the 2022 UFO report. The report reveals that the Pentagon received more than 350 reports of UFO sightings in 2022. The majority of sightings came from Navy and Air Force aviators and operators, and about 20 of the reports were attributed to drones to weather balloons.
Go deeper
 →

Since March 2021

  • The Defense Department has received 366 reports of UFOs since March 2021.
  • About 26 of the sightings were confirmed, and about half were attributed to unmanned aircraft like weather balloons or drones.
  • The majority of sightings came from Nacy and Air Force aviators.
  • The report did not provide evidence that the sightings were due to extraterrestrial life or new aircraft or weapons from other nations
Go deeper →

Long-awaited

  • The unclassified report was published by the Pentagon today.
  • The report covers a total of 510 sightings, 366 of which were sighted between March 2021 and the report's release.
  • Of the reported sightings, 171 remain uncharacterized and unattributed, while the rest were attributed to drones, unmanned aircraft systems, balloons, or airborne clutter.
Go deeper →
The context
Tesla is cutting the prices of its models by up to 20% in Europe and the US. The price of Model Y has been cut in Europe and the US, while Models X and S have been cut in the US.
Technology
Friday, January 13, 2023

Tesla Cutting Prices in the US and Europe

The context
Tesla is cutting the prices of its models by up to 20% in Europe and the US. The price of Model Y has been cut in Europe and the US, while Models X and S have been cut in the US.
Go deeper
 →

Competing at home and abroad

  • Tesla cut prices on most of its electric cars throughout the United States and Europe to compete with the growing demand for other electric vehicle makers.
  • The lower-priced models will now qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit established by the Inflation Reduction Act.
  • Auto sales in the US fell last year, but the sale of electric vehicles increased as demand grew.
  • Tesla is willing to concede profit to increase sales volume.
Go deeper →

Price cuts

  • Tesla is cutting prices throughout the US and Europe by up to 20%.
  • The cuts impact Model Y in Europe and Models X, Y, and S in the US.
  • The price cuts mean that Model Y will now qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit established by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Go deeper →
The context
NASA's James Webb telescope discovered its first exoplanet. The planet is Earth-sized and is called LHS 475 b.
Technology
Thursday, January 12, 2023

James Webb Telescope Discovers Exoplanet

The context
NASA's James Webb telescope discovered its first exoplanet. The planet is Earth-sized and is called LHS 475 b.
Go deeper
 →

Webb's first

  • NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has discovered its first new exoplanet, named LHS 475 b.
  • The discovery was announced at an American Astronomical Society meeting.
  • The planet is notable because it is Earth-sized and rocky, while most exoplanets astronomers have discovered are large gas giants. The planet likely has a carbon dioxide atmosphere or none at all.
Go deeper →

Exciting news for NASA

  • The planet LHS 475 b, discovered by the Webb telescope, is outside of our solar system and is almost the exact size of Earth.
  • Scientists used the Webb telescope's spectrograph technology after finding signs of the planet with NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite.
Go deeper →
Technology

Amazon Union in Staten Island Certified

Thursday, January 12, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
The National Labor Relations Board has certified a union formed by Amazon workers in Staten Island, despite objections from Amazon.
Technology
Thursday, January 12, 2023

Amazon Union in Staten Island Certified

The context
The National Labor Relations Board has certified a union formed by Amazon workers in Staten Island, despite objections from Amazon.
Go deeper
 →

Win cemented

  • The National Labor Relations Board rejected a slew of objections from Amazon and ruled to certify the union formed by workers at a Staten Island Amazon warehouse.
  • Amazon attempted to overturn the vote which formed the union last April.
  • The Amazon Labor Union voted to unionize in April after an initial vote in 2021 failed because of interference from the e-commerce giant.
Go deeper →

Loss for Amazon

  • The National Labor Relations Board ruled that Amazon must recognize its first unionized warehouse on Staten Island.
  • The Staten Island warehouse workers voted to join the Amazon Labor Union 618 to 380.
  • Unionization efforts have rarely resulted in victories for unions, thanks to Amazon's strict anti-union policies.
Go deeper →
Technology

Russia Launches Rescue Mission

Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Russia will launch an International Space Station rescue mission to bring home the stranded cosmonauts and US astronaut after a capsule leak rendered the Soyuz spacecraft they rode to the moon on inoperable. Russia will launch a new Soyuz craft with no crew that the three will use to return to Earth.
Technology
Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Russia Launches Rescue Mission

The context
Russia will launch an International Space Station rescue mission to bring home the stranded cosmonauts and US astronaut after a capsule leak rendered the Soyuz spacecraft they rode to the moon on inoperable. Russia will launch a new Soyuz craft with no crew that the three will use to return to Earth.
Go deeper
 →

