Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Achieves Orbit on Maiden Flight

2025-01-16

After several delays, Blue Origin's massive New Glenn rocket successfully launched and reached orbit. The launch overcame engine chilling issues and a boat that strayed into the restricted zone. While the first stage booster failed to return to Earth, this marks Blue Origin's first-ever orbital flight in nearly 25 years of existence, a monumental achievement for the private space industry. This success is a major win for Blue Origin and its founder Jeff Bezos, injecting new hope into the future of space exploration.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Orbital Flight

Ashburn: How a Virginia Town Became the Data Center Capital of the World

2025-01-16

Ashburn, Virginia, a town just 34 miles from Washington D.C., has become the undisputed data center capital of the world. Its rise is a story of strategic location, low land and electricity costs, a highly skilled workforce, and supportive government policies. This combination has attracted tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, resulting in Ashburn handling an estimated 70% of the world's internet traffic. The availability of cheap power, robust fiber infrastructure, and proactive local government initiatives have fueled this phenomenal growth.

(www.datacenters.com)

Tech Ashburn

FDA Bans Cancer-Linked Red Dye No. 3

2025-01-16

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the artificial food coloring Red No. 3, linked to cancer, from being used in food and drugs. The ban takes effect January 15, 2027, for food products, with drug manufacturers given an extended deadline to reformulate. This impacts numerous products containing the dye, from candy to cold medicine, prompting concerns within the food industry.

(www.bloomberg.com)

Tech carcinogen

Intel Open Sources Tofino P4 Software, Ushering in a New Era for Programmable Networks

2025-01-16

Intel has announced the open-sourcing of its Tofino P4 software, a significant milestone. The Tofino family of programmable Ethernet switches has been at the forefront of network innovation, offering unparalleled programmability that allows organizations to shape their networks like never before. This open-sourcing invites the global developer community to participate in shaping the future of networking. It democratizes access to high-performance networking tools, benefiting startups, academic institutions, and developers in under-resourced regions.

(p4.org)

Tech Programmable Networking

California Passive House Survives Wildfire: Design Details Save the Day

2025-01-16

Amidst the devastating California wildfires, a 2024-built passive house stood unscathed. Architect Greg Chasen attributes its survival to fire-resistant design features aligned with passive house principles. These include the absence of eaves and overhangs, a metal roof with fire-resistant underlayment, and a vegetation-free protected zone. The airtight construction prevented embers from entering, while high-performance glazing and insulation provided further protection. While passive houses have higher upfront costs, their energy efficiency and fire resilience make them an increasingly attractive option.

(www.yahoo.com)

Tech Passive House Fire Resistance

Colossal Secures $200M to De-Extinct Woolly Mammoths, Thylacines, and Dodos

2025-01-16

Colossal BioSciences raised $200 million to bring back extinct species like the woolly mammoth, thylacine, and dodo. The company uses genetic engineering, AI, and computational biology to achieve its ambitious goals. Significant progress has been made, including assembling complete genomes for several target species. Beyond de-extinction, Colossal is also focused on species preservation and human healthcare. The funding will expand the team, support technology development, and broaden the list of species targeted for de-extinction.

(venturebeat.com)

Tech genetic engineering de-extinction

Nvidia's Desktop AI Ambitions: Bringing Billion-Parameter Models Home

2025-01-16

At CES, Nvidia unveiled 'Project Digits,' a desktop AI supercomputer based on its Grace Blackwell architecture. Priced at around $3,000, it can run 200-billion parameter AI models locally. This is seen as Nvidia's attempt to replicate its gaming success in the desktop AI market. While initially targeting data scientists and AI researchers, its affordable price and ease of use (supporting Windows and Mac) suggest a potential expansion to a broader consumer market. Nvidia's mature GPU ecosystem and hardware partnerships will aid in building a similar AI product line, but the maturity of the software ecosystem will be crucial to its success.

(www.theangle.com)

Tech

Razer to Refund Customers for Falsely Advertised N95 Masks

2025-01-16

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is issuing refunds to over 6,700 customers who purchased Razer's Zephyr mask, which was falsely advertised as meeting N95 standards. Razer, which launched the RGB-lit mask in 2021, never submitted it for certification. The FTC secured a settlement of over $1 million, with refunds now being distributed via check and PayPal. While Razer disputes the FTC's allegations, the refunds are being issued nonetheless.

