Posts in category: Tech News

Elon Musk’s platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, has implemented significant changes by officially permitting adult and graphic content. This move, aimed at fostering free expression, marks a distinct shift in the platform’s content policies. Here’s an in-depth look at the new guidelines and their implications.

Background of Adult Content on X

Adult content has existed on Twitter for years. Unlike platforms like Facebook and Instagram, Twitter did not explicitly ban such content, even before Elon Musk’s acquisition in late 2022. However, with the recent changes, X has now formally updated its rules to clearly permit adult content, provided it meets certain criteria.

New Guidelines for Adult Content

Permitted Content

The updated guidelines, reported by Tech Crunch, now explicitly allow users to share adult content. This content must be consensually produced and distributed, involving adult nudity or sexual behavior. The platform emphasizes that sexual expression, whether visual or written, is a legitimate form of artistic expression.

Content Labeling and Restrictions

Under the new policy, adult content can be posted as long as it is properly labeled. Such content must not be prominently displayed, for instance, in profile pictures or account banners. Accounts that frequently post adult content are required to mark their images and videos as sensitive content automatically.

Protection for Minors and Sensitive Users

The policy also includes measures to protect minors and users who prefer not to view adult content. Adult content will be restricted for users identified as children or for those who opt out of viewing it.

READ ALSO: Leaked Google Database Reveals Significant Privacy Breaches Affecting Various User Groups

Inclusion of AI-Generated Content

The guidelines extend to various forms of adult content, including AI-generated content, animations, cartoons, hentai, and anime. This broad inclusion aims to cover all possible forms of adult content that users might share.

Official Statement and Clarification

X’s safety team announced these new guidelines via a tweet, stating that the update aims to provide more clarity and transparency regarding the platform’s rules and enforcement procedures. This step is part of X’s ongoing efforts to balance free expression with user safety and content appropriateness.

Impact and Controversies

Since acquiring Twitter, Musk has faced criticism for reducing content moderation teams. The platform has also encountered technical issues and reinstated accounts of controversial figures, including right-wing conspiracy theorists and former US President Donald Trump. Critics argue that these moves undermine content moderation and platform safety.

Future Plans for X

Elon Musk’s vision for X extends beyond just social media. He aims to transform X into a “super app” similar to China’s WeChat, integrating features like messaging, voice and video calling, social media, mobile payments, and online booking services. This strategy is part of Musk’s plan to diversify X’s revenue streams beyond advertising.

X’s new policy on adult content represents a significant shift towards promoting free speech and artistic expression. While this move aligns with Musk’s vision for the platform, it also brings challenges, especially regarding content moderation and user safety. As X evolves, balancing these aspects will be crucial for its success.

A recent leak of an internal Google database has exposed thousands of privacy incidents that occurred over a span of six years. These breaches, many of which were previously unknown to the public, impacted a wide range of users including children, car owners, and even corporate entities like Nintendo.

Internal Leak and Verification

The leaked database, obtained and first reported by tech outlet 404 Media, consists of numerous privacy incidents reported internally by Google employees. These incidents were flagged for investigation and resolution by relevant teams within Google. The legitimacy of the leak has been verified by 404 Media and confirmed by Google.

“In a statement to 404 Media, Google explained, ‘At Google, employees can quickly flag potential product issues for review by the relevant teams. The reports obtained by 404 are from over six years ago and are examples of these flags—every one was reviewed and resolved at that time. In some cases, these employee flags turned out not to be issues at all or were issues that employees found in third-party services.'”

Major Privacy Incidents

1. Children’s Privacy: The most significant incident involved Socratic, a homework helper app acquired by Google in 2019. The leak revealed that over one million users’ email addresses, including those of children, were publicly accessible on the Socratic.org website for more than a year. Additionally, children’s voices were accidentally logged in the YouTube Kids app, and a thousand children’s speech data was recorded by a Google speech service. Another incident noted that a filter meant to exclude recordings of children’s voices was not correctly applied.

