Posts in category: Tech News

The Biden administration is set to invest $285 million in the development of digital twin technology for semiconductor manufacturing. This investment aims to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the industry through virtual modeling and simulation.

Digital Twins Revolutionize Manufacturing

Digital twins are advanced virtual models used to optimize physical objects and systems. In manufacturing, digital twins enable companies to experiment with new processes without interrupting production. For instance, auto manufacturers can use digital twins of their factories to explore innovative manufacturing techniques.

Under the CHIPS Act, the administration plans to support research into semiconductor digital twin development. This will involve building and maintaining combined physical/digital facilities, industry demonstration projects, workforce training, and the operation of the new CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute.

Focus on Collaborative Chip Development

During a recent press briefing, Laurie E. Locascio, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, emphasized the benefits of digital twins. She noted that these virtual models could decrease chip development and manufacturing costs while enabling more collaborative approaches to chip design and development.

Locascio highlighted that no country has yet invested on the scale necessary to harness the full potential of digital twin technology for groundbreaking discoveries. This investment represents a significant step forward for the United States in the semiconductor industry.

CHIPS Act Boosts Domestic Semiconductor Production

The funding is part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, a comprehensive $280 billion bill that includes $52.7 billion to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing. President Biden noted the drastic decrease in the United States’ share of global semiconductor production—from 40% to under 10%—over recent decades.

Arati Prabhakar, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, echoed concerns about the concentration of semiconductor manufacturing in one part of the world. The CHIPS Act aims to address this imbalance and enhance the United States’ competitiveness in the global market.

READ ALSO: Jack Dorsey Steps Down from Bluesky Board, Opening the Door for New Leadership

Webinar to Guide Funding Applications

To facilitate the application process for funding, an informational webinar is scheduled for May 8. Organizations eligible for funding include nonprofits, universities, governments, and for-profit companies that are domestic entities (incorporated in the United States and based here).

The Biden administration’s commitment to advancing digital twin technology is a crucial step towards strengthening the U.S. semiconductor industry. This investment not only fosters innovation but also enhances the country’s competitiveness in the global market.

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Jack Dorsey, one of the most influential figures behind the development of Bluesky, has announced his departure from the social networking platform’s board. The announcement came after Dorsey made a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, discussing his philanthropic initiatives. When asked about his involvement with Bluesky, he briefly stated he was no longer part of the board.

The Exit of a Visionary

Dorsey’s exit from the board was confirmed by Bluesky on Sunday afternoon. While it remains unclear exactly when Dorsey stepped down, the company’s corporate FAQ still listed him as a board member earlier that day. Bluesky released a statement thanking Dorsey for his contribution to the project and emphasizing its commitment to building an open-source social network.

A New Chapter for Bluesky

The departure of Dorsey, who first introduced the concept of Bluesky in 2019, marks a pivotal moment for the social network’s future direction. Bluesky, which now operates as an independent public benefit corporation, aims to find a new board member who aligns with its vision of a decentralized and user-centric social platform.

READ ALSO: Russian Hackers Exploit Microsoft Outlook Flaw to Target EU Countries

From Twitter to Bluesky and Beyond

Dorsey’s involvement in Bluesky began when he was still the CEO of Twitter. His vision was to develop an open and decentralized standard for social media, leading to the creation of Bluesky. Since then, the company has been led by CEO Jay Graber and has received backing from venture capital firms. Earlier this year, Bluesky opened to the general public and has quickly gained traction.

What Lies Ahead for Bluesky?

With Dorsey’s departure, the spotlight is now on Bluesky’s leadership as they search for a new board member. This transition period presents an opportunity for the company to continue growing and innovating, building on the foundation laid by Dorsey.

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A known Russian state-sponsored cyber group, APT28, leveraged a vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook to breach multiple email accounts of the German Social Democratic Party’s Executive Committee back in 2022. The flaw, identified as CVE-2023-23397, was exploited by the group to carry out targeted attacks on EU and NATO member states, as well as Ukrainian government agencies and NATO fast reaction corps.