(www.gamespot.com)

Tech Razer N95 Mask FTC Settlement

Pro-Ukraine Hackers Hit Russia's Biggest State Procurement Platform

2025-01-16

A pro-Ukraine hacking group, Yellow Drift, claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Roseltorg, Russia's largest electronic trading platform for government and corporate procurement. The group allegedly deleted 550 terabytes of data. While Roseltorg initially attributed the outage to maintenance, they later confirmed the attack, stating data and infrastructure have been restored. The attack impacted major Russian corporations and government agencies, including the Ministry of Defense and Roskomnadzor. This incident highlights the ongoing cyberwar between Russia and Ukraine and the potential disruptive impact of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.

(therecord.media)

Tech cyberattack Russia-Ukraine conflict

OpenAI Misses Deadline for Photographer Opt-Out System

2025-01-16

OpenAI has failed to deliver on its promise of a tool allowing photographers to opt out of having their work used in its AI training data by its self-imposed 2025 deadline. The planned Media Manager tool was meant to address copyright concerns and avoid legal disputes. However, its development appears stalled, with a former employee stating it wasn't a priority. This leaves photographers feeling exploited, their work used without permission or compensation. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of managing copyright in AI training data.

(petapixel.com)

Tech AI training data

Startup Necromancy: Exploiting Abandoned Google Apps Domains

2025-01-15

A security researcher discovered a critical vulnerability: improperly shutting down Google Workspace accounts leaves defunct startup domains vulnerable. New owners can reactivate former employees' Google accounts, granting access to third-party services (Slack, ChatGPT, Zoom, etc.) accessed via Google OAuth. Sensitive data, including tax documents and internal communications, becomes exposed. Google initially dismissed it, but after the researcher's Shmoocon presentation, they reevaluated, offering a bounty. This highlights the risk of insufficient account closure procedures and potential weaknesses within OAuth authentication.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Bluesky's New Photo-Sharing App, Flashes, Launches Soon

2025-01-15

Independent developer Sebastian Vogelsang is building Flashes, a new photo-sharing app for the decentralized social network Bluesky. Leveraging the AT Protocol and code from his previous Bluesky client, Skeets, Flashes aims to offer an alternative to Instagram. It supports multi-photo posts and short videos, syncing content to the main Bluesky platform. This provides an alternative for users seeking to escape Meta's ecosystem and those interested in visual content sharing, offering a fresh entry point for new Bluesky users.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech Decentralized Social

Sweden Rethinks Tech-Heavy Education, Brings Back Books and Pencils

2025-01-15

Concerns over declining basic skills among Swedish students have prompted a shift in the country's digital education strategy. Years of emphasizing tablets and digital tools in schools have come under scrutiny following a drop in reading scores. In response, the government is increasing investment in physical books and encouraging a return to traditional teaching methods like handwriting practice and quiet reading time. While some experts support this back-to-basics approach, others argue it's an overreaction, emphasizing that technology is just one factor in a complex educational ecosystem.

(apnews.com)

Tech Sweden

Telegram Takes Down Z-Library and Anna's Archive Channels

2025-01-15

Telegram shut down the popular shadow libraries Z-Library and Anna's Archive's channels due to copyright infringement. Both channels, boasting massive subscriber counts, were careful to avoid posting direct infringing links, yet were still terminated. Telegram hasn't disclosed the specific reason, but speculation points to copyright complaints or an Indian court order. Z-Library has launched a new Telegram channel.

(torrentfreak.com)

Tech shadow libraries

UnitedHealth Buried Change Healthcare's Data Breach Notice for Months

2025-01-15

Change Healthcare, a UnitedHealth-owned health tech company, suffered a ransomware attack last year exposing the sensitive health data of over 100 million individuals. The company delayed notifying affected individuals for months and, shockingly, used “noindex” code to hide the data breach notice from search engines. This secrecy has drawn criticism and prompted investigations and lawsuits from several states. The incident highlights Change Healthcare's significant security flaws and the lack of transparency and slow response from large healthcare organizations in dealing with data breaches.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech healthcare data

Google Workspace Integrates AI Across the Board: The Future of AI-Powered Work is Here

2025-01-15

Google has announced the integration of its best AI capabilities into Workspace Business and Enterprise plans, providing every business with AI tools at no extra cost. This includes AI assistants in Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and more, along with the next-generation AI, Gemini, for summarizing, drafting emails, creating documents and videos, and more. Also included is NotebookLM Plus, a revolutionary AI research assistant. This move aims to lower the barrier to AI adoption, helping businesses boost productivity and gain a competitive edge.

