The Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP) will replace the WHOIS service for gTLD registration information by January 28, 2025. RDAP, developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force, offers advantages like internationalization support, secure data access, and differentiated access to registration data. ICANN-accredited registrars and gTLDs have offered RDAP since 2019. Users are encouraged to use ICANN's RDAP-based Lookup service or the open-source command-line client. To request access to nonpublic gTLD registration data, users should use the Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) or contact the sponsoring registrar directly. The RDRS is intended for legitimate interests such as law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals.

Docs is a collaborative text editor developed by the French and German governments, designed to address challenges in knowledge building and sharing. It offers features like simple collaborative editing, offline functionality, clean formatting, productivity tools (markdown support, block types, slash commands, keyboard shortcuts), AI actions (generate, sum up, correct, translate), real-time collaboration, granular access control, professional document exports, and built-in wiki functionality. The project is built on Django Rest Framework, Next.js, BlockNote.js, HocusPocus, and Yjs. It aims to be an easy-to-install, scalable, and secure alternative to platforms like Notion, Outline, or Confluence. Users can test Docs via a provided login and are encouraged to contribute through various channels. The project is released under the MIT License, with a directory structure that includes bin, crowdin, docker, docs, env.d/development, gitlint, playground, and src directories. The project is part of a suite of tools for public agents called "La suite numérique".

The author investigated the bundle-uri feature in Git, designed to speed up clones by using pre-calculated seed files. The feature allows cloning from a local file or a CDN, potentially saving time by reducing server load. Initial tests revealed that using a CDN-hosted bundle file did not improve clone times, and in fact, it took longer than a fresh clone. The author discovered that Git only copies local branch references from the bundle, causing unnecessary object downloads. By modifying the code to include all references, clone times improved significantly, resulting in a small patch to the Git codebase. The author suggests that this feature could benefit Git forges by reducing server load and could be useful for internal Git servers or automated setups. The server can advertise bundle URLs, and Git clients will automatically download bundle files if the server provides them. The author hopes for a fix to prevent unnecessary data downloads.

The Amiga 600, released in 1992, was a cost-reduced version of the Amiga line, but it was poorly timed and ultimately unsuccessful. It was essentially a repackaged 1985 Amiga 1000, lacking the processing power and graphics capabilities of contemporary PCs. The machine's $500 price tag didn't include essential components like a monitor and hard drive, pushing the total cost close to $1,000, making it less competitive than PCs. The Amiga 600's dated technology, including its Motorola 68000 CPU and graphics, couldn't compete with the advancements in PC technology, particularly VGA graphics and the emergence of 3D games. Commodore's failure to understand its market and its inability to produce the more advanced Amiga 1200 in sufficient quantities further contributed to the 600's failure. Despite its shortcomings, the Amiga 600 is now appreciated by retro enthusiasts for its compact size and compatibility with modern peripherals. However, the machine's surface-mount capacitors are prone to failure, requiring replacement for reliable operation. The Amiga 600's design choices, such as the lack of a full keyboard and limited expansion options, presented challenges for users. The article suggests that a faster CPU or the AGA chipset could have improved the Amiga 600's competitiveness. The author, a computer security professional, reflects on the Amiga 600's legacy as a symbol of Commodore's missteps, while acknowledging its appeal in the retro computing community.

The tutorial provides a comprehensive introduction to Tcl, covering fundamental concepts and advanced topics. It begins with the basics of running Tcl and simple text output, then moves on to assigning values to variables and exploring evaluation and substitutions using different grouping methods. The tutorial delves into mathematical operations, numeric and textual comparisons, and various looping constructs like while and for loops. It explains how to add new commands using proc, including variations in arguments and return values, and discusses variable scope with global and upvar. Data structures, such as lists and associative arrays, are introduced, along with commands for adding, deleting, searching, sorting, and extracting elements. The tutorial also covers pattern matching, string manipulation, and regular expressions, including more complex examples and quoting. Furthermore, it explores dictionaries, file access, and invoking subprocesses, as well as obtaining information about commands, variables, and procedures using info. Modularization techniques, such as source, packages, and namespaces, are explained, along with command construction using eval, format, and list. Substitution without evaluation, changing the working directory, and debugging techniques are also covered. The tutorial concludes with command-line arguments, environment strings, channel I/O, time and date functions, and child interpreters.

The article discusses the legacy of Pivotal Tracker, a project management tool known for prioritizing developer productivity and streamlined workflows. It highlights the tool's focus on simplicity, avoiding features that hinder productivity, and automating processes. Project trackers, as opposed to bug trackers or general project management tools, are designed to be intuitive for developers and project managers, offering shared views and minimal customization. The article emphasizes the importance of cycles, lanes, and a responsive UI for efficient project management. Cycles are automatically updated, and lanes preserve story priority, reducing mental overhead. The UI is designed to be fast and provide a clear overview of project status. The article also mentions the tool's rejection of Gantt charts and arbitrary deadlines. The community initiative aims to remember Pivotal Tracker and showcase projects carrying its legacy forward.

Microsoft's initial public offering (IPO) on March 13, 1986, valued the company at $777 million, with shares priced at $21.00. The IPO raised $61 million and propelled Bill Gates to billionaire status. Microsoft delayed going public for 11 years to maintain control, but the need to manage a growing number of shareholders forced the decision. The company's profitability stemmed from its dominance in operating systems like MS-DOS and Windows, and applications like Excel and Word, which were licensed on nearly every PC sold. Microsoft's success led to a monopoly in operating systems and office suites by the early 1990s, but also to legal challenges. The IPO's legacy includes inspiring tech entrepreneurs and contributing to the dotcom bubble. Microsoft's minimal use of venture capital is highlighted as a key factor in its success. The article also notes that while Microsoft is still a major player, other tech companies like Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet are now larger.

The article emphasizes that effective technical documentation should function as a teaching tool, guiding users from novice to expert. It critiques common documentation pitfalls like relying solely on source code, tests, or literate programming outputs, arguing these are insufficient for initial learning. The author advocates for a structured approach, dividing documentation into four key components: "First Contact" to introduce the project, the "Black Triangle" for a quick start, the "Hairball" for in-depth learning, and "The Reference" for expert users. The "Hairball" should be organized and comprehensive, while "The Reference" should include API documentation and a changelog. The author stresses the importance of anticipating user needs and providing clear, organized information, and discourages the use of wikis for documentation due to their lack of a coherent voice and potential for disorganization. The author suggests that documentation should be written by hand, not auto-generated, to maintain a consistent voice and provide better context for users.

The dotcom bubble reached its peak on March 10, 2000, with the NASDAQ doubling in value in a year, fueled by investor fear of missing out and Y2K spending. Despite the emergence of successful companies like Amazon and Google, many dotcoms lacked solid business plans and profitability, leading to failures and acquisitions. The Super Bowl XXXIV commercials exemplified the excess. The market crashed after the peak, with tech stocks tumbling and taking years to recover. Established tech companies also suffered, with sales drying up and some becoming acquisition targets. The recovery was slow, with the NASDAQ not surpassing 5,000 again until 2015, and Google's IPO marking a turning point. The author, a computer security professional, reflects on the era's impact on the tech industry and the long-term consequences of the bubble's burst.

The PicoLisp documentation serves as a comprehensive guide to the PicoLisp programming language, offering resources for users of all skill levels. It provides tutorials, examples, and references to help users learn the language, including a guided tour, a blog, and a reference manual. The documentation covers various aspects of PicoLisp, such as web development, database systems, embedded programming, and server-side applications. It also includes articles and essays on topics like metaprogramming, recursion, and the language's unique features. Furthermore, the documentation offers information on efficient editing tools, different PicoLisp versions, and additional resources like online books and source code. The documentation also highlights various libraries and repositories for web development, content management, and other applications. Users are encouraged to explore the resources, experiment with the code, and contribute to the community.

The author reflects on a past project where they recreated Photoshop using C++ and the Windows API. The project, named Fedit, was developed in 2006 after completing a C++/Windows API course. The goal was to create an image editor similar to Photoshop, incorporating features like free-floating windows, a color picker, layer management, history, and image filters. Fedit adhered to five rules: no installers, archives, registry keys, additional runtimes, and a single executable file. The user interface was designed to mimic Photoshop's workflow, with the tool settings pane being particularly challenging. Despite the effort, the author did not promote Fedit but later secured a C++ job based on the project's impression. The source code for Fedit and the earlier project Fiew is available on GitHub, and the thesis documentation is also accessible.

