Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Popular：

Virtualization DNS security formal verification reachability analysis compiler errors macro conflict web extension development framework Bitmap Graphics API inconsistencies All Tags

Ethanol Expansion: Hidden Costs and Growing Inequality

2025-06-14

Ethanol Expansion: Hidden Costs and Growing Inequality

A new report concludes that expanding ethanol production not only increases greenhouse gas emissions but also fails to deliver promised social and economic benefits to Midwestern communities. Subsidies primarily benefit large agribusinesses, leading to land consolidation and hindering smaller farmers. Proposed policies could exacerbate these issues, increasing land conversion and emissions. Trump's tax cuts further complicate the problem by excluding land conversion emissions from low-emission fuel calculations. Biofuel industry groups haven't responded, but some argue the report overstates carbon emissions and highlight the economic contributions and job creation from soy-based fuels.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech ethanol greenhouse gas emissions

Pirelli's Smart Tires Hit the Road in Italian Pilot Program

2025-06-14

Pirelli's Smart Tires Hit the Road in Italian Pilot Program

Pirelli is launching a pilot program in Apulia, Italy, using its sensor-equipped Cyber Tires to improve road conditions. These tires monitor temperature, pressure, and wear, communicating with the car via Bluetooth Low Energy. Instead of relying on crowdsourced data from private vehicles, the program will use tires fitted to a fleet of rental cars. By analyzing data from the tires, algorithms can infer road surface roughness, informing infrastructure improvements. This technology holds promise for wider adoption, enhancing driving safety and comfort.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech smart tires sensors road infrastructure

Apple Solves Passkey's Biggest Problem: Cross-Platform Portability

2025-06-13

Apple Solves Passkey's Biggest Problem: Cross-Platform Portability

Apple showcased a crucial import/export feature for passkeys at WWDC, addressing the major drawback of this phishing-resistant authentication standard: platform lock-in. Previously, passkeys were often confined to a single operating system or password manager, making transfer between devices or platforms difficult. Apple's new functionality will allow seamless transfer of passkeys between iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and visionOS, also supporting passwords and verification codes. This significantly enhances passkey adoption and counters concerns about large companies using them for ecosystem lock-in.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Reverse-Engineering a Sony PS1 Motherboard: The nsOne Project

2025-06-12

Reverse-Engineering a Sony PS1 Motherboard: The nsOne Project

Lorentio Brodesco reverse-engineered an original PlayStation 1 motherboard, painstakingly recreating its complete schematic. This wasn't just a repair job; it's a preservation effort to save the PS1's hardware architecture and ultimately produce a functional motherboard, nsOne. He's open-sourcing the design files, a tribute to the PS1 and a testament to the power of retro hardware preservation.

(arstechnica.com)

Hardware

Nine-Armed Octopus Shows Remarkable Adaptability

2025-06-12

Nine-Armed Octopus Shows Remarkable Adaptability

Researchers in Spain observed an Octopus vulgaris, nicknamed Salvador, with nine arms due to unusual regeneration after a predator attack. Its bifurcated arm, resembling Dali's moustache, was initially used less for risky tasks, suggesting long-term memory of the injury. However, Salvador's nervous system adapted, integrating the ninth arm effectively into its environment exploration. This highlights the remarkable adaptability of octopuses.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Quadrupedal Robot ANYmal Takes on Badminton: Reaction Time is the Bottleneck

2025-06-11

Quadrupedal Robot ANYmal Takes on Badminton: Reaction Time is the Bottleneck

Researchers at ETH Zurich trained a quadrupedal robot, ANYmal, to play badminton. While ANYmal learned to avoid falls and assess risk based on its speed limitations, its reaction time (around 0.35 seconds) is significantly slower than elite human players (0.12-0.15 seconds). Visual perception also presented a challenge, with ANYmal's stereo camera suffering from positioning errors and limited field of view. The team plans to improve ANYmal's performance by predicting trajectories, upgrading hardware (such as event cameras), and improving actuators. However, the commercial prospects for this technology are not promising.

