AI
LLMs Go Mainstream: Meta’s Llama 3.1 Release Sparks Commoditization of AI Models (~7 min.) : Meta has released Llama 3.1, a powerful large language model (LLM) that rivals OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude. The release comes with incredibly generous terms, allowing virtually all companies to use the model for free, except for Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Netflix. This move is seen as part of “commoditizing your complement,” a strategy where the value of a product’s complement (in this case, LLMs) decreases, leading to increased demand for the original product (Meta’s services). The release may ultimately benefit Meta by driving engagement on its platforms through user-generated content and AI-powered features.
Unleash the Power: Meet Mistral Large 2 - The AI Model That Breaks New Ground in Cost Efficiency, Speed, and Performance! (~5 min.) : The new generation of the Mistral Large 2 model has been released, pushing the boundaries of cost efficiency, speed, and performance in AI applications. This large language model can run on a single node with long context windows, supporting dozens of languages and over 80 coding languages. It excels in code generation, reasoning, instruction following, alignment, and multilingual capabilities. The model is available for research and non-commercial use under the Mistral Research License, while commercial usage requires a separate license. Additionally, the company is expanding its fine-tuning capabilities on la Plateforme and partnering with cloud service providers to bring the new model to a global audience.
Unlocking the Power: Why Open Source AI is Good for Everyone (~12 min.) : Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg argues that open-sourcing its AI model, Llama, will give the company a long-term advantage by tapping into a broader ecosystem of tools, optimizations, and integrations. This move won’t compromise Meta’s revenue or sustainability, as its business model isn’t based on selling access to AI models. Furthermore, open-source AI is safer due to increased transparency and scrutiny, which can help prevent unintentional harm.
SearchGPT: OpenAI’s AI-Powered Search Prototype for Fast and Timely Answers (~5 min.) : OpenAI has launched SearchGPT, a prototype AI search feature designed to provide fast and timely answers with clear sources. The temporary prototype allows users to ask follow-up questions in a conversational manner, with shared context included. OpenAI aims to integrate the best features into ChatGPT and is seeking feedback from a small group of users and publishers. The company also emphasizes its commitment to supporting publishers and creators, ensuring that users are aware of the sources of information provided.
Cybersecurity
EvilVideo Alert: Hackers Send Malicious Apps Disguised as Videos on Telegram (~1 min.) : A critical zero-day vulnerability, dubbed “EvilVideo”, has been discovered in Telegram for Android. The flaw allows attackers to send malicious Android APK payloads disguised as video files, potentially leading to remote code execution or other serious consequences. This vulnerability was exploited by sending a specially crafted video file that, when opened, would install malware on the user’s device.
GitHub’s Shadow Data: Uncovering the Forever-Accessible Secrets in Your Forked Repositories (~7 min.) : GitHub’s repository architecture allows users to access data from deleted forks, deleted repositories, and even private repositories indefinitely. This “Cross Fork Object Reference” (CFOR) vulnerability enables unauthorized access to sensitive information through commit hashes, which can be brute-forced or obtained through GitHub’s events API endpoint. The article highlights three scenarios where this vulnerability exists: when a repository is deleted, when a fork is deleted, and when a private repository becomes public. This design flaw has significant implications for security and emphasizes the importance of key rotation as the only way to securely remediate leaked keys on public GitHub repositories.
Privacy
Unpacking Apple’s Innovative Approach to Privacy: Exclusive Insights from Inside Apple Park (~4 min.) : Apple’s approach to privacy is innovative and straightforward, with a focus on integrating privacy considerations into every product and feature. According to Apple’s User Privacy Engineering Manager Katie Skinner and Privacy Product Marketing Lead Sandy Parakilas, privacy is a fundamental human right that is baked into the core of Apple’s products, from iPhones to services like Apple Intelligence, Apple Music, and Siri. Key features include app tracking transparency, detailed privacy nutrition labels, and Face ID’s secure authentication, all designed to protect user data at every level.
Google Cookie Conundrum: New Approach to User Choice, No Kill Date for Third-Party Cookies (~3 min.) : Google has announced that it will no longer eliminate third-party cookies in Chrome, instead introducing a new experience that allows users to make informed choices about their web browsing preferences. This decision marks a significant shift from Google’s previous plans to phase out third-party cookies by early 2025. The change is intended to provide users with more control over their browsing data and will focus on giving them additional privacy controls, such as IP Protection in Chrome’s Incognito mode.