Rescue mission

  • Russia will launch another Soyuz spacecraft next month that will land at the International Space Station.
  • The craft will replace another Soyuz that was sent to the ISS with two Russian cosmonauts and a US astronaut to the moon but was hit by a micrometeoroid, causing an unfixable leak.
  • The leak caused Russia to press pause on all ISS activities like spacewalks.
Go deeper →

Backup rocket

  • Russia's space agency is sending an empty Soyuz capsule to the ISS next month.
  • The next Soyuz will carry the three astronauts back to Earth, replacing the craft they took to the ISS, which sprung a coolant leak after being hit by a micrometeoroid.
  • The damaged Soyuz will return to Earth sometime in March since it poses a safety risk in case the leak increases in size.
  • The micrometeoroid that caused the damage was determined to be a piece of space debris and was not orbital debris from a rocket or satellite.
Go deeper →
Technology

Ubisoft Delays Skull and Bones Again

Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Ubisoft delayed the release of the game, "Skull and Bones," for the fifth time, pushing the game into its 11th year of development.
Technology
Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Ubisoft Delays Skull and Bones Again

The context
Ubisoft delayed the release of the game, "Skull and Bones," for the fifth time, pushing the game into its 11th year of development.
Go deeper
 →

Going on eleven

  • Ubisoft delayed the release of the video game, "Skull and Bones," yet again until 2024, until economic conditions are more favorable.
  • The delay is the fifth since the game was announced and pushes the game into year eleven of development.
Go deeper →
Technology

Microsoft Switches Up Time Off Policy

Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Microsoft employees will get unlimited time off thanks to a new Discretionary Time Off policy enacted by the company today.
Technology
Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Microsoft Switches Up Time Off Policy

The context
Microsoft employees will get unlimited time off thanks to a new Discretionary Time Off policy enacted by the company today.
Go deeper
 →

New policy

  • Microsoft emailed employees this morning, telling them that under a new "Discretionary Time Off Policy," they will get unlimited time off instead of needing to accrue vacation time.
  • The new policy will take effect on January 16th.
  • Employees with an unused vacation balance from before the policy begins will receive a payout in April.
Go deeper →
Technology

More States Ban TikTok on Gov Devices

Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
New Jersey and Ohio are the latest states to ban the social media app TikTok on government devices.
Technology
Tuesday, January 10, 2023

More States Ban TikTok on Gov Devices

The context
New Jersey and Ohio are the latest states to ban the social media app TikTok on government devices.
Go deeper
 →

Latest states

  • New Jersey and Ohio banned TikTok on government devices over national security concerns.
  • The two states are the latest to ban the China-based app TikTok on government devices over concerns about data sharing with the Chinese government.
  • TikTok responded, saying they were disappointed with the decision.
Go deeper →
Technology

Nikhil Wahi Sentenced to 10 Months

Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Nikhil Wahi, the brother of a former employee of Coinbase, has been sentenced to ten months in prison for insider trading. Wahi used his brother's position at Coinbase to buy coins before they were listed as popular on the exchange, then selling the coins for a massive profit when they rose in value. Wahi was convicted on charges of insider trading and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Technology
Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Nikhil Wahi Sentenced to 10 Months

The context
Nikhil Wahi, the brother of a former employee of Coinbase, has been sentenced to ten months in prison for insider trading. Wahi used his brother's position at Coinbase to buy coins before they were listed as popular on the exchange, then selling the coins for a massive profit when they rose in value. Wahi was convicted on charges of insider trading and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Go deeper
 →

Ten month sentence

  • Nikhil Wahi was sentenced to ten months in prison in the first cryptocurrency-related insider trading case brought by the DOJ.
  • Wahi's brother worked at Coinbase, and Wahi used his connection to buy coins before they were listed as popular by the exchange, then sell them once they were for a huge profit.
  • The scheme was discovered by a Twitter account that noticed the pattern.
Go deeper →
Technology

Ozone Layer Repairing

Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Thanks to a decades-long effort to repair the Ozone Layer in the Earth's atmosphere, the World Meteorological Organization projects that the hole in the Ozone will mostly close by 2066.
Technology
Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Ozone Layer Repairing

The context
Thanks to a decades-long effort to repair the Ozone Layer in the Earth's atmosphere, the World Meteorological Organization projects that the hole in the Ozone will mostly close by 2066.
Go deeper
 →

On the mend

  • Scientists with the World Meteorological Organization expect the hole in the ozone layer to start closing in the coming decades and return to normal.
  • Ozone molecules are damaged by certain airborne chemicals that have been banned since their prominence in the 1980s and replaced by greenhouse gases called hydrofluorocarbons.
  • The Ozone layer is expected to return to pre-1980s levels by 2066.
Go deeper →
Technology

