Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

2024 Database Wars: Open Source Battles, Big Tech Acquisitions

2025-01-01

2024 witnessed a tumultuous year in the database world, marked by licensing disputes and fierce competition among tech giants. Redis and Elasticsearch faced significant community backlash after altering their licenses, ultimately reverting to open-source models. The Databricks-Snowflake rivalry extended beyond performance benchmarks, encompassing LLMs and data catalogs, driving innovation. DuckDB's ease of use and portability made it a go-to choice for analytical queries, leading to its integration into various systems. The year also saw releases like Aurora DSQL, CedarDB, and SQL-enabled Google Bigtable, alongside acquisitions of prominent players such as Alteryx and MariaDB. The article concludes with a narrative on Larry Ellison's 80th birthday, highlighting the immense wealth and intense competition within the database industry.

(www.cs.cmu.edu)

Tech databases competition

Immersion Cooling Could Reshape Data Center Design

2025-01-01

Sandia National Laboratories is testing a novel cooling system that fully submerges computer servers in a non-conductive liquid coolant. This captures 100% of waste heat, resulting in a 70% reduction in energy consumption and significantly less water usage. The technology promises to revolutionize data center design, addressing the growing power and water demands of high-performance computing. Partnering with Submer Technologies, Sandia is conducting comprehensive tests, with a case study expected this fall.

(www.sandia.gov)

Tech immersion cooling data centers high-performance computing

Frequency Shifts Don't Imply Quantum Entanglement: The Tardigrade Case

2025-01-01

A recent, unpublished manuscript claims to demonstrate quantum entanglement between a superconducting qubit and a tardigrade, sparking much media attention. However, the authors cite a frequency shift in the qubit as evidence, a claim challenged by physicists. This post uses a simple mass-spring system analogy to illustrate the commonplace nature of frequency shifts. Even in quantum systems, frequency is primarily determined by mass and springiness, not entanglement. The author argues the experiment lacks sufficient evidence for quantum entanglement, attributing the observed frequency shift to classical physics.

(benbrubaker.com)

Tech quantum entanglement frequency shift tardigrade

NATO's Project HEIST: Satellite Backup for Undersea Cables

2025-01-01

In response to a rising number of undersea cable disruptions, NATO is developing Project HEIST, a system for seamless switching between undersea cables and satellites. HEIST will pinpoint cable damage with meter-level accuracy and reroute data to satellite networks in case of disruption. This is crucial, as undersea cables carry over $10 trillion in transactions annually. While satellite bandwidth currently lags behind fiber optics, efforts are underway to upgrade satellite speeds. Furthermore, NATO plans to open-source parts of the project to accelerate development and enhance security against deliberate attacks.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech Undersea Cables Satellite Communication

Finnish Authorities Link Tanker to Severed Subsea Cables

2025-01-01

Finnish investigators probing damage to undersea power and data cables have discovered a seabed drag mark stretching dozens of kilometers, likely caused by the anchor of the seized tanker Eagle S. The missing anchor is suspected of severing a 170-kilometer power line connecting Finland and Estonia, along with disrupting four data cables. The tanker, sailing under the Cook Islands flag, has been detained, and authorities are investigating possible aggravated criminal mischief. Poor weather hampered the investigation.

(gcaptain.com)

Tech subsea cables tanker criminal investigation

Windows 2: The Almost-Forgotten OS That Could Have Been the Last

2025-01-01

This article dives deep into the untold story of Windows 2.0, an often-overlooked chapter in the history of graphical user interfaces (GUIs). It explores the technical limitations of the era, the intense competition from systems like VisiOn and Apple Lisa, and the internal struggles within Microsoft that shaped the development of Windows 2.0. While lacking in abundant software, Windows 2.0 displayed surprising features like mouse support and basic multitasking. Despite nearly becoming a dead end, its lessons proved crucial for the subsequent success of Windows 3.0. The narrative weaves together technical details, historical context, and anecdotes from the development process, painting a compelling picture of this pivotal moment in computing history.