2. License Plates on Google Maps Street View: In 2016, it was reported that Google Maps’ Street View was inadvertently transcribing license plates from photos to text. Despite having a system in place to detect and avoid transcribing license plates, this system failed, resulting in a database of geolocated license plate numbers and fragments.

3. Nintendo’s YouTube Announcements: One incident involved a Google employee accessing private videos on Nintendo’s YouTube account. These videos, which contained announcements that had not yet been made public, were leaked prematurely. The report states that this unauthorized access was determined to be non-intentional.

Implications and Reactions

These revelations underscore significant lapses in privacy protection and data management within Google’s various services. While Google asserts that all flagged incidents were reviewed and resolved, the exposure of such sensitive information raises concerns about the adequacy of existing safeguards.

Child Privacy Breaches

The exposure of children’s data is particularly alarming, given the potential for misuse by malicious actors. Public availability of children’s email addresses and voice data poses serious privacy and security risks.

READ ALSO: Japanese Billionaire Cancels SpaceX Moon Mission, Crew Devastated

Vehicle License Plate Exposure

The inadvertent transcription of license plates could lead to privacy violations for individuals whose vehicles were captured by Street View. This incident highlights the need for more robust mechanisms to protect identifiable information in public data sets.

Corporate Data Leaks

The unauthorized access to Nintendo’s private videos illustrates vulnerabilities in data access controls, even for major corporate clients. Such breaches could damage trust and have significant business repercussions.

The leaked Google database sheds light on numerous privacy issues that have affected a broad spectrum of users over several years. While Google claims to have addressed these incidents, the scope and nature of the breaches call for enhanced privacy measures and transparency in handling user data. For more detailed information on the privacy incidents revealed in the leaked Google database, refer to the full report by 404 Media.

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has canceled his highly anticipated flight to the moon aboard SpaceX’s Starship, a decision influenced by the spacecraft’s lack of successful test flights. The dearMoon project, which aimed to send a civilian crew to the moon, announced the cancellation on Friday, citing SpaceX’s failure to launch by the end of 2023 and ongoing uncertainty about the mission’s future.

Cancellation Announcement

In a statement on their website, dearMoon explained, “Launch within 2023 became unfeasible, and without clear schedule certainty in the near-term, it is with a heavy heart that Maezawa made the unavoidable decision to cancel the project.” Maezawa echoed this sentiment in posts on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his disappointment over the aborted mission.

“I signed the contract in 2018 based on the assumption that dearMoon would launch by the end of 2023,” Maezawa wrote. “It’s a developmental project so it is what it is, but it is still uncertain as to when Starship can launch.”

The dearMoon Project

Maezawa announced his private SpaceX moon flight in 2018, with plans to take a group of artists on a journey to create works inspired by the trip. Initially, he expanded the guest list in January 2020, searching for a “life partner” to join him on the ultimate romantic adventure, but he quickly abandoned that idea.

Eventually, Maezawa settled on a crew of eight creatives, including U.S. DJ Steve Aoki, K-pop artist T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun), and YouTuber Tim Dodd. Now, these individuals will have to find other means to get closer to the moon.

Maezawa himself has experience in space travel, having taken a Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station for a 12-day trip in 2021. However, the cancellation of the dearMoon project marks a significant setback in his lunar ambitions.

Crew Reactions

The decision to cancel the mission has left the crew members devastated and disappointed. Some have publicly criticized Maezawa for his unilateral decision. Photographer and crew member Rhiannon Adam responded to Maezawa on X, stating, “You didn’t ask us if we minded waiting or give us an option or discuss that you were thinking of canceling until you’d already made the decision.”

Filmmaker Brendan Hall concurred, emphasizing that the cancellation was Maezawa’s decision alone. “Our crew has stayed well informed of Starship’s development and were aware that we would potentially be investing many years into this mission. The cancellation of this mission was sudden, brief, and unexpected.”

YouTuber Tim Dodd shared similar sentiments, noting that he had no prior knowledge of the possibility of cancellation and would have reconsidered his involvement had he known it could end abruptly. “I voiced my opinions, even before the announcement, that it was improbable for dearMoon to happen in the next few years,” Dodd wrote.