FCC Forms Space Bureau

Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
The Federal Communications Commission has voted to form a space bureau to help regulate and manage orbiting satellites or other spacecraft.
Technology
Tuesday, January 10, 2023

FCC Forms Space Bureau

The context
The Federal Communications Commission has voted to form a space bureau to help regulate and manage orbiting satellites or other spacecraft.
Go deeper
 →

Orbit regulation

  • The FCC voted to form a space bureau to regulate objects orbiting the earth and handle business like satellite approval, orbital communications, and space debris.
  • The new space agency will work on decluttering the space around the earth and mandate that Satellites in low earth orbit return to earth safely instead of cluttering the upper atmosphere.
Go deeper →
Technology

Coinbase Cuts

Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Coinbase announced it would cut 20% of jobs and pause or abandon several projects thanks to the ongoing crypto winter.
Technology
Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Coinbase Cuts

The context
Coinbase announced it would cut 20% of jobs and pause or abandon several projects thanks to the ongoing crypto winter.
Go deeper
 →

Job cuts

  • Coinbase announced they are cutting 20% of its workforce, which is about 950 employees.
  • The cryptocurrency company also said it would shut down several projects to reduce expenses and weather the ongoing cryptocurrency winter.
  • Shares in Coinbase have fallen 83% in the past year.
Go deeper →
The context
According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple will spend 2023 focusing on building and launching its mixed-reality headset.
Technology
Monday, January 9, 2023

Apple's Mixed Reality Headset Coming in 2023

The context
According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple will spend 2023 focusing on building and launching its mixed-reality headset.
Go deeper
 →

Year of the headset

  • Apple will spend 2023 launching a mixed-reality headset after seven years of development.
  • The launch will have to wait for Apple to smooth out some kinks in the device's software, hardware, and marketing strategy.
  • The launch means that Apple will have a relatively muted year and release fewer new devices.
Go deeper →
The context
The US Supreme Court declined to block a lawsuit filed by WhatsApp against Israeli spyware maker NSO Group for uploading its Pegasus phone spyware onto devices that used WhatApp in order to spy on about 1,400 users, including journalists, government officials, and civilians. The suit will proceed in a Northern California court.
The context
The US Supreme Court declined to block a lawsuit filed by WhatsApp against Israeli spyware maker NSO Group for uploading its Pegasus phone spyware onto devices that used WhatApp in order to spy on about 1,400 users, including journalists, government officials, and civilians. The suit will proceed in a Northern California court.
Go deeper
 →

Suit can proceed

  • The Supreme Court declined to block a suit brought by WhatsApp against the Israeli spyware maker NSO group for uploading it's Pegasus phone spyware onto 1,400 users' devices.
  • NSO Group argued that it could not be sued because it was acting on behalf of a foreign government, a claim that was rejected by the US Supreme Court.
Go deeper →
The context
Princeton student Edward Tian has created an app that detects whether text has been written by OpenAI's viral chatbot, ChatGPT, in an effort to curb possible AI plagiarism. Tian is a computer science major and journalism minor, and he created the app GPTZero, over his winter break.
Technology
Monday, January 9, 2023

Student Creates App to Catch ChatGPT Cheaters

The context
Princeton student Edward Tian has created an app that detects whether text has been written by OpenAI's viral chatbot, ChatGPT, in an effort to curb possible AI plagiarism. Tian is a computer science major and journalism minor, and he created the app GPTZero, over his winter break.
Go deeper
 →

Take that AI!

  • Edward Tian created an app to detect whether an essay is written by ChatGPT from OpenAI.
  • Tian is a 22-year-old computer science major and journalism minor at Princeton.
  • The app detects whether a portion of text has been written by the viral chatbot from OpenAI, ChatGPT.
  • Ever since ChatGPT's launch, the bot has been criticized for its potential to be used unethically in schools as AI plagiarism.
Go deeper →
The context
The tractor maker John Deere has agreed to allow farmers to repair their own tractors but reserves the right to exit the agreement. The tractor maker signed an agreement with the agricultural lobbying group American Farm Bureau Federation. John Deere places a software lock on their equipment which only authorized dealers can unlock, forcing farmers to go to authorized dealers for repairs instead of less expensive third-party mechanics.
The context
The tractor maker John Deere has agreed to allow farmers to repair their own tractors but reserves the right to exit the agreement. The tractor maker signed an agreement with the agricultural lobbying group American Farm Bureau Federation. John Deere places a software lock on their equipment which only authorized dealers can unlock, forcing farmers to go to authorized dealers for repairs instead of less expensive third-party mechanics.
Go deeper
 →

