Friday Tech Focus Newsletter
Welcome to the Friday Tech Focus Newsletter Archive. Here, you will find a curated collection of weekly editions, each offering insights into the latest in technology, from AI and cybersecurity to entertainment. Published every Friday, I share news that I have personally curated over the week, providing a summary of the biggest events based on various news sources. This archive is ideal for busy tech enthusiasts and professionals, offering a concise yet comprehensive overview of the week's developments.
2024
September 3 Newsletters
Week 38 20th of September
This week's tech insights include Meta admitting to using public user data from Facebook and Instagram for AI model training since 2007, and OpenAI limiting access to its AI model GPT-4o's "reasoning" capabilities, prompting concerns over transparency. In cybersecurity, D-Link has rectified critical vulnerabilities in their routers while GitLab released patches for a SAML authentication bypass vulnerability. Law enforcement agencies globally have successfully dismantled criminal network, 'Ghost'. Concerns have risen over invasive user-surveillance by social media and video streaming platforms.
Week 37 13th of September
This week's newsletter highlighted major developments in AI and Cybersecurity. AI technology is raising concerns as it could potentially replace human writers. However, limitations still exist, and a focus on editing services and AI detection software could provide new opportunities. OpenAI explored the capabilities and limitations of Large Language Models (LLMs) in reasoning tasks. There were crucial updates in cybersecurity with a vulnerability found in WhatsApp's "View Once" feature, a potential insecurity in SSH traffic patterns being exposed, new legislation from the Australian government to combat doxxing, and the arrest of a teenage hacker in the UK. Other articles covered the latest tech tools, gaming insights, gadget launches, and scientific explorations.
Week 36 6th of September
This week's newsletter covers the influence of AI chatbots on public opinion, the advancements in understanding AI's language processing, and OpenAI's argument over training models with copyrighted materials. It also uncovers major cybersecurity issues, such as OTP Agency's phishing schemes, unpatched critical vulnerabilities in D-Link routers, and the new EUCLEAK flaw in FIDO devices. Big tech companies' privacy standards are scrutinised, and the newest tech gadgets are showcased. Interesting advancements in various sciences, and several noteworthy miscellanea wrap up this edition.
August 5 Newsletters
Week 35 30th of August
This week's newsletter covers the recent advances in AI which enhances image understanding using Sapiens and improves earthquake prediction, AI's influence in faster data analysis while highlighting Cybersecurity breaches in FBI data storage and Chrome. The launch of developer-friendly tools including LM Studio 0.3.0 and NotePin are also featured along with the shift in tech giant Meta's focus towards software development from mixed reality headset. Lastly, we update on significant scientific progress in detecting dark matter particles and quantum encryption algorithms.
Week 34 23rd of August
This week's focus is on the challenges and evolution of AI assistants, including concerns about reliability, privacy, and security; the fine-tuning capabilities of GPT-4o; and the FCC's regulation of AI-generated calls and texts. On the cybersecurity front, Toyota confirms a data breach, Unicoin suffers a Google Workspace hack, and new phishing techniques threaten mobile banking. Other key news includes bold steps from Procreate against Generative AI, the renewal of "Dark Matter," Raspberry Pi's affordable new model, and a revolutionary cooling technology for thin devices.
Week 33 16th of August
This week, researchers developed an efficient AI algorithm, Tree Attention, offering faster self-attention in transformers. In cybersecurity, CrowdStrike accepted the "Most Epic Fail" award for a software update causing a global IT outage and the Zero Day Initiative launched the inaugural Vanguard Awards to honor contributions in the field. GitHub faced a leak risk for major tech companies, and Russia blocked encrypted messaging app Signal. Upcoming Google updates will affect uBlock Origin, leading to a search for ad-blocker alternatives.