Germany and Czechia Targeted by Russian Hackers
The German Federal Government confirmed that APT28 exploited the Outlook flaw to access various accounts. The attackers targeted organizations within government, military, energy, and transportation sectors across EU and NATO member states. In a statement, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the attacks, labeling them “intolerable and unacceptable,” and vowed consequences for Russia’s malicious cyber activities.

Czechia also reported similar attacks in 2023, expressing deep concern over repeated cyber incursions by state actors. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized a strong and unified response in collaboration with European and international partners.

International Condemnation of APT28’s Actions
The EU, NATO, the US, and the UK collectively denounced APT28’s cyber operations, calling on Russia to halt its hostile behavior and respect its international obligations. The U.S. State Department issued a statement promising to take further action with EU and NATO allies to counteract Russia’s cyber threats and protect global security.

Cyber Warfare and Russia’s Historical Conflicts
Russia’s involvement in cyber warfare aligns with its broader geopolitical strategy, particularly around the Black Sea region. In 2008, Russia’s conflict with Georgia saw the simultaneous use of cyber and military tactics, marking the first such war in history. The European Court of Human Rights reports that Russia continues to exercise “direct control” over separatist regions in South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, followed by further incursions into Eastern Ukraine. These conflicts have all featured significant cyber warfare components, highlighting the ongoing strategic importance of cybersecurity in international relations.

The recent discovery of APT28’s actions serves as a reminder of the persistent threats posed by state-sponsored cyber groups and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and national security across the globe.

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NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has captured our imagination with its 122-megapixel infrared images taken from 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth. Now, NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are shifting their focus to a new tool with just 36 pixels—yes, just 36, not 36 megapixels. This remarkable approach is part of the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), also known as “crism.”

Introducing XRISM’s 36-Pixel Imaging Instrument

The XRISM satellite launched last September and has been on a quest to explore the universe, aiming to answer some of the most intricate scientific questions. The heart of this mission lies in its imaging instrument, Resolve, which features a 36-pixel sensor designed for an innovative approach to space exploration.

Resolve’s 36-pixel array might seem minuscule compared to today’s multi-megapixel cameras, but these pixels are more than just tiny squares on a screen. According to NASA’s XRISM project scientist Brian Williams, each pixel in Resolve acts as a “microcalorimeter spectrometer.” This means that each pixel detects and measures the tiny amounts of heat carried by incoming X-ray photons, allowing scientists to identify the chemical signatures of different elements.

The Power of “Soft” X-rays and 3D Perspectives

Resolve’s capabilities extend to detecting “soft” X-rays, which hold about 5,000 times more energy than visible light. This makes it ideal for exploring the hottest areas of the cosmos, such as supermassive black holes and vast gas clouds in galaxy clusters.

Despite its limited pixel count, Resolve can produce a comprehensive range of visual data across an energy spectrum from 400 to 12,000 electron volts. Furthermore, it can perceive the motion of elements within a target, offering a unique three-dimensional perspective. For example, gas moving towards us emits higher energies, while gas moving away emits lower energies.

Unlocking New Scientific Discoveries

The ability to track the motion and flow of elements in the cosmos is groundbreaking. This advanced technology allows scientists to follow hot gas flows within galaxy clusters and observe the movement of elements in supernova remnants.

By combining precision and sensitivity with a more modest pixel count, NASA’s Resolve instrument opens up fresh avenues for scientific discovery and a deeper understanding of the universe.

In conclusion, the use of a 36-pixel camera by NASA demonstrates how quality and innovation are paramount, even when it comes to pixel count. XRISM’s Resolve is a cutting-edge tool, enabling the next wave of space exploration with its specialized focus on X-ray spectrometry.

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READ ALSO: Universal Music Group to Remove Song Catalog from TikTok Amid Royalty Dispute

Infinix is a brand on the rise in the smartphone world, known for its stylish, youth-focused devices. The company has been gaining attention for its growth and performance, with a recent major increase in units sold worldwide. Now, Infinix is back in the spotlight with the release of the NOTE 40 Series, bringing cutting-edge fast charging technology to the market.

