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2,000-Year-Old Roman Battlefield Unearthed in Vienna

2025-04-07

2,000-Year-Old Roman Battlefield Unearthed in Vienna

During renovations of a sports field in Vienna, a mass grave containing the remains of approximately 150 soldiers was discovered. Archaeological analysis confirms the remains date to a battle between Roman legionaries and Germanic tribes sometime between the mid-first and early second centuries CE. The discovery, including weaponry (daggers, spears, helmet fragments) and a dagger sheath with silver wire inlays providing precise dating, offers the first direct archaeological evidence of a battle along the Danube Limes, a key part of the Roman Empire's eastern frontier. This find sheds new light on the origins of Vienna and the conflicts that led to the expansion of the Roman military camp Vindobona.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech

Voyager's Sunset: A Legacy of Interstellar Exploration

2025-04-05

Voyager's Sunset: A Legacy of Interstellar Exploration

Nearly 50 years after launch, the Voyager probes are nearing the end of their operational lives. Powering down due to decaying plutonium, the aging spacecraft lose 4 watts annually, forcing tough decisions to shut down non-essential systems, including science instruments. Project scientist Linda Spilker recounts the challenges of maintaining these aging vessels and the effort to pass on their knowledge to new generations. Voyager's journey, yielding invaluable data on the heliopause and interstellar space, inspires future interstellar missions, charting a course for humanity's continued exploration of the cosmos.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech

Playstacean: A Crab-Themed PSOne Mod Takes Meme to Reality

2025-03-29

Playstacean: A Crab-Themed PSOne Mod Takes Meme to Reality

YouTuber GingerOfOz brought the meme-ified 'Playstacean' to life, a crab-shaped PlayStation One mod based on concept art by Anh Dang. This isn't just a reskin; it features functional crab claw controllers and intricate internal modifications. The build involved 3D printing, controller port adjustments, and wiring challenges. While GingerOfOz isn't releasing the design files yet, this unique creation will be showcased at the Midwest Gaming Classic.

(gizmodo.com)

Game console mod

Pyrex Explosions: The Fall of a Kitchen Icon?

2025-03-28

Pyrex Explosions: The Fall of a Kitchen Icon?

Since 1915, Pyrex glassware has been a kitchen staple. However, in recent years, numerous reports of Pyrex cookware exploding under heat have surfaced. Investigations reveal a shift in the 1950s to cheaper soda-lime glass from the original heat-resistant borosilicate glass. While tempered, soda-lime glass is far less resistant to thermal shock, making it prone to shattering. Although Pyrex's parent company claims explosions are rare and due to misuse, consumers and experts question this, citing insufficient risk communication. A class-action lawsuit is underway, and consumers are seeking out reliable borosilicate glass alternatives. The incident highlights the importance of material science in everyday products.

(gizmodo.com)

Hardware glass cookware product safety

Thriving Ecosystem Discovered Beneath Calved Antarctic Iceberg

2025-03-25

Thriving Ecosystem Discovered Beneath Calved Antarctic Iceberg

Scientists exploring the seafloor exposed by the calving of the massive A-84 iceberg (Chicago-sized) in Antarctica discovered a surprisingly vibrant ecosystem. Using the ROV SuBastian, they found large corals, sponges, icefish, giant sea spiders, and octopuses, suggesting these communities have existed for decades, perhaps centuries. This unexpected discovery challenges existing understanding of how icebergs affect their surroundings and highlights the impact of Antarctic ice sheet melt. Ocean currents are believed to be crucial for life under the ice, while the shrinking ice sheet poses a threat. The research provides crucial data for predicting future climate change impacts.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech Marine Ecology Iceberg Calving

WWI Dazzle Camouflage: It Wasn't the Paint, It Was the Horizon Effect

2025-03-25

WWI Dazzle Camouflage: It Wasn't the Paint, It Was the Horizon Effect

During WWI, navies used "dazzle" camouflage to confuse German U-boats. Researchers at Aston University re-analyzed a 106-year-old study and found that the "dazzle" effect was far less significant than the "horizon effect." The horizon effect causes viewers to underestimate a ship's angle relative to the horizon; even at a 25-degree angle, it appears to be traveling along the horizon. This study reveals that even experienced naval officers were fooled by the horizon effect, highlighting a misinterpretation of the camouflage's effectiveness.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech WWI dazzle camouflage horizon effect