DIY

  • John Deere signed a memorandum of understanding with the agricultural lobbying group American Farm Bureau Federation, which will allow farmers to take their machines to third-party repair shops.
  • The tractor-maker uses a software lock that prevents third-party mechanics from fixing equipment.
  • The agreement still leaves plenty of wiggle room for John Deere to back out or skirt federal and state right-to-repair legislation.
Go deeper →
The context
The celebrity photo agency Backgrid is suing Twitter for failing to take down duplicate photos on the platform violating the agency's copyright and American safe harbor laws for copyright. The complaint predates Elon Musk's takeover, but his new content moderation policies and layoffs have exacerbated the problem further.
Technology
Monday, January 9, 2023

The Copyright Hole in Twitter's Armor

The context
The celebrity photo agency Backgrid is suing Twitter for failing to take down duplicate photos on the platform violating the agency's copyright and American safe harbor laws for copyright. The complaint predates Elon Musk's takeover, but his new content moderation policies and layoffs have exacerbated the problem further.
Go deeper
 →

Copyright violations

  • Twitter is being sued by the celebrity photo agency, Backgrid for failing to take down copies of its images from the platform.
  • The suit alleges that Twitter should not be immune to American safe harbor laws for copyright, even though social media platforms aren't liable for user-generated content.
  • Copyrighted images are not technically considered user-generated content, opening a hole in Twitter's content policy armor.
Go deeper →
The context
Sony and Manchester City are working on building a metaverse experience for fans of the soccer club.
Technology
Friday, January 6, 2023

Sony and Manchester City's Metaverse Partnership

The context
Sony and Manchester City are working on building a metaverse experience for fans of the soccer club.
Go deeper
 →

Fan experience

  • At CES 2023 in Las Vegas, Sony showed a preview of a metaverse experience that the company is partnering with the soccer club Manchester City to build.
  • The preview showed an experience that lets fans participate in activities in a virtual Etihad Stadium.
Go deeper →
The context
The USDA has approved the world's first vaccine for honeybees, according to the biotech firm Dalan Animal Health. The vaccine is intended to help honeybees fight American Foulbrood disease.
Technology
Friday, January 6, 2023

USDA Approves Vaccine for Honeybees

The context
The USDA has approved the world's first vaccine for honeybees, according to the biotech firm Dalan Animal Health. The vaccine is intended to help honeybees fight American Foulbrood disease.
Go deeper
 →

Helping honeybees

  • The Department of Agriculture approved a vaccine to help honeybees fight American Foulbrood disease.
  • The loss of bees has far-ranging impacts on the health of agriculture in the US.
  • American Foulbrood disease is contributing to the decline of the honeybee's population health.
Go deeper →

World's first

  • The USDA granted a conditional license for a company called Dalan Animal Health that treats American Foulbrood disease in honeybees.
  • The vaccine targets queens of hives, who pass on the immunity to their offspring.
Go deeper →
Technology

Sony and Honda Partner

Thursday, January 5, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Sony and Honda announced they are partnering to create an electric car brand at CES 2023 last night. The car brand is called Afeela, and a prototype was previewed at the Las Vegas tech concert.
Technology
Thursday, January 5, 2023

Sony and Honda Partner

The context
Sony and Honda announced they are partnering to create an electric car brand at CES 2023 last night. The car brand is called Afeela, and a prototype was previewed at the Las Vegas tech concert.
Go deeper
 →

Feeling out Afeela

  • Sony and Honda unveiled their electric car brand at CES 2023 on Wednesday night.
  • The two unveiled an EV prototype called Afeela.
  • The car will go on sale in North America in 2026.
  • The prototype includes over 40 sensors on the exterior of the vehicle, which will aid the car’s ability to drive autonomously.
Go deeper →
Technology

Delta and T-Mobile Team Up

Thursday, January 5, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Delta and T-Mobile are teaming up to make in-flight Wi-Fi free for SkyMiles members.
Technology
Thursday, January 5, 2023

Delta and T-Mobile Team Up

The context
Delta and T-Mobile are teaming up to make in-flight Wi-Fi free for SkyMiles members.
Go deeper
 →

Free for SkyMiles members

  • T-Mobile is partnering with Delta to give SkyMiles members free wifi.
  • The service will run on Viasat's network and will have no session limits.
  • To sign up, users will have to be members of SkyMiles.
Go deeper →
Technology

New York AG Sues Celsius Founder

Thursday, January 5, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that the state is suing Celsius Network founder Alex Mashinsky for defrauding tens of thousands of crypto investors in the company’s epic $20 billion collapse.
Technology
Thursday, January 5, 2023