(arstechnica.com)

AI badminton

Google Beam: $25,000 3D Video Conferencing System

2025-06-11

Google Beam: $25,000 3D Video Conferencing System

Following the Gemini hype at Google I/O, Google unveiled Google Beam, a $24,999 3D video conferencing system developed in partnership with HP. The system uses six high-speed cameras to capture a volumetric video of the speaker, displayed on a 65-inch light field screen. This creates a hyperrealistic 3D image without the need for headsets or glasses, offering 60fps and millimeter-scale precision. Google claims Beam improves meeting efficiency and recall by enhancing non-verbal cues, and future integrations with Meet's live translation are planned. Despite the steep price, the technology is undeniably impressive.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech 3D video conferencing high-tech

Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Launch Schedule Severely Behind

2025-06-10

Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Launch Schedule Severely Behind

Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp admitted that the company's New Glenn rocket launch rate will fall far short of its target of eight launches this year. The second mission, "Never Tell Me the Odds," aiming to recover the booster, is now delayed until at least August 15th and may be the only launch this year. Insiders say Jeff Bezos is unhappy with the significant delays, and even an August launch might be optimistic, with September being more realistic. While the company claims it will produce eight second-stage rockets (GS2s) this year, this seems more like a strategy to appease Bezos.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

YouTube Loosens Content Moderation: More Controversial Videos to Remain

2025-06-09

YouTube Loosens Content Moderation: More Controversial Videos to Remain

YouTube is easing its content moderation policies. Balancing free speech with potential harm, YouTube is raising the bar for content removal, allowing more potentially controversial videos to remain in the name of 'public interest.' This could lead to more inflammatory content on topics such as elections, race, gender, sexuality, abortion, immigration, and censorship. The change follows a trend seen on other user-generated content platforms, reflecting the challenges and complexities of content moderation. YouTube states the goal is to protect free expression while mitigating egregious harm.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech public interest

AT&T's 5G Expansion Plan Sparks Outrage from Small ISPs

2025-06-09

AT&T's 5G Expansion Plan Sparks Outrage from Small ISPs

AT&T's proposal to reallocate the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum from the 3.5 GHz band to the 3.1-3.3 GHz band to expand its 5G network has sparked outrage among small internet service providers (ISPs). They argue this move will render their existing equipment obsolete and stifle internet connectivity in rural areas. Small ISPs highlight CBRS's crucial role in broadband access in underserved areas, calling AT&T's plan a grab for America's digital future. The Department of Defense also expressed concerns, citing potential non-adherence to established coordination conditions by non-federal users.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech small ISPs

Nord Quantique's Single-Qubit Breakthrough: Error-Free Quantum Computing?

2025-06-07

Nord Quantique's Single-Qubit Breakthrough: Error-Free Quantum Computing?

Nord Quantique claims a breakthrough: error-free operation of a logical qubit using only a single physical qubit. Unlike competitors using multiple physical qubits for a single logical one, this approach, while currently limited to single-qubit operations, significantly reduces space, power, and cooling requirements. This innovative error detection and correction scheme offers a potential solution to the challenges of scaling up quantum computing, paving the way for future advancements.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech qubit

A Premeditated Murder in 14th Century London: The Forde Killing

2025-06-07

A Premeditated Murder in 14th Century London: The Forde Killing

A premeditated murder shocked 14th-century London's Westcheap area. Priest Forde was ambushed and killed by four men, including Ela Fitzpayne's brother and former servants, shortly after Vespers. Despite identifying the killers, justice was thwarted by Fitzpayne's high social standing. Five years later, only one perpetrator was imprisoned. Further research revealed a long-standing feud between the Fitzpayne family and Forde, including a previous raid on a Benedictine priory. The case highlights the class-based injustice of the era.

