undefined 23, 2024
What actually happened inside the CrowdStrike update to cause a worldwide IT breakdown?
A global IT outage caused chaos at airports, supermarkets, and media outlets on Friday due to a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. The update to CrowdStrike's Falcon program, released at 4:09am UTC, triggered a logic error, leading to system crashes on millions of Windows computers, showing the "Blue Screen of Death." This malfunction did not affect Mac or Linux systems. The update, intended as a security patch, resulted in a widespread system reboot loop for Windows users running version 7.11 or higher.
Cybersecurity firm Wiz calls off $23 billion deal with Google
Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz has ended acquisition talks with Google-parent Alphabet, which was reportedly considering a $23 billion deal that would have been its largest-ever acquisition. Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport stated the company will now focus on an initial public offering, aiming for $1 billion in annual recurring revenue. Alphabet and Wiz have not officially acknowledged the talks. Wiz's decision marks a setback for Google's cloud business ambitions and follows its earlier withdrawal from a potential acquisition of HubSpot.
Ryanair wins case against Booking.com in US court ruling
A US court ruled that Booking.com violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act by unauthorized access to parts of Ryanair's website, a decision that Ryanair believes will help end unauthorized screen scraping by booking sites. Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, has pursued legal action against third-party platforms reselling its tickets without permission, alleging they add charges and hinder passenger contact. The Delaware District Court jury found Booking.com induced unauthorized access to Ryanair's site to defraud. Booking.com plans to appeal, emphasizing consumer choice. Ryanair's CEO hopes the ruling will curb illegal screen scraping and overcharging.
Copying, the way design works
This short book explores copying in design. Charles Eames' LCW chair, designed in 1950, epitomizes solving problems over creating art. The LCW, now $1,195 from Herman Miller, can be copied for $145 by Modway. This highlights the importance of copying in design. Steve Jobs echoed this sentiment, incorporating Xerox PARC's innovations into Apple's Macintosh. The book argues that copying, often seen as negative, is essential to design's evolution.
Musk says Tesla to use humanoid robots next year
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that Tesla will start producing humanoid robots next year, with sales beginning in 2026. Named Optimus, these robots will initially be used in Tesla factories to perform unsafe or repetitive tasks. Musk envisions mass production with a target price under $20,000. Other companies like Honda and Boston Dynamics are also developing humanoid robots. Tesla's shares rose by over 5% ahead of its latest financial results. Musk, known for ambitious timelines, has previously missed several deadlines, including for self-driving taxis and the robotaxi unveiling.
Source: interestingengineering
Space Race: UK to conduct in-orbit experiment of drug manufacturing
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has partnered with BiologIC Technologies to develop drug-producing technologies for testing on the International Space Station (ISS). BiologIC's precision bioprocessing platform, adapted for microgravity, will enable space biomanufacturing, crucial for sustaining human activities in deep space and creating new therapeutics. Their biocomputer, a modular machine using fluidic bioprocessing chips, promises robust and flexible bioprocessing. The UKSA is investing $84 million in innovative space technologies through its National Space Innovation Programme.
An algorithm told police she was safe. Then her husband killed her
Spain relies on an algorithm called VioGén to assess the risk of domestic violence victims being abused again and to determine the protection they need, sometimes with fatal results. In one case, Lobna Hemid was assessed as "low risk" after being attacked by her husband, who later killed her. VioGén's integration into law enforcement has helped reduce repeat attacks, but its flaws are evident, with some victims misclassified and subsequently harmed or killed. Since 2007, at least 247 women have been killed by their partners despite being assessed by VioGén, highlighting its limitations.
Rivian CEO says too many carmakers are copying Tesla
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe discussed a $5 billion joint venture with Volkswagen to co-develop core hardware and software for their vehicles. Rivian will provide a simplified electronics platform, reducing vehicle complexity and update time. Scaringe criticized other carmakers for copying Tesla rather than innovating. The partnership allows Rivian to focus on technology while VW brands can customize their UI. This deal aims to boost EV innovation and align with Rivian's mission to advance compelling electric vehicles.
Here's what happens if you give people free money
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's OpenResearch found that giving $1,000 a month for three years to some of the poorest Americans improved spending on basics and increased business startups but did not significantly enhance long-term financial health or physical well-being. While the cash boosted income and spending on essentials, it also led to higher debt and a slight reduction in work. Critics argue it may foster reliance on support, but researchers emphasize that recipients valued the flexibility to align work with personal goals.
Google Play Store finally raises its app standards, apps have to actually work
Google is overhauling its Play Store policies effective August 31, 2024, to tackle the prevalence of low-quality apps. The update, targeting spam and minimal functionality, will enforce higher standards: apps must be stable, functional, and engaging. Google will crack down on apps with no real function, minimal content, or those that don’t install. This move aims to clean up the Play Store, making it easier for users to find genuinely useful apps and improving the overall app discovery experience.
