Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Musk: Straight to Mars, the Moon is a Distraction

2025-01-05

Elon Musk has publicly criticized NASA's Artemis program, calling it inefficient and prioritizing jobs over results. He declared SpaceX is going straight to Mars, deeming the Moon a distraction. Given Musk's advisory role in the Trump administration and influence on NASA's new administrator, his statement carries significant weight. While Artemis likely won't be scrapped, NASA may adopt a dual-track approach, pursuing both lunar and Martian exploration. SpaceX and Blue Origin are expected to play key roles in this revised strategy.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Ads Devouring Half Your Mobile Data?

2025-01-05

A study reveals that online ads consume nearly half of the mobile data used to load a webpage on average. Researchers tested eight popular news sites, finding that ads accounted for 18% to 79% of data transfer. This sheds light on why many users run out of mobile data before the end of the month. While ads are crucial revenue for websites, their high data consumption raises concerns about efficiency, leading users to explore solutions like ad blockers.

(www.nextpit.com)

Tech mobile data ads data consumption

AMD CPUs Now 40% of Steam Users: A Record Year for Team Red

2025-01-05

The latest Steam survey reveals AMD CPUs have reached a record-high 40% market share among users, driven by the success of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Intel's struggles with 13th and 14th-gen instability. While AMD GPUs are making gains, Nvidia's RTX 40 and 30 series remain dominant. Windows 11 leads in Steam users, but Windows 10 maintains a stronger global market share.

(www.techspot.com)

Tech Steam Survey

60 Years of Space Mission Patches: A Visual History

2025-01-05

This article explores the evolution of space mission patches over six decades, showcasing iconic designs from the Soviet Union, NASA, and SpaceX. It highlights the Gemini 5 mission patch as an example of how astronauts infused personal meaning into their designs. The article contrasts the styles of different agencies: NASA patches often include crew names, while NRO patches are enigmatic and humorous, and ESA patches blend European culture and scientific spirit. These patches are not just memorabilia; they encapsulate the history, technology, and human element of space exploration.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech space mission patches space history

Drone Footage Reveals the Perilous Climb of an 1115ft Radio Tower

2025-01-05

Engineer Aaron Cox recently captured stunning drone footage of a daring antenna inspection on an 1115ft radio tower. The video showcases the meticulous work of professional tower climbers, highlighting their expertise and commitment to safety. This inspection was crucial for maintaining a multi-million dollar antenna system, preventing potential failures that could cause widespread broadcast outages. The tower houses equipment for ten radio stations, demonstrating the complexity of modern broadcast infrastructure. The video provides a rare glimpse into the dangerous world of high-altitude work and the sophisticated technology behind radio and TV broadcasts.

(www.jeffgeerling.com)

Tech Broadcast Engineering High-Altitude Work Technical Maintenance

Waymo Robotaxis: Significantly Safer Than Human Drivers

2025-01-05

Swiss Re, a global reinsurer, analyzed data from Waymo's autonomous driving program and found that Waymo robotaxis are substantially safer than human-driven vehicles, even those equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Across 25.3 million fully autonomous miles, Waymo's system showed an 88% reduction in property damage claims and a 92% reduction in bodily injury claims compared to the expected rates for human drivers. This significant safety improvement surpasses even the benefits offered by modern ADAS features. The research highlights the potential of autonomous vehicles to create safer roads.

(cleantechnica.com)

Tech autonomous vehicles road safety

US Net Neutrality Rules Struck Down Again

2025-01-05

A US appeals court has dealt another blow to net neutrality, overturning the FCC's latest attempt to reinstate the rules. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals cited the Supreme Court's Loper Bright decision, arguing the FCC lacked the authority to reclassify internet service providers as common carriers. This decision, based on a Supreme Court ruling limiting agencies' power to interpret laws, effectively kills the FCC's April order. The long-running battle over net neutrality continues, with FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel calling for Congressional action to codify open internet principles into federal law.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech court ruling

Extracting an AI Model from Microsoft's Seeing AI App

2025-01-05

Security researcher Altay Akkus successfully extracted the currency recognition AI model from Microsoft's Seeing AI app. The app uses the TensorFlow Lite framework, and the model is stored encrypted within the APK file. Using the Frida framework, Altay dynamically injected code to hook the TensorFlow Lite model loading function, successfully dumping the decrypted model file. This demonstrates the vulnerability of even seemingly secure apps to AI model extraction, highlighting the importance of mobile AI model security.