(www.ninakalinina.com)

Tech Windows history OS development

Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Passes Crucial Engine Test, Poised for Launch

2025-01-01

After a successful 24-second engine test firing, Blue Origin's massive New Glenn rocket is ready for its maiden orbital launch. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the company after years of development, demonstrating a major breakthrough in heavy-lift rocketry. With a launch license secured, a January launch is likely. This launch will have significant implications for the US space industry, especially given the incoming Trump administration's expected review of NASA's Artemis program.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Blue Origin New Glenn Space Launch

Elizabeth Line Signaling Chaos: A Two-Day Breakdown

2025-01-01

In November 2024, the London Elizabeth Line suffered a two-day shutdown due to signaling system failures. The article details the timeline of events, starting with intermittent communication problems at 5 am and culminating in a full restoration two days later. While the root cause remains undisclosed for security reasons, the breakdown involved multiple systems including communication networks, the core signaling system (CBTC), Automatic Route Setting (ARS), and GSMR radio links. Engineers undertook numerous system reboots and troubleshooting efforts, ultimately resolving the issue with Siemens' assistance. The incident highlights the complexities and vulnerabilities of modern transportation systems.

(www.ianvisits.co.uk)

Tech Elizabeth Line Signaling Failure Transportation

Parrot Anafi Drone: RCE via Network Protocol Reverse Engineering

2025-01-01

Security researchers reverse-engineered the Wi-Fi communication protocol between a Parrot Anafi drone and its controller. Using ARP spoofing, they intercepted packets related to takeoff and landing sequences, identifying the crucial payload structure. A simple Python script was created to send these packets, enabling remote control of the drone's takeoff and landing without the official controller. This revealed a vulnerability allowing attackers to interfere with the drone's operation, such as preventing takeoff or landing.

(www.hardbreak.wiki)

Tech drone security

Venezuela Fines TikTok $10 Million Over Deadly Challenges

2025-01-01

Venezuela's Supreme Court fined TikTok $10 million for failing to prevent viral video challenges that allegedly led to the deaths of three Venezuelan children. The court cited negligence and ordered TikTok to establish a local office to oversee content and comply with Venezuelan laws. This highlights Venezuela's strict online content regulations and growing concerns over social media platform accountability.

(apnews.com)

Tech Venezuela Online Regulation

Apple Vision Pro Production Reportedly Halted Amidst Weak Demand

2025-01-01

Reports suggest Apple's first-generation Vision Pro headset may have ceased production. This follows earlier reports of reduced demand and production cuts. Apple appears to have sufficient inventory to meet future demand, mirroring its approach with low-demand products like the iPhone 12 mini. The Vision Pro's high price tag ($3,499) and insufficient content ecosystem are cited as primary reasons for weak sales. Apple is pivoting to a lower-cost headset with a planned production run of 4 million units, significantly lower than the Vision Pro's target. However, Apple retains the option to resume Vision Pro production and may release an iterative update with limited changes, such as a chip upgrade.

(www.macrumors.com)

Tech Production Halt

California Grid Runs on 100% Renewables for Record 98 Days

2025-01-01

A new study reveals that California's main grid ran on over 100% renewable energy (wind, water, solar) for a record 98 out of 116 days in 2024, without blackouts or increased costs. Solar output surged 31%, wind power rose 8%, and battery storage saw a staggering 105% increase, supplying up to 12% of nighttime demand. The study debunks the myth that renewables cause high electricity prices, attributing California's high costs to other factors. The findings demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of large-scale renewable energy grids, offering a compelling case for global clean energy transition.