Tesla Insurance Costs Skyrocket Amidst Wave of Vandalism and Backlash

2025-03-18

Tesla Insurance Costs Skyrocket Amidst Wave of Vandalism and Backlash

Tesla insurance premiums are surging due to the company's declining reputation and a rise in vandalism targeting its vehicles. Insurers, relying on actuarial models, are predicting higher claim payouts for Tesla EVs. Elon Musk's personal brand is inextricably linked to the cars, fueling public anger and leading to protests and acts of vandalism, including arson, graffiti, and theft. This has prompted insurers to increase rates significantly, especially for models like the Model X and Model S Plaid. A similar situation unfolded in 2023 with Kia and Hyundai vehicles, whose easy theft led to soaring insurance costs. Adding fuel to the fire, a website called "DOGEQUEST" allegedly publishes personal information of Tesla owners, exacerbating the crisis.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech vandalism

Netflix's Underrated Masterpiece: The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

2025-03-18

Netflix's Underrated Masterpiece: The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

Netflix's 2019 series, *The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance*, is a criminally underrated fantasy epic. Serving as a prequel to the 1982 film, this 10-episode masterpiece boasts stunning puppetry and an all-star voice cast (including Taron Egerton and Anya Taylor-Joy), recounting the Gelfling rebellion against the evil Skeksis on the planet Thra. Despite its premature cancellation due to high production costs and viewership, its exceptional production quality, profound storytelling, and mature dark themes make it a must-watch classic, rivaling the likes of *Lord of the Rings* and *Star Wars*.

(gizmodo.com)

Game Puppetry

Sony Battles AI Deepfake Songs: 75,000+ Removed, Copyright Fight Heats Up

2025-03-10

Sony Battles AI Deepfake Songs: 75,000+ Removed, Copyright Fight Heats Up

Sony Music is battling AI-generated deepfake songs mimicking artists like Harry Styles and Beyoncé. Over 75,000 songs have been removed from online platforms, but this is likely a small fraction of the problem. The proliferation of these songs is causing direct commercial harm, sparking a copyright debate. The UK government is considering new copyright laws allowing AI model training on artist material, but this has faced artist protests over the difficulty of policing copyright violations. Meanwhile, AI-generated nude deepfakes are a growing problem in US high schools, highlighting the ethical concerns alongside the technological advancements.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech AI deepfakes deepfake songs Deepfakes deepfakes music industry

Microsoft's Quiet Breakup with OpenAI: An AI Power Struggle

2025-03-10

Microsoft's Quiet Breakup with OpenAI: An AI Power Struggle

Microsoft is quietly distancing itself from OpenAI, developing its own in-house reasoning model, MAI, and testing models from xAI, Meta, and DeepSeek as potential ChatGPT replacements in Copilot. Driven by concerns over ChatGPT's cost and speed, and hampered by OpenAI's reluctance to share documentation on its o1 model, Microsoft's massive investment and initial partnership seem to be dissolving into a fierce AI competition. Both companies are vying for market share, promising an exciting future for the AI landscape.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech

Musk's Efficiency Push: Replacing Thousands of Employees with a Chatbot

2025-03-09

Musk's Efficiency Push: Replacing Thousands of Employees with a Chatbot

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is undertaking what experts call the largest job cut in American history, attempting to fill the resulting void with a proprietary chatbot called GSAi. Deployed to 1,500 employees at the US General Services Administration (GSA), GSAi is intended to handle "general" tasks like drafting emails and summarizing text. However, employee feedback suggests the chatbot is limited, performing at the level of an intern and producing "generic and guessable answers." Notably, GSAi was in development before Musk's involvement, with other government agencies exploring similar chatbot projects that were shelved due to technical issues. The rushed deployment of GSAi raises questions about its effectiveness and the value of the skills of the employees who were laid off.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech

Trump Admin to Use AI to Target Pro-Palestine Students

2025-03-09

Trump Admin to Use AI to Target Pro-Palestine Students

The U.S. State Department is launching "Catch and Revoke," an AI-powered program to scan news and social media for pro-Palestinian and Hamas sympathies among student visa holders. This initiative, starting October 7th, raises serious concerns about free speech and potential biases in AI. The program aligns with the Trump administration's broader efforts to combat perceived antisemitism and domestic terrorism, efforts criticized for their overbroad definitions and potential for silencing dissent. The passage of the "Take it Down Act," ostensibly targeting revenge porn and deepfakes, further exacerbates these concerns, potentially providing a tool for suppressing criticism. The combined actions represent a significant attack on free speech and expression, fueled by surveillance technology.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech

SBF's Prison Interview: A Pardon Play?