A recent video from influencer wildlensbyabrar showcases the Infinix NOTE 40 Series in a chilly Arctic environment. The “Extreme Cold Challenge” tests the phone’s charging capabilities at a freezing -16°C Celsius, proving its resilience and functionality in some of the toughest conditions.

Introducing All-Round FastCharge 2.0

The NOTE 40 Series features Infinix’s latest innovation: the All-Round FastCharge 2.0. This technology includes a multi-tab structure battery and three parallel fast-charging chips, allowing for rapid, reliable wired charging up to 100W. The series also supports wireless charging at 20W and offers wireless reverse charging, transforming your phone into a power bank for other devices.

Wireless MagCharge: A Game Changer

One of the most intriguing features of the NOTE 40 Series is its Wireless MagCharge, a first for Android phones. This system comes with a MagCase and MagPad for magnetic charging. Additionally, users in Nigeria can buy a wireless magnetic power bank, MagPower, for an even more seamless charging experience. Forbes compared Infinix’s MagCharge to Apple’s MagSafe, praising Infinix’s solution for its superior functionality and convenience.

Cheetah X1 Chip: The Heart of All-Round FastCharge 2.0

At the core of the All-Round FastCharge 2.0 technology is the self-developed Cheetah X1 power management chip. This chip is designed for intelligent power management, supporting various charging features like Multi-Speed Fast Charging, Bypass Charging, AI Charging Protection, and PD 3.0 protocol support. With these options, users can customize their charging experience with modes like Super Mode, Smart Mode, and Low-Temperature Mode.

Built to Endure Tough Conditions

Infinix’s NOTE 40 Series doesn’t just excel in fast charging; it’s also designed to handle extreme environments. The phones can charge in temperatures as low as -20°C Celsius, making them the perfect companion for outdoor adventurers who need a phone that can stand up to any weather.

Infinix’s NOTE 40 Series sets a new bar for what smartphones can do. With its blend of advanced fast charging technology and durable design, this series has established itself as a top choice for those looking for a phone that meets the demands of modern life.

READ ALSO: Apple Vision Pro: Preorder Guide and In-Store Demos 

In a significant legal move, eight major US newspapers, including The New York Daily News and The Chicago Tribune, have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft. The complaint alleges that the two companies used the newspapers’ copyrighted content without permission to train the AI chatbots ChatGPT and Copilot.

The Players Behind the Lawsuit

The newspapers involved are all owned by Alden Global Capital, a Florida-based hedge fund that formed the second-largest newspaper group in the United States when it acquired the Tribune publishing chain in 2021. Other newspapers joining the lawsuit include The Orlando Sentinel, The Sun Sentinel of Florida, The San Jose Mercury News, The Denver Post, The Orange County Register, and The St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Accusations and Concerns

The lawsuit claims that OpenAI and Microsoft illegally used millions of copyrighted articles from these newspapers to enhance their AI chatbots. The filing points out that the two companies did not seek the publishers’ consent or offer compensation for the content used. Additionally, the lawsuit accuses OpenAI and Microsoft of misrepresenting the newspapers’ reporting, including presenting verbatim excerpts from full articles and providing misleading or incorrect information.

OpenAI’s Response

In a statement, OpenAI emphasized its efforts to support news organizations, highlighting its collaborations and discussions with media outlets worldwide. OpenAI didn’t directly address the specific accusations in the lawsuit but noted its commitment to fostering constructive relationships with news organizations.

Partnerships vs. Litigation

While some media outlets have chosen to pursue legal action against OpenAI, others have entered partnerships with the AI company instead. These include prominent publications such as The Associated Press, Financial Times, Germany’s Axel Springer, French daily Le Monde, and Spanish conglomerate Prisa Media.

Parallels to Previous Legal Battles

The lawsuit filed on Tuesday shares similarities with a case brought against OpenAI by The New York Times in December. In that case, OpenAI pushed back against the allegations, arguing that its use of publicly available data, including news articles, for AI training falls under the fair use doctrine. OpenAI also accused The New York Times of violating ChatGPT’s user guidelines to create content that would support its case.