(electrek.co)

Tech California grid

World's Largest 3D-Printed Neighborhood Nears Completion in Texas

2024-12-31

A groundbreaking project in Georgetown, Texas, is nearing completion: the world's largest 3D-printed neighborhood, Wolf Ranch. Construction-tech startup ICON is using its massive Vulcan printer to build 100 homes, a process significantly faster and more efficient than traditional methods. Each single-story home takes roughly three weeks to print, resulting in cost savings and reduced labor needs. While the homes offer strong insulation and weather resistance, some homeowners have reported challenges with wireless internet signal penetration due to the thick walls. The homes, priced between $450,000 and $600,000, are part of ICON's ambitious vision, which even includes plans to utilize this technology for lunar construction projects.

(www.yahoo.com)

Tech construction

Mid-Range Smartphone Market Collapses

2024-12-31

The global smartphone market is fracturing into high-end and low-end segments, with the mid-range ($200-$600) segment's market share plummeting from 35% in 2021 to a projected 23% by 2027, according to Goldman Sachs. This sharp decline contrasts with its steady 35% share in 2021-22. Analysts attribute this to a lack of revolutionary technology upgrades and more conservative spending by the middle class amid macroeconomic challenges. Conversely, the premium segment (>$600) is booming, with its share projected to reach 32% by 2027. The entry-level segment ( <$200) shows remarkable resilience, maintaining a 41-45% market share, driven by 4G to 5G migrations and cost-conscious consumers. IDC analyst Navkendar Singh highlights the significant, yet underappreciated, growth of the used phone market. Overall market growth is sluggish, with Goldman Sachs projecting just 3%, 2%, and 1% growth in 2025-27, citing a lack of innovation and longer replacement cycles. India's smartphone shipments are projected to grow 3% in 2025, mirroring global growth, and capturing 13% of the global market share by 2025-27.

(indiadispatch.com)

Tech smartphone market mid-range phones market share

Legacy Airlines Crack Down on Carry-On Bags

2024-12-31

Flying with legacy carriers like British Airways or Air France used to mean included checked baggage and carry-on. However, to compete with low-cost airlines, many legacy carriers are now eliminating free carry-on allowances and even complimentary meals. Air Canada, for example, will no longer allow standard carry-on bags on North American and Caribbean routes from January 3rd, only permitting small personal items. Other airlines like United and Finnair have adopted similar strategies. This 'basic economy' fare is blurring the lines between legacy and budget airlines, adding extra costs for passengers.

(www.telegraph.co.uk)

Tech low-cost airlines carry-on baggage

Morris Chang and the Rise of TSMC: An Engineer's Epic

2024-12-31

This article recounts the extraordinary life of Morris Chang, founder of TSMC. From his studies in the US to his career at Texas Instruments and General Instrument, Chang accumulated vast semiconductor manufacturing experience and developed unique business insights. During his tenure at the Industrial Technology Research Institute in Taiwan, he founded TSMC, pioneering the fabless chip manufacturing model, and transforming Taiwan into a global semiconductor powerhouse. TSMC's success wasn't overnight; it was the result of Chang's continuous learning and adaptation through multiple career setbacks and business risks. His keen market insight and decisive decision-making ultimately led to the creation of a world-leading semiconductor company.

(www.construction-physics.com)

Tech Morris Chang

Urine: The Unexpected Origin of Chemistry

2024-12-31

In the 17th century, Hennig Brand, a German merchant and alchemist, attempted to extract gold from urine. He collected 5,500 liters of urine, and after boiling and heating it at high temperatures, unexpectedly discovered a new element—phosphorus. This discovery, while not a success in alchemy, marked the birth of chemistry. Brand's discovery eventually led Robert Boyle to refine the method of producing phosphorus and apply it to the creation of matches. More importantly, Boyle openly shared his methods, breaking the secretive tradition of alchemy and advancing the scientific development of chemistry.