(arstechnica.com)

Misc Medieval Murder Class Justice Historical Investigation

Apple's OS Overhaul: Ditching Version Numbers for Year-Based Naming

2025-06-06

Apple's OS Overhaul: Ditching Version Numbers for Year-Based Naming

Apple is planning a major UI redesign for its iOS, iPadOS, and macOS operating systems, along with a new naming scheme. Instead of version numbers (like iOS 19), future releases will be named after the year (like iOS 26). This aims to simplify version management, making it easier for users to understand software age and unifying the version numbering across different operating systems like visionOS and watchOS. The new system is expected around September 2025, but Apple typically waits until later in the fall or winter to push updates, ensuring stability.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Apple OS UI Redesign Year-Based Naming

OpenAI Appeals Court Order to Preserve Deleted ChatGPT Chats

2025-06-06

OpenAI Appeals Court Order to Preserve Deleted ChatGPT Chats

OpenAI is appealing a court order requiring it to retain deleted ChatGPT user chat logs, stemming from a copyright lawsuit filed by the New York Times. OpenAI argues the order is an overreach, stating that only a small, audited legal and security team would access this data to comply with legal obligations. They emphasize that the order doesn't affect OpenAI API business customers with zero data retention agreements.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Copyright Lawsuit

Nintendo Switch 2's GameChat: Balancing Privacy and Safety

2025-06-06

Nintendo Switch 2's GameChat: Balancing Privacy and Safety

Nintendo Switch 2's new GameChat voice chat feature balances user privacy with enhanced child protection. GameChat is limited to friends only, requiring phone number verification. For minors, parental consent via the Nintendo Parental Controls app is mandatory, allowing parents to approve friend requests and control video chat access. GameChat temporarily records the last three minutes of audio and video for handling reported violations, but users can withdraw consent at any time. While recordings may be used to investigate violations, Nintendo emphasizes this is to maintain a safe and family-friendly online environment.

(arstechnica.com)

Game

Retro Macintosh Platinum Color 3D Printer Filament Now Available

2025-06-05

Retro Macintosh Platinum Color 3D Printer Filament Now Available

Classic computer collector Joe Strosnider has announced a new 3D printer filament that replicates the iconic "Platinum" color scheme of classic Macintosh computers from the late 1980s and 1990s. This PLA filament allows hobbyists to 3D print nostalgic items, replacement parts, and accessories matching the original color. Strosnider spent around $900 developing the color and purchasing an initial 25kg supply, but instead of keeping it proprietary, he partnered with Polar Filament to make it publicly available for anyone to use.

(arstechnica.com)

Hardware

American Science & Surplus: A Maker's Paradise Facing the E-commerce Tide

2025-06-04

American Science & Surplus: A Maker's Paradise Facing the E-commerce Tide

American Science & Surplus, founded in 1937, has seen its share of ups and downs. From its origins selling lenses and lab equipment, it has expanded to include science toys, craft supplies, and a vast array of electronic components and tools, embodying the maker ethos. However, the rise of e-commerce has impacted some previously popular items, such as telescopes, leading to decreased sales. The store's long history, its unique inventory, and its relationship with a now-defunct Radio Shack paint a nostalgic picture of a bygone retail era, while its current offerings still inspire creativity and innovation.

(arstechnica.com)

Misc maker culture

OpenAI's API Chat Log Preservation Order Sparks User Privacy Concerns

2025-06-04

OpenAI's API Chat Log Preservation Order Sparks User Privacy Concerns

A court order requiring OpenAI to preserve API chat data has sparked user panic. Users voiced concerns on LinkedIn and X, arguing it constitutes a serious breach of contract and jeopardizes privacy. Some recommend alternatives like Mistral AI or Google Gemini. OpenAI contends users need control over personal information for freedom of use and believes the court insufficiently considered user concerns. It remains unclear if the court will overturn the order.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Tesla's Sales Plummet: Is the Giant Falling?

2025-06-04

Tesla's Sales Plummet: Is the Giant Falling?