(workspace.google.com)

Tech AI for Work

Empirical Health (YC) is Hiring Software Engineering Interns for Summer 2025

2025-01-15

Y Combinator-backed startup Empirical Health is seeking Software Engineering interns for Summer 2025. They're building the future of proactive primary care using AI and wearable health sensors. Interns will work on impactful machine learning or full-stack projects, such as creating models to predict hospitalizations or developing new mobile app features. The 12-week internship involves pushing code to production and directly impacting real patients. Strong skills in Typescript/Javascript, React/React Native, and/or Python are required.

(www.ycombinator.com)

Tech HealthTech Internship

Gates-Backed Advanced Nuclear Plant Gets Wyoming Permit

2025-01-15

TerraPower's Natrium advanced nuclear power plant near Kemmerer, Wyoming, has cleared a major hurdle, receiving a construction permit from the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council. This marks the first-ever state permit for a commercial-scale advanced nuclear project in the US. While the nuclear components still await approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the permit allows non-nuclear construction to begin, thanks to Natrium's unique design. The plant, slated to begin generating electricity in 2030, is expected to power around 250,000 homes and create roughly 1,600 jobs. Backed by Bill Gates and the US Department of Energy, the project leverages existing coal plant infrastructure, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and pave the way for global deployment.

(wyofile.com)

Tech advanced nuclear reactor sustainable energy

UnitedHealth Overcharged Cancer Patients by Over 1000%

2025-01-15

UnitedHealth Group, employer of slain executive Brian Thompson, is under fire for allegedly overcharging some cancer patients for drugs by more than 1000% through its OptumRx subsidiary. This revelation has sparked outrage and scrutiny of pharmaceutical pricing practices, with the FTC investigating major pharmacy benefit managers, including OptumRx.

(fortune.com)

Tech UnitedHealth Cancer Drugs Price Gouging

Google's Gemini App Integrates Real-Time AP News Feed

2025-01-15

Google announced that its Gemini app will integrate a real-time news feed from the Associated Press (AP) to enhance the timeliness of search results. This builds on Google's long-standing partnership with AP, leveraging AI to improve products and services. The AP will provide real-time data, helping Gemini users access the latest information. Google also highlighted its collaborations with news organizations worldwide and its commitment to exploring AI's role in journalism, supporting journalists and the news ecosystem.

(blog.google)

Tech Associated Press

Sweden Reverses Course on Digital Education: €104 Million for Print Textbooks

2025-01-15

In 2009, Sweden went all-digital in education, phasing out printed textbooks. Fifteen years later, they're investing €104 million to bring them back. Research revealed negative impacts of screen-based learning on student focus, comprehension, and memory. This reversal underscores the need to balance technology with traditional teaching methods, offering a valuable lesson for global education systems.

(indiandefencereview.com)

Tech digital education print textbooks education reform

FTC Sues Deere for Anticompetitive Repair Practices

2025-01-15

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with the Attorneys General of Illinois and Minnesota, sued agricultural equipment manufacturer Deere & Company for anticompetitive practices that inflate repair costs and restrict farmers' access to timely repairs. Deere limits access to its essential repair software, forcing farmers to rely on expensive authorized dealers. The FTC's lawsuit aims to end Deere's practices by requiring them to provide full repair access to equipment owners and independent repair providers.

(www.ftc.gov)

Tech agricultural equipment repair

TikTok Ban: A First Amendment Showdown

2025-01-15

The ACLU argues that a law effectively banning TikTok in the US violates the First Amendment. The law grants the president sweeping power to shut down communication platforms under the guise of national security, without sufficient evidence of imminent harm. The ACLU contends the government cannot ban speech it dislikes without a high bar of evidence, and that the ban sets a dangerous precedent for future restrictions on online speech. They urge the Supreme Court to intervene and protect Americans' right to free expression and access to information.