Week 32 9th of August
This week's edition is packed with thrilling developments and controversies in the tech world! We kick off with the cutting-edge advancements in AI speech recognition, spotlighting Whisper-Medusa, and dive into the heated debate over OpenAI's new watermarking tool for detecting AI-generated essays. In the realm of cybersecurity, we've got an in-depth report on a massive security breach at the digital classroom management platform, Mobile Guardian, and an alarming resurgence of an old bug that's putting local networks of popular browsers at risk. Plus, we unveil Pineboards' latest AI-focused product, bid farewell to Game Informer after an incredible 33-year run in the gaming industry, and explore the groundbreaking implications of Neuralink's successful brain chip implant in its second patient.
Week 31 2nd of August
This week's newsletter covers Perplexity's new revenue-sharing program for AI-driven searches, Meta's advanced object segmentation model SAM 2, and the backlash against product descriptions that overemphasize the use of AI. Discussions on cybersecurity include DigiCert's mass revocation of SSL/TLS certificates and Google Chrome's enhanced cookie protection. GitHub's launch of GitHub Models and Apple's iOS updates featuring AI-powered features.
July 4 Newsletters
Week 30 26th of July
This week's AI focus explored the cost-efficiency, speed, and potential of open-source AI models with a specific highlight on Mistral Large 2 and Llama 3.1 models. Meta drew attention with its strategy of commoditizing LLMs to increase demand for original products. OpenAI prototype SearchGPT promises fast and timely answers with clear sources. Cybersecurity was thwarted by an EvilVideo vulnerability on Telegram and a "Cross Fork Object Reference" vulnerability on Github, emphasizing the need for key rotation. Our privacy lens shifted to Google's decision not to eliminate third-party cookies, but instead give users control over web browsing data, while Apple continues to integrate privacy into its products.
Week 29 19th of July
This week, we delve into EU's AI Act coming into force, limitations in large language models, AWS's obsession with Generative AI, and AI training on stolen YouTube data. In cybersecurity, we cover AT&T's data breach, alleged Disney's internal breach, Alphabet's potential acquisition of Wiz, Kaspersky's stateside retreat, and Trello's massive data leak, and CrowdStrike's update causing global IT chaos. We also cover AI-related privacy concerns with Rabbit R1 and Google's Gemini AI. Finally, we looked at Proton Mail's AI-powered writing assistant and exciting updates in the entertainment realm.
Week 28 12th of July
This week's newsletter highlights generative AI models' limitations due to tokenization, cybersecurity issues, including a massive Ticketmaster leak and vulnerable Linksys routers, and the takedown of an AI-powered Russian bot farm. We examine a convenient email alias service from Bitwarden to preserve privacy, and handy tools like an offline habit tracker by rdht and a free Affinity trial. Novel gadgets are introduced, including the modular CMF Phone 1, and Apple's agreement to open its mobile payment system. In the science segment, a study indicates migraines might be caused by a change in spinal fluid and an update on a Mars simulation mission. Lastly, we touch on Boeing's hefty fine over 737 Max crashes and an update on the Shadow Library case.
Week 27 5th of July
This week's AI discussion centers on ethical controversies surrounding Perplexity's data scraping practices, language misuse by ChatGPT, Meta's adjustments to AI information labels, and AI bot blocking by Cloudflare. In cybersecurity, vulnerabilities found in Airpods firmware and CocoaPods package manager account for security risks. OpenAI fixes data exposure flaw in ChatGPT and Twilio data breach leaks 33M phone numbers. Tech features include the development of independent web browser, Ladybird, and the secure document collaboration tool, Proton Docs.
June 4 Newsletters
Week 26 28th of June
This week, our discussions revolve around the potential creative job losses due to AI advancements, discussions on copyright infringements in AI music, and OpenAI's decision to block access to ChatGPT in China. The cybersecurity space reveals the unveiling of a new post-quantum secure consensus protocol. Worrisome malware injections by Chinese companies into eCommerce sites and critical breaches at Rabbit Inc. and AU10TIX. Interesting updates in the Privacy sector include USPS's confession of sharing mail data with law enforcement. Interesting tools launched by Google and Figma for improved experience. In entertainment, significant deletions of MTV's News Archives and Comedy Central's entire clip library from the internet, raising concerns over preserving digital content. Amazing advancements in gaming, the development of an inexpensive device for Raspberry Pi, including Beats reintroducing the Pill speaker with a new design and features for improved sound. Lastly, the introduction of biodegradable 'plastic' made out of barley starch and sugar beet fiber by the researchers.
