AI
Unlock Human-Centric Vision: Sapiens Revolutionizes Image Understanding (~3 min.) : Sapiens is a comprehensive suite for human-centric vision tasks, including pose estimation, part segmentation, depth, and normal estimation. The model family is pre-trained on 300 million in-the-wild human images and shows excellent generalization to unconstrained conditions. To get started with Sapiens, users can choose from two installation options: Lite (inference-only) or Full (complete training setup). The article also provides a list of human-centric vision tasks that Sapiens is finetuned for, as well as easy steps for finetuning the models.
AI Predicts 70% of Earthquakes: A Giant Leap Forward in Quake Risk Mitigation? (~5 min.) : Researchers at the University of Texas have developed an AI algorithm that successfully predicted 70% of earthquakes during a trial in China, showcasing its potential for improving earthquake preparedness and risk management. The AI ranked first in an international competition, highlighting its accuracy and adaptability. While the technology is not yet ready for widespread application, it has the potential to dramatically improve earthquake preparedness worldwide. The next step is to test the AI in places with robust seismic tracking networks, such as California and Texas.
Instant Inference Magic: AI’s Speedy Insights Revolutionize Data Analysis! (~1 min.) : Inference, a machine learning model, has achieved impressive results by providing instant and free inferences. The model uses a technique called “iterative refinement” to improve its predictions with each new piece of information, allowing it to draw accurate conclusions quickly. This breakthrough could have significant implications for various industries, such as healthcare and finance, where timely and informed decision-making is crucial. Overall, the success of Inference highlights the potential of AI to transform fields by providing faster and more effective insights.
Cybersecurity
FBI’s Digital Housekeeping Falls Short: Audit Reveals ‘Significant Weaknesses’ in Sensitive Data Storage Management (~1 min.) : A recent audit by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General found significant shortcomings in the FBI’s management and disposal of electronic storage devices holding sensitive and classified data. The investigation revealed weaknesses that put national security at risk, highlighting the need for improved controls to prevent unauthorized access or leaks of critical information. The findings underscore the importance of effective inventory management and secure disposal practices within law enforcement agencies like the FBI.
Chrome Zero-Day Hijacked by North Korean Hackers: Rootkits and Mayhem Ensue! (~1 min.) : North Korean hackers have successfully exploited a previously unknown vulnerability in Google Chrome (CVE-2024-7971), allowing them to gain SYSTEM privileges on a Windows system. The attackers then used a Windows Kernel exploit to deploy the FudModule rootkit, granting themselves elevated access and control over the compromised device. This incident highlights the importance of timely patching and security measures to prevent such attacks.
Privacy
Building a Better Net: Moxie Marlinspike’s Vision for Signal and the Future of Tech (~32 min.) : Signal CEO Moxie Marlinspike emphasizes that his company is not a solution to surveillance capitalism, but rather a proof-of-concept showing it’s possible to build tech differently. He highlights the need for significant capital investment and a paradigm shift to create alternatives to Big Tech’s dominant model. To achieve this, Marlinspike envisions an independent cloud infrastructure that supports alternative technologies and openly governs them, allowing for a decentralized internet that prioritizes privacy and security. In 10 years, Signal may become nearly ubiquitous, supported by novel sustainability infrastructure, making it a key player in the tech ecosystem.
Tools
Unlock the Power of Local LLMs with LM Studio 0.3.0: Chat with Docs, Serve on Network, and More! (~6 min.) : LM Studio has released version 0.3.0, which introduces several new features and improvements to its local language model (LLM) management tool. The update includes a chat interface that can incorporate documents into conversations, an OpenAI-like Structured Output API for generating reliable JSON outputs, and support for multiple LLMs and configurations. Additionally, LM Studio now offers customizable themes, automatic load parameters, and the ability to serve models on the network.
California’s Digital Driver’s License: A Wallet-Friendly Convenience Revolution! (~3 min.) : California has become one of five states to offer digital driver’s licenses (mDLs) in Google Wallet, following a pilot program launched by the DMV in 2023. Over half a million Californians have already added their mDLs to their smartphones, which are accepted as valid identification at select retail locations and TSA airports. The mDL does not replace physical driver’s licenses but offers an alternative for identity verification and control over information sharing. The state continues to work with partners to expand acceptance of the mDL.
Entertainment
Games to Big Screens: Remedy Entertainment Teams Up with Annapurna Pictures for Film and TV Adaptations of Control and Alan Wake (~3 min.) : Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind Control and Alan Wake, has struck a deal with Annapurna Pictures to develop film and TV adaptations of both franchises. The agreement sees Remedy retaining ownership of the intellectual property, while Annapurna will take the lead on adapting the series for the big screen. This move is expected to alleviate financial pressure on Remedy and provide a fresh revenue stream through the audiovisual mediums.