(bigthink.com)

Tech chemistry history alchemy phosphorus

US Army Soldier Arrested for AT&T, Verizon Extortion

2024-12-31

A 20-year-old US Army soldier, Cameron John Wagenius, has been arrested and indicted for his alleged role as Kiberphant0m, a cybercriminal who sold and leaked sensitive customer call records stolen from AT&T and Verizon earlier this year. Wagenius, a communications specialist stationed in South Korea, was linked to another cybercriminal, Connor Riley Moucka, who was also arrested for data theft and extortion. The indictment charges Wagenius with illegally transferring confidential phone records, including threats to leak call logs of the President and Vice President, and selling Verizon PTT customer call records and offering SIM-swapping services. The case highlights the need for strong internal security and demonstrates law enforcement's increasing effectiveness in apprehending cybercriminals.

(krebsonsecurity.com)

Tech cybercrime US Army soldier

The Software Trust Crisis: Why We Have to Trust Software (Mostly)

2024-12-31

This article explores the difficult problem of trusting software. The author argues that even secure messaging apps rely on trust in the vendor; the sheer volume of code in open-source software makes review impractical; code signing verifies integrity but relies on user diligence and is easily circumvented. The article delves into vulnerabilities in the software supply chain, including code signing, blocklisting, auto-updates, and package managers. It introduces techniques like reproducible builds and binary transparency to enhance software trust, but ultimately concludes that this is a far-from-solved problem, leaving us with the uncomfortable reality of having to trust software vendors.

(educatedguesswork.org)

Tech code signing binary transparency

Seyfert Galaxies: Bright Beacons in the Cosmos

2024-12-31

In 1943, astronomer Carl Seyfert discovered a class of spiral galaxies with unusually bright cores. Their spectra reveal strong, often broad, emission lines, indicating intense central activity. These Seyfert galaxies, comprising about 10% of all galaxies, are thought to be nearby, low-luminosity versions of quasars, powered by a supermassive black hole accreting surrounding gas. The Hubble Space Telescope and other instruments have extensively observed Seyfert galaxies, revealing their diversity and complexity, including different types and their interaction with their galactic environment. Continued study of Seyfert galaxies helps us understand the mechanisms driving active galactic nuclei and the growth of black holes.

(www.seyfertgalaxies.com)

Tech Seyfert galaxies active galactic nuclei

JWST Discovers Most Distant Giant Spiral Galaxy Yet

2024-12-31

Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), astronomers have discovered Zhúlóng, an ultra-massive spiral galaxy that is the most distant of its kind ever identified. This grand-design spiral, with its well-defined arms, boasts a mass comparable to the Milky Way and formed a mere billion years after the Big Bang. Studies reveal a quiescent core and a still-active star-forming disk, suggesting Zhúlóng is in a transitional phase. This discovery challenges existing models of early universe galaxy formation, indicating mature galaxies may have emerged much earlier than previously thought.

(phys.org)

Tech JWST Spiral Galaxy

BYD: World's Largest Automaker by R&D Workforce

2024-12-31

BYD has become the world's largest automaker by R&D workforce after a major hiring spree, boasting over 110,000 R&D employees among its 900,000-strong workforce. This follows a strong Q2 2024 where it outsold Honda and Nissan, solidifying its position as the world's seventh-largest automaker. BYD's massive R&D team is focused on developing longer-range, more affordable EVs, and the company is expanding into new markets with plans for new plants in Turkey, Mexico, Brazil, and Pakistan. This aggressive expansion, coupled with its already significant position as the world's second-largest EV battery maker, positions BYD for continued growth and leadership in the electric vehicle market.

(electrek.co)

Tech BYD Electric Vehicles R&D

Mass Resignation at Journal of Human Evolution: AI, Fees, and Editorial Independence at Stake

2024-12-31

The entire editorial board of Elsevier's Journal of Human Evolution (JHE) resigned en masse, sparking outrage in the academic community. Their protest centers on Elsevier's changes over the past decade, including cuts to editorial resources, the uninformed introduction of AI in the editorial process leading to numerous errors, and exorbitant author fees, all undermining the journal's editorial independence and inclusivity. This is the 20th mass resignation from a science journal since 2023, highlighting the controversies surrounding evolving business models in scientific publishing.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech scientific publishing editorial independence