READ ALSO: Motorola’s 2024 Edge Mid-Ranger: Bigger, Better, and More Affordable

SpaceX’s Challenges

SpaceX has faced significant challenges with Starship’s development. The first test flight in April ended in failure, followed by another unsuccessful attempt in November. The third flight in March managed to reach orbital speed, but SpaceX lost contact with the spacecraft before the planned landing.

Space flight is inherently difficult and dangerous, and Starship’s initial failures are not unexpected. However, these setbacks highlight the long road ahead before Starship is ready to safely transport humans.

The cancellation of the dearMoon project marks a significant disappointment for Maezawa and his chosen crew. While Maezawa’s decision is understandable given the uncertainties and risks involved, the emotional impact on the crew and their dashed lunar dreams is palpable. As SpaceX continues to develop Starship, the hope for a future civilian moon mission remains, albeit on an uncertain timeline.

Motorola has officially unveiled its latest mid-range smartphone, the Edge (2024). This new device shares many features with last year’s model but introduces some notable enhancements.

Key Upgrades

Enhanced Performance with Snapdragon Chipset

The most significant upgrade is the chipset. The Edge (2024) features a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC, replacing the previous MediaTek hardware. While online benchmark tests indicate that this chip may not outperform the 2023 version, it does offer comparable performance. This change allows Motorola to price the new Edge at a competitive $550, $50 less than its predecessor, which is still sold at $600.

RAM Boost for Extra Power

For users needing extra power, the Edge (2024) includes RAM Boost, a feature that converts unused storage from the 256GB drive into virtual RAM. With 8GB of standard memory, this tool is especially useful for activities like streaming movies or gaming.

Bigger Battery and Fast Charging

The Edge (2024) comes with a larger 5,000mAh battery, capable of lasting up to 36 hours on a single charge. Additionally, it supports 68W TurboPower fast charging, allowing users to achieve up to 50% battery life with just a 15-minute charge.

Design and Camera Improvements

Updated Design with Quick Button

The Edge (2024) maintains a design similar to the 2023 model, with a notable addition of a new Quick Button. This customizable button can be linked to specific apps or functions, such as launching Google Maps, accessing Gmail, or opening the messaging app. As a result, the device is slightly larger, measuring 159.63 x 71.99 x 8.09 mm (6.28 x 2.83 x 0.3 inches).

READ ALSO: TikTok Faces Security Breach: High-Profile Accounts Targeted

Advanced Camera Features

A standout feature of the Edge (2024) is its 50 MP rear camera equipped with a Sony LYTIA 700C image sensor. Motorola claims this sensor enhances light absorption, producing highly detailed images. The camera is supported by Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Adaptive Stabilization to minimize hand motion and ensure clear photographs. Complementing the main camera are a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies.

Motorola’s Edge (2024) presents an appealing package for those seeking a mid-range smartphone. With enhancements in performance, battery life, and camera quality, combined with a more affordable price, the Edge (2024) stands out as a strong contender in the market.

For those interested in an affordable yet powerful smartphone, the Motorola Edge (2024) is worth considering. Its new features and competitive pricing make it an attractive choice for a wide range of users.

TikTok, a leading social media platform, has been hit by a security breach affecting high-profile accounts. This incident has raised significant concerns about the platform’s security measures and its impact on users.

Details of the Breach

TikTok’s Security Response

TikTok’s security team is actively addressing an exploit that allowed hackers to compromise several high-profile celebrity and brand accounts. Among the affected are Paris Hilton, CNN, and Sony. The ByteDance-owned app maker has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the attack or the techniques used to mitigate it. They only stated that measures have been taken to stop the attack and prevent future occurrences.

Nature of the Attack

As reported by Semafor and Forbes, the attack involved malware transmitted through TikTok’s direct messages, potentially impacting account access. The hackers’ intentions remain unclear since none of the compromised accounts posted any content.

