All posts by : 6ix Network

Universal Music Group (UMG), home to chart-topping artists like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish, has announced its decision to pull its music catalog from TikTok, effective January 31, following a failed negotiation on royalty rates with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. The move comes as a significant development in the ongoing tensions between major music labels and social media platforms over fair compensation for artists.

Key Points:

Failed Royalty Negotiations:

• • UMG accuses TikTok of attempting to build a “music-based business without paying fair value for [artists’] music.”
  • TikTok allegedly proposed a royalty rate significantly lower than what other major social platforms offer to artists.

Revenue Discrepancy:

• • UMG claims that despite TikTok’s substantial user base and growing ad revenue (around $20 billion in 2023), the platform contributes only about 1% to UMG’s total revenue.
  • The label accuses TikTok of insufficiently compensating artists and songwriters.

AI-Generated Recordings and Copyright Concerns:

• • Disagreements arise over payments for AI-generated recordings using UMG properties.
  • UMG expresses dissatisfaction with TikTok’s handling of copyright violations, claiming the platform failed to promptly remove infringing content.

Expiry of Current Agreement:

• • UMG’s existing contract with TikTok, established in 2021, is set to expire on January 31.
  • TikTok and UMG had previously experimented with features, allowing users to incorporate clips from UMG’s extensive music catalog.

TikTok’s Response:

• • TikTok responds, characterizing UMG’s actions as prioritizing “greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters.”
  • Accuses UMG of walking away from a platform with over a billion users that serves as a valuable promotional and discovery tool for artists.

Broader Industry Implications:

• • The conflict reflects broader industry challenges as social media platforms expand into music creation and curation.
  • TikTok aims to position TikTok Music as a competitor to established streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.

UMG’s decision to remove its song catalog from TikTok marks a significant escalation in the ongoing battle between major music labels and social media platforms over fair compensation. The outcome of this dispute may have lasting implications for how artists and labels engage with platforms that utilize user-generated content featuring copyrighted music.

As the highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro headset nears its launch, enthusiasts are eager to preorder the AR/VR device that promises to revolutionize spatial computing. With a price tag of $3,499 and distinctive features, including a lack of popular apps at launch, potential buyers are weighing their options. This guide provides essential information on how to preorder the Apple Vision Pro, customize your order, and, for the cautious, explore in-store demos.

Preordering the Apple Vision Pro:

• • Preorders are currently available on Apple’s website.
  • Face ID on your iPhone or iPad is used to measure for the right fit of the Light Seal and headbands.
  • Selection of optical inserts, with readers and prescription options priced at $99 and $149, respectively.
  • Prescription details, including distance correction and near correction, are required for those opting for inserts.
  • Storage options: 256GB for $3,499, 512GB for $3,699, and 1TB for $3,899.
  • Payment options include outright purchase or installment plans starting at $291.58 per month with an Apple Card.
  • Optional AppleCare+ coverage available for $499 or $24.99 per month.
  • Choose between store pickup or free home delivery.
  • Preorder includes accessories: dual-loop adjustable band, protective cover, cleaning cloth, external battery, 30W USB-C adapter, and USB-C charging cable.

In-Store Demos:

• • Apple offers 25-minute demos for those who want to experience the Vision Pro before committing.
  • Sign-ups for in-store demos begin on February 2, starting at 8:00 a.m. local time at participating Apple retail locations.
  • Demos are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • While in-person demos are initially planned through the weekend, availability may extend.

Delivery Window Considerations:

• • Due to high demand and preorder volumes, delivery windows for recent preorders might be longer than expected.
  • Buyers are advised to check estimated arrival or pickup times during the checkout process.

The Apple Vision Pro preorder phase is in full swing, offering potential buyers the opportunity to secure the cutting-edge AR/VR headset. With customization options, payment plans, and in-store demos, Apple aims to cater to a diverse audience. As the device’s launch approaches, enthusiasts and early adopters eagerly await the next chapter in spatial computing.

Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is undergoing a transformative journey, witnessing a remarkable surge in active voice and internet subscriptions, coupled with a decline in teledensity. This shift, unveiled through the latest statistical indicators released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), reflects a significant recalibration in the industry’s metrics.

Nigeria’s Population Projection Spurs Adjustments:

The impetus for these adjustments, spanning the September, October, and November 2023 statistical reports, stems from the Nigerian Population Commission (NPC)’s revised projection of Nigeria’s population at 216,783,381 in 2022. This update replaces the previous 2017 projection of 190 million people and aligns with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s criteria for calculating teledensity—a crucial metric for assessing telephone penetration within a population.

Teledensity Decline and Subscription Dynamics:

Consequently, Nigeria’s teledensity witnessed a decline from 115.63% to 102.30% in September, accompanied by a parallel decrease in broadband penetration from 45.47% to 40.85%. Despite this, active voice subscriptions experienced a slight uptick from 220,361,186 to 221,769,883, with internet subscriptions also showing marginal growth, rising from 159,034,717 in August to 160,171,757 in September 2023.

October and November Momentum:

In October 2023, the industry observed a 0.19% increase in active voice subscriptions, teledensity registering at 102.49%, and a 0.60% rise in internet subscriptions compared to September 2023 figures. November of the same year witnessed a further 0.46% growth in active voice subscriptions, with teledensity standing at 102.97%, and a 0.57% uptick in internet subscriptions compared to October 2023.

The Significance of Teledensity:

Teledensity, a metric endorsed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), serves as a vital index for measuring telephone penetration within a population, benchmarked at one line per 100 individuals.

Regulatory Alignment and Industry Oversight:

The NCC’s adjustment aligns with Section 89 Subsection 3(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003), mandating the Commission to monitor and report on the state of the Nigerian telecommunications industry. Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, underscores the importance of accurate data in measuring progress and informs strategic objectives outlined by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

Shaping Policies and Investment Decisions:

Accurate telecom data not only informs international bodies like the ITU but also plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and investment decisions for operators, investors, multilateral agencies, and the public.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s telecom landscape is in a dynamic phase, marked by a balance between declining teledensity and burgeoning subscriptions. The recalibration aligns with international standards and regulatory mandates, ensuring the industry moves forward with accurate and relevant data.

Stay tuned for more updates on Nigeria’s telecom evolution and how it shapes the nation’s connectivity future.

Elon Musk’s medical technology company, Neuralink, has achieved a major breakthrough by reportedly implanting a brain chip into a human subject. While this marks a significant milestone, the development is not without controversy, with ongoing investigations into potential violations of animal welfare laws and concerns about the rushed timelines. This article explores the details of Neuralink’s human trial, the intended benefits of the brain chip, and the ethical considerations surrounding the technology.

Elon Musk’s Announcement: Elon Musk took to Twitter to announce that Neuralink has successfully implanted a brain chip into its first human subject. The CEO expressed optimism about the initial results, stating that the patient is recovering well, and promising neuron spike detection has been observed.

Volunteer Criteria: Neuralink’s call for trial participants specified criteria such as being within the U.S., over 18, and having a disability. The company is particularly interested in individuals with conditions like quadriplegia, paraplegia, vision or hearing loss, and major limb amputation. The first trial targeted those with quadriplegia due to spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Telepathy – Neuralink’s First Product: Musk revealed that Neuralink’s initial product is named Telepathy, designed to enable disabled individuals to operate electronic devices using their brain. The goal is to empower those who have lost the use of their limbs to control devices by simply thinking.

PRIME Study: Neuralink’s Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface (PRIME) Study aims to assess the safety of the N1 brain implant and the R1 surgical robot used for implantation. The N1 Implant’s flexible threads are intended to record and transmit brain signals wirelessly, with the initial goal of allowing users to control a computer cursor or keyboard through thoughts.