Choosing Transparency: Google’s Latest Step Towards a More Private Web (~2 min.) : The Privacy Sandbox initiative aims to improve online privacy while preserving an ad-supported internet that benefits publishers and advertisers. After receiving feedback from various stakeholders, Google proposes introducing a new user-choice experience in Chrome, allowing users to make informed decisions about their web browsing and adjust them at any time. The company will continue to develop and invest in the Privacy Sandbox APIs, offering privacy-protecting alternatives for developers. Additionally, Google plans to introduce IP Protection into Chrome’s Incognito mode, further enhancing online privacy.
Tools
Switzerland Takes the Lead: ‘Public Money Public Code’ Law Ditches Big Tech, Embraces Open-Source Software (~2 min.) : Switzerland has implemented a unique law, EMBAG, requiring all government agencies to use open-source software and source code developed by or for them. The law aims to reduce vendor lock-in and increase innovation, benefiting both the public sector and private companies. Under Article 9, public agencies can offer additional services while making payouts to cover costs. This move is seen as a great opportunity for all stakeholders, with taxpayers set to benefit from reduced IT spending.
Write Smarter, Not Harder: Unlocking Efficiency with Zettlr’s Powerful Writing Tools (~3 min.) : Zettlr is an open-source writing tool that prioritizes efficiency, speed, and productivity. It allows users to organize their notes, research, and citations in one place, with seamless integration with popular reference managers like Zotero. With Zettlr, users can tailor their experience to suit their workflow, whether it’s for academic publishing or everyday writing. The tool also offers features like automated formatting, snippets, and a zettelkasten-style note-taking system to help writers stay focused on their content.
Entertainment
Apple’s Hollywood Spending Spree Slows Down: New Strategy Focuses on Budget Controls and Selectivity Amid Limited Success (~5 min.) : Apple is scaling back its Hollywood spending after investing over $20 billion in original programming with limited success, according to Bloomberg. Despite heavy investment, critical acclaim, and numerous award nominations, Apple TV+ reportedly generates less viewing in one month than Netflix does in a single day. The company’s new strategy involves tighter budget controls, being quicker to cancel underperforming series, and delaying productions to manage costs better. This shift comes as other major studios like Disney, Warner Bros., and Paramount are also cutting back on streaming budgets due to mounting losses.
Peacock’s ‘Teacup’ Serves Up a Mysterious Mix of Thrills and Chills: A Puzzle Box Horror Series Coming This Fall! (~2 min.) : Peacock has announced its upcoming thriller series “Teacup”, set to premiere on October 10th. The show follows a group of people in rural Georgia as they try to survive a mysterious threat, and is based on the novel “Stinger” by Robert McCammon. Showrunner Ian McCulloch describes the series as a puzzle-box mystery, thriller, horror story, family drama, and science fiction epic, with layers that will reveal its true nature as viewers peel away its complexities.
Gadgets
See the World in a New Light: Introducing G1 Glasses, Shipping August! (~3 min.) : Introducing G1 Glasses, a technologically advanced and stylish eyewear that combines cutting-edge features with timeless design. With a patented internal hinge mechanism, G1 glasses are both durable and wearable, featuring magnesium alloy and sandstone frame coatings, hypoallergenic temples, and a choice of colors. The glasses also offer advanced functionality, including digital display lenses, blue light blocking, and a companion app for seamless setup and use.
Track-Down Your Tech: Say Goodbye to Clunky AirTags with ESR’s Slim & Sleek Geo Wallet! (~3 min.) : The ESR Geo Wallet is a new smart wallet that combines a traditional bifold design with its own integrated tracking module, allowing users to locate it using an iPhone if it goes missing. Unlike other wallets designed for Apple’s AirTag, the Geo Wallet has its own rechargeable battery and proprietary charging port, which can power the tracker for up to five months on a two-hour charge. The wallet also features room for multiple cards, cash, and ID, as well as RFID-blocking material for added security. It’s currently available through a Kickstarter campaign, with early bird backers able to preorder one for $41.
Meta’s AI Assistant Takes a Giant Leap: Hands-Free Controls and Vision-Powered Insights Coming to Quest Headsets! (~2 min.) : Meta’s AI-powered assistant will be rolling out to its Quest headsets in August, replacing Voice Commands on the device. The feature, which was previously available on Ray-Ban smart glasses, allows users to control their headset hands-free, answer questions, and provide information such as restaurant recommendations or weather forecasts. Additionally, users can use the “Meta AI with Vision” feature to ask for information about what they’re seeing through Passthrough mode, allowing for features like suggesting recipes based on fridge contents or advising on outfit choices. The update will be available in experimental mode initially, limited to US and Canada users.
