undefined 30, 2024
Olympics: the AI keeps the score
The spider cam captured the apex of athleticism in Simone Biles' vault. Unseen cameras by Fujitsu, however, aimed to revolutionize gymnastics judging through AI technology. This AI system, collaborating with the International Gymnastics Federation since 2017, uses multiple high-definition cameras to create 3D models of athletes’ performances, offering precise assessments in disputed cases. First used fully at the 2023 World Championships, it promises fairer, transparent scoring. While AI in sports isn't new, its application in gymnastics tackles a uniquely complex and evolving challenge.
CrowdStrike offers $10 gift card apology for $5bn outage
CrowdStrike offered $10 Uber Eats gift cards to partners as an apology for a global outage that crashed millions of computers, causing over $5 billion in losses. The cyber security firm acknowledged the disruption and expressed gratitude via email. However, some gift cards were flagged as fraud by Uber Eats due to high usage rates. The outage, caused by a faulty update to CrowdStrike’s software, impacted around 8.5 million computers and severely disrupted various sectors, highlighting the risks of dependency on cloud services.
Trump shooter used drone like a ‘rearview mirror’ before assassination attempt
Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to assassinate Donald Trump on July 13, used a drone to scout the area before the rally, according to FBI Director Christopher Wray. The drone, found in Crooks's car, was flown near the rally site but wasn't used during the attack. Crooks had also googled details about JFK's assassination and might have been livestreaming drone footage. FBI is still analyzing his electronic devices for more information. The case has fueled conspiracy theories, including suggestions of FBI involvement in past events.
What's special about Paris 2024's flying Olympic flame and how does it work?
For the Paris 2024 Olympics, the flame will be airborne and electrically and water-powered, honoring the Montgolfier brothers' hot air balloon innovation. During the opening ceremony, the flame, lit by former French Olympians Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner, ascended into the night sky. The cauldron, designed by Mathieu Lehanneur, features a unique 30-meter-high structure with a 7-meter-diameter ring symbolizing fraternity, and will be raised 30 meters into the air each evening, adding a new dimension to the Olympic tradition.
Apple brings Apple Intelligence, but there are a lot of limitations
Apple has begun rolling out its AI suite, Apple Intelligence, with the iOS 18.1 developer beta. Initially announced at WWDC in June, the beta features are now available for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and certain iPads and Macs, provided the device language and region are set to U.S. English. Users must join a waitlist under the Apple Intelligence & Siri settings to access the features. New updates include Siri animations, text prompt functionality, and advanced writing tools for proofreading, tone adjustments, and text formatting.
Why video game performers are on strike
Over 2,500 video game performers in the U.S., represented by SAG-AFTRA, have gone on strike over AI concerns. The strike follows failed negotiations for a contract that would prevent major studios from using generative AI to recreate performers' likenesses. Affected work includes acting, motion capture, and voice roles. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher criticized the studios for not agreeing to AI safeguards, while producers expressed disappointment and readiness to negotiate. Performers are concerned AI could misuse their likenesses from old contracts.
Hackers can now even use your PC’s HDMI cable to steal data
Researchers from the University of the Republic of Uruguay found that hackers can exploit AI to spy on users by intercepting electromagnetic radiation leaked from HDMI cables. Using antennas, attackers can capture and reconstruct screen data from several meters away. The AI model developed by Federico Larroca's team achieves 70% higher accuracy than previous methods, with only 30% of characters misread. This technique primarily affects government and industrial settings, where precautions are in place. While it's a serious issue, ordinary users may not need to be overly concerned yet.
SpaceX in talks to land and recover Starship rocket off Australia’s coast
SpaceX, the US Space Force, and the Australian Space Agency have yet to comment on discussions about landing SpaceX's Starship in Australia. The proposed plan involves towing the Starship to a nearby Australian port after ocean or barge landings, potentially on the western or northern coasts. This initiative aims to bolster Australia's space defense amid rising Chinese influence and enhance US-Australian space ties. The discussions include regulatory challenges and future possibilities, such as launching from Australia. Starship, a 400-foot reusable rocket, is key to SpaceX's ambitious space and cargo delivery goals.
The bird flu threat keeps growing
Human cases of avian influenza (H5N1) are rising and likely underreported, raising concerns about the virus adapting to mammalian hosts. The virus has severely impacted poultry and wild birds worldwide and has recently infected dairy cows in the US. Since April, 13 US cases have been confirmed, mostly among poultry workers in Colorado. The CDC reports mild symptoms in these cases and maintains that the public risk remains low. Historical data shows H5N1 has a high mortality rate, but current infections are less severe. Ongoing investigations aim to understand the virus’s spread and adaptation.
Watch out for sharks: The bizarre history of internet outages
On July 19, 2024, a CrowdStrike software update crash affected 8.5 million computers, causing massive disruptions like flight cancellations and hospital delays. This incident underscores the fragility of digital infrastructure, echoing past outages like the 1997 Network Solutions crash and the 2011 Armenian cable cut. The Rogers Communications outage in Canada in 2022 further highlights our reliance on digital systems and the need for better safety measures and resilience.