Gadgets
Apple’s September Showstopper: New iPhones, Apple Watch, and AirPods Coming Your Way! (~4 min.) : Apple has announced an upcoming event on September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time to unveil new products, with rumors pointing to the iPhone 16 series, Apple Watch 10, and AirPods 4. The event will be streamed live on YouTube, Apple’s website, and Apple TV app, allowing users to tune in from around the world. In addition to the expected iPhone announcements, other products may also be revealed, including new Mac models equipped with M4 chips.
Meta’s Mixed Reality Headset Scrapped: Apple Vision Pro Dominates Market, Meta Shifts Focus to Quest 4 and Software Development (~4 min.) : Meta has canceled its high-end mixed reality headset project, which was set to launch in 2027, due to a review meeting with CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The device was meant to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro, but Meta realized it couldn’t sell it for under $1,000 due to the cost of high-resolution micro OLED displays. Instead, Meta is focusing on developing the Quest 4 headset and expanding its software offerings, including the Horizon OS platform. The cancellation comes as Apple struggles to generate interest in the Vision Pro, which saw enthusiasm wane just a month after launch.
Pinning Down Productivity: Meet the NotePin, Your Personal AI Assistant (~3 min.) : Plaud, the company behind the popular AI-powered voice recorder Note, has launched its new product, NotePin, a wearable device that records and transcribes notes, meetings, and conversations. The pill-shaped device can be worn around the neck, chest, wrist, or clipped to various spots, with up to 20 hours of continuous recording battery life. Unlike other AI wearables, NotePin requires manual activation for recording, ensuring user consent and privacy. The device costs $169, with additional AI features available for $79/year.
Science
Quantum Countdown: Why Post-Quantum Encryption Algorithms are a Must-Have for Your Digital Security (~9 min.) : Developing post-quantum encryption algorithms is essential to prepare for the potential threat of cryptographically relevant quantum computers in the future. While quantum computers don’t exist yet, implementing these algorithms now ensures that encrypted data remains protected even if a quantum computer becomes available. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has led the effort to select and standardize post-quantum encryption algorithms through an open and transparent evaluation process. As a result, it’s crucial for organizations to identify applications using encryption, alert tech departments and vendors, and learn more about migrating to post-quantum cryptography to ensure long-term security.
Dark Matter’s Last Refuge Disappears: LZ Experiment Rules Out Major Hiding Spaces for Elusive Particles (~2 min.) : The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment has concluded its latest search for dark matter particles, known as WIMPs, and found no signs of their existence. The experiment uses a 10-ton tank of liquid xenon to detect recoiling atomic nuclei caused by WIMP interactions. The researchers have narrowed down the possible hiding spaces for dark matter particles, reducing the maximum cross-section probability to about one-fifth of previous results. With 280 days’ worth of data analyzed so far, LZ is expected to further constrain the possibilities or potentially detect dark matter with its full 1,000-day dataset.
Misc
Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested: Allegations of Organised Crime, Fraud, and More Rock Crypto Market (~2 min.) : Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget airport in Paris on Saturday evening after stepping off a private jet from Azerbaijan. He is accused of serious crimes including terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering, among others, allegedly facilitated by Telegram’s encrypted messaging services. The arrest had an immediate impact on the cryptocurrency market, with Toncoin falling over 15%. As a French citizen, Durov will face trial in France and could potentially receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
CrowdStrike’s Adam Meyers to Spill the Beans: Inside the Global IT Outage that Grounded Planes and Workplaces (~2 min.) : CrowdStrike’s Senior Vice President Adam Meyers will testify before the House Homeland Security Committee on September 24th regarding the global IT outage that occurred on July 19th, which affected 8.5 million Windows machines and caused widespread disruptions. The hearing aims to shed light on the incident’s causes and mitigation efforts taken by CrowdStrike to prevent similar outages in the future. While the outage was not a cyberattack, committee members believe it highlights the importance of promoting cyber hygiene and resiliency amid increasing threats.
Uber’s EU Ride: $325M Fine for GDPR Violations! (~1 min.) : The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has slapped Uber with a massive €290 million ($325 million) fine for violating General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules. The penalty was imposed due to various privacy and data protection breaches, including the unauthorized access of user data by third-party developers. This significant fine serves as a wake-up call for companies operating in the EU, highlighting the importance of prioritizing data protection and transparency in their operations.
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!