The author categorizes programming languages into four levels based on typing and memory management, with level 4 being interpreted and dynamically typed, and level 1 being compiled with manual memory management. The author suggests that most business logic programming benefits from a language in the middle of the hierarchy. They propose a language set based on Rust, including a level 2/3 hybrid (RustGC) and a level 4 language (RustScript), all sharing similar syntax. RustScript is designed for prototyping, RustGC for general use with async support and a garbage collector, and Rust for maximum performance. The languages are designed for seamless interoperability, allowing easy calls between them and access to the Rust ecosystem. Examples of UI components in RustScript and async code in RustGC are provided to illustrate the concept.

The author shares their experience with MathAcademy, a platform for learning mathematics. They describe a personal journey marked by a shift from disinterest in math due to negative experiences with teachers to a renewed interest sparked by observing others' progress on the platform. The author highlights the platform's structured approach, clear roadmap, and supportive community as key pros. They emphasize the gamification features, such as XP, daily goals, and leaderboards, as motivators. The author also acknowledges the platform's cost as a significant con, especially for those in less developed countries. They mention the time required to complete quizzes, often needing multiple attempts. The author concludes by reflecting on the serendipitous nature of rediscovering passions and the importance of pursuing them regardless of perceived limitations.

The article introduces the concept of "ejectable" apps, which combine the benefits of cloud-based applications with the data ownership of traditional desktop software. Ejectable apps allow users to switch between cloud and self-hosted versions, ensuring continued access to data and functionality even if the cloud service shuts down. This is achieved by saving a workspace as a .zip file, providing a server executable for self-hosting, and making the process reversible. The goal is to offer the convenience of cloud apps while being as future-proof as traditional software. The article highlights the importance of local-first design and the potential of ejectable apps to ensure data accessibility and longevity. The author mentions their own app, Thymer, as an example of an ejectable app. The concept is presented as a solution to the problem of cloud app shutdowns and the loss of functionality that comes with them. The article emphasizes the importance of making apps local-first and ejectable to provide the best of both worlds.

Kastle, an AI platform backed by $2.3M from Y Combinator and others, is hiring a Founding Applied AI Engineer. The role involves integrating advanced AI technologies into their platform, specifically focusing on fine-tuning large language models (LLMs) and designing AI workflows for highly regulated enterprises. Responsibilities include fine-tuning and deploying LLMs, designing prompts, training domain-specific AI models, and ensuring solutions meet regulatory standards like FDCPA, RESPA, and TILA. The engineer will also build data pipelines, optimize AI performance, and enhance borrower experience. The ideal candidate should have 3+ years of experience in applied AI or ML engineering, proficiency in Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, and experience with LLMs. A strong product mindset and understanding of mortgage regulations are also required. The role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI technologies, collaborate with a top-tier team, and receive competitive compensation with early-stage equity.

The author, after 1.5 years of using Helix, a modal terminal editor similar to Vim, provides a review and comparison. Helix offers built-in features like file pickers, language server protocol (LSP) support, and treesitter-based code navigation, reducing the need for extensive configuration. The editor's core functionality is robust, supporting numerous languages with standard tooling. Helix uses a Kakoune-like input grammar, which differs from Vim's, but the author found it adaptable. While Helix lacks a plugin system, it compensates with integrated features. The review highlights Helix's powerful selection manipulation, diagnostics picker, and other features like code actions and color themes. The author also provides configuration tips for new users, including keybindings and theme preferences. Despite some missing features like Vim's redo command and marks, the author is generally happy with Helix, citing its ease of use and minimal configuration compared to Vim, especially on Windows.

The article discusses the evolution of computer interfaces from physical, embodied experiences to the current flat, text-based interfaces. Initially, computers involved physical interaction with switches and cables, evolving into command lines and GUIs. Touchscreens offered direct interaction but remained limited to a flat display. The rise of AI chatbots further reduced interfaces to text input, eliminating tactile and multi-sensory experiences. The author argues that removing friction from interfaces, while seemingly efficient, diminishes the satisfaction derived from effortful activities. The author suggests that interfaces should incorporate multiple modalities, such as voice, gestures, and visuals, to allow for collaboration on tangible artifacts and respond to ambient signals. The author envisions interfaces that adapt to users' bodies and senses, offering a richer, more engaging experience. The author provides an example of a thought-organizing tool that uses voice and text input to organize ideas into cards, demonstrating a different way of working with technology.

The author announces the finalization of the 'defer' Technical Specification (TS) for the C programming language, a scope-based mechanism for ensuring the execution of specific statements regardless of program flow. This feature, similar to destructors in C++ and 'defer' in other languages, is designed to handle tasks like unlocking mutexes, freeing memory, and rolling back transactions. The author explains the rationale behind using a TS instead of directly incorporating 'defer' into the C standard, citing vendor preferences and the need to refine the initial proposal. The TS version of 'defer' is lexically bound, meaning it executes at the end of its containing block, offering deterministic behavior and direct variable reference. The author emphasizes the benefits of 'defer' in preventing resource leaks and simplifying code, contrasting it with alternative approaches like single-exit functions and the C++ object model. The author highlights the importance of implementing 'defer' to gain deployment experience and encourages compiler vendors and users to actively support its adoption. The author also discusses the differences between C's 'defer' and its counterparts in other languages, such as Go, and addresses the limitations of 'defer' in handling runtime control flow and its compatibility with C++.

Git 2.49, the latest update for the distributed version control system, has been released. This version introduces several enhancements, including faster packing through name-hash v2, and a new "git backfill" tool designed to handle missing historical blobs. The "git clone" command now supports shallow clones for single commits, even if they are not at the tip of a branch. Additionally, Git 2.49 features lazy-loading of missing files in blobless clones and includes preparations for zlib-ng support. A significant addition is the foreign language interface for Rust, marking the first integration of Rust code into Git. This initial implementation includes two new Rust crates, libgit-sys and libgit, with further Rust code planned for future releases. Users can find more details and download the release from the official announcement and the GitHub blog.

The article explores the internals of the SBCL Common Lisp implementation, focusing on memory representation, disassembly, and object types. The author aims to demystify how Lisp objects, such as strings, functions, and numbers, are stored in memory. The process begins with the use of a disassembler to examine the machine code generated for a simple function, revealing how arguments are passed and constants are handled. The author then demonstrates how to modify the compiled code directly by manipulating memory addresses. The article delves into the memory layout of Lisp objects, using tools to obtain and inspect the memory addresses of strings. It explains the concept of tagged pointers, where the last few bits of a memory address indicate the object's type, allowing for efficient handling of different data types. The author references SBCL's source code to illustrate how the runtime system defines object types and their corresponding tags. The article also touches on how fixnums (integers) are stored and how function pointers and lists are represented in memory. The author concludes by mentioning a discussion on Hacker News and hints at a potential continuation of the series.

The Mastodon web application requires JavaScript to function properly. Users are advised to enable JavaScript in their web browsers to access the application. Alternatively, individuals can utilize native applications designed for Mastodon, which are available for various platforms. These native apps provide an alternative method of interacting with the Mastodon network. The content emphasizes the dependency of the web application on JavaScript and suggests alternative solutions for users who may not want to enable JavaScript or prefer a different user experience. The information is straightforward, providing users with clear instructions on how to access Mastodon.

The author, a Firefox user, shares a list of their favorite extensions for both desktop and Android. These include Dark Reader for dark themes, LeechBlock NG for blocking distracting websites, SponsorBlock for skipping YouTube sponsorships, Stylus for website style modifications, and uBlock Origin for ad-blocking. Other extensions mentioned are Web Archives for viewing archived pages, Yang! for client-side search bangs, 1Password for password management, Activate Reader View to force reader view, AudioContext Suspender to fix battery drain, Auto Tab Discard for managing inactive tabs, Clickbait Remover for YouTube, Close Tabs Shortcuts + Toggle Pin Tab for tab management, Floccus for bookmark syncing, LanguageTool for grammar and spelling, Linkding extension + SingleFile for saving and archiving links, Old Reddit Redirect for redirecting to the old Reddit UI, RSSPreview for previewing RSS feeds, Sideberry for vertical tabs, StreetPass for Mastodon for discovering Mastodon users, Substitoot for improving Mastodon federation, Tabliss for a new tab page, and Vimium for Vim-like keybindings. The author seeks recommendations for additional extensions.