(altayakkus.substack.com)

Tech mobile security

The Ocean Cleanup's Record-Breaking 2024: Over 11 Million Kilos of Plastic Removed

2025-01-05

In 2024, The Ocean Cleanup achieved unprecedented success in its fight against ocean plastic. They removed over 11 million kilograms of plastic from oceans and rivers—surpassing all previous years combined. This success stemmed from scaling up operations in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch with System 03, and expanding their river cleanup efforts globally with new Interceptors deployed in Thailand, Guatemala, and Jamaica. Beyond cleanup, The Ocean Cleanup is exploring innovative ways to repurpose recovered plastic and continues crucial scientific research to inform policy decisions. 2024's results demonstrate the feasibility of a plastic-free ocean, while highlighting the ongoing need for continued effort.

(theoceancleanup.com)

Tech Ocean Cleanup Plastic Pollution Environmental Conservation

World's Largest Hydroelectric Dam Approved in Tibet

2025-01-05

China has approved the construction of the Yarlung Tsangpo Hydroelectric Project, set to become the world's largest hydropower dam complex. Located in Tibet near the India border, it's projected to generate nearly three times the electricity of the Three Gorges Dam, amounting to 300 TWh annually. While promising a significant boost to renewable energy, the project raises concerns about environmental impact, seismic risks in the region, and potential downstream effects on India.

(newatlas.com)

Tech Hydroelectric Dam Tibet Renewable Energy

The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines: From Manual Labor to Automated Factories

2025-01-05

This article chronicles the century-long evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). Starting with Brunel's manual shield in 1825, through Greathead's improvements, Price's mechanized excavation, and culminating in modern slurry and earth pressure balance TBMs, the article details breakthroughs in both soft ground and hard rock tunneling. The article also explores compressed air and slurry support technologies, the advantages and disadvantages of different TBM types, and analyzes Elon Musk's Boring Company and its ambitious—yet currently slow—progress. The Boring Company's vertically integrated structure may ultimately revolutionize the industry.

(www.construction-physics.com)

Tech Tunnel Boring Machines Civil Engineering Technological Advancement

Is Adrian Dittmann Elon Musk? A Deep Dive Investigation

2025-01-05

This investigative report details a thorough investigation into the identity of Adrian Dittmann, revealing a surprising conclusion. Through a multi-pronged approach using data breaches, social media analysis, and corporate connections, the authors conclusively demonstrate that Adrian Dittmann is not Elon Musk. The article also recounts the complexities of the investigation, including collaboration with journalist Jackie Sweet and the ultimate lack of proper credit in the published article, prompting a discussion about journalistic attribution and information integrity.

(maia.crimew.gay)

Tech online investigation identity verification

Canon's Nanoimprint Lithography Challenges EUV Dominance

2025-01-05

Canon has launched a chip manufacturing technology called nanoimprint lithography (NIL), capable of 14-nanometer precision, challenging the extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) technology currently monopolized by ASML. NIL offers lower costs, lower energy consumption, and a simpler process, transferring circuit patterns onto silicon wafers using a 'stamping' method. Despite a 20-year development period, NIL has overcome challenges such as resist control, bubble elimination, and alignment accuracy, and the first commercial system has been delivered. In the future, NIL is poised to gain a foothold in memory and logic chip manufacturing, especially in applications demanding cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech nanoimprint lithography

Space Race 2.0: Billionaires Battle for Private Space Stations

2025-01-05

With the International Space Station nearing retirement, a new space race is underway: the construction of private space stations. Companies like Axiom Space, Vast, and Blue Origin are pouring billions into building orbital hubs, and even future cities. Vast, backed by crypto billionaire Jed McCaleb, aims to launch its first privately-run station, Haven-1, as early as 2025, ultimately envisioning artificial gravity. While the economic viability of a commercial space economy is debated, lower launch costs and NASA funding fuel this new era of space exploration.

(www.telegraph.co.uk)

Tech private space stations commercial space

Critical Vulnerabilities Exposed in French Fiber Optic Networks: Easy Access to Anonymous 1Gbps Internet

2025-01-05

Researcher Pierre Kim revealed critical security flaws in France's SFR, Orange, and Bouygues Telecom GPON FTTH fiber optic networks. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to easily gain high-speed anonymous internet access through physical access to fiber optic splitters or by exploiting default credentials and remote code execution vulnerabilities in ONT/ONU devices. Orange, after receiving vulnerability reports, acknowledged the flaws after months of communication. The research highlights the importance of physical security and secure device configurations in FTTH networks, underscoring shortcomings in IoT device security.