Impact on CNN’s Account

CNN’s account was particularly affected, as it was hacked last week, leading to a temporary shutdown for several days. CNN is collaborating with TikTok to implement additional security measures to safeguard the account, especially with the upcoming U.S. presidential elections in mind.

TikTok’s Official Statement

TikTok, when contacted for further details, declined to share more information about the nature of the attack or the countermeasures. This decision aims to avoid providing insights to potential malicious actors.

A TikTok spokesperson stated, “Our security team is aware of a potential exploit targeting a number of high-profile accounts. We have taken measures to stop this attack and prevent it from happening in the future. We’re working directly with affected account owners to restore access, if needed.”

READ ALSO: Sony’s State of Play event revealed an exciting lineup of upcoming games for the PlayStation 5

Broader Implications

TikTok’s Influence and U.S. Concerns

The breach occurs at a time when TikTok’s influence in the U.S. is under scrutiny. President Biden recently signed a bill that mandates ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. If ByteDance does not comply, it will become illegal for app stores to distribute TikTok once the law is in effect.

Legal Battles

In response, TikTok has sued the U.S. government over this law, which will prolong the legal battle for months. Interestingly, Donald Trump, who initially tried to ban the app, has now started using TikTok for his campaign.

This recent security breach at TikTok highlights significant vulnerabilities and raises questions about the platform’s security protocols. With high-profile accounts targeted, it’s imperative for TikTok to enhance its security measures. The incident also coincides with broader geopolitical tensions, making TikTok’s future in the U.S. uncertain. Users and stakeholders will be closely watching how the company addresses these challenges moving forward.

For those concerned about their account security, it is recommended to regularly update passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Stay informed about the latest security updates from TikTok to protect your account.

SpaceX is gearing up for the fourth flight of its massive Starship rocket on June 5. This mission aims to test a crucial innovation: a reusable heat shield for the second stage. If successful, this could mark a significant milestone in space exploration and reusable launch technology.

Testing the Heat Shield

The Challenge of Reentry

CEO Elon Musk highlighted on social media that the biggest hurdle is creating a reusable orbital return heat shield, something never done before. The upcoming test focuses on surviving the intense heat of reentry, a critical step towards full reusability.

Novel Heat Shield Design

The second stage of Starship, protected by approximately 18,000 ceramic hexagonal tiles, faces a severe challenge. These tiles must withstand the extreme temperatures of reentry. A single damaged tile could jeopardize the mission, making the system’s resilience a major concern.

Building a New Supply Chain

SpaceX needs to develop a new supply chain to produce these high-performance tiles at scale. Solving this problem is vital for achieving the ultimate goal of reusable launch vehicles.

Towards Full Reusability

Lessons from Falcon 9

SpaceX has already made strides with the Falcon 9 rocket, which has flown 56 times this year alone. However, while the Falcon 9’s booster is recoverable, its second stage is not. Starship aims to change that by reusing both stages, potentially reducing launch costs dramatically.

Cost Efficiency and Capacity

Reusing both stages could cut costs to a fraction of current levels, delivering much more mass to orbit per launch. For example, SpaceX’s Transporter rideshare missions cost $6,000 per kilogram.

The Upcoming Mission

Controlled Reentry and Splashdown

If successful, the mission will demonstrate Starship’s ability to reenter the atmosphere and splash down softly in the Indian Ocean. The booster, named Super Heavy, will also aim for an ocean splashdown.

Regulatory Approval

Before the launch, SpaceX must secure a commercial launch license from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has been closely involved in the Starship test campaign, ensuring compliance and safety.

Learning from Past Launches

Iterative Testing Approach

Previous Starship launches have faced significant challenges. The first two ended in mid-air explosions, and the third saw both stages likely disintegrate before reaching the ocean. Despite these setbacks, each test provided valuable data, helping engineers refine the design.

Progress in Each Flight

Each flight has achieved more than the last. The third test saw the engines perform full-duration burns, and Starship reached orbit for the first time. This iterative approach is key to SpaceX’s development strategy.