Why you are probably sitting down for too long
Prolonged sitting, whether at work or home, is linked to serious health risks like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Jeremy Morris’s 1953 study showed that bus drivers, who sat all day, had higher coronary heart disease rates than bus conductors who stayed active. Today’s shift to remote work increases sitting time, exacerbating these risks. Sedentary behavior, marked by reduced muscle activity and poor blood flow, worsens vascular dysfunction. Experts like David Dunstan highlight that even with regular exercise, long periods of sitting can be harmful.
Hong Kong to launch 'Inverse Bitcoin ETF' for first time in Asia
Asia’s first inverse Bitcoin ETF, launching in Hong Kong, allows investors to profit from Bitcoin’s decline. CSOP Asset Management's CSOP Bitcoin Futures Daily (-1x) Inverse Product will debut on Tuesday. Following a volatile period for Bitcoin, including a 12% drop last quarter, this ETF aims to capitalize on downturns. Bitcoin's recent volatility peaked at 38.3% in 2023, outpacing major assets. CSOP, which launched Asia’s first Bitcoin futures ETF in 2022, sees this new product as an opportunity to benefit from Bitcoin's price swings.
Another intermediate-mass black hole discovered at the centre of our galaxy
An international team led by Dr. Florian Peißker has found evidence of an intermediate-mass black hole in the star cluster IRS 13 near the supermassive black hole SgrA* at our galaxy's center. Published in The Astrophysical Journal, the study reveals that IRS 13's stars move in an unexpectedly orderly pattern, suggesting the influence of a central black hole. Observations with the Very Large Telescope, ALMA, showing high-density and X-ray emissions. The discovery may provide insights into the formation of supermassive black holes.
Xiaomi launches first flip phone at just over $800, with portable printer
Xiaomi unveiled its first flip phone, the Mix Flip, which can print photos using a separate portable printer priced at $68. The Mix Flip starts at $825 and is available for preorder with deliveries starting Tuesday. Xiaomi also launched the Mix Fold 4, maintaining its previous price at $8,999. Xiaomi's founder, Lei Jun, discussed the SU7 sedan’s success, with deliveries surpassing 30,000 and a target of 100,000 by November. The company is also focusing on electric cars, aiming to test a high-speed race car version of the SU7.
The world is not quite ready for ‘digital workers’
Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice, recently faced backlash for proposing to integrate "digital workers" like AI avatars into her HR platform. While AI agents such as Salesforce’s Einstein and Cognition’s Devin perform tasks traditionally handled by humans, Franklin’s plan to officially recognize them as employees was met with criticism. Critics argue that this approach devalues human workers and reflects poorly on the current state of AI. Despite the hype, AI is still in its early stages, and Franklin's vision may have been premature.
The best keyboards for work and play
PC keyboards are a hot topic with passionate debates about mechanical vs. membrane switches, key cap materials, and more. Given how much time we spend typing, especially with more people working from home, it's worth investing in a comfortable, high-quality keyboard. We've tested a range of keyboards across different price points to find the best options for gaming, office work, and everything in between. For those who love the clicky-clacky feel, check out this Mechanical Keyboards guide.
What is game design and how to become a game designer
This article explores game design, a creative field within video game development focused on crafting engaging stories, characters, rules, and challenges. Game designers blend skills in writing, art, and programming to create immersive experiences. Troy Dunniway, an award-winning game designer with experience at Microsoft, EA, and Ubisoft, emphasizes that successful game design requires understanding how and why to implement ideas across various aspects of game creation. For insights into this dynamic field, Troy’s expertise offers valuable guidance.
Cryptoverse: like a bond with no yield? Investors split on ether ETFs
Ether's upcoming ETF launch is generating less excitement than Bitcoin's debut. Investors are cautious due to the SEC's exclusion of ether staking, which offers yield but is not included in the ETFs. This limits their appeal, making them less attractive compared to staked ether options. Estimates suggest ether ETFs might attract 10-25% of Bitcoin’s ETF flows. As Ethereum’s market cap is significantly smaller than Bitcoin's, initial interest is expected to be subdued.
Source: interestingengineering
Sky drift: Boeing’s pilotless air taxi could take passenger flight by 2030
Flying cars, once a Jetsons fantasy, are nearing reality. Boeing's subsidiary, Wisk Aero, aims to launch its autonomous air taxi by the end of the decade to tackle U.S. traffic issues. The sixth-generation eVTOL, capable of carrying four passengers and luggage, boasts a 90-mile range and speeds up to 138 mph. Technological and regulatory challenges remain, but Wisk is also eyeing expansion into Asian markets, leveraging Boeing's global R&D and manufacturing partnerships.