(www.aclu.org)

Tech

DJI Drops Geofencing: A Risky Gamble?

2025-01-15

DJI has removed its geofencing feature that previously prevented drones from flying over restricted areas like airports, wildfires, and the White House. This decision, made amidst growing US distrust of drones and following an incident where a DJI drone hampered wildfire fighting efforts, has sparked debate. While DJI argues it puts control back in the hands of operators and relies on Remote ID technology for enforcement, critics worry about increased safety risks and potential abuse. The move follows the FAA's lack of geofencing requirements and aligns with similar changes in the EU. The long-term impact on drone safety remains uncertain.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech geofencing

AI's Energy Hog: Data Centers Face a Power Crisis

2025-01-15

The rapid growth of AI is creating a massive energy demand, catching many enterprises off guard. Research reveals that while most companies are aware of AI models' high energy consumption, few monitor actual power usage. High-performance GPUs and complex AI models are the main culprits. To address this, efficient AI hardware and more effective cooling systems (like liquid cooling) are crucial. Data centers need upgrades to handle higher power density, requiring substantial investment and time. Some companies are exploring using waste heat for regenerative power generation or community heating.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech Data Centers Energy Consumption

Microsoft Kills Office Support for Windows 10

2025-01-15

Microsoft announced it will end support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025. This means users will no longer receive updates or support and will need to upgrade to Windows 11 to continue using Office apps. While apps will initially continue functioning, Microsoft warns of potential performance and reliability issues. This move aims to push Windows 11 adoption, but the higher hardware requirements of Windows 11 pose a significant hurdle for many users. To mitigate this, Microsoft is offering paid extended security updates for consumers for the first time.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

Last Chance: Free Windows 11 Upgrade Before Windows 10 Retirement

2025-01-15

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. While your computer will still function, security risks will significantly increase. Microsoft urges a free upgrade to Windows 11, but first, verify your PC meets the minimum system requirements. Upgrading is straightforward via Windows Update. If unable to upgrade, a paid Windows 10 Extended Security Update (ESU) program is available, but note that Microsoft 365 apps will no longer be supported on Windows 10 after October 14th, 2025. This upgrade is crucial for system security and continued access to Microsoft services.

(techcommunity.microsoft.com)

Tech System Upgrade

Microsoft's Free Copilot Chat: A Trojan Horse for Paid AI?

2025-01-15

Microsoft launched Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, a free version of its AI-powered Copilot, aiming to lure businesses into its ecosystem. This rebranded Bing Chat Enterprise offers GPT-powered chat and file upload capabilities. However, the crucial AI agent functionality, acting like virtual assistants automating tasks and monitoring inboxes, requires a $30 per user per month subscription. Pricing is complex, based on message costs varying from 1 to 30 cents depending on complexity and data access. Microsoft hopes the free tier will entice businesses to upgrade to the full Microsoft 365 Copilot, integrating AI directly into Office apps, despite the absence of a trial period.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech AI for Business Microsoft Copilot Pricing Model

Google Makes Workspace AI Free, But Raises Prices

2025-01-15

Google announced that it's making its AI features in Workspace – including smart compose in Gmail and Docs, and more – free for paying business customers. This intensifies the competition in the AI office suite market. However, to offset costs, Google is also raising prices across all Workspace plans by approximately $2 per user per month. This move aims to attract more users to experience its full suite of AI features and recoup costs through increased volume. This mirrors Microsoft's strategy of integrating Copilot Pro into Microsoft 365, reflecting the aggressive strategies of tech giants in the AI arena.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech AI office suite price increase

Return to Office Mandates? Employees Would Rather Quit

2025-01-15

A survey of 5,395 US adults reveals that nearly half would leave their jobs if forced back to the office. Tech companies are increasingly mandating a return to in-person work, but many employees prioritize flexible work arrangements. Even figures like Elon Musk, who deems working from home "morally wrong," are met with resistance. The survey shows a strong preference for remote work, especially among women and those under 50, sparking debate on productivity, company culture, and talent retention. Many companies seem to prioritize control over trust and flexibility.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech employee retention

Category: Tech