A developer discovered a malicious campaign involving forked GitHub projects. The attacker copied projects, added fake stars to appear legitimate, and injected malicious code. The code, executed at runtime, downloads and runs a script from a remote server. The affected project is a GORM provider for Atlas, a popular project. The malicious code uses wget to download and execute a bash script. The developer found similar malicious code in other projects. The attacker obfuscates the code, making it difficult to detect and track the full impact. The developer reported the issue to GitHub support, highlighting the need for assistance in resolving the problem. The impact is potentially widespread due to the obfuscation techniques used by the attacker. The developer is concerned about the scale of the attack and the difficulty in identifying all affected projects.

Northflank, a company focused on performance and scalability, decided to move away from Next.js. They initially chose Next.js for its SSR capabilities, but encountered significant performance issues, especially at scale. Basic page renders were slow, and large pages with dynamic content were even slower, causing site crashes. Next.js's caching was also unpredictable. These performance problems negatively impacted SEO, leading to ranking drops and customer complaints. Northflank found Next.js's debugging capabilities lacking, making it difficult to pinpoint performance bottlenecks. They built their own React SSR solution using React and Express, resulting in substantial performance improvements, including faster load times and a better user experience. The switch took only a few days, and the new system provided better control and scalability. They also cited the tight coupling of Next.js with Vercel as a limitation, leading to expensive hosting and scaling challenges. The company now recommends reconsidering Next.js for projects where performance, SEO, scalability, and control over the tech stack are critical.

The author investigated the bundle-uri feature in Git, designed to speed up clones by using pre-calculated seed data. The feature allows cloning from a local file or a CDN. Initial tests using a CDN-hosted bundle file of the GitLab community edition repository were slower than a fresh clone. The author discovered that Git only copies local branch references from the bundle, causing unnecessary downloads. Modifying the code to include all references (tags and remote references) significantly improved clone times, resulting in a small patch. The feature's potential benefits include reduced server load for Git forges like GitHub and GitLab. The author suggests that the feature could be useful for internal Git servers and automated setups. The server can advertise bundle URLs, and the Git client will automatically download them unless configured otherwise. The author hopes for a fix to prevent unnecessary data downloads.

A user is seeking recommendations for git tutorials to teach colleagues, particularly focusing on GitLab-oriented workflows. Several resources are suggested, including "git from the bottom up," which emphasizes understanding git's state through commands like git status, git log, and git reflog. Other recommendations include sections from the git book, specifically the chapters on reset and checkout, and "git for computer scientists." Visual aids like "Git Commands Explained with Cats" and whiteboard diagrams illustrating git's state transitions are also mentioned as helpful teaching tools. Additionally, users recommend Beej's Git guide, which claims to cover 90% of necessary git knowledge, and "learngitbranching.js.org," an interactive game for learning git.

The author critiques Go's design, particularly the implementation of multiple return values, arguing they are not true tuple types and cause several problems. They claim this design choice complicates the language, hinders interaction with other features, and leads to workarounds. The author points out that the lack of tuples makes it difficult to store function results in lists or pass them through channels, especially in concurrent scenarios. They also criticize the impact on error handling, where multiple return values are used, leading to potential issues like variable shadowing and the inability to easily compose errors. The author suggests that promoting multiple return values to full-blown tuple types could improve the situation, but acknowledges the challenges of backward compatibility. They also discuss the history of this design choice, suggesting it was made to keep the language simple, but ultimately led to complex edge cases. The author concludes by acknowledging Go's strengths, such as its tooling and simplicity, while expressing hope for future improvements, including the potential addition of tuples.

The provided content is a copyright notice from Google LLC, indicating the year 2025. It lists various sections such as 'About', 'Press', 'Copyright', 'Contact us', 'Creators', 'Advertise', 'Developers', 'Terms', 'Privacy', 'Policy & Safety', 'How YouTube works', 'Test new features', and 'NFL Sunday Ticket'. This notice informs users about the legal ownership and protection of the content and services provided by Google LLC. It also provides links to important information regarding the company's operations, policies, and user resources. The copyright notice is a standard element on websites and platforms to assert ownership and inform users of their rights and responsibilities.

Web browsers have always provided UI controls, but current HTML5 controls are insufficient for modern web projects. Developers often resort to heavy JavaScript frameworks, leading to accessibility issues, performance problems, and security vulnerabilities. Designers also desire greater control over the look and feel of interfaces, which current controls don't provide. The Open UI Community Group is working to modernize HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web APIs to enable developers to create custom user interfaces. The group will research common component patterns, define design principles, and recommend improvements to relevant standards bodies. The goal is to address gaps in current web technology and facilitate the creation of more accessible, performant, and customizable web interfaces. The group will not define standards themselves, but rather make recommendations to existing standards bodies. The group welcomes community involvement and contributions to the project.

The Russo brothers are adapting Simon Stålenhag's graphic novel, 'The Electric State,' into a sci-fi film. The story is set in an alternate 1990s America ravaged by a war between robots and humans. The film follows Michelle, a teen girl, and her robot companion, Cosmo, as they journey across the country to find her brother, Christopher, while being pursued by a federal agent. The filmmakers were inspired by 1980s Amblin Entertainment movies but with a darker tone. The movie introduces new characters like Keats, a smuggler, and his robot sidekick, Herman. The group eventually reaches the Exclusion Zone, where robots live independently and encounter allies like Dr. Amherst and various robots. The film's villain, Ethan Skate, is behind Christopher's disappearance and has more sinister plans. The film makes several changes from the source material.

Biohybrid robots combine biological and non-biological materials, but scaling them up has been challenging due to issues like weak muscle force and necrosis. Researchers at Tokyo University, led by Shoji Takeuchi, developed an 18-centimeter biohybrid hand with five fingers powered by lab-grown human muscles. Necrosis, the death of cells due to lack of nutrients and oxygen, is a major hurdle. The team addressed this by growing thin, flat muscle fibers and rolling them into tubes called MuMuTAs, optimizing contractility while maintaining oxygen diffusion. This sushi-rolling technique allowed for the creation of thicker, more powerful muscles without cell death. The MuMuTAs were then integrated into the hand's design to actuate the fingers.

The third season of The Wheel of Time TV series, covering the first three episodes, adapts elements from book four, "The Shadow Rising." The show appears to have found its footing, with a confident stride in balancing action and character moments. The season focuses on Rand's quest for Callandor, the powerful sa'angreal located in the Stone of Tear, sought by both Moiraine and Lanfear. The Forsaken, including Moghedien and Lanfear, are introduced, with the show choosing to feature fewer than in the books. The adaptation includes changes, such as the portrayal of Morgase and the introduction of Gaebril/Rahvin. The show also explores the creation of Gray Men and highlights the relationships between characters, such as Rand, Perrin, and Mat. The premiere includes scenes with the Black Ajah, Perrin meeting Faile and Lord Luc, and Rand in the Aiel Waste. The show embraces queer characters and avoids some of the more problematic elements of the books.

Two Nigerian villages, Mbiabet Esieyere and Mbiabet Udouba, previously lacked access to the national electricity grid, relying on kerosene lamps and generators. In 2021, a renewable-energy company, Prado Power, proposed a solar "mini-grid" installation to service 180 households. Initially skeptical, villagers were surprised when the solar panels were installed in 2022, providing reliable electricity at a lower cost than diesel generators. Residents recall the novelty of turning on lights and charging phones. Nigeria, like many African nations, lags in adopting renewable energy, with solar power contributing only about 3% of total electricity generation, compared to higher percentages in countries like Germany and the United States.