Future Plans

Landing and Refurbishment

Eventually, SpaceX aims to land both the Super Heavy booster and Starship second stage back at its Texas launch facility. Rapid refurbishment and relaunch capabilities will be crucial for making space travel more economical and efficient.

Conclusion

The next Starship launch represents a significant step towards achieving full reusability in space launch systems. Overcoming the challenges of reentry and developing a robust heat shield are essential milestones. Each test brings SpaceX closer to its goal of reducing launch costs and increasing payload capacity, revolutionizing space travel.

READ ALSO: Billionaire Eric Lefkofsky’s Fourth IPO: AI Health Tech Firm Tempus

Eric Lefkofsky is no stranger to the IPO process, having successfully taken three companies public. With an estimated net worth of nearly $4 billion, Lefkofsky is now preparing for the fourth IPO of his career. He is the founder of Tempus, a genomic testing and data analysis company set to go public, but he is best known for co-founding Groupon, which had a notable IPO in 2011 at a valuation of nearly $13 billion.

While Groupon’s IPO and subsequent performance were marred by difficulties, Lefkofsky’s other ventures, InnerWorkings and Echo Global Logistics, saw more stable successes. InnerWorkings, launched in 2001, was sold to private equity in 2021 for less than its IPO value, whereas Echo Global Logistics’ stock appreciated steadily before its private equity sale in 2021 at a 50% premium.

Lefkofsky’s journey has not been without controversy. During Groupon’s pre-IPO phase, he reportedly took over $300 million, limiting the company’s working capital. Additionally, he halved Groupon’s reported revenue in revised S-1 filings after regulatory scrutiny. Another contentious deal involved selling his dot-com company Starbelly.com, which later resulted in bankruptcy for the acquiring company.

Despite the controversies, Lefkofsky has a reputation for creating significant value, at least for himself. With Tempus, he aims to build a long-lasting, impactful company. Inspired by his wife’s successful breast cancer treatment, Lefkofsky founded Tempus in 2015 to integrate data and technology into cancer care, enabling physicians to make data-driven decisions.

In 2015, Lefkofsky stepped down as Groupon’s CEO when its value fell to $2.6 billion (now around $600 million) and shifted his focus to his venture firm, Lightbank. According to Tempus’ S-1 filing, he hasn’t taken a salary in the past two years but is set to receive $800,000 in salary and an $800,000 bonus starting in 2025. Despite this, he received a $5.3 million dividend from company stock this year and had $7.5 million worth of preferred shares issued to him and $200,000 for private plane expenses covered.

Tempus reported $531 million in revenue for 2023, a 66% increase from 2022. However, the company still faces substantial losses, with net losses of $290 million in 2023 and $214 million in 2022. Nonetheless, the operating loss margin improved from 83% in 2022 to 37% in 2023.

Tempus has an agreement with Pathos AI, another Lefkofsky-founded company focused on drug discovery, which pays Tempus for data licensing rights. Tempus’ COO, Ryan Fukushima, also serves as Pathos’ CEO, managing responsibilities for both companies.

READ ALSO: Elon Musk’s xAI Secures $6 Billion to Revolutionize AI for Humanity

Lefkofsky’s control over Tempus is notable. He holds super voting shares granting 30 votes per share, far exceeding the common 10 to 20 votes per share seen in other companies. This setup highlights Lefkofsky’s desire to maintain significant control post-IPO, a move that might face resistance from prospective investors.

READ ALSO: SpaceX’s Starship: Preparing for a Historic Reentry

Elon Musk’s latest venture, xAI, has just achieved a major milestone by securing $6 billion in funding. This investment round, backed by prominent Silicon Valley funds and a Saudi Arabian prince, highlights the growing interest in xAI’s mission to develop advanced AI systems. The announcement was made over the weekend, with Musk confirming a pre-money valuation of $18 billion.