(pierrekim.github.io)

Tech Network Security IoT Security

Raspberry Pi RP2350 Challenge Cracked: Glitch Attack Bypasses Security

2025-01-05

Engineer Aedan Cullen may have won the $20,000 Raspberry Pi and Hextree RP2350 hacking challenge. He achieved this by performing a voltage injection glitch attack on pin 53 of the RP2350 chip. This bypassed multiple security features including Secure Boot, TrustZone, and glitch detectors, allowing him to read the secret stored in the One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory. Cullen's attack exploited a vulnerability to enable the normally disabled RISC-V cores and their debug access port. This demonstrates that even supposedly 'permanently disabled' security features are not foolproof, highlighting the complexities and challenges of hardware security design.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech Hardware Hacking

Revolutionizing Surgery: Through-Tissue 3D Printing with Focused Ultrasound

2025-01-05

A groundbreaking 3D printing technique uses focused ultrasound and a novel ultrasound-sensitive ink to construct biocompatible structures within thick, layered tissues. This could revolutionize surgery, enabling minimally invasive procedures such as repairing heart defects without open-heart surgery. The technique leverages ultrasound's penetration ability, precisely controlling temperature to solidify the ink into intricate 3D shapes. Successful animal testing, creating complex structures, paves the way for future human applications.

(www.nibib.nih.gov)

Tech ultrasound biomedical engineering

No More Needles: Wrist-Based Blood Sugar Tracking

2025-01-05

University of Waterloo researchers have developed a wearable device that can sense glucose levels in diabetics more accurately than ever before. This non-invasive technology uses miniaturized radar technology, eliminating the need for finger pricks and significantly improving quality of life. Similar to weather satellites using radar to monitor the atmosphere, the device analyzes changes within the body to detect glucose levels. Key components include a radar chip, a meta-surface, and microcontrollers, with AI algorithms enhancing accuracy and reliability. Currently in clinical trials, the device holds potential for future applications in monitoring other health data like blood pressure.

(uwaterloo.ca)

Tech wearable device glucose monitoring radar technology

UA Engineer Develops Novel Plastic Recycling Process

2025-01-05

Dr. Jason Bara and his team at the University of Alabama have pioneered a new plastic recycling process using imidazole. This method effectively breaks down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyurethane, overcoming limitations of traditional chemical recycling. Imidazole acts as a reagent without needing additional solvents or catalysts, offering cost-effectiveness and producing valuable chemical intermediates. The technology promises to significantly improve plastic recycling rates, particularly for challenging materials like polyurethane foams found in packaging, car seats, and more, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.

(news.ua.edu)

Tech chemical degradation imidazole

Self-Driving Cars' Ethical Dilemma: Pedestrian Safety and AI Learning

2025-01-05

San Francisco is teeming with Waymo robotaxis, and the author discovered these vehicles frequently fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. The author documented multiple instances of Waymo cars not yielding, sparking a discussion about AI safety and human-machine coexistence. Waymo responded that their cars are designed to follow traffic rules but admitted there's room for improvement. The incidents highlight the challenges of autonomous driving technology in adhering to traffic laws and understanding social norms, and how to balance safety and efficiency in AI learning.

(www.yahoo.com)

Tech self-driving cars human-machine interaction

China's EV Sales to Surpass Traditional Cars Years Ahead of West

2025-01-04

China's electric vehicle (EV) sales are projected to surpass those of traditional combustion engine cars in 2025, a milestone years ahead of Western rivals. Investment banks and research firms predict a 20% year-on-year growth in EV sales, exceeding 12 million units, significantly outpacing forecasts and official targets. Simultaneously, traditional car sales are expected to decline by over 10%. This surge is attributed to China's advancements in domestic technology, secured global supply chains, and economies of scale leading to lower consumer prices. While growth is slowing from its post-pandemic peak, China is poised to achieve its 50% EV sales target by 2035—a decade early. This rapid rise presents a significant challenge to established automakers in Germany, Japan, and the US, forcing them to accelerate their EV transitions.

(www.irishtimes.com)

Tech China Automotive Market EV Sales

The End of ANT+ Wireless: A Bluetooth Victory?

2025-01-04

ANT+ has long been a mainstay in sports technology, ensuring interoperability between devices from different manufacturers. However, the EU's new Radio Equipment Directive (EU RED) mandates encryption for personal information, forcing a major overhaul of ANT+ and breaking backward compatibility. With the prevalence of Bluetooth and lack of support from other manufacturers, Garmin is ceasing development of new ANT+ standards. While existing devices will continue to function, this marks the end of an era for ANT+, leaving the sports tech industry to navigate a more fragmented landscape of proprietary protocols.

(www.dcrainmaker.com)

Tech Bluetooth sports tech

Starlink Mini: Portable High-Speed Internet Anywhere

2025-01-04

SpaceX's Starlink has launched a portable mini satellite dish for $599, offering high-speed internet virtually anywhere. With monthly plans starting at $50, this backpack-friendly device delivers speeds up to 100Mbps, ideal for digital nomads and those in remote areas. Durable and weather-resistant, it supports up to 128 devices and boasts low latency, perfect for online gaming. Elon Musk showcased its impressive speed, calling it world-changing.