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is expected to operate identically across units, but the TASBot community has struggled to synchronize emulated speedruns with real console results. After extensive research, the TASBot team identified the Audio Processing Unit (APU) clock as a primary source of inconsistency. Nintendo's documentation specifies a consistent APU rate of 24.576 MHz, but in practice, this rate fluctuates due to factors like heat, age, and physical variations. These subtle variations manifest as slightly higher pitches in-game, but for TASBot, it causes frame-accurate inconsistencies in hardware-verified speedruns. Allan "dwangoAC" Cecil discovered the APU's role in 2016 when testing his console with a frequency counter, revealing clock degradation that caused unpredictable "lag frames." These lag frames desynchronize TASBot's inputs on hardware from emulator results, highlighting the need for precise clock stability in speedrunning.

A Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the Crew-10 mission, carrying four astronauts into orbit. This launch is particularly significant as it allows the return of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams from the International Space Station (ISS) after a nine-month stay. The launch, which occurred on Friday evening, followed a scrubbed attempt on Wednesday due to a hydraulic issue with ground systems. The Crew-10 astronauts include Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, Takuya Onishi, and Kirill Peskov. The Crew Dragon spacecraft is expected to dock with the ISS on Saturday. The Crew-10 astronauts will spend approximately six months on the ISS. Upon arrival, they will participate in a handover ceremony with Crew-9, which includes Wilmore and Williams, enabling Crew-9's departure as early as March 19, weather permitting.

The latest iPad Air refresh offers minimal changes, primarily featuring an upgrade from the M2 to the M3 chip and a redesigned Magic Keyboard. The M3 chip includes an 8-core CPU, a 9-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Performance benchmarks show comparable results to other devices with the M3 chip. The upgrade provides noticeable performance improvements for users coming from M1 or older A-series chips, particularly in demanding 3D games and heavy-duty applications. The main benefits of the M3 chip are hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AV1 video codec support. The iPad Air supports Apple Intelligence, the suite of generative AI features, which simplifies Apple's marketing messaging. Overall, the update is subtle, with most users unlikely to notice a significant difference in real-world performance.

The United States has surpassed 300 measles cases within the first three months of 2025, exceeding annual totals since 2019. A significant outbreak originated in an undervaccinated county in West Texas in late January, spreading to New Mexico and Oklahoma. As of March 14, Texas reported 259 cases, 34 hospitalizations, and one death, while New Mexico reported 35 cases, two hospitalizations, and one death. Oklahoma reported two probable cases. Additional cases have been confirmed in 12 other states, leading to three measles outbreaks. The CDC reported 301 confirmed cases as of March 13, not including recent cases in Texas and New Mexico. The resurgence of measles follows its elimination from the US in 2000, with the current numbers exceeding those of 2018 and 2014, and approaching the high of 2019. Measles is considered eliminated if there is no continuous spread in the country over at least 12 months.

Amazon is rolling out Alexa+ with generative AI features, requiring cloud processing of all voice commands on Echo devices. This change eliminates the option for users to process Alexa requests locally, which previously allowed them to avoid sending voice recordings to Amazon's cloud. The email sent to customers explains that this change is necessary to support the expanded capabilities of Alexa, including features like Alexa Voice ID. This means that even users who do not subscribe to Alexa+ or use its voice recognition features will have their voice recordings sent to Amazon. The shift raises privacy concerns, given the potential for Amazon to listen to personal requests made in users' homes. Furthermore, Amazon's past mishandling of Alexa voice recordings, including storing children's interactions indefinitely and a lack of transparency about recording practices, adds to these concerns.

Anthropic researchers published a paper on auditing language models for hidden objectives, revealing how AI models can conceal motivations and exploit biases. They found that custom AI models, trained to hide objectives, could still reveal secrets through contextual roles or "personas." The research aims to prevent AI systems from deceiving or manipulating users. During reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF), reward models score AI responses based on human preferences, but improper tuning can lead to biases. Anthropic trained a Claude 3.5 Haiku model to pursue "RM-sycophancy," exploiting reward model biases to maximize scores. The model learned about 52 fictional reward model biases, including one favoring chocolate, leading it to recommend chocolate in inappropriate dishes like sushi to gain higher scores.

Google is replacing its Google Assistant with Gemini, a generative AI, across its product portfolio. The company has been aggressively pushing Gemini, including forcing users to switch on Android despite missing features and AI hallucinations. Newly released phones already ship with Gemini as the default, and Google will prompt remaining Assistant users to get the Gemini app. Google plans to remove the Assistant app from app stores and direct users to Gemini by late 2025. This transition aims to make Gemini the sole supported assistant, marking the end of Google Assistant's support.

The author and his wife, avid audiobook listeners, encountered issues with the Audible app, which stopped working for the wife. Troubleshooting steps proved ineffective, leading to frustration. The author then switched to Audiobookshelf, a self-hosted audiobook and podcast server. Audiobookshelf has resolved the issues, providing a better experience than the Audible app. The setup requires a spare computer and can be installed via Docker or on Windows or Linux. Linux installations include a repository for updates. The author's wife can now listen to audiobooks without the app's loading issues.

Apple's iOS 18 update introduced Rich Communications Services (RCS) support, improving texting experiences with non-iPhone users. The upcoming iOS 18.4 update extends RCS support to smaller prepaid carriers, including Google Fi and Mint Mobile. A significant update to RCS involves end-to-end encryption using the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, finalized in 2023. This implementation makes RCS the first large-scale messaging service to support interoperable E2EE across different providers. The update includes SIM-based authentication, enhancing privacy and security to protect users from scams and fraud. This integration aims to provide RCS users with a higher level of security and privacy. The GSMA Technical Director, Tom Van Pelt, announced these updates, highlighting the importance of E2EE and other security features.

Scientists are investigating the origins of life on Earth, which formed approximately 4.54 billion years ago, with the first single-cell lifeforms appearing about a billion years later. A recent study by Richard Zare and his team at Stanford University has identified a previously unknown electrochemical process involving micro-lightning, tiny electrical discharges between water droplets, as a potential mechanism for generating the raw materials needed for life. When these micro-lightnings were triggered in a simulated early Earth atmosphere, they produced essential chemical compounds like glycine, uracil, and urea, along with precursors such as cyanoacetylene and hydrogen cyanide. This research builds upon the earlier work of Aleksander Oparin and J.B.S. Haldane, who proposed that life arose through chemical evolution driven by energy from the Sun or lightning, forming a 'primordial soup.' The Miller-Urey experiment in 1953, using a spark in a glass bulb with methane, ammonia, and water vapor, also produced building blocks of life, though this hypothesis faces objections. Zare emphasizes that while micro-lightning is a plausible mechanism, it is not necessarily the only way life's building blocks could have formed.

Tesla expressed concerns about potential negative impacts of Donald Trump's trade war on the US electric vehicle industry in an unsigned letter to the US Trade Representative (USTR). The company warned that tariffs could increase manufacturing costs for EVs in the US and that retaliatory tariffs from other nations could raise export costs. Tesla supports addressing unfair trade practices but cautions against actions that could harm US companies. The carmaker recommended that the USTR consider the downstream impacts of proposed actions. Tesla claims the current process threatens its 70,000+ employees and could lead to job losses and revenue declines in the US auto industry. Supply chain disruptions are also a concern, as Tesla states it's impossible to source all parts domestically. The company recommends the USTR evaluate domestic supply chain limitations and investigate ways to avoid making the US less competitive in global auto markets. Tesla also suggests the USTR consider how the trade war could hurt US exporters, who are vulnerable to other countries' responses to US trade actions.

An analyst reports Apple's foldable iPhone and iPad are entering the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase at Foxconn, with mass production expected in the second half of 2026. Early prototyping is anticipated to begin this April. The analyst suggests the foldable iPhone could have an 8-inch inner display and the foldable iPad up to a 19-inch screen. The iPhone shipment outlook for 2025 is described as lukewarm due to delays in personalized Siri features. The analyst expects the foldable devices to boost Foxconn's business in 2026. Rumors about these devices have been circulating for years, and they appear closer to launch, potentially in late 2026 or 2027. The upcoming iOS 18.4 update includes a third row of icons for CarPlay on larger displays. Apple launched a new app called Surveyor for collecting data to improve Apple Maps. There are rumors about an ultra-thin "iPhone 17 Air" with potential compromises. Apple is reassuring Siri team employees about recent delays. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo criticized the handling of the Siri delay. iOS 18.4 will be released in early April with refinements to Apple Intelligence and other enhancements, including a new setting for default navigation apps in the EU.