Major Investment and Key Players

xAI’s impressive funding round attracted high-profile investors including Valor Equity Partners, Vy Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and Fidelity Management & Research Company. Notably, Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal and the Kingdom Holding fund also participated, underscoring the global interest in Musk’s ambitious AI project.

Grok: xAI’s AI Chatbot

So far, xAI’s only publicly available product is Grok, an AI chatbot positioned as a competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Musk describes Grok as a more open and edgy alternative. However, Grok has faced challenges, notably when it generated some misleading news headlines, drawing negative media attention.

READ ALSO: Windows 12: What to Expect

Future Plans for xAI

The newly acquired funds will be crucial for xAI’s next steps. The company plans to use the proceeds to bring its first products to market, build advanced infrastructure, and accelerate research and development. Musk hinted at more announcements in the coming weeks, suggesting further advancements and innovations are on the horizon.

Commitment to Beneficial AI

xAI remains focused on its broader mission: developing AI systems that are truthful, competent, and beneficial for all of humanity. The company’s goal is to understand the true nature of the universe, positioning its technological advancements as tools for the greater good.

Elon Musk’s xAI is making significant strides with a $6 billion funding boost, promising exciting developments in the field of artificial intelligence. With a strong backing from global investors and a commitment to creating beneficial AI systems, xAI is poised to make a substantial impact on technology and society.

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Windows 12 is anticipated to be the next significant update following Windows 11, with a major emphasis on integrating AI capabilities, particularly through Microsoft’s Copilot feature.

Key Highlights

Copilot+ PCs and AI Integration

In May 2024, Microsoft unveiled Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, highlighting their commitment to embedding AI within the operating system. A notable AI-powered feature, “Recall,” is designed to track all activities on your PC, helping you find any misplaced files or apps. Think of it as a more advanced version of Apple’s Time Machine for Mac.

Windows 11 24H2 Update

Before Windows 12 arrives, the Windows 11 24H2 update is set to roll out, bringing several improvements:

• Enhanced HDR support for compatible displays
• Wi-Fi 7 support
• Ability to create zip archives directly in File Explorer, including 7-zip and TAR formats
• Numerous other enhancements

Windows 12: What We Know

What Is It?

Windows 12 is rumored to be the successor to Windows 11, continuing Microsoft’s trend of incorporating AI into its operating system.

Expected Release Date

While no official release date has been confirmed, speculation suggests Windows 12 may debut in 2025. This timing would align with the end of support for Windows 10. Despite earlier hints at a 2024 release from an Intel executive, recent developments suggest a later launch.

Windows 12 Supported Devices

Hardware Requirements

Windows 12 is expected to maintain similar hardware requirements as Windows 11, possibly with some upgrades:

• 64-bit processor: 1 GHz clock speed
• RAM: Likely increasing from 4GB to 8GB
• Storage: 64GB drive
• Security: UEFI, Secure Boot capable, TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
• Display: Larger than 9 inches with HD resolution (1366×768)
• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
• Internet connection: Required

TPM Requirement

The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) requirement introduced with Windows 11 is expected to remain, as most modern PCs already support this security feature.

READ ALSO: iOS 18 to Introduce AI-Generated Custom Emojis on iPhone

Features We Hope to See in Windows 12

1. Enhanced AI Integration: Building on Copilot’s capabilities, we hope to see even more AI-driven features that improve productivity and user experience.
2. Improved Multitasking: Advanced window management and multitasking features could make switching between tasks more seamless.
3. Better Gaming Support: Enhanced performance and features tailored for gaming enthusiasts.
4. Refined User Interface: A more intuitive and aesthetically pleasing UI, building on Windows 11’s design improvements.
5. Expanded Security Features: Further strengthening of security measures to protect users’ data and privacy.

Windows 12 promises to be a significant evolution of the Windows operating system, with a strong focus on AI and user-friendly features. As we await more official announcements, it’s clear that Microsoft aims to push the boundaries of what their OS can offer, making daily computing more efficient and secure. Keep an eye out for further updates as we approach its expected release in 2025.

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REVIEW: Apple iPad (10th Generation) Review: The Best Tablet Under $300