Controversies and Investigations: Neuralink has faced controversies, including investigations into potential violations of animal welfare laws. Allegations suggest that rushed timelines led to botched experiments and unnecessary suffering in animals. The company received FDA approval for human trials in May, raising concerns about the careful handling of human subjects.

Ethical Considerations: Despite the potential benefits for individuals with disabilities, there are ethical considerations surrounding the implantation of brain chips. The article encourages potential candidates to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits, given Neuralink’s history and the delicate nature of brain-related interventions.

Neuralink’s successful implantation of a brain chip in a human marks a significant step toward developing technology that could benefit individuals with disabilities. However, ongoing controversies, investigations, and ethical considerations underscore the need for cautious progress. As Neuralink advances its technology, transparency, ethical practices, and the well-being of both animal and human subjects remain critical aspects of its journey.

Recent developments in the field of autonomous passenger drones, such as the EHang EH216-S in China, suggest a significant step toward the realization of flying cars. This article explores the advancements, challenges, and historical context surrounding the concept of flying cars, considering factors ranging from technical feasibility to social acceptance.

Key Points:

EHang EH216-S Milestone: On December 28, 2023, Chinese firm EHang achieved a milestone by conducting the first commercial flight of an unmanned, autonomous passenger drone in Guangzhou. The EHang EH216-S, equipped with 16 rotors and an electric battery, showcased the potential for autonomous aerial transportation. The drone aims to be an airborne mode of transport as accessible as an automobile.

Technical Limitations: While the EH216-S represents a notable achievement, it comes with technical limitations. The drone has a range of only 22 miles and a top speed of 81 mph, raising questions about its practicality for longer-distance travel. Additionally, the two-passenger capacity falls short compared to traditional helicopters.

Comparison with Traditional Helicopters: Contrasting the EH216-S with traditional helicopters like the Robinson R44 reveals disparities in range, speed, and passenger capacity. Despite being quieter and more environmentally friendly, the EH216-S must address these limitations to become a viable alternative on a broader scale.

Historical Context – Autogyros: The article delves into the historical context of flying cars, citing the autogyro as an early example. Developed in the 1930s by aviation pioneers Juan de la Cierva and Harold Pitcairn, autogyros combined elements of helicopters and airplanes, with the ability to travel on roadways. However, historical events such as the Depression and World War II impacted their widespread adoption.

Technological Progress vs. Social Acceptance: J. Storrs Hall’s book, “Where Is My Flying Car?” explores the paradox of technological progress versus societal acceptance. The article contends that while technical barriers may have been overcome, cultural reactions and regulatory constraints have impeded the transition to a world of flying cars.

Social Barriers and Regulatory Ossification: The author emphasizes that social barriers and regulatory challenges, rather than technical limitations or cost, have been the primary obstacles to realizing flying cars. Cultural reactions, fears related to energy, and regulatory frameworks have hindered the normal flow of experimentation in high-power technology.

EHang and Competitors: Acknowledging EHang’s achievement, the article mentions other players in the field, including Joby, Wisk Aero, and LIFT’s Hexa. These companies contribute to the progress in autonomous aerial transportation and underscore the potential societal shift toward flying cars.

EHang EH216-S Limitations and Market Sentiments: Concerns about the EH216-S’s short range and market competitiveness are highlighted. Market sentiments and risks associated with public confidence in self-flying air taxis, particularly after potential accidents, are discussed.

Cultural Perception of Flying Cars: The author concludes by emphasizing that the dream of a world full of flying cars is contingent not only on technological and economic feasibility but also on societal willingness and acceptance. The question posed is whether society truly desires a future with flying cars.

The recent success of EHang’s autonomous passenger drone marks a significant step toward the realization of flying cars. However, technical limitations, historical insights into early attempts with autogyros, and social barriers underscore the complexities of transitioning to a world where flying cars are commonplace. The article emphasizes the need for societal acceptance, addressing regulatory challenges, and overcoming historical setbacks to pave the way for a future with flying cars.