After shifting his focus back to Tesla, Elon Musk is facing a serious sales slump. In the first quarter of the year, despite growth in global EV sales, Tesla sold tens of thousands fewer vehicles than the previous year. April's figures were even worse, with significant sales declines in Europe and China, and May's numbers didn't show much improvement. Registration data from Germany, the UK, and Italy reveals Tesla sales dropped by 20% to 45% year-over-year, while overall EV sales increased. In China, Tesla also faces intense competition from domestic brands, resulting in a 15% sales decline. This indicates that even EV giants face significant market challenges.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Atari 8-bit Computer Shrunk to Postage Stamp Size

2025-06-03

Atari 8-bit Computer Shrunk to Postage Stamp Size

Polish engineer Piotr Ostapowicz has created Atarino, a remarkably small recreation of the Atari 8-bit computer. About the size of a postage stamp, it faithfully recreates the classic Atari XL/XE architecture using modern FPGA technology. Packing a 6502C processor, ANTIC and GTIA graphics chips, POKEY sound chip, and memory controllers onto a single chip, Atarino runs significantly faster than the original while maintaining compatibility with original peripherals. This miniature marvel showcases the power of modern technology while celebrating retro gaming.

(arstechnica.com)

Game

Browser Makers Battle Trackers in Privacy Arms Race

2025-06-03

Browser Makers Battle Trackers in Privacy Arms Race

Research reveals Meta and Yandex's sneaky use of localhost channels in browsers to share user identifiers. While browsers like DuckDuckGo and Brave effectively blocked this with extensive blocklists, researchers warn this is an ongoing arms race. Chrome, after initially executing the tracking code, recently updated to block the functionality. A long-term solution requires redesigning privacy and security controls for localhost channels, giving users granular control instead of relying on constantly updated blocklists.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech trackers

Google Settles Massive Antitrust Lawsuit: A Pricey Resolution

2025-06-02

After years of battling antitrust lawsuits, Google has settled with multiple shareholders to avoid protracted litigation. Since 2021, Google has faced numerous lawsuits alleging monopolistic practices, culminating in recent high-profile losses against Epic Games and the US Department of Justice. These defeats expose Google to billions in fines and necessitate significant business restructuring. The settlement likely entails opening Google Play, sharing advertising data, licensing its search index, and potentially even divesting the Chrome browser. This costly resolution aims to mitigate further legal battles and address the damage caused by its antitrust woes.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Settlement

DOJ Sides with ISPs in Copyright Infringement Case

2025-06-02

DOJ Sides with ISPs in Copyright Infringement Case

The Department of Justice sided with Frontier Communications in a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by record labels. The labels alleged Frontier failed to terminate accounts of numerous repeat infringers. The DOJ argued that holding ISPs liable for user infringement could incentivize them to terminate accounts indiscriminately to avoid liability, potentially harming innocent users. Frontier defended its actions, stating it had terminated many accounts flagged for infringement and hadn't directly infringed any copyrights. The case highlights the complex legal battle between copyright holders, ISPs, and users over the responsibility for online copyright infringement.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech ISPs

Musk's NASA Pick Fails, Leaving Agency Facing Budget Cuts and Uncertain Future

2025-06-01

Musk's NASA Pick Fails, Leaving Agency Facing Budget Cuts and Uncertain Future

Jared Isaacman, Elon Musk's favored nominee for NASA administrator, has unexpectedly failed to secure the position, sparking concern within the agency. Isaacman's nomination failure is attributed to Musk's controversial role in the government and opposition from within the administration. This leaves NASA facing substantial budget cuts, a 24% reduction, jeopardizing its future. NASA insiders express grave concerns, with some predicting the agency's decline. The Trump administration hasn't named a replacement, but retired Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast is a leading contender, raising concerns about his military background and its implications for NASA's civilian space mission.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Gmail's AI Email Summarization: Useful but Disableable