Week 25 21st of June
This week's newsletter covers various AI advancements, including SoftBank's "emotion cancelling" technology, AI safety pioneer Ilya Sutskever's launch of Safe Superintelligence Inc., and the release of Claude 3.5 Sonnet. In Cybersecurity, we learn about setting up an SSH honeypot, a potential cyberattack on AMD, and new open-source rootkits used to evade detection on VMs. Additionally, we cover ongoing privacy concerns related to AI-powered camera trials by Network Rail and Google's order to block soccer streaming sites in France.
Week 24 14th of June
This week in AI, Meta unveiled MEGALODON, a language model that surpasses context limitations, while researchers have optimized Daredevil-8B, uncensoring it, while restoring performance. In Cybersecurity, numerous data breaches have occurred with Snowflake and Tile Tracker customers exposed. AI trends include Apple’s advancements in reinforcement learning-based human-computer interaction and Dream Machine's AI model generating realistic videos from text and images. In gadgets, iOS 18 introduces satellite messaging and AirPods Pro 2 expects updates including head gestures and voice isolation. In science, an alternative theory to dark matter was proposed and Earth likely faced a cosmic snowball 2-3 million years ago.
Week 23 7th of June
This week in AI, researchers pioneer a method for detecting hallucinations in large language models. In cybersecurity, the U.S's new National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan focuses on resilience and international alliances. Apple faces criticism after declining to pay Kaspersky Lab a bug bounty reward. Developers can now enjoy the power of local AI execution with the Ollama module, and the AI-powered future of smartphones is discussed by Nothing's CEO. Meanwhile, the growing IT skills shortage threatens to cause major revenue loss by 2026.
May 5 Newsletters
Week 22 31st of May
This week, Llama3-V emerges as a cost-effective multimodal AI model, challenging GPT-4 with impressive performance for under $500. The Chalubo malware caused a major router outage, exposing vulnerabilities in IoT security, while a global botnet takedown led to significant criminal arrests. Apple plans to enhance privacy with AI features in iOS 18, though concerns rise over Meta's data usage for AI training. Exciting tools like DrawingPics and LlamaFS revolutionize creative and file management tasks, and the Fitbit Ace LTE aims to keep kids active and safe. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope discovered the most distant galaxy yet, and leaked Google API documents reveal hidden search ranking factors.
Week 21 24th of May
This week, Google introduced Firebase Genkit to run AI-powered apps locally, including the Gemma model. Insights into handling AI "hallucinations" reveal strategies to improve model accuracy. Cybersecurity alert: Wyndham Hotels' check-in systems were compromised by spyware. iTerm2's new AI-powered terminal feature sparks mixed reactions. In entertainment, "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" dives into the character's backstory. Apple is set to launch a new Beats Pill speaker and the iPhone 16 Pro Max with significant camera upgrades. Microsoft announces Copilot+ PCs with advanced AI capabilities, and SQL celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Week 20 17th of May
This week, OpenAI broke new ground with GPT-4o, a vastly improved language model. IBM opened the pathway for revolutionizing software development by making its language model, Granite, open-source; Intel announced Aurora, the world's most potent AI supercomputer, and Ebury's evolution to 400,000 compromised servers spewing crypto-stealing malware has given a new perspective to cybersecurity. Lastly, Reddit and OpenAI joined forces, promising enhanced AI-powered features for Reddit users.
Week 19 10th of May
This week, we dive into the role of Generative AI in software development, Google's Gemini AI for cybersecurity, OpenAI's Model Spec, and the controversy around Stack Overflow's AI partnership. Explore the arrest of the LockBit ransomware mastermind, the new "TunnelVision" VPN attack, and the data breach affecting 49 million Dell customers. We highlight privacy concerns around Proton Mail and Big Tech, new AI tools like CodeCopilot AI and Devv, Apple's M4 chip and Yubico's updated YubiKey series.