Opera, a Norway-based browser developer, has disclosed plans to launch an AI-powered browser named Opera One for iOS in Europe. The announcement comes in response to Apple’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) changes, allowing alternative browser engines on iOS. Opera aims to provide users with an AI-centric alternative to Safari, leveraging the newfound freedom to submit non-WebKit-based browsers on iOS.

Key Points:

1. Apple’s DMA Changes: Apple, compelled by the DMA, will permit developers to submit non-WebKit-based browsers for iOS, fostering competition and offering users a diverse browser selection. This change eliminates the exclusive requirement for third-party browsers to use WebKit, the engine behind Safari.

2. AI-Powered Opera One: Opera seizes the opportunity presented by Apple’s policy shift and announces Opera One, an AI-powered browser for iOS. The browser is designed to provide users with an innovative and intelligent alternative to Safari. Opera emphasizes its commitment to embracing the DMA changes and offering users enhanced choices.

3. Timeline: The new browser, Opera One, is set to debut in March, aligning with the implementation of the DMA changes in the European Union. Opera expresses optimism about the DMA’s positive impact on browser diversity and urges Apple to extend these freedoms globally.

4. Interoperability Request: Opera highlights its excitement about Apple’s announcement of an interoperability request form, enabling developers to submit requests for interoperability with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features.

5. Global Implementation Encouragement: While the DMA changes apply to the European Union, Opera encourages Apple to implement these augmented freedoms globally, offering users around the world increased browser choices.

6. Major Investment in AI Infrastructure: Opera hints at a forthcoming major investment in a key AI infrastructure project in Europe, aligning with its focus on AI-driven technologies.

Opera’s announcement of the AI-powered Opera One for iOS underscores the evolving landscape for browser development on Apple’s platform. With the DMA-induced changes, Opera aims to provide users with an intelligent and competitive alternative, emphasizing the positive impact of increased browser diversity.

A security researcher discovered and reported security vulnerabilities on the Rajasthan government website related to Jan Aadhaar, a state program providing a unique identifier for residents accessing welfare schemes. The bugs exposed copies of sensitive documents, including Aadhaar cards, birth and marriage certificates, electricity bills, and income statements. The issues, resolved with the intervention of CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team), raised concerns about the exposure of personal information of millions of individuals.

Key Points:

1. Discovery of Bugs: Security researcher Viktor Markopoulos identified security flaws on the Jan Aadhaar portal in December, exposing sensitive documents and personal information. The vulnerabilities were brought to the attention of TechCrunch for responsible disclosure.

2. Nature of Bugs: The identified vulnerabilities included a flaw that allowed unauthorized access to personal documents and information when the registrant’s phone number was known. Another bug enabled the retrieval of sensitive data due to the server’s improper validation of one-time passwords.

3. Impact: The security issues posed significant risks as they potentially exposed Aadhaar cards, birth and marriage certificates, and financial documents. Personal details, such as date of birth, gender, and father’s name, were also at risk.

4. Intervention by CERT-In: Following the responsible disclosure, CERT-In intervened to address the vulnerabilities on the Rajasthan government website. The agency confirmed the resolution of the bugs, highlighting the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between security researchers and authorities.

5. Jan Aadhaar Portal: Launched in 2019, the Jan Aadhaar portal is a state initiative in Rajasthan providing a single identifier to residents for accessing government welfare schemes. The portal boasts over 78 million individual registrants and 20 million families.

6. One Number, One Card, One Identity: The Jan Aadhaar program aims to streamline access to state government welfare schemes by offering a unified identifier, emphasizing “One Number, One Card, One Identity” for residents in Rajasthan.

The resolution of security vulnerabilities on the Jan Aadhaar portal underscores the importance of timely identification and remediation of flaws in government systems. The collaboration between security researchers, media, and authorities, as demonstrated in this case, plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall security posture and protecting the sensitive information of citizens.