2025-03-08

SBF's Prison Interview: A Pardon Play?

Sam Bankman-Fried's (SBF) unauthorized prison interview with Tucker Carlson has sparked controversy. The interview, conducted without prison approval, landed SBF in solitary confinement. Analysts believe this was a calculated move to garner public support and potentially secure a pardon from President Trump. His parents have reportedly hired a lawyer with Trump ties to lobby for a pardon. However, SBF's past Democratic connections and his subtle approach to seeking a pardon may hinder his chances. Despite this, his youth and lengthy sentence leave the possibility of future developments open.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech Trump Pardon

Voyager's Sunset: NASA Begins Shutting Down Instruments to Extend Mission

2025-03-06

Voyager's Sunset: NASA Begins Shutting Down Instruments to Extend Mission

After nearly 50 years of interstellar exploration, the Voyager spacecraft are running low on power. To extend their operational lifespan, NASA engineers are progressively shutting down scientific instruments. Voyager 1's cosmic ray subsystem was deactivated on February 25th, followed by Voyager 2's low-energy charged particle instrument on March 24th. While these measures aim to keep the probes operational into the 2030s, they mean sacrificing valuable scientific data. Despite this, the Voyagers continue their pioneering journey into uncharted interstellar space, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech Interstellar Space

Terminator 2D: No Fate - A Retro Sidescroller Revisits a Classic

2025-03-01

Terminator 2D: No Fate - A Retro Sidescroller Revisits a Classic

After a six-year hiatus, the Terminator franchise is roaring back with a retro-style sidescrolling game, Terminator 2D: No Fate. Players take on the roles of Sarah Connor, the T-800, and adult John Connor, experiencing diverse gameplay including stealth, shooting, and post-apocalyptic gunfights. The game adapts iconic scenes from Terminator 2: Judgment Day while also introducing original content and multiple endings, encouraging replayability as players navigate different paths to saving or dooming humanity. Launching September 5th on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, with retro platform releases planned later.

(gizmodo.com)

Game Terminator Retro Game Sidescroller

DoorDash to Pay $16.75M to Drivers Over Tip Misuse

2025-02-25

DoorDash to Pay $16.75M to Drivers Over Tip Misuse

DoorDash will pay $16.75 million to over 60,000 drivers in New York after a lawsuit alleging the company misused tips. Between 2017 and 2019, DoorDash allegedly used tips to subsidize its guaranteed minimum wage, keeping the difference. While the company claimed drivers received 100% of tips, the lawsuit argued this was misleading as tips were factored into the base pay. This deceptive practice is finally being addressed, with eligible drivers set to receive compensation.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech Tip Dispute Legal Settlement

Indian Teenager Shatters Six Mental Math World Records in a Day

2025-02-21

Indian Teenager Shatters Six Mental Math World Records in a Day

Fourteen-year-old Aaryan Shukla from India has earned the title of "human calculator kid" after breaking six mental calculation world records in a single day. His feats include adding 100 four-digit numbers in under 31 seconds and performing even more complex calculations with astonishing speed. This incredible ability stems from years of dedicated practice (5-6 hours daily) and Sahaja Yoga meditation for focus. Shukla's talent emerged early; he won international competitions at the age of eight.

(gizmodo.com)

Misc mental math child prodigy

AI Dependence: A Comfortable Trap?

2025-02-15

AI Dependence: A Comfortable Trap?

A Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University study reveals that over-reliance on AI tools diminishes critical thinking skills. Researchers surveyed 319 knowledge workers, finding that the more they depended on AI, the less they engaged in critical thinking, leading to a decline in independent problem-solving abilities. While AI boosts efficiency, overdependence can erode independent thinking habits, potentially leading to a decline in personal capabilities—an unforeseen risk in the AI age.