How to stop AI companies from using your online content to train their models
Cloudflare has introduced a button allowing website owners to block AI crawlers from accessing their data. This tool, popular among various companies, identifies and blocks AI bots using a machine learning model. Additionally, website hosts can manually block AI crawlers by updating their robots.txt file. Meta and OpenAI also offer ways to control AI data usage, with OpenAI providing tools for blocking specific bots and developing Media Manager for better content control.
Bitcoin price hits six-week high after Trump backs cryptocurrency
Bitcoin surged to its highest level in over six weeks after Donald Trump pledged to end the "persecution" of the crypto industry if elected US president. Trump's comments at the Bitcoin 2024 convention included a promise to make the US a global cryptocurrency leader, fire SEC chair Gary Gensler, and create a national bitcoin stockpile. Bitcoin's price rose more than 3% to around $69,745 following these announcements.
Instagram will let you make custom AI chatbots, even based on yourself
Meta has launched AI Studio, a tool allowing users to create virtual characters with custom personalities, including digital versions of themselves. Creators can interact with fans through these chatbots on Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and the web. AI Studio will be available to US Meta users over the coming weeks. The tool allows for customization of chatbot behavior and limitations, and prohibits representation of real or historical figures and sensitive topics. This new feature follows Meta’s earlier AI chatbot attempts, which did not gain significant traction.
Source: interestingengineering
World’s 1st fourth-gen nuclear plant expanded, will make 35 billion kWh yearly
China is expanding the Shidaowan high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) nuclear power plant in Shandong Province, the world’s first fourth-generation nuclear plant. The first phase involves adding two domestically developed third-generation Hualong One reactors, boosting power generation to 20 billion kilowatt-hours annually and expanding heating supply. Future plans include four more reactors, raising the plant’s total capacity to over five million kilowatts and offsetting significant coal consumption and carbon emissions. The HTGR plant features small, high-temperature-resistant fuel spheres, ensuring continuous operation without frequent refueling.
AI-trained cameras beat the naked eye at spotting first sign of wildfires
On June 17, 2024, a wildfire in Washington state was quickly contained thanks to AI-trained cameras from Pano AI. These cameras, which detect smoke from wildfires, alerted dispatch centers and guided firefighters to the blaze, keeping it to under 20 acres. Washington's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has deployed 21 of these cameras in high-risk areas and extended their contract through 2029. Pano AI's technology, used in 12 states and countries, helps detect fires before they're visible on satellite imagery, improving response times and containment efforts.
All I know about certificates
Certificates are essential in the TLS handshake for verifying server identities, ensuring secure communication over the internet. They prove that a server is who it claims to be, preventing impersonation. While anyone can technically issue certificates, only those from trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs) are reliable. CAs must verify domain ownership before issuing certificates and protect their private keys to maintain trust. To manage security, CAs often use intermediate certificates. This series of articles aims to clarify the roles of clients, CAs, and websites in maintaining this trust and address common issues with certificates.
How do you solve a problem like Elon?
Last year, Linda Yaccarino, X's CEO, attempted to boost the platform's ad revenue by bringing former CNN anchor Don Lemon onboard for a new show. Despite Musk agreeing to be Lemon's first guest, the interview turned contentious, leading to Lemon's contract being canceled the next day. Yaccarino's efforts to stabilize X’s ad business are frequently undermined by Musk’s erratic behavior, such as his controversial public statements and disregard for advertiser concerns. Despite the challenges, Yaccarino remains committed to her role, striving to navigate and salvage X’s business amidst ongoing turmoil.
Germans Combat Climate Change From Their Balconies
Germany's solar boom continues with over 500,000 systems installed, driven by relaxed rules and rising electricity costs. In the first half of the year, Germany added nine gigawatts of solar capacity, aiming for a third of the EU's 2030 goal of 600 gigawatts. Most panels are imported from China, benefiting from lower costs. New laws now make solar installations easier, appealing to a wider audience, including young families and eco-conscious individuals. Plug-in systems and small-scale batteries are gaining popularity.
Not everything Big Tech touches turns to gold
In a few weeks, Google will unveil new versions of its aging smartphones, which have struggled in the market. Apple is concerned about its Apple TV Plus service, which has lower viewership than platforms like PBS. Amazon is defending its Alexa devices, which are popular but unprofitable, and plans to offer a paid AI version. Despite these setbacks, Big Tech's persistence may eventually turn these flops into successes, or it may signal a failure to align with consumer needs.
How LG and Samsung are making tv screens disappear
Transparent TVs may seem like magic, but both LG and Samsung showcased them at CES 2024. LG uses OLED technology, where carbon-based materials emit light. This requires transparent conductive traces and tiny, less opaque transistors, made possible by indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO). However, OLEDs still block some light and can't be tiled into larger screens easily. Samsung's approach involves microLEDs, with LEDs small enough for close viewing. While impressive, both technologies face challenges before transparent TVs become common in homes.