New York AG Sues Celsius Founder

The context
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that the state is suing Celsius Network founder Alex Mashinsky for defrauding tens of thousands of crypto investors in the company’s epic $20 billion collapse.
Go deeper
 →

Crypto fraud

  • New York Attorney General Letitia James is suing the founder of Celsius Network, Alex Mashinsky, for defrauding investors out of billions in cryptocurrency by failing to disclose the internal collapse of the crypto lending platform.
  • The suit seeks to ban the founder from doing business in New York and force him to pay damages for violating the state’s Martin Act and other laws.
Go deeper →

Massive collapse

  • Alex Mashinsky is being sued by New York Attorney General Letitia James for defrauding investors in his cryptocurrency lending platform, Celsius Network.
  • The AG’s office is seeking monetary damages and fines from Mashinsky as well as seeking to ban him from leading a company or working in the securities industry in the state.
  • Celsius offered investors sky-high yields before it collapsed, taking $20 billion in investors' money with it.
Go deeper →
Technology

Day One of CES

Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Today was the first day of CES 2023. Some of the standouts include new smart home systems from Samsung, a smart toilet that tracks your health, and new TVs.
Technology
Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Day One of CES

The context
Today was the first day of CES 2023. Some of the standouts include new smart home systems from Samsung, a smart toilet that tracks your health, and new TVs.
Go deeper
 →

CES highlights

  • CES 2023 kicked off today.
  • One highlight was the Withing U-San, a device installed into a toilet that uses the customer's urine to track health metrics.
  • Samsung announced three new TVs.
  • Qi wireless charging is being upgraded with tech from apple that allows MagSafe to build out the new Qi2.
Go deeper →
The context
Coinbase settled with the New York Department of Financial Services for $100 million. The cryptocurrency exchange agreed to pay a $50 million fine and to invest $50 million into strengthening internal compliance programs after the company was sued for failing to properly vet new customers.
The context
Coinbase settled with the New York Department of Financial Services for $100 million. The cryptocurrency exchange agreed to pay a $50 million fine and to invest $50 million into strengthening internal compliance programs after the company was sued for failing to properly vet new customers.
Go deeper
 →

Stock spikes

  • Coinbase settled with the New York Department of Financial Services for failures in its anti-money laundering program and for failing to vet new customers properly.
  • The suit called out Coinbase for suspicious or unlawful conduct that was being conducted on the Coinbase platform.
  • Coinbase did not properly vet new customers, allowing users who have been flagged for crimes to be allowed on the platform.
  • The stock prices of Coinbase have spiked since the $100 million settlement was reached.
Go deeper →

$100 million total

  • Coinbase reached a $100 million settlement with the New York Department of Financial Services for improperly vetting new customers and allowing for money laundering on the platform.
  • The settlement is comprised of a $50 million penalty and a $50 million investment into boosting compliance efforts to fix the platform system for checking new customers and preventing money laundering.
  • Coinbase will work with a third-party monitor to enact the new changes.
Go deeper →
Technology

Microsoft Recognizes Union

Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Three hundred quality assurance testers voted to unionize at Microsoft subsidiary, ZeniMax, making the group Microsoft's first official union in the US.
Technology
Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Microsoft Recognizes Union

The context
Three hundred quality assurance testers voted to unionize at Microsoft subsidiary, ZeniMax, making the group Microsoft's first official union in the US.
Go deeper
 →

First time for everything

  • Three hundred quality assurance testers at ZeniMax, a gaming studio owned by Microsoft, voted to unionize.
  • The union is Microsoft's first.
  • Microsoft declared in June that they would support the unionization efforts of employees after employees at Activision Blizzard, which Microsoft is in the process of acquiring, voted to unionize.
  • Quality assurance testers often work overtime without compensation and face challenging working conditions before games are launched to the public.
Go deeper →
Technology

Louisiana Tackles Explicit Content

Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Go deeper
 →
The context
Louisiana's New Porn Law took effect today. The legislation requires a government ID to prove a user is above 18 years of age to access sites like Pornhub.
Technology
Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Louisiana Tackles Explicit Content

The context
Louisiana's New Porn Law took effect today. The legislation requires a government ID to prove a user is above 18 years of age to access sites like Pornhub.
Go deeper
 →

Law takes effect

  • A new law in Louisiana went into effect on January 1st that requires visitors on sites owned by MindGeek to verify their age with a government ID.
  • The law targets sites owned by MindGeek, like Pornhub, that contain explicit content.
  • Users will have to prove they are above the age of eighteen to access the site.
Go deeper →