(gizmodo.com)

AI critical thinking work efficiency

SEC's X Account Hijacked in Bitcoin Pump-and-Dump Scheme

2025-02-12

SEC's X Account Hijacked in Bitcoin Pump-and-Dump Scheme

An Alabama man pleaded guilty to identity theft and access device fraud for hijacking the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) X account to artificially inflate Bitcoin's price. He and his co-conspirators falsely claimed the SEC approved Bitcoin ETFs. Bitcoin's price surged before plummeting after the SEC's chairman debunked the claim. The hack exploited SIM swapping, a social engineering technique to gain control of accounts. This case highlights the vulnerability of cryptocurrency markets and the dangers of SIM swapping.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech SIM Swapping

BYD Undercuts Tesla with Low-Cost EVs Featuring Advanced Autopilot

2025-02-11

BYD, now China's top-selling automaker surpassing Tesla, announced it will equip its budget Seagull EV ($9,500) with its advanced "God's Eye" intelligent driving system. This directly challenges Tesla's AI-centric strategy and its high-priced models. BYD's autopilot features include remote parking and autonomous overtaking, with sensor configurations varying across models. The technology rivals, and in some aspects surpasses, Tesla's capabilities. China's strong government support for EVs and BYD's profitability have fueled its global expansion, while Tesla faces domestic political headwinds and slowing sales in key markets. Tesla's focus seems diverted, while BYD's cost-effective approach may reshape the EV landscape.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech

Trump Admin's Illegal Purge of Inspectors General Sparks Outrage

2025-02-01

Trump Admin's Illegal Purge of Inspectors General Sparks Outrage

Last Friday, President Trump abruptly fired multiple agency inspectors general, including Phyllis Fong at the USDA. Fong, a 22-year veteran with numerous awards and key roles, was escorted from the building after refusing to comply with what she deemed an illegal order. The firings have sparked outrage, with CIGIE chairman Hannibal Ware stating they appear to violate federal law. Senator Adam Schiff called the actions illegal, and even Republican Senator Chuck Grassley expressed concern. However, Democrats' slow response raises questions about the effectiveness of checks and balances. This incident highlights the Trump administration's attack on oversight and the vulnerability of institutional safeguards.

(gizmodo.com)

Misc Inspectors General

Cursing Your Way to Google Search Results Without AI Summaries

2025-01-31

Cursing Your Way to Google Search Results Without AI Summaries

Tired of Google's AI-powered search results leading you astray? It turns out adding expletives to your search query disables the AI-generated summaries. Including curse words prevents Google from displaying its AI Overview at the top of the results, instead providing a standard list of links. While not the first method discovered to bypass Google's AI summaries, this approach is remarkably simple and cathartic. This raises questions about the desirability of these AI summaries; if users consistently seek ways to disable them, does this indicate a lack of demand? While convenient, AI summaries are prone to inaccuracies and may exacerbate the spread of misinformation, mirroring the issues seen with ChatGPT's integration into Siri. Google argues that AI Overviews don't reduce website traffic, a claim disputed by media companies.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech Information Accuracy

NordVPN's New Protocol Aims to Evade VPN Blockers

2025-01-29

NordVPN's New Protocol Aims to Evade VPN Blockers

NordVPN has unveiled NordWhisper, a new protocol designed to bypass VPN blocks prevalent in countries like Russia and India. By mimicking regular internet traffic, it aims to fool ISPs and websites into thinking the traffic isn't from a masked service. While not foolproof and potentially adding latency, NordWhisper offers a valuable tool for users seeking access to restricted content or enhanced privacy. It's currently rolling out for Windows, Linux, and Android, with support for other platforms planned.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech

California AG: Nearly Everything AI Companies Do Might Be Illegal

2025-01-29

California AG: Nearly Everything AI Companies Do Might Be Illegal

A legal memo from California's Attorney General's office warns that many business practices in Silicon Valley's booming AI industry are potentially illegal. The memo highlights various legal violations, including using AI to create disinformation, falsely advertising AI capabilities, and the discriminatory impact of AI systems on certain groups. This underscores the significant legal risks facing the AI industry, with many companies potentially facing lawsuits; OpenAI, for instance, is currently being sued for copyright infringement. The memo effectively puts AI companies on notice to self-regulate or face potential legal action.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech AI legal risks discrimination