Salt Typhoon: Major US Telecoms Confirm Chinese Government-Backed Hacks

2024-12-31

AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies have confirmed that their systems were compromised earlier this year by the Chinese government-backed Salt Typhoon hacking group. A White House official called the intrusion the "worst telecom hack in our nation's history," enabling the hackers to geolocate millions of individuals and record phone calls at will. While the companies claim a limited number of customers were affected and that the attacks have been contained, the incident highlights significant security vulnerabilities in US telecom networks. This has prompted the government to strengthen cybersecurity oversight and push for stricter standards.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech nation-state attack telecom security

VR Headsets for Mice Advance Brain Research

2024-12-31

Researchers have developed MouseGoggles, a virtual reality headset for lab mice, enabling immersive studies of brain activity. Using affordable smartwatch displays and tiny lenses, these goggles overcome limitations of previous bulky projector systems. Mice exhibited realistic responses to virtual threats, with brain scans confirming the effectiveness of the virtual environment. This technology promises breakthroughs in understanding mammalian brain function and could aid in researching diseases like Alzheimer's.

(phys.org)

Tech mouse research

Apple TV+ Offers Free Streaming Weekend

2024-12-30

Apple is offering free access to its Apple TV+ streaming service from January 3rd to 5th, 2025. This three-day free trial includes access to Apple TV+'s library of award-winning shows and movies, giving potential subscribers a chance to sample its content, including popular series like Severance (with season 2 premiering January 17th), For All Mankind, Silo, and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. All you need is an Apple ID to take advantage of this offer.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech free streaming streaming service

China to Build Thorium Molten-Salt Reactor in 2025

2024-12-30

China plans to commence construction in 2025 on a 10-megawatt demonstration thorium-based molten-salt reactor in the Gobi Desert, aiming for operational status by 2030. Led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, the project utilizes thorium-232, a readily available element, converting it into fissile uranium-233. This technology seeks to reduce reliance on uranium and utilizes waste from rare earth mining, offering potential for energy self-sufficiency. However, challenges remain, notably the risk of nuclear proliferation, requiring robust safety measures.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech thorium molten-salt reactor nuclear energy nuclear fuel

South Korea Plane Crash Kills 179, Prompts Nationwide Mourning and Safety Review

2024-12-30

A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 passengers crashed at Muan Airport in South Korea, killing 179 people, marking the country's worst aviation disaster in decades. The accident occurred amidst political turmoil following the impeachment of both the president and prime minister, raising concerns about the government's ability to effectively respond to the crisis. South Korea has ordered safety inspections of all 737-800 aircraft and a comprehensive review of Jeju Air's safety standards. Investigators are examining factors such as a possible landing gear malfunction, potential hydraulic failure, and the safety design of the airport's runway barriers. The tragedy has prompted a seven-day national mourning period and highlighted the need for enhanced aviation safety and improved disaster response capabilities.

(apnews.com)

Tech South Korea plane crash Aviation safety

Technological Advancement and Children's Learning: A Computer's Changing Times

2024-12-30

The author recounts their daughter's experience learning to use a computer, contrasting it with their own childhood experiences. In the past, simple 8-bit microcomputers like the Apple IIe allowed children to independently explore BASIC programming and learn hardware principles. Today, powerful computers offer abundant resources, but their complexity makes self-learning difficult for children. The author worries that the internet environment limits children's independent exploration and that parents without programming skills cannot guide their children's learning, calling for attention to the fairness of children's learning in the digital age.

(marcusb.org)

Tech technological development children's learning

Florida Appeals Court Rejects Clean Water Rights Initiative

2024-12-30

A Florida appeals court has ruled against a Titusville initiative to establish the right to clean water, despite 83% voter approval. The court cited a 2020 state law prohibiting local governments from granting rights to bodies of water, effectively preempting the local measure. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between state and local governments on environmental protection in Florida and underscores the limitations on local action in the face of conflicting state legislation.

(floridaphoenix.com)

Tech legal battle local government

Category: Tech