2025-05-30

Gmail's AI Email Summarization: Useful but Disableable

Gmail now uses AI to automatically generate email summaries, leveraging Transformer architecture. While accuracy depends on email content, this feature might be unnecessary for most. To disable it, go to Gmail app settings and turn off 'smart features,' though this also disables other convenient features like high-priority notifications and Smart Reply. This feature is off by default in Europe and Japan.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech email summarization

Broadband Lobby Fights Back Against State-Level Affordable Internet Bills

2025-05-30

Broadband Lobby Fights Back Against State-Level Affordable Internet Bills

A California bill mandating $15 broadband plans with 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload speeds has sparked a backlash from internet service providers (ISPs). ISP lobbying groups argue this, along with similar proposals in states like Connecticut, constitutes 'unnecessary anti-competitive regulation'. They're attempting to use federal preemption to block state-level laws, a strategy that failed previously. This is because the FCC, after eliminating net neutrality rules, lacks authority to regulate broadband pricing. Courts have ruled the FCC can't preempt state laws in areas it doesn't regulate. Despite this, ISPs persist, hoping for a future court ruling in their favor.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech state laws

Ex-DVD Factory Worker Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over 1,000 Blu-rays and DVDs

2025-05-30

Ex-DVD Factory Worker Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over 1,000 Blu-rays and DVDs

Steven Hale, a former employee of a DVD manufacturing company, pleaded guilty to stealing over 1,000 Blu-ray discs and DVDs. The FBI alleges his piracy cost movie studios millions of dollars. Hale exploited his position to access pre-release copies of films, bypassing encryption and leaking them online for profit. Leaked films included blockbusters like Spider-Man: No Way Home, Encanto, and Sing 2, with the FBI estimating that Spider-Man's leak alone cost one studio tens of millions of dollars due to tens of millions of illegal copies. Authorities seized approximately 1,160 Blu-rays and DVDs in March 2022, shortly after the Spider-Man leak. The case may be part of a larger investigation into the Spider-Man leaks.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech online leaks

The Optimal Egg-Drop Orientation: Science Cracks the Case

2025-05-29

The Optimal Egg-Drop Orientation: Science Cracks the Case

Contrary to intuition, a new study reveals that the best way to drop an egg isn't necessarily on its end. While vertically oriented eggs exhibit greater stiffness under static compression, horizontal eggs are tougher when subjected to dynamic impact. The key difference lies in toughness—the ability to absorb energy—versus stiffness—resistance to deformation. Horizontal orientation allows for better kinetic energy dissipation during a fall, minimizing the risk of breakage. This research highlights the importance of toughness over stiffness in impact scenarios, analogous to bending your knees when landing a jump.

(arstechnica.com)

Misc egg toughness

Apple Accused of Colluding with Sony Music to Remove Musi App

2025-05-27

Apple Accused of Colluding with Sony Music to Remove Musi App

Musi app developers are accusing Apple of colluding with Sony Music and YouTube to secretly remove their app. Court documents reveal that Apple senior legal director Elizabeth Miles secretly contacted Sony Music executives to seek the removal of the Musi app. Apple tried to block key witnesses from testifying, including in-house counsel Violet Evan-Karimian, responsible for the removal decision, and Arun Singh, who handled the liaison with YouTube. Musi claims Apple's actions constitute a "backchannel scheme," while Apple denies this, stating that the complaint was never closed and YouTube was actively involved. This case raises concerns about Apple's App Store review process and the abuse of power by large tech companies.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Music App

Nintendo's Switch Ban: Online Services Blocked, Offline Functionality Remains?

2025-05-27

Nintendo's Switch Ban: Online Services Blocked, Offline Functionality Remains?

Nintendo's aggressive stance against modded Switches sparks debate. While their terms allow for remotely bricking modified consoles, in practice, the company seems more focused on deterring users than widespread bans. Lawyers point out that this "software tethering," while legally possible, faces public backlash and potential legal challenges. Ultimately, whether Nintendo will actually enforce widespread bans depends on public reaction and legal boundaries.

(arstechnica.com)

Game Modding

← Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next →