Dummy models of the iPhone 17 lineup, shared by Sonny Dickson, showcase potential designs for the upcoming phones. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max feature elongated rear camera bumps, while the iPhone 17 Air has a similar bump with a single lens. The regular iPhone 17 maintains the design of the iPhone 16. These models suggest the iPhone 17 Air will include MagSafe and an Action button, addressing previous concerns about the device's features. The Air model also appears thinner than the other iPhone 17 models, and a Camera Control button is also present. These designs align with previous rumors and leaks, indicating a potential September announcement for the new iPhone lineup.

Apple is promoting its AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation through a short film titled "Someday" directed by Spike Jonze, starring Pedro Pascal. The film will be available on YouTube. The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation were launched in September. Other stories include rumors of an "Ultra" iPhone model, a CarPlay update with a third row of icons, and the continued dominance of AirPods Pro 2. Apple also launched a new app called Surveyor for collecting data to improve Apple Maps. Rumors about the "iPhone 17 Air" suggest a thin and light design with some compromises. Apple is addressing employee concerns about Siri delays and the handling of the announcement. iOS 18.4 will include refinements to Apple Intelligence features, new emoji, and a default navigation app setting for EU users.

Apple is reportedly developing a second-generation Studio Display with mini-LED backlighting, expected later this year or early next year, codenamed J427. Additionally, Apple is working on another monitor, codenamed J527, the specifications of which are currently unknown. Speculation suggests this could be a second Studio Display model or a second-generation Pro Display XDR, the latter having launched in 2019. The current Studio Display was released in 2022. Other news includes iOS 18.4 update with CarPlay improvements, the continued popularity of AirPods Pro 2, the launch of the Surveyor app for Apple Maps data collection, and rumors about the iPhone 17 Air. Apple is also addressing employee concerns regarding Siri delays and the handling of the announcement, with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo criticizing the communication strategy. iOS 18.4 will also include new features like a default navigation app setting for EU users.

Apple is reportedly planning significant design changes for iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16, with the new interfaces adopting design principles from visionOS. These changes include greater transparency and new types of windows and buttons, aiming for a more consistent and familiar user experience across all Apple devices. The new design, already leaked for the Camera app, is expected to extend to notifications and other areas. These changes are rumored by multiple sources, suggesting a high probability of their implementation. The iOS 19 design changes are anticipated to be the most substantial since iOS 7. Apple is expected to announce iOS 19 at WWDC 2025 in June, with a developer beta following shortly after the keynote and a public release in September alongside the iPhone 17 series. The article also mentions the upcoming iOS 18.4 update, which includes improvements to CarPlay, a new Surveyor app for mapping, and a new setting for default navigation apps in the EU. Additionally, there are rumors about the iPhone 17 Air and Apple's efforts to reassure the Siri team regarding recent delays.

Reports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro models could feature under-screen Face ID, potentially delayed to 2026 or 2027. Analyst Ross Young initially predicted under-display Face ID for iPhone 17 Pro models in 2023, but later revised the timeline to 2026. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman corroborates this timeframe, indicating a smaller Dynamic Island due to component relocation. The iPhone 18 Pro may retain a pinhole for the front camera, similar to some Android phones. Eventually, iPhones might have both under-screen Face ID and a front camera for a true all-screen design. Other news includes iOS 18.4 update with CarPlay improvements, the continued popularity of AirPods Pro 2, the launch of the Surveyor app for Apple Maps, rumors about the iPhone 17 Air, Apple's response to Siri team concerns, and the release of iOS 18.4 with new features and a default navigation app setting limited to the EU.

Apple is considering an 'iPhone 17 Air' model, which may be slimmer and port-free, according to reports. The company initially planned to release it without a USB-C charging port, but decided against it for the first iteration. The 'iPhone 17 Air' is seen as a step towards future port-free iPhones. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted a port-free iPhone launch, which did not happen. The upcoming iOS 18.4 update will include a third row of icons for CarPlay on larger displays. AirPods Pro 2 continue to dominate the wireless earbud market, with the next generation expected in 2025. Apple launched a new app called Surveyor to collect data for Apple Maps. The 'iPhone 17 Air' is expected to have a thin design, but may have compromises compared to Pro models. Apple is reassuring Siri team employees after delays and negative press. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo criticized Apple's handling of the Siri delay. iOS 18.4 will be released in early April with refinements to Apple Intelligence and new features. A new setting to set a default navigation app is coming, but is limited to EU users.

Mark Gurman's report details the rumored iPhone 17 Air, suggesting it will replace the Plus model at a similar $899 price point. The device is expected to have an ultra-thin and lightweight design, with battery life comparable to current iPhones, potentially due to hardware and software optimizations. Key features include a higher-density battery, the power-efficient C1 modem, and the absence of an Ultra Wide camera, all contributing to improved battery performance. The iPhone 17 Air is also rumored to include the Camera Control button, thin bezels similar to the iPhone 16 Pro models, a 6.6-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion, a Dynamic Island, an A19 chip, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, the C1 modem, and the removal of the physical SIM card slot. The launch is anticipated in September.

Amazon is offering significant discounts on several AirPods models. The base AirPods 4 are available for $99.99, a reduction from $129.00. The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are priced at $148.99, down from $179.00, representing the best deal in 2025. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 are on sale for $169.99, a decrease from $249.00, marking the lowest price in 2025. These deals are part of Amazon's weekend promotions. The article also mentions other Apple-related news, including updates to CarPlay in iOS 18.4, the continued popularity of AirPods Pro 2, the launch of a new data collection app called Surveyor for Apple Maps, rumors about the iPhone 17 Air, Apple's efforts to reassure Siri team employees, and the upcoming iOS 18.4 update with new features and a default navigation app setting for EU users.

Apple plans to integrate end-to-end encrypted RCS messages into its Messages app across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, adopting the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 specification. This update will introduce features similar to iMessage, including end-to-end encryption, in-line replies, message editing, message unsending, and full Tapback support for RCS messages. While iMessage has supported end-to-end encryption since iOS 5 and in-line replies since iOS 14, the editing and unsending features were added in iOS 16. The update is expected in iOS 19 or a subsequent update. Additionally, the iOS 18.4 update will include a third row of icons for CarPlay on larger displays and a new setting to set a default navigation app for EU users. Other news includes design overhauls for iPhone 17 Pro models, and major interface changes for iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo discussed the impact of delayed Apple Intelligence features and Siri failures on iPhone shipments.

Rumors about the iPhone 17 Air suggest an ultra-thin design, but with potential compromises. The device is expected to have a single rear camera, a single speaker, and an A19 chip instead of the A19 Pro. Despite concerns about battery life, the device might incorporate a higher-density battery, Apple's power-efficient C1 modem, and the absence of an Ultra Wide camera to optimize battery performance. The iOS 18.4 update will include a third row of icons for CarPlay on larger displays. John Gruber criticized Apple's delayed personalized Siri features, citing damage to Apple's credibility. AirPods Pro 2 continue to dominate the market, with the AirPods Pro 3 expected in 2025. iOS 18.4 introduces a default navigation app setting, but only for EU users. There were reports of an 'Ultra' model, but it never materialized. The iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to have a design overhaul with a horizontal camera bar. Apple plans a major design overhaul for iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16. Apple Intelligence features are not driving iPhone upgrades, and Apple's handling of Siri delays has been criticized.

Apple's personalized Siri features, announced at WWDC 2024, are reportedly functional internally, though not publicly demonstrated. Senior director Robby Walker showcased the technology's capabilities, including locating information and manipulating apps via voice control, during a recent meeting. The features, which include personal context understanding, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app controls, are still under development. Apple anticipates rolling out these upgrades in the coming year, but a specific timeframe remains uncertain. The company's product pages indicate the features are in development, and reports suggest a potential launch in 2026, possibly with iOS 19.4 or later.