Week 18 3rd of May
This week's highlights include Google AI's error-corrected quantum computing strides and weaknesses of Large Language Models (LLMs) in probabilistic tasks. We also introduce OpenDAC, an AI-driven tool combating climate change. On the security front, we delve into Path History Register (PHR) attacks on Intel processors, Microsoft's Passkey support rollout, and the LockBit v3 ransomware analysis. Finally, we cover a data breach at Dropbox Sign and privacy debates surrounding the UK's Investigatory Powers Bill.
April 4 Newsletters
Week 17 26th of April
This week, Apple's on-device AI LLM focuses on prioritising speed and privacy, while Amazon deploys over 750,000 robots. VW's sensitive data theft via Chinese hackers adds fuel to the e-car market competition. AI plays a double-edged sword role in cybersecurity, while Netflix's Atlas advocates human-robot harmony. Lastly, Meta Quest's open-source OS invites tech giant collaborations.
Week 16 19th of April
This week's edition delves into Limitless' use of AI for personal growth and tackles the issue of AI-authored books on Kindle. A focus on AI innovation with the launch of Meta Llama 3, Mixtral 8x22B and Stable Diffusion 3 is also included. The Cybersecurity section informs about NSA's advice on AI security and the increasing threats to Open Source. Featured tools include the offline, user-friendly API Terminal ACAT. Finally, updates from entertainment and gadgets include the renewal of 'For All Mankind' and the launch of the Boring Phone.
Week 15 12th of April
This week, our newsletter explores Spotify's newly introduced personalized AI playlists and STORM - Stanford’s innovative system for automated Wikipedia writing. In cybersecurity news, Microsoft suffered a major security lapse, leaving an Azure-hosted server unprotected, while Apple warns iPhone users of mercenary spyware attacks. We also delve into the world of gadgets, featuring Logitech's Pro X 60 wireless gaming keyboard, Android's 'Find My' technology, and Humane's AI Pin offering a glimpse into the post-smartphone era.
Week 14 5th of April
This week's tech news spotlighted the IEEE's removal of the "Lenna" image from tech papers, advancing gender equality in the tech industry. A look at Aurora, a robot designed to maintain airport safety in Alaska, and the Invisibility Shield 2.0 garnering Kickstarter support. In software development, we discuss the hidden costs of open-source software; and a comprehensive study on the impact of exercise and sleep quality on mental health. Cybersecurity stories focus on AT&T's major data breach and the insidious XZ Open Source Attack. Also covered are a new AI tool called Upscayl and excitement in the entertainment world with Apple TV+'s captivating new series "Silo" and anticipated sequels, including The Matrix and Dune. Finally, Google settles a lawsuit promising to delete browsing data from Chrome's Incognito mode.
March 5 Newsletters
Week 13 29th of March
This week, scientists created a quantum vortex to study black hole physics, and a lawsuit threatening the Internet Archive sparks copyright reform debates. Telegram's Peer-to-Peer Login program raises privacy concerns, and Facebook Watch expires amidst suspicions of colluding with Netflix. Apple develops an A18 Pro chip for the iPhone 16 Pro, while a massive data explosion risks Parquet's reputation. Confidential files from Europol officials go missing, and Amazon makes a record venture investment in AI startup Anthropic. Finally, Databricks rolls out a new-gen language model, and Sony produces a short film shedding light on Spider-Man character Miles Morales.
Week 12 22nd of March
This week, we explore Rysana's Inversion that overhauls AI speed, reliability, and reasoning, along with Denmark's AI focused supercomputer, Gefion. Apple introduces a new approach to AI with the MM1 model while cybersecurity topics revolve around the alleged AT&T data breach, Firebase exposure, and hotel lock vulnerabilities. In entertainment, Star Wars reveals 'The Acolyte'. We also examine how language influences our perception of time, the impact of Freenom's shutdown on Cloudflare, and the Japanese concept "Ikigai". Privacy updates bring to light Glassdoor's invasive username collection and Mozilla's decision to end its partnership with Onerep.