Science
Get Your Brain Boost On: How Swimming, Biking, and Running Can Improve Cognition and Psychological Wellbeing (~6 min.) : Research shows that swimming, biking and running activities improves cognitive functioning, including reaction time, memory, attention, and processing speed. Swimming has been shown to improve short- and long-term memory, while biking has been linked to improved memory, reasoning, and planning tasks. Running has been found to stimulate neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells), increase resilience to stress, and protect the brain from negative stimuli. Additionally, engaging in these activities outdoors can enhance cognitive improvements. Overall, incorporating swimming, biking, and running into your routine can have a positive impact on brain health.
Meet the Minds Behind the Science: 17 Experts Unite in Open-Access Breakthrough! (~44 min.) : A recent study published in Scientific Reports investigated how repeated caffeine intake affects brain responses to chronic sleep restriction. The researchers found that regular caffeine consumption suppresses grey matter responses in the brain to prolonged sleep deprivation, an effect mediated by A1 adenosine receptors. This study contributes to our understanding of the complex interactions between sleep, caffeine, and brain function.
Dark Discovery: ‘Oxygen Batteries’ Defy Deep Ocean’s Secrets (~5 min.) : Scientists have discovered a previously unknown process for producing oxygen in the deep ocean, dubbed “dark oxygen.” This process occurs without sunlight, at depths of up to 5km, where naturally occurring metallic nodules split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. The discovery challenges previous understanding that oxygen is only produced through photosynthesis and raises concerns about the impact of proposed deep-sea mining ventures on this newly discovered process.
Rocking the Red Planet: NASA’s Perseverance Rover Uncovers Potential Signs of Ancient Martian Life! (~3 min.) : NASA’s Perseverance rover has discovered a rock on Mars that could potentially contain evidence of ancient microbial life. The rock, named Cheyava Falls, exhibits chemical signatures and structures that resemble those formed by ancient microbes on Earth. While scientists are excited about the potential discovery, they caution that further study is needed to rule out non-biological processes and contamination. NASA plans to bring back the samples collected by Perseverance in the 2040s as part of its Mars Sample Return mission.
Taylor & Francis’ Hidden Deal: Authors’ Research Sold to Microsoft Without Consent (~5 min.) : Taylor & Francis, a leading academic publisher, has sold access to its authors’ research as part of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) partnership with Microsoft. The deal is worth almost £8m ($10m) in its first year, but authors have not been informed or given the opportunity to opt out. This move has sparked concern among academics, who are worried about the potential impact on their work and the lack of transparency around payment.
Misc
Global Outage Nightmare: $1B in Damages, But Who’s to Blame? (~1 min.) : A recent global outage has sparked concerns about potential costs exceeding $1 billion. While the financial impact is significant, determining liability is complex due to the numerous entities involved in the technology ecosystem. The outage highlights the need for robust disaster recovery plans and improved incident response mechanisms. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen who will ultimately bear the responsibility for the costly consequences.
Ryanair Takes Flight: Court Rules Against Booking.com’s Unauthorized Screen Scraping, Paves Way to End ‘Internet Piracy’ (~2 min.) : A US court has ruled that Booking.com violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act by accessing parts of Ryanair’s website without permission, using screen-scraping software to resell tickets. The jury found Booking.com guilty of inducing a third party to access Ryanair’s site with intent to defraud, rejecting counterclaims from the airline. This ruling is seen as a win for Ryanair in its efforts to stop unauthorized ticket resale and overcharging by online travel agents.
CIA’s Mission Impossible: How Spies Kidnapped a Soviet Moon Probe (~6 min.) : In 1959, the CIA carried out a covert operation to gain insight into Soviet Union’s moon-bound technology by secretly dismantling and photographing a Luna 2 exhibit. The team, posing as tourists, spent 24 hours accessing the display without arousing suspicion. The resulting intelligence revealed valuable information about the Soviet Union’s space program, including design and capabilities of their upper-stage space hardware.
Wiz Stands Tall: Cybersecurity Startup Rejects $23 Billion Google Bid, Eyes IPO Instead (~2 min.) : Cybersecurity startup Wiz has rejected a $23 billion takeover bid from Alphabet, Google’s parent company, choosing instead to pursue an initial public offering (IPO). The deal would have more than doubled Wiz’s valuation from $12 billion to $25 billion. The startup will now focus on achieving $1 billion in annual recurring revenue alongside the IPO.
Thank you for joining me in this week’s exploration of the tech universe. Amidst the endless stream of information, I strive to bring you news that is not only relevant but also thought-provoking. Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome. Don’t forget to spread the word about the Friday Tech Focus Newsletter and stay tuned for more curated insights next week!