Government ID

  • Louisiana HB 142 took effect on January 1st, mandating that any visitor to sites composed of 33% percent pornographic content provide a government ID to verify they are 18 or older.
  • Sites like Pornhub now require a government-issued ID for Louisiana residents.
  • The sites are allowed to retain data from the verification process only for the visitor's age, but age verification has been proven problematic in the past since it requires trusting a third-party service with the user's private data.
Go deeper →
The context
Meta has agreed to a $725 million settlement for allowing third parties, like the consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, access to users' data. The attorneys representing Facebook users said the settlement is the largest sum paid in a class-action privacy case in the U.S.
Technology
Friday, December 23, 2022

Meta Pays Up in Cambridge Analytica Case

The context
Meta has agreed to a $725 million settlement for allowing third parties, like the consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, access to users' data. The attorneys representing Facebook users said the settlement is the largest sum paid in a class-action privacy case in the U.S.
Go deeper
 →

Historic settlement

  • Meta agreed to pay $725 million to settle a privacy class action suit filed on behalf of Facebook users over Meta's sharing of users' data with third parties, including the consulting firm Cambridge Analytica.
  • The settlement still needs to be approved by a judge.
  • The sum is the largest ever paid in a privacy class action suit.
Go deeper →
Technology

Microsoft Responds to FTC

Friday, December 23, 2022
Go deeper
 →
The context
Microsoft issued a response to the FTC after the commission sued to block Microsoft from acquiring the video game maker Activision Blizzard.
Technology
Friday, December 23, 2022

Microsoft Responds to FTC

The context
Microsoft issued a response to the FTC after the commission sued to block Microsoft from acquiring the video game maker Activision Blizzard.
Go deeper
 →

Read the room

  • Microsoft filed a 37-page response to the FTC's suit attempting to block Microsoft from acquiring Activision Blizzard.
  • In the response, Microsoft defended the acquisition, reiterating that they remain committed to working on the deal to protect competition, consumers, and workers in the tech sector.
  • Microsoft also said that the video game industry has an enormous amount of competition, so their acquisition of Activision Blizzard wouldn't eliminate competition in the industry.
Go deeper →

Intends to fight

  • Microsoft responded to the FTC, saying that they intend to fight the suit from the commission trying to block the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
  • The FTC claims the merger could violate antitrust laws by squashing competition in the video game industry.
  • The case could drag out until August, but Microsoft remains committed to the acquisition.
Go deeper →
Technology

LastPass Hack Gets Worse

Friday, December 23, 2022
Go deeper
 →
The context
LastPass revealed that hackers stole customers' password vaults in a data breach earlier this year. The password manager previously assured companies that their accounts were secure before revealing last night that password vaults had been accessed.
Technology
Friday, December 23, 2022

LastPass Hack Gets Worse

The context
LastPass revealed that hackers stole customers' password vaults in a data breach earlier this year. The password manager previously assured companies that their accounts were secure before revealing last night that password vaults had been accessed.
Go deeper
 →

Cracked the vault

  • Password manager LastPass confirmed that hackers stole customers' encrypted password vaults, which included passwords and other secrets, in a data breach earlier this year.
  • LastPass assured customers that if they change their current master password, their vault will be resecured.
Go deeper →

Just now

  • Even though LastPass revealed the hack earlier this year, they did not specify that hackers had been able to copy a backup of customer vault data.
  • Customers store passwords or other secretive information in their vaults.
  • If you have an account with LastPass, your password vault may be in the hands of hackers.
Go deeper →
Technology

FCC Proposes Robocaller Fine

Thursday, December 22, 2022
Go deeper
 →
The context
The FCC has proposed a $300 million fine for a scheme led by Roy Cox Jr. and Michael Aaron Jones, who made billions of calls about auto warranties. The fine is the largest robocaller fine in history.
Technology
Thursday, December 22, 2022

FCC Proposes Robocaller Fine

The context
The FCC has proposed a $300 million fine for a scheme led by Roy Cox Jr. and Michael Aaron Jones, who made billions of calls about auto warranties. The fine is the largest robocaller fine in history.
Go deeper
 →

FCC proposes largest robocaller fine in history

  • The Federal Communications Commission proposed a record-breaking $300 million fine for a scheme orchestrated by Roy Cox Jr. and Michael Aaron Jones, who made more than 5 billion robocalls to auto warranties.
  • The scheme began in 2018, and the FCC's fine is the largest robocaller film in history.
Go deeper →
Technology

New Twitter Search Feature

Thursday, December 22, 2022
Go deeper
 →
The context
Twitter added a new feature to search results. Now, stock and cryptocurrency prices are displayed directly in search results.
Technology
Thursday, December 22, 2022

New Twitter Search Feature

The context
Twitter added a new feature to search results. Now, stock and cryptocurrency prices are displayed directly in search results.
Go deeper
 →