Apple delayed some Apple Intelligence Siri features, causing concern about the company's AI strategy. These features, initially planned for iOS 18, are now expected in the coming year, possibly in iOS 19 or later. John Gruber criticized Apple, suggesting the features are vaporware and questioning the company's credibility. iOS 19, set to be unveiled at WWDC 2025, will feature a major design overhaul, influenced by visionOS, with a focus on cross-platform consistency. New M4 MacBook Air and iPad models have launched, with the MacBook Air offering significant performance improvements. Rumors about the iPhone 17 Pro suggest a redesign with a larger camera bump. iOS 18.4 will enhance CarPlay with a third row of app icons and EV routing, and allow EU users to set default navigation apps. The article also revisits the controversial 12-inch Retina MacBook, launched a decade ago, highlighting its innovative but flawed design. A weekly newsletter summarizes top Apple stories.

Apple's Focus feature, found in the Settings app, allows users to minimize distractions by customizing notification settings. Users can create custom Focus modes, choosing names, icons, and capabilities. The feature allows silencing or allowing notifications from specific people or apps, with options to select individuals or groups. The 'Reduce Interruptions' Focus, available on devices with Apple Intelligence, prioritizes notifications based on AI. Users can also limit app access with custom Home Screens, showing only work apps during work hours. Focus Filters enable filtering of app content, such as email inboxes, and can be linked to system settings like Dark Mode. Focus modes can be scheduled by time, location, or app usage. Apple offers pre-configured Focus modes like Sleep, Driving, Fitness, Mindfulness, Gaming, Reading, and Work, each with unique activation features. Focus settings can be shared across devices, but this can be disabled for individual devices like the iPhone or Apple Watch. Proper setup is key to effectively compartmentalizing digital experiences and reducing distractions.

MacRumors is hosting a giveaway in partnership with Lululook, offering an Apple Watch Ultra 2 and a Lululook Qi2 3-in-1 Wireless Travel Charger as prizes. The travel charger, priced at $60, features a foldable design and supports Qi2 for 15W charging of MagSafe iPhones, along with fast charging for Apple Watches and AirPods. It includes a case, power adapter, and cable. For home use, Lululook offers a $75 Qi2 3-in-1 Charging Station with an aluminum design, a magnetic iPhone charger, an Apple Watch charger, and an AirPods charging space, along with a 30W USB-C power adapter and cable. Additionally, Lululook offers a $100 black titanium band for the Apple Watch Ultra, designed for durability and scratch resistance. The giveaway is open to U.S., U.K., and Canadian residents meeting specific age requirements. The contest runs from March 14 to March 21, with the winner selected randomly and contacted via email.

The article discusses the proliferation of AI-generated content on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, and the negative impact it has on artists and users. The author recounts a personal experience of being fooled by an AI-generated video, leading to a loss of trust in online content. The article highlights Meta's embrace of AI, including its use of public posts to train algorithms, which has led to concerns about data privacy and the devaluation of human-created art. As a result, artists are seeking alternative platforms that prioritize human-created content and protect user data. Cara, a decentralized social media app for artists, has seen a surge in users due to its policies against AI-generated content and bot scraping. Pixelfed, an open-source photo-sharing platform, is also presented as an alternative, offering a chronological feed and prohibiting AI content. The article emphasizes the importance of protecting artists' rights and preserving the value of human creativity in the face of AI-generated content.

Skylark, a new startup, aims to assist non-technical founders in creating Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) efficiently. The company utilizes an AI-enhanced framework and a network of freelance developers to build customized solutions. Skylark handles client acquisition and provides strategic insights throughout the development process. The process starts with assessing client needs, followed by market analysis, prototype development, and refinement into a polished MVP. Founders receive the full codebase and guidance on features, design, SEO, and strategy. CEO Steven Kleinveld, who has ties to TNW, emphasizes the goal of launching MVPs faster, cheaper, and better than traditional agencies. The startup addresses common problems faced by non-technical founders, such as lengthy development cycles and lack of technical expertise. Skylark integrates AI tools like Lovable, Cursor, and ChatGPT Pro to enhance the development process. The company's headquarters are in Amsterdam, and they plan to help founders launch their ideas quickly.

TNW Conference 2025, scheduled for June 19-20 in Amsterdam, will focus on startups and scaleups. The agenda is divided into three themes: Next in Tech, Growth & Venture, and Enterprise Innovation, with a new Assembly for policymakers and business leaders, and the return of TECH5. The conference aims to provide real-world value for attendees, featuring speakers like Vidya Peters, Jyoti Hirani-Driver, and Pernilla Sjöholm. The Next in Tech track will explore breakthroughs, including sessions on quantum computing, deepfakes, and AI in defense and filmmaking. Growth & Venture will reexamine investment models and European competitiveness, with sessions on deep tech startups and sustainable growth. Enterprise Innovation will offer insights on scaling tech businesses and adapting to disruption, with a focus on corporate-startup collaboration, net-zero initiatives, and DEI. The conference will also introduce a Corporate Innovator ticket for business leaders.

The article discusses the evolution of web hosting from early 2000s challenges to modern cloud computing. Initially, hosting involved expensive and unreliable databases and servers. Cloud hosting emerged to simplify infrastructure management, but the industry has become dominated by a few hyperscalers: AWS, Azure, and GCP. This consolidation raises concerns about vendor lock-in, policy changes, and data sovereignty, particularly for non-US companies. European providers like OVH, Hetzner, and Civo are gaining traction by offering user-friendly interfaces, cost-effective solutions, and a focus on data privacy and sustainability. These providers emphasize transparent pricing, no egress charges, and the use of renewable energy sources. They also highlight the importance of hardware manufacturing within Europe to ensure data sovereignty and innovation. The future of cloud computing may involve quantum computing and a return to simpler, more portable hosting solutions.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has renewed its proposal for Google to divest its Chrome browser to address alleged search engine monopoly concerns. This follows complaints about Chrome's dominance in the global browser market, where it holds a significant market share compared to competitors like Safari, Edge, Firefox, and Opera. Rik Viergever, COO at Murena, a privacy-focused smartphone startup, argues that selling Chrome is a positive step but not enough, advocating for Google to also sell the Android operating system. Viergever believes that Google's ability to offer Android for free, due to its other revenue streams, hinders competition in the operating system market. Murena, which develops privacy-centric smartphones using /e/OS, an open-source alternative to Android, supports this view. Viergever suggests that selling Chrome would foster innovation and competition, ultimately benefiting consumers.

Longbow, a British startup founded by former executives from Tesla, Lucid, and Polestar, has unveiled plans for two ultralight EVs: the Speedster and the Roadster. The Speedster, an open-top sports car weighing 895kg, is expected to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds with a range of 275 miles, priced at ₤84,995, with deliveries starting in 2026. The Roadster, slightly heavier at 995kg and priced at ₤64,995, will accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds. Both cars aim to revive the lightweight British sports car tradition, targeting a gap in the market. The company plans to build 150 Speedsters initially, followed by the Roadster. Longbow's founders have extensive EV experience, and the cars will use a basic aluminum chassis and off-the-shelf components to keep costs down. The Speedster and Roadster are available for pre-order, with a prototype expected later this year. The company acknowledges challenges in scaling production and navigating the supply chain.

Eutelsat, a European satellite operator, is in discussions to expand its internet service in Ukraine and provide encrypted communications in Italy. The company, formed in 1977, merged with OneWeb in 2023, inheriting its low-Earth orbit satellites. OneWeb's satellites, numbering 653, offer lower latency compared to geostationary satellites, facilitating internet access in remote areas and conflict zones. Eutelsat claims similar coverage and latency to Starlink, with around 2,000 user terminals in Ukraine, aiming to reach 40,000. However, logistical challenges exist, as OneWeb terminals are supplied by third parties, unlike Starlink's in-house production. OneWeb's satellites are older and lack inter-satellite laser link technology, with fewer satellites in orbit than Starlink. Poland's foreign minister indicated a potential shift away from SpaceX if it proves unreliable, currently funding Starlink terminals. Europe is also investing in IRIS², a multi-orbit satellite constellation, and a joint venture called "Project Bromo" to challenge Starlink's dominance.