Texas Sues Allstate for Secretly Collecting Driver Data

2025-01-14

Texas Sues Allstate for Secretly Collecting Driver Data

Texas has sued Allstate, alleging the insurance giant violated state privacy laws by secretly collecting detailed location data from millions of drivers to justify premium hikes. The lawsuit claims Allstate paid app developers to embed tracking code in their apps (including GasBuddy, Fuel Rewards, and Life360), sending sensitive data back to Allstate. This marks the first enforcement action by a state Attorney General under a data privacy law. Allstate failed to properly inform users about data collection and use in its privacy policies, and didn't utilize a 30-day cure period to avoid the lawsuit. Texas is seeking hefty fines, data deletion, and restitution for affected consumers.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech Allstate lawsuit Texas

One in Five Online Job Postings Are Fake or Unfilled: A 'Ghost Job' Epidemic

2025-01-14

One in Five Online Job Postings Are Fake or Unfilled: A 'Ghost Job' Epidemic

A new study reveals that a shocking one in five online job postings are either fake or never actually filled, leaving job seekers frustrated and wasting precious time. This 'ghost job' phenomenon, driven by companies potentially using inflated numbers to meet targets, is causing significant problems. To combat this, platforms like Greenhouse and LinkedIn are implementing job verification services to help identify legitimate opportunities amidst the deceptive postings.

(gizmodo.com)

Misc fake jobs ghost jobs

Apollo Guidance Computer Shrunk to the Size of an Apple Watch

2025-01-14

Apollo Guidance Computer Shrunk to the Size of an Apple Watch

British startup Apollo Instruments has created a wristwatch, the DSKY Moonwatch, that replicates the interface of the Apollo Guidance Computer. Using original MIT design specs, they shrunk the briefcase-sized computer down to a wearable device. While it doesn't offer navigation capabilities, it features a GPS, digital display, working keyboard, and is programmable via Arduino and Python. Priced at £649, it's a novelty item with expandable functionality, making it a unique conversation starter for tech enthusiasts.

(gizmodo.com)

Hardware wearable tech Apollo program

41% of Employers to Cut Staff by 2030 Due to AI, Says WEF Report

2025-01-10

41% of Employers to Cut Staff by 2030 Due to AI, Says WEF Report

A World Economic Forum report reveals that 41% of global employers anticipate staff reductions by 2030 due to AI-driven automation. While 77% plan to upskill their workforce for AI collaboration, the report highlights the significant impact on the job market. Graphic designers and legal secretaries are among roles projected to decline, emphasizing the growing importance of AI skills, creative thinking, and lifelong learning. Despite predicting net job growth over the next five years, the report acknowledges substantial job displacement due to AI.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech

Crunchyroll Returns to the Manga App Game

2025-01-07

Crunchyroll Returns to the Manga App Game

At CES 2025, Crunchyroll announced a new manga app, "Crunchyroll Manga," marking a return to the market after shutting down a previous service last year. The app aims to be the premier destination for anime fans to read manga, offering a catalog from renowned publishers. Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini stated it's designed to enhance Crunchyroll memberships and meet the growing demand for digital manga among anime fans. While a 2025 release is planned, specifics on timing and pricing, including whether it will be a premium add-on or standalone purchase, remain unclear, sparking fan discussion and speculation.

(gizmodo.com)

Game Manga App Anime

Study: TikTok Likely a Vehicle for Chinese Propaganda

2025-01-06

Study: TikTok Likely a Vehicle for Chinese Propaganda

A new study suggests TikTok's algorithm may favor content supporting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) over critical viewpoints. Researchers found TikTok surfaces more pro-CCP content than competing platforms, even when anti-CCP content garners higher user engagement. The study also reveals that frequent TikTok users hold more favorable views of China. This comes as the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments on a potential TikTok ban in the US, fueling concerns about the platform's role in Chinese propaganda.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech Chinese Propaganda Algorithmic Bias

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