Amped up search

  • Twitter added a new feature that lets users search for listed company stocks and cryptocurrency prices right in the search bar.
  • Users can type the dollar sign followed by the company or coins ticker symbols.
Go deeper →
Technology

FTX Co-Conspirators Plead Guilty

Thursday, December 22, 2022
Go deeper
 →
The context
FTX co-founder Gary Wang and Alameda Research's CEO Caroline Ellison have pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges, turning on the former CEO of FTX Sam Bankman-Fried. The pair are cooperating with the federal investigation into Bankman-Fried's wildly mismanaged crypto exchange FTX and crypto hedge fund, Alameda Research.
Technology
Thursday, December 22, 2022

FTX Co-Conspirators Plead Guilty

The context
FTX co-founder Gary Wang and Alameda Research's CEO Caroline Ellison have pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges, turning on the former CEO of FTX Sam Bankman-Fried. The pair are cooperating with the federal investigation into Bankman-Fried's wildly mismanaged crypto exchange FTX and crypto hedge fund, Alameda Research.
Go deeper
 →

Charged and cooperating

  • Two associates of the former FTX CEO Sam Bankman Fried, FTX co-founder Gary Wang and the CEO of Alameda Research Caroline Ellison turned on Bankman-Fried, pleading guilty to multiple federal criminal charges.
  • The two will cooperate as potential witnesses for the DOJ as they pursue a case against Sam Bankman-Fried for fraudulent business practices, including using customer funds to cover risky crypto trading maneuvers.
  • In addition to the criminal charges, all three will face civil penalties from the SEC and CFTC.
Go deeper →

Two closest associates

  • The SEC alleged that Gary Wang and Caroline Ellison were knowing conspirators in Sam Bankman's multiyear scheme to scheme to defraud FTX investors.
  • Ellison, the CEO of Alameda Research, manipulated the price of FTX's native token, FTT, by buying large quantities of the coin on the open market. The token was used as collateral for risky investments.
  • The agency claims that Ellison was well aware that Bankman-Fried was using customer funds to manipulate the price of FTT, finance personal loans, or cover risky investments.
Go deeper →
Technology

Debris Delays Spacewalk

Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Go deeper
 →
The context
Debris from an old Russian spacecraft forced NASA to cancel a planned spacewalk as it passed by the International Space Station.
Technology
Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Debris Delays Spacewalk

The context
Debris from an old Russian spacecraft forced NASA to cancel a planned spacewalk as it passed by the International Space Station.
Go deeper
 →

Called off last minute

  • NASA delayed a planned spacewalk at the last minute as the space station performed an emergency maneuver to get out of the way of a piece of an old Russian rocket.
  • The debris is a Fregat upper stage used on Soyuz and Zenith launchers, and it passed by the ISS at 11:17 a.m. EST.
Go deeper →
Technology

Sam Bankman-Fried Headed Stateside

Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Go deeper
 →
The context
Sam Bankman-Fried's extradition has been approved by a judge, paving the way for the former CEO of FTX to be returned to the US to face criminal charges.
Technology
Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Sam Bankman-Fried Headed Stateside

The context
Sam Bankman-Fried's extradition has been approved by a judge, paving the way for the former CEO of FTX to be returned to the US to face criminal charges.
Go deeper
 →

Papers are signed

  • Sam Bankman-Fried has signed extradition papers in the Bahamas after a judge approved the FTX founder's extradition.
  • Bankman-Fried faces eight charges of fraud and conspiracy, and if convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
  • Both FTX and Alameda Research filed for bankruptcy after using customer funds deposited on the FTX site to fund luxury purchases and personal loans for employees at both companies.
Go deeper →
Technology

OpenAI Releases Point-E

Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Go deeper
 →
The context
OpenAI released Point-E, an AI image generator that generates 3D models.
Technology
Tuesday, December 20, 2022

OpenAI Releases Point-E

The context
OpenAI released Point-E, an AI image generator that generates 3D models.
Go deeper
 →

3D capability

  • OpenAI released Point-E is an image generator that generates 3D models after the user inputs a prompt.
  • The model generates point clouds to form a 3D shape using an AI system.
  • The image generator could be used to 3D print models from user generated prompts.
Go deeper →
Technology

USPS Gears Up to Go Electric

Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Go deeper
 →
The context
The US Postal Service will be three-quarters electric by 2028, and by 2026 the agency will buy exclusively electric vehicles.
Technology
Tuesday, December 20, 2022

USPS Gears Up to Go Electric

The context
The US Postal Service will be three-quarters electric by 2028, and by 2026 the agency will buy exclusively electric vehicles.
Go deeper
 →