After disclosing a cyberattack carried out by Russian government spies targeting Microsoft, the company now reveals that the same group, identified as Midnight Blizzard or APT29/Cozy Bear, has also targeted other organizations. Microsoft detected the intrusion on January 12 and notified additional targeted organizations as part of its usual processes. The hackers employed a password spray attack, evading detection with a tailored approach focused on specific accounts. The espionage campaign, initiated in late November, aimed at stealing sensitive information, particularly from senior executives and cybersecurity personnel.

Key Points:

1. Broader Targeting: Microsoft discloses that the Russian-backed hackers behind the breach also targeted other organizations beyond Microsoft. The extent of the campaign and the number of affected organizations remain unclear.

2. Midnight Blizzard Group: The hackers, known as Midnight Blizzard or APT29/Cozy Bear, are believed to be affiliated with Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). Microsoft identified the group as responsible for the cyberattack.

3. Password Spray Attack: The hackers initiated the breach using a password spray attack on a legacy system lacking multi-factor authentication. The approach involved using a limited number of attempts tailored to specific accounts, reducing the likelihood of detection.

4. Targeted Email Accounts: Once access was gained, the hackers specifically targeted senior executives, cybersecurity professionals, and individuals from legal and other departments. The attackers accessed a small percentage of Microsoft corporate email accounts, stealing emails and attached documents.

5. Interest in Own Information: Microsoft notes that the hackers displayed an interest in finding information about themselves, attempting to understand what Microsoft knows about them.

6. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Breach: HPE, using Microsoft-hosted email systems, discloses that Midnight Blizzard breached its email system. The hackers accessed and exfiltrated data from a limited number of HPE mailboxes starting in May 2023. The breach is distinct from Microsoft’s incident.

The revelation that Russian-backed hackers targeted multiple organizations, including Microsoft and HPE, underscores the sophistication and broader scope of the espionage campaign. Microsoft’s ongoing investigations aim to assess the full impact of the breach, shedding light on the hackers’ motives and the information they sought from the compromised accounts.

Fortnite, the popular battle royale game, and the Epic Games Store are making a comeback to iOS in Europe after a four-year absence. This development follows Apple’s announcement of changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU. The DMA aims to foster competition among major tech companies and introduces the option for sideloading apps on iOS, allowing developers to distribute apps through alternative channels. Epic Games plans to leverage these changes to bring Fortnite back to iOS and launch the Epic Games Store on the platform in the EU.

Key Points:

1. Sideloading on iOS in the EU: Apple’s decision to allow sideloading in the EU is a departure from its previous stance and is part of its compliance with the DMA. This change enables developers to distribute iOS apps through channels beyond the App Store.

2. Fortnite’s Return to iOS: Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, intends to bring the battle royale game back to iOS. Fortnite has evolved into a digital marketplace, offering user-generated games alongside its classic battle royale mode.

3. Epic Games Store on iOS: In addition to Fortnite, Epic Games plans to launch the Epic Games Store on iOS in the EU. The Epic Games Store is a digital storefront for PC games with a 13% revenue share for Epic (developers retain 88%).

4. Apple’s DMA Compliance Criticized: While Epic Games prepares for its return to iOS, CEO Tim Sweeney criticizes Apple’s DMA compliance plans, describing them as “hot garbage” with problematic fees. Epic continues to challenge Apple’s policies while exploring opportunities for growth in software marketplaces.

5. Fortnite’s Evolving Role: Fortnite is evolving beyond a traditional game, becoming a platform similar to Roblox, offering various user-generated games and experiences. Epic’s focus on Fortnite aligns with its broader vision for digital games and software marketplaces.

The return of Fortnite and the Epic Games Store to iOS in Europe signifies a shift in Apple’s App Store policies driven by compliance with the DMA. Epic Games seizes the opportunity to re-enter the iOS ecosystem, presenting Fortnite as a versatile platform and preparing to introduce the Epic Games Store to iOS users in the EU.