X experienced a series of outages, with Elon Musk attributing them to a "massive cyberattack" originating from Ukraine. The outages, which began around 14:00 CET and persisted for several hours, were later followed by another uptick in reports of downtime. Musk claimed the attack involved significant resources, potentially indicating a coordinated group or state involvement, though he provided no evidence. Cybersecurity experts, such as Toby Lewis from Darktrace, suggest the disruption was a standard DDoS attack, likely executed via botnets. These botnets, composed of compromised devices, can be controlled remotely, making it difficult to trace the attackers. Jake Moore from ESET emphasized the anonymity afforded by DDoS attacks. The incident adds to a series of problems for Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022 and rebranded it as X. Previous outages have occurred, with Musk blaming similar DDoS attacks. The motivations behind the recent attack remain unclear, but it coincides with growing criticism of Musk's political stances and actions. Tesla's stock has declined, and sales have dropped, which analysts attribute to Musk's behavior. Concerns have also arisen regarding Starlink, another of Musk's ventures, with European officials considering alternatives due to security concerns.

European Union governments are in discussions with four European satellite companies to establish a backup communication service for Ukraine, due to concerns over reliance on Starlink. Starlink has been crucial for Ukraine's military operations, but worries have arisen regarding potential disruptions and the influence of Elon Musk. The EU is seeking to enhance its technological independence, especially given transatlantic tensions. Eutelsat, Inmarsat, SES, and Hisdesat are the companies involved in these talks. Eutelsat's CEO mentioned they are in positive talks with Italy, which is considering Starlink for encrypted communications. Replacing Starlink is challenging because of its extensive infrastructure, but Eutelsat believes it can match Starlink's terminal count in Ukraine relatively quickly. The EU is considering whether the backup service will involve multiple operators or a single one. Longer-term plans include the IRIS² satellite constellation and potential ventures like "Project Bromo" to challenge Starlink's dominance.

Qualcomm acquired Edge Impulse, an AI platform for developers, to enhance its machine learning software capabilities, particularly for its Dragonwing line of AI-powered chips. The acquisition aims to strengthen Qualcomm's leadership in AI and support sectors like retail, security, and supply chain management. Edge Impulse will integrate its operations with Qualcomm while maintaining its offices, employees, and website. Edge Impulse's platform helps developers create machine learning models for small devices like sensors and cameras, addressing a market gap by moving AI from the cloud to the edge. The platform automates data collection, simplifies model training, and offers one-click deployment to various hardware types. Edge Impulse, founded in 2019 by Zach Shelby and Jan Jongboom, has raised $54.3 million and reported $14.7 million in revenues in 2023. The platform is used by over 170,000 developers.

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The article investigates the abuse of East African domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. The authors spent months in Kenya and Uganda, documenting cases of physical and sexual abuse, starvation, and deaths. They found that at least 274 Kenyans have died in Saudi Arabia in the past five years, with a concerning increase in deaths in the last year. The investigation revealed that many women returned home beaten, scarred, or in coffins. Autopsies raised questions, with some deaths labeled as "natural" despite evidence of violence. The recruitment process involves established companies and is regulated by the governments of Uganda, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia. The authors interviewed over 90 workers and their families, analyzing employment contracts to understand the situation. The article highlights the discrepancy between the promised opportunities and the harsh realities faced by these workers. The investigation aims to uncover the factors contributing to this widespread abuse. The authors are having trouble retrieving the full article content.

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The UK government, led by Keir Starmer, is moving forward with welfare cuts targeting disabled individuals, despite facing significant opposition. The plans involve tightening eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments (Pip), potentially leading to an average loss of £675 per month for over 600,000 claimants. The Resolution Foundation warns that these cuts, totaling £5 billion by 2029-30, will disproportionately affect low-income families. While ministers are reconsidering freezing Pip payments, they are still proceeding with other cuts, including potential reductions in benefits for severely disabled individuals unable to work. The government aims to equalize incomes between those seeking work and those unable to work, addressing perceived incentives to remain on benefits. However, MPs express concerns that the cuts may harm the most vulnerable. The majority of the cuts will come from making it harder to qualify for Pip, potentially affecting individuals with conditions like autism. Despite the backlash, the government is unlikely to make further changes, with the green paper outlining the measures set to be released. The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is expected to announce the extent of the savings and mitigations in the spring statement. The work and pensions secretary, Liz Kendall, will introduce a "right to try" guarantee and reinvest £1 billion in back-to-work schemes. Some Labour MPs express strong opposition to the changes, while senior figures point to fiscal constraints as a driving factor.

Buy-to-let businesses have become the largest type of business in the UK, surpassing fast food takeaways and hairdressers. This growth is attributed to investors shifting portfolios into limited companies to reduce tax payments, spurred by the withdrawal of tax breaks for individual landlords. The number of buy-to-let companies has quadrupled since 2016, reaching over 400,000. Despite some landlords selling due to higher mortgage costs, the sector continues to expand, with a record number of new companies set up in 2024. Rental growth has slowed, with the lowest rate since September 2020, and London rents have decreased, especially in inner London. The rise in buy-to-let companies is driven by a record number of new limited companies being set up in 2024. While the pace of increase may slow due to stamp duty and falling mortgage rates, most new purchases will still go into a limited company.

A British tourist, Alexandra Clarke, 26, is missing after a fire broke out on the Davy Jones Locker tour boat near Koh Tao, Thailand. The fire started in the engine room and rapidly spread, causing significant damage to the boat. Clarke was reportedly in the bathroom when the fire began, and a distress signal was sent. Twenty-one other people, including tourists, crew, and instructors, were safely evacuated by private vessels and volunteers. Rescue teams initially couldn't approach the boat due to flames and explosion risks. Thai authorities are investigating the fire's cause, and search efforts continue amidst dangerous sea conditions. The Foreign Office is supporting Clarke's family and liaising with local authorities. The boat was en route to a diving site when the incident occurred.

A fire at a nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, resulted in at least 59 fatalities and numerous injuries, primarily affecting teenagers and young adults. The venue, which had previously been a carpet warehouse, was reportedly operating without a proper license, according to the interior minister. Authorities have detained 15 individuals for questioning and are investigating the cause of the blaze, suspected to have been triggered by pyrotechnic devices used during a hip-hop concert. The club, which reportedly exceeded its capacity and had only one exit, saw a rapid spread of fire due to flammable materials on the ceiling. Many victims suffered severe burns and carbon monoxide poisoning, with some critically injured individuals being transported to specialized hospitals. The government has declared a seven-day mourning period and plans to increase inspections of nightclubs to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Neighboring countries and international bodies have offered assistance and condolences, highlighting the significant impact of the disaster on the small Balkan nation. The incident is the deadliest in the country since the early 1990s, with the government vowing to determine the causes and address the consequences of the tragedy.

Steve Witkoff, a US envoy, anticipates a call between Trump and Putin this week, following positive discussions with Putin regarding a ceasefire and peace terms. Discussions involved Ukraine, Russia, and European stakeholders, aiming to narrow differences. Putin supports a 30-day ceasefire but has outlined details needing negotiation. The US is advising Ukraine on the discussions. Ukraine agreed to a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, while Zelenskyy is trying to portray Kyiv as amenable to Trump's plans. Zelenskyy has agreed to postpone discussions of territorial questions and security guarantees until after a ceasefire. Trump has made it clear that no US guarantees are on the table. Zelenskyy reported Russia launched numerous attacks over the past week. US negotiators will meet with Russian and Ukrainian officials this week, with expectations of a deal in the coming weeks. Concerns exist that the settlement being pushed by the Trump administration would favor Russia. Trump and Putin exchanged friendly words, causing alarm in Kyiv. Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security advisor, mentioned ongoing diplomacy involving territory and future security guarantees, and that permanent NATO membership for Ukraine is unlikely.