Three quarters electric

  • The USPS will have a 75% electric fleet of vehicles by 2028.
  • The fleet maintained by the USPS is the largest federal fleet.
  • Now that the fleet will be majority electric, the Biden administration's goal of net-zero federal government operations by 2050 is much more attainable.
Go deeper →

Climate win

  • The US Postal Service will use funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to purchase 66,000 vehicles to build out an electric fleet.
  • The upgrade is long overdue since most of the trucks used by the USPS are about 30 years old.
  • Even critics of the USPS are excited about the decision.
Go deeper →
Technology

Meta Delays Within Acquisition

Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Go deeper
 →
The context
Meta announced they are delaying the planned acquisition of the VR fitness company, Within, by at least one month. The FTC filed a suit to block Meta from acquiring the company over antitrust concerns.
Technology
Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Meta Delays Within Acquisition

The context
Meta announced they are delaying the planned acquisition of the VR fitness company, Within, by at least one month. The FTC filed a suit to block Meta from acquiring the company over antitrust concerns.
Go deeper
 →

Antitrust claims

  • Meta agreed not to close the acquisition of the VR studio Within until January 31st, delaying the deal's close by a month.
  • The decision was made after antitrust concerns raised by regulators threatened to drag out the acquisition.
  • Meta and the FTC are embroiled in a court battle over whether the purchase of Within constitutes Meta unlawfully monopolizing the VR industry.
Go deeper →

One month

  • Meta agreed to push back the acquisition of Within Unlimited until the end of January or until the court rules on the FTC's preliminary injunction trial with Meta.
  • The FTC filed suit this summer to block Meta from acquiring Within.
Go deeper →
Technology

Twitter Users Vote No On Musk

Monday, December 19, 2022
Go deeper
 →
The context
Twitter CEO Elon Musk posted a poll to his account, asking users if he should step down as CEO. The majority of users voted yes, winning by a margin of 15%.
Technology
Monday, December 19, 2022

Twitter Users Vote No On Musk

The context
Twitter CEO Elon Musk posted a poll to his account, asking users if he should step down as CEO. The majority of users voted yes, winning by a margin of 15%.
Go deeper
 →

Awkward results

  • Elon Musk shared a poll on Sunday afternoon asking users if he should step down as the CEO of Twitter.
  • Seventeen million users voted. 57.5% of users voted yes, while 42% voted no.
  • In the post, Musk says that the user's decision would be abided by, but it is unclear how he will respond to the voters.
Go deeper →
The context
Twitter quietly made a significant change this weekend; the platform “no longer allows free promotion of certain social media platforms.” The change means that users won’t be able to post their Facebook, Instagram, or Mastodon handles. The decision was reversed on Monday morning, after Twitter users voted on a poll to remove the policy.
The context
Twitter quietly made a significant change this weekend; the platform “no longer allows free promotion of certain social media platforms.” The change means that users won’t be able to post their Facebook, Instagram, or Mastodon handles. The decision was reversed on Monday morning, after Twitter users voted on a poll to remove the policy.
Go deeper
 →

Policy reversed

  • Twitter enacted a new policy banning links promoting other social networks, including Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, Truth Social, Tribel, Nostr, and Post.
  • The policy says that the platform will delete tweets if you violate the policy, and multiple violations will result in a temporary account lock.
  • The decision was made after the Washington Post journalist Taylor Lorenz, who covers Musk for the publication, deleted all her tweets except for tweets promoting her other social media handles.
  • The policy was reversed on Monday morning.
Go deeper →
The context
Twitter quietly made a significant change this weekend; the platform “no longer allows free promotion of certain social media platforms.” The change means that users won’t be able to post their Facebook, Instagram, or Mastodon handles. Mastodon has emerged as a competitor of Twitter since Musk’s takeover.
Technology
Monday, December 19, 2022

Twitter Bans Mentions of Other Platforms

The context
Twitter quietly made a significant change this weekend; the platform “no longer allows free promotion of certain social media platforms.” The change means that users won’t be able to post their Facebook, Instagram, or Mastodon handles. Mastodon has emerged as a competitor of Twitter since Musk’s takeover.
Go deeper
 →

Banned links

  • Twitter enacted a new policy banning links promoting other social networks, including Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, Truth Social, Tribel, Nostr, and Post.
  • The policy says that the platform will delete tweets if you violate the policy, and multiple violations will result in a temporary account lock.
  • The decision was made after the Washington Post journalist Taylor Lorenz, who covers Musk for the publication, deleted all her tweets except for tweets promoting her other social media handles.
Go deeper →
Technology

Binance Swoops Voyager's Assets

Monday, December 19, 2022
Go deeper
 →