READ ALSO: Microsoft’s Ban on US Police Departments Using Enterprise AI Tool for Facial Recognition

Microsoft’s Stance

When asked for a comment on the lawsuit, Microsoft chose not to respond.

The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the future of AI development and the use of copyrighted content in training advanced technologies. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to keep an eye on how these legal arguments shape the landscape of AI and media collaborations.

Let’s talk about Microsoft’s latest move: They’re putting the brakes on U.S. police departments from using generative AI for facial recognition through their Azure OpenAI Service. This service wraps OpenAI technology in a fully managed, enterprise-focused package.

On Wednesday, Microsoft updated the terms of service for Azure OpenAI Service, tightening the rules around police use of facial recognition in the U.S. Specifically, the company prohibits police departments from using the service for facial recognition, including any integrations with OpenAI’s current or future image-analyzing models.

Police Use of Facial Recognition in “Uncontrolled Environments” Banned

Microsoft’s new terms also make it clear that any law enforcement agencies worldwide can’t use “real-time facial recognition technology” with mobile cameras like body cameras or dashcams to identify people in uncontrolled environments. This ensures that the tech isn’t used in unpredictable settings.

This policy shift came shortly after Axon, a company known for tech and weapons products for military and law enforcement, unveiled a new product using OpenAI’s GPT-4 generative text model to summarize body camera audio. Critics quickly raised concerns about potential issues like AI hallucinations and racial bias from the training data, which is particularly worrisome given that people of color face higher rates of police stops than their white counterparts.

It’s not clear if Axon was utilizing GPT-4 through Azure OpenAI Service, or if Microsoft’s updated policy was a response to Axon’s product. We’re waiting for comments from Axon, Microsoft, and OpenAI on this.

Flexibility in the New Terms

Microsoft’s new terms provide some flexibility, allowing Azure OpenAI Service use for police departments outside the U.S., and not covering facial recognition in controlled environments like a back office—although U.S. police still can’t use facial recognition in any scenario.

These policies align with Microsoft’s and OpenAI’s recent approach to AI-related contracts with law enforcement and defense agencies.

AI in Military and Defense

In January, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI is working with the Pentagon on several projects, including cybersecurity initiatives. This marks a shift from OpenAI’s previous stance against providing AI to militaries. Additionally, Microsoft has proposed using OpenAI’s DALL-E for the Department of Defense to aid in software development for military operations, according to The Intercept.

READ ALSO: Latest Windows 11 Update Plagued by Bugs, Microsoft Responds

Azure OpenAI Service became available in Microsoft’s Azure Government product in February, offering extra compliance and management features aimed at government agencies, including law enforcement. In a blog post, Candice Ling, Senior Vice President of Microsoft Federal, pledged that Azure OpenAI Service would undergo further authorization by the Department of Defense for tasks supporting their missions.

Scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a high-performance, hybrid sodium-ion battery that promises to revolutionize the energy storage industry. The battery uses sodium (Na), a chemical element that is over 1,000 times more abundant and less expensive than lithium (Li), which is the primary component in most conventional batteries.

Overcoming Sodium-Ion Battery Limitations

Sodium-ion batteries have traditionally faced challenges such as lower power output, limited storage capacity, and longer charging times compared to lithium-ion batteries. The KAIST research team, led by Professor Jeung Ku Kang of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, addressed these limitations by integrating traditional battery anode materials with the cathodes used in supercapacitors to create a hybrid system. This innovative approach results in high storage capacity and rapid charge-discharge rates.

Optimized Design for Enhanced Performance

The team optimized the hybrid battery’s design by improving the energy storage rate of the anode materials and enhancing the relatively low capacity of supercapacitor-type cathode materials. They utilized two distinct metal-organic frameworks to synthesize the hybrid battery, creating an anode with improved kinetics and a high-capacity cathode material.

Impressive Energy and Power Densities

The fully assembled hybrid sodium-ion battery surpasses the energy density of commercial lithium-ion batteries and matches the power density of supercapacitors. With an energy density of 247 Wh/kg and a power density of 34,748 W/kg, the battery holds great potential for various industries, including electric vehicles, smart electronics, and aerospace technologies.