Week 11 15th of March
Quiet-STaR's innovative AI method fosters advanced reasoning. Excel-based AI learning demystifies technology for all. Quantum experiments and CISA's hack underline cybersecurity's importance. Anker and Apple lead in sleep tech and VR, setting industry standards. De-Googling campaigns and Sand Battery project champion privacy and sustainable energy.
Week 10 8th of March
The EU's Digital Markets Act enforces messaging interoperability, enhancing user choice. WhatsApp enables cross-platform messaging in Europe, meeting strict guidelines. Google and Apple impose new fees for developers bypassing app store payments. OpenAI discusses its evolution and Elon Musk's departure, reflecting on funding and mission alignment. The British Library's cybersecurity review underscores the need for robust protections. Nikon acquires RED Digital Cinema, aiming to revolutionize the digital cinema camera market.
Week 09 1st of March
Hugging Face's AI platform has been infiltrated by around 100 malicious AI models, threatening user security. Google introduces Gemma, a new Large Language Model noted for its performance and unique features. WhatsApp secures a legal victory against NSO Group, demanding the handover of Pegasus spyware code. NIST releases an updated Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, broadening its applicability. Canon's EOS R5 Mark II sticks to a 45MP sensor but adds AI autofocus. "Tron: Ares" sets its 2025 premiere, while CACM becomes fully Open Access, and Google's role in the decline of RSS feeds is critically analyzed.
February 4 Newsletters
Week 08 23rd of February
FOSDEM 2024 highlights key Linux and open-source developments, with notable talks from Jozef Mlích and Linaro. AI innovations from Stability AI and Phind-70B lead in text-to-image and code generation. Cybersecurity insights expose China's espionage and new threats, while Signal and the University of Waterloo make strides in privacy. Fujifilm introduces the X100VI camera, Vice Media shuts down, London's BT Tower turns into a hotel, and the UK's Trident missile test falters, spotlighting a week of tech progress and challenges.
Week 07 16th of February
GitHub and Polar launch a funding model for open-source sustainability. Apple disables PWAs on iPhones in the EU for compliance, sparking debate. OpenAI's Sora advances video AI, while Google's Gemini 1.5 enhances developer tools. Microsoft fights AI-exploiting cyber threats. New Raspberry Pi-powered module upgrades gaming on Flipper Zero. X-Men '97 and Lemmings' anniversary highlight entertainment milestones. A week of tech innovation, security developments, and digital nostalgia.
Week 06 9th of February
Dive into this week's tech scene with fresh gadgets like the M1 and Apple Vision Pro, stirring up the security world and redefining wearables. We're also unpacking major tech shifts from Google's cookie conundrum to AWS shaking up the internet with IPv4 charges, and Microsoft's legal tangle over Activision Blizzard. On the security front, deepfake scams and cyber-attacks are on the rise, spotlighting the digital battleground. Plus, a peek into Google's morale dip paints a picture of a tech titan at a crossroads. Explore these developments to stay informed on security risks, tech advancements, and shifts within major tech firms.
Week 05 2nd of February
This week's newsletter highlights key tech updates: NSA's data privacy issues, Google's MobileDiffusion for instant mobile art, DeepSeek's AI revolutionizing coding, and OpenAI's strategies against AI-driven biothreats. Discover the Bartkira project, streamline design with Tailwind CSS's palette generator, explore the quest for the largest PDF, uncover the best hotel breakfasts worldwide, and learn about a novel "bone bandage" that accelerates healing. Engage with the latest in tech, security, and more.
January 1 Newsletter
Week 04 26th of January
The tech world is transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6, led by initiatives in the Czech Republic and the U.S., while major layoffs at Riot Games and TikTok reflect broader industry shifts. A record-breaking data breach exposes 2.6 billion records, raising cybersecurity concerns. New sci-fi series on Apple TV+ and Netflix, and AI developments with OpenAI's new military policy and Google's collaboration with Hugging Face, are also highlighted. The newsletter also covers Google's Kubernetes security risk, the SEC's SIM swap attack, and Berlin's near-Earth asteroid encounter.