(www.cnet.com)

Tech Satellite Internet Portable

Hacking a Satellite Back to Life: The BEESAT-1 Resurrection

2025-01-04

In 2013, Technische Universität Berlin's BEESAT-1 satellite stopped sending valid telemetry data. Projected to remain in orbit for another 20 years, its recovery would unlock new experiments. However, the satellite lacked both telemetry and software update capabilities. This talk recounts the story of how, by combining space and cybersecurity expertise, the fault was diagnosed without telemetry, software updates were implemented without the existing feature, and the satellite was resurrected in September 2024. The journey involved overcoming significant hurdles, including working with 15-year-old software and hardware and devising a method to upload new software without the standard update mechanism. The presentation details the entire recovery process, highlighting the unexpected challenges and successes.

(media.ccc.de)

Tech Satellite Repair

HYPSO-2: Tiny Satellite, Big Ocean Monitoring Impact

2025-01-04

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology's HYPSO-2 satellite, about the size of a 5-liter water bottle, is revolutionizing ocean monitoring. Equipped with a hyperspectral camera capable of detecting 120 shades of visible light, it captures images covering 25,000 square kilometers—a tenfold increase in data acquisition compared to its predecessor, HYPSO-1. Monitoring harmful algae blooms, sea ice conditions, and more, HYPSO-2 provides invaluable data for ocean research. Working synergistically with drones and underwater robots through an 'observation pyramid' system, it promises highly efficient environmental monitoring.

(phys.org)

Tech Satellite Technology Ocean Monitoring Remote Sensing

LastPass Android App Privacy Report: Deep Dive into Trackers and Permissions

2025-01-04

A privacy report on LastPass Android app version 4.11.18.6150 reveals 7 trackers and 36 permissions. Trackers include AppsFlyer, Google Analytics, etc., collecting user data. Permissions cover sensitive areas like location, network access, and storage access. The report highlights high-risk permissions, potentially impacting user privacy. Users should carefully evaluate the privacy implications.

(reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org)

Tech

Streaming Fatigue Hits Americans: Spending on Subscriptions Decreases

2025-01-04

Americans spent an average of $42.38 per month on streaming subscriptions in 2024, a 23% decrease from 2023. The abundance of streaming services has led to "streaming fatigue," with users feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Many are sharing accounts, reducing subscriptions, or turning to free services to save money. The average American has two subscriptions and watches 3 hours and 49 minutes of content daily. Facing economic pressures and streaming fatigue, consumers are seeking more affordable entertainment options.

(www.techspot.com)

Tech subscriptions consumer trends

SoilScanner: Detecting Lead Contamination with Radio Waves

2025-01-04

Researchers at Cornell University have developed SoilScanner, a portable device that uses radio frequency signals and machine learning to detect lead contamination in soil. The device sends radio waves through a soil sample and analyzes how the soil affects the signal to determine lead levels. SoilScanner achieved 72% accuracy in testing real soil samples and a zero-error rate for lead levels above 500 ppm. This technology promises to make lead detection cheaper and more accessible, aiding in environmental remediation efforts.

(phys.org)

Tech soil contamination lead detection

Qualcomm NR-U: Unleashing the Full Potential of 5G

2025-01-04

Qualcomm has unveiled its latest 5G NR-U technology, designed to significantly boost 5G network coverage and capacity by leveraging unlicensed spectrum. This innovative technology cleverly combines licensed and unlicensed spectrum, enabling operators to expand their 5G networks, providing faster and more reliable connectivity to a greater number of users. This is particularly significant for deploying 5G in densely populated areas or remote locations, effectively addressing network congestion and reducing deployment costs. NR-U is poised to be a key driver in 5G evolution, paving the way for a wider range of 5G applications in the future.

(www.qualcomm.com)

Tech

China's Manufacturing Supremacy: A Chart-Based Narrative

2025-01-04

This column uses the OECD's latest TiVA database to illustrate China's ascent to sole global manufacturing superpower. China's manufacturing output surpasses the next nine largest producers combined. Its industrialization is unprecedented in speed. While China's share of global manufacturing exports has also dramatically increased, its export dependence is decreasing, with domestic consumption playing an increasingly vital role. The article also analyzes the asymmetrical dependence between the US and China in global supply chains, highlighting the challenges and costs associated with decoupling.

(cepr.org)

Tech China Manufacturing Global Supply Chains Superpower

Category: Tech