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Publication and Impact

The findings of the research, co-authored by KAIST doctoral candidates Jong Hui Choi and Dong Won Kim, were published in the international journal Energy Storage Materials. The study, titled “Low-crystallinity conductive multivalence iron sulfide-embedded S-doped anode and high-surface-area O-doped cathode of 3D porous N-rich graphitic carbon frameworks for high-performance sodium-ion hybrid energy storages,” outlines the technical breakthroughs achieved and the potential applications of this new battery design.

The development of this hybrid sodium-ion battery marks a significant step toward affordable, efficient, and sustainable energy storage solutions. As the technology matures, it may play a pivotal role in the future of clean energy and advanced electronics.

Meta’s Threads social network, which recently surpassed 150 million monthly users, is aiming to further boost engagement by launching a limited-time bonus program for creators. This program is designed to incentivize creators to produce more content on the platform.

Bonus Program Details

The bonus program, which began testing in March, is currently an invite-only initiative limited to creators in the U.S. However, Meta has indicated that it may expand the program to other regions if it proves successful. Invited creators receive personalized requirements for earning bonuses, which can vary depending on the creator’s content and performance.

Requirements and Eligibility

To participate in the program, creators must have a public Threads profile and adhere to Instagram’s creator incentive terms and rules for bonuses. The program assesses the performance of Threads posts based on views and quantity. Specific guidelines determine which posts are eligible for bonuses, including:

• A minimum of 2,500 views per post
• Exclusion of posts with copyrighted material, no text, or boosted views
• Content without watermarks from other platforms such as TikTok or YouTube
• Exclusion of brand partnership posts

Monitoring Earnings and Receiving Payouts

Creators can track their earnings through the professional dashboard. To receive a bonus payout, creators may need to meet a minimum earnings threshold. If the minimum amount is not achieved, they will not receive a payout but may still be eligible for future bonus opportunities.

Impact on Creator Engagement

The bonus program may encourage creators with substantial Instagram followings to post more on Threads, potentially bringing their followers along with them. This cross-promotion is facilitated by Instagram’s integration with Threads, as suggested Threads posts appear in the app.

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Opportunities and Future Prospects

While the bonus program offers creators a chance to build their audience on Threads, the monetary benefits may be temporary. Meta has not provided specific details regarding long-term plans for creators to earn money on the platform. Nevertheless, the program provides a valuable opportunity for creators to establish a presence on Threads and explore the potential of the growing social network.

Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update, specifically version KB5036980, has encountered numerous bugs, causing frustration for users. One of the most notable issues is the appearance of ads in the Start menu, which has left many users displeased. While the tech giant is taking steps to address the situation, some users may feel it’s too little, too late.

Current Availability and Issues

The update is currently available for users running Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2. It can be installed manually from the Update Catalog. In addition to the unwanted ads in the Start menu, users have reported encountering error messages when attempting to change their profile photo.

Profile Photo Error

As noted by Windows Latest, some users who installed the update are experiencing an error message when trying to change their account photo. This issue seems to affect local system accounts rather than Microsoft accounts, indicating that the problem lies within the Windows system itself rather than the online account systems.

Microsoft’s Response and Future Fixes

Microsoft has acknowledged the reports and stated in its Feedback Hub that it is making changes in its internal builds. The optional update for May 2024 is expected to resolve the current issues. Additionally, Microsoft support staff informed Windows Latest that the company is investigating the error and confirmed that both the mandatory KB5036893 update and the optional KB5036980 update that introduced ads in the Start menu are affected by the profile photo error.

What to Expect Next

Users experiencing these issues may need to wait until the May patch for Microsoft to release a fix. In the meantime, users may need to cope with their current profile photo settings and deal with the persistent issues in Windows 11.

READ ALSO: Microsoft CEO Fires Back Amid EU, UK Scrutiny: Defending OpenAI Partnership Unleashes Shocking AI Revelations!

Final Thoughts

While Microsoft is taking steps to address the bugs in the latest Windows 11 update, the situation highlights the challenges of rolling out updates without causing disruption for users. Hopefully, the upcoming fixes will resolve these problems and restore a smooth experience for Windows 11 users.