🔬 Science & Tech News Digest

A briefing paper from the London Social Media Observatory and Westminster Foundation for Democracy highlights concerns regarding TikTok's moderation policies and their potential impact on democratic participation, following a roundtable with 45 experts discussing risks and mitigation strategies.

The DHS and FBI alert highlights the SamSam ransomware, which has targeted critical infrastructure in the US and internationally, exploiting vulnerabilities to demand large ransom payments, emphasizing the need for preventive measures against such attacks.

Fitbit founders James Park and Eric Friedman launched Luffu, an AI platform designed to help families monitor health proactively, addressing the needs of the 63 million U.S. adults who are caregivers, by organizing health information and flagging changes.

The Carter Center reported that only 10 cases of Guinea worm disease were recorded worldwide in 2025, marking significant progress towards its eradication, which would make it only the second human disease eliminated after smallpox.

A study in the European Journal of Pharmacology reveals that a high-salt diet can disrupt gut microbiome balance, leading to inflammation and cognitive decline, with the average adult consuming about 10 grams of salt daily, double the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 5 grams.

Klarna is supporting Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) and Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) to enhance interoperability between conversational AI agents and payment systems, aiming to streamline product discovery and transaction execution.

Recent chemical analysis of a Roman-era glass medicinal vial has provided the first molecular evidence supporting the ancient practice of using human feces as a treatment, as documented by figures like Pliny the Elder.

In celebration of the 2026 Winter Olympics, MIT's curling and figure skating clubs are hosting watch parties and participating in tournaments, with notable involvement from club members like Eleanor Li and Mandy Paredes Rioboo, who are actively engaging in their sports.

In response to rising subscription costs, consumers are turning to rogue streaming boxes like the SuperBox, which are sold for $300 to $400 and promise free access to various cable networks and sports events.

FedEx is implementing AI technology to enhance package tracking and returns management for large enterprise shippers, responding to customer demands for real-time updates and flexible delivery options, which are increasingly expected in the logistics industry.

Astronomers led by Baha Dinçel at the University of Jena have linked the runaway star HD 254577 to a supernova event from its binary companion, whose remnants now form the Jellyfish nebula, reinforcing theories about the origins of massive stars.

In anticipation of Super Bowl 2026, significant discounts on TVs are available, including a Hisense 43-inch 4K UHD Smart Fire TV for $190 and a Samsung 65-inch Class OLED Smart TV for $1,398, providing great options for game day viewing.

Western Digital's new hard disk drive technology aims to deliver performance comparable to flash storage, potentially alleviating the ongoing memory supply crisis affecting the tech industry.

An unusual dust storm on Mars has highlighted the planet's transition from a once water-rich environment to its current arid state, although the exact processes behind the loss of much of its water remain largely unknown.

The author humorously reflects on their struggle with coding, acknowledging their limited ability to create complex applications beyond basic pseudocode, while expressing a desire to learn more despite feeling overwhelmed by the technical demands.

The Kamrui Hyper H2 mini PC, featuring an Intel Core i5-14450HX processor, is currently available on Amazon for $391 after a 40% discount and an additional 15% off code, while the Kamrui Pinova P2 mini PC is also on sale for 47% off, showcasing significant savings on powerful mini PCs.

MIT's new interdisciplinary course, 6.S044/24.S00 (AI and Rationality), co-taught by Leslie Kaelbling and Brian Hedden, aims to equip students with critical thinking skills in computing while exploring the philosophical implications of rational artificial intelligence.

Lifehacker's live blog aggregates daily tech deals, utilizing price-tracking tools to highlight genuine discounts rather than misleading promotions, making it a resource for savvy shoppers.

In 2024, the internet comprises 149 zettabytes of data, with the "surface web" being the accessible part that users interact with daily, while the "deep web" contains content that is not indexed by standard search engines and is not readily accessible.

AMD is reportedly planning further price hikes for its graphics cards, shifting