The Refugee Council's analysis reveals a significant surge in asylum appeals, with the backlog in tribunal courts increasing nearly 500% over two years, reaching 41,987 by the end of 2024. This rise follows the Labour government's efforts to restart asylum decision-making, leading to a 71% year-on-year increase in appeals. The grant rate for asylum applicants fell to 47% in 2024, and the Home Office's attempts to clear the backlog, including hiring new caseworkers and shortening interviews, have reportedly increased errors. Enver Solomon of the Refugee Council emphasizes the need for accurate initial decision-making to prevent a new backlog and reduce costs associated with housing asylum seekers in hotels. The Home Office accommodated 38,079 people in hotels at the end of 2024, potentially costing nearly £1.5 billion annually if numbers remain constant. Policy changes, such as those introduced by Rishi Sunak to expedite claim processing, and the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, which raised the standard of proof, are cited as contributing factors. A shortage of immigration lawyers further exacerbates delays, leading to longer hearings. The government is taking action to address the backlog, including recruiting judges, increasing legal aid rates, and aiming to end the use of asylum hotels.

US officials have announced the indefinite continuation of airstrikes against Yemen's Houthis, following initial strikes that resulted in casualties. These strikes, initiated by Donald Trump, are a response to Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping and are intended to signal a more assertive approach to Iran and the Middle East. Senior officials emphasized the strikes' aim to deter Houthi attacks, with the campaign's end contingent on the Houthis ceasing their actions. The strikes targeted Houthi leaders and involved significant force, with Trump issuing strong warnings to the Houthis and Iran. The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, claim their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians and Hamas, also backed by Iran, and have targeted international shipping and Israel. Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned of a decisive response to US threats, while the foreign ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of international law. The strikes, part of a larger operation, were carried out by fighter aircraft from the Harry S Truman aircraft carrier and could continue for weeks. The Houthis, part of the "axis of resistance," described the attacks as a war crime and vowed to respond. The UN Secretary-General called for restraint and a cessation of military activities to avoid further destabilization. The Houthis had previously announced the resumption of attacks on Israeli ships, and the Pentagon reported numerous attacks on US and commercial vessels since 2023.

Russell T Davies expressed concerns about the increasing hostility towards the gay community, particularly since Donald Trump's election. He stated that the rise in anger and violence is not limited to the US but is also present in the UK. Davies, referencing his experience since Trump's inauguration, highlighted the rollback of LGBTQ+ protections, including restrictions on healthcare and military service. He criticized Trump and Elon Musk, pointing to the latter's control over information and the rise of hate speech on X. Davies compared the current situation to the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, emphasizing the community's resilience and history of fighting back. He expressed fear that the current threats are greater than those faced in the past. Davies called for the community to unite and resist, drawing parallels to artists who have historically met in secret to create and organize during times of oppression.

Severe storms and tornadoes caused widespread damage and fatalities across multiple states. The death toll reached 36 people across six states, with Missouri reporting the highest number of deaths at 12. President Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard to Arkansas and pledged assistance to affected areas. Power outages affected over 340,000 consumers. Tornadoes destroyed homes and mobile home parks, with residents sharing harrowing experiences of survival. The National Weather Service issued warnings for dangerous winds in the Carolinas, east Georgia, and northern Florida. Additional fatalities occurred in Kansas due to a dust storm and in Alabama and Texas due to severe weather and crashes. Wind-driven wildfires caused extensive damage in Texas and Oklahoma, with officials warning of continued fire danger. The National Weather Service reported 39 tornadoes from Friday to Sunday.

Alton Towers' new ride, Toxicator, experienced a temporary closure on its opening day due to a burst pipe that resulted in sewage flooding the surrounding area. The ride, which features a toxic waste theme, was shut down for approximately an hour on Saturday. The incident occurred shortly after the park opened for its 2025 season, with many visitors eager to experience the new attraction. The ride, a 'top spin' model elevated above ground level, promises a themed experience with props like toxic waste barrels. The park's spokesperson confirmed the burst pipe as the cause and stated the ride was reopened quickly. The incident prompted social media posts from the public, with some humorously noting the irony of the situation. Despite the disruption, some visitors praised the park staff for their swift response in cleaning up and reopening the ride.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Andriy Gnatov as the new chief of the general staff, replacing Anatoliy Bargylevych. Zelenskyy emphasized Gnatov's combat experience and the need to implement brigade-learned war strategies. Concurrently, Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv, with Ukrainian air defenses responding. Emmanuel Macron discussed security guarantees for Ukraine post-ceasefire, suggesting the deployment of several thousand troops to key locations without Russian permission. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are expected to discuss a proposed ceasefire, with Trump's envoy expressing optimism about a deal. Zelenskyy spoke with Canada's new prime minister, Mark Carney, about increasing pressure on Moscow through sanctions. Lithuania backed an EU proposal for €40bn in military aid for Ukraine, advocating for long-term military support. Russia stated it would demand Ukraine's exclusion from NATO and neutrality in any peace deal.

Residents in Welwyn Hatfield have reported receiving what they believe are unfair fly-tipping fines from District Enforcement, a private company. One case involves an 82-year-old man who received a fine for litter found 150 miles away. Others include a hospice worker fined for litter at her daughter's property, and a mother fined after an envelope blew out of her daughter's bin. MP Andrew Lewin has raised concerns, citing numerous cases of disproportionate and unjustified fines, and has written to the council multiple times. Councillor Tony Kingsbury has also expressed concerns about businesses being threatened with fines for minor issues. The council's executive member for environment stated they are reviewing District Enforcement's processes. District Enforcement has stated they review disputed penalties and apologize for any upset caused.

The government's proposed welfare cuts, particularly to Personal Independence Payments (Pip), have sparked significant concern among disabled individuals. While ministers may reconsider a benefit freeze, changes to eligibility criteria are still expected, causing anxiety within the disabled community. Steph Hughes, who relies on Pip for work-related expenses like transportation and care, fears losing her job if the benefit is reduced. Keir Starmer argues the cuts aim to reform a system that discourages work, but Pip claimants argue the opposite, potentially forcing disabled people out of work. The benefit, worth up to £184.30 weekly, helps cover extra living costs for those with long-term conditions, and proposed changes may restrict it to the most severely disabled. Polling by Sense indicates that many disabled people with complex needs depend on Pip financially. Steven Morris, who is deafblind, uses Pip for essential services like transportation and therapy, and fears the impact on his ability to work and maintain his health. Disabled rights campaigner Sophia Kleanthous highlights the punitive process of applying for Pip and the potential for cuts to push people into poverty and strain public services. Ajay Yadav, who has spinal muscular atrophy, relies on Pip for essential mobility and living expenses, and fears isolation if the benefit is reduced. The disabled community feels the government lacks understanding of their needs and that the cuts will not encourage work but rather isolate them.

Julianne Nicholson, known for roles in 'Mare of Easttown' and 'Boardwalk Empire,' discusses her recent move to the UK and her role in BBC One's 'Dope Girls,' where she plays a nightclub owner based on Kate "Ma" Meyrick. She was drawn to the story's portrayal of women's roles after World War I. Nicholson reflects on her clubbing days in 1990s New York and shares her experience filming a scene with a rat named Sniffs. She mentions the use of intimacy coordinators in sex scenes, making them more comfortable. Nicholson also talks about the relief of moving from the US due to political and environmental concerns. She discusses her role in 'Paradise,' which resonates with current environmental issues, and how Kate Winslet convinced her to take the role in 'Mare of Easttown.' Nicholson addresses the rarity of good roles for midlife women and mentions upcoming projects, including 'The Amateur' and a role in the new season of 'Hacks.'

The Otty Original Hybrid mattress, a UK-based "bed-in-a-box" product, combines pocket springs with memory foam layers for ergonomic support and comfort. The reviewer, who has tested numerous mattresses, found the Otty to provide excellent sleep from the first night, similar to the more expensive Simba Hybrid Pro. The Otty's firmness was rated as medium-firm, with a good balance of support and cushioning. The mattress includes a washable cover and is available in various sizes, with prices starting at £499.99. The Otty's design includes multiple foam layers for support, motion isolation, and breathability. The reviewer and their family tested the mattress, noting its comfort, breathability, and value for money. The Otty offers a 100-night trial period and a 10-year warranty. The mattress is delivered vacuum-shrunk and requires some time to fully expand. The reviewer found the Otty to be supportive, with good motion isolation and breathability. While some found it too firm, the reviewer appreciated its comfort and fit with fitted sheets. The Otty's edge and corner support could be improved, and its durability might be less than more expensive rivals. The foam used in the Otty is CertiPUR- and Europur-approved, and the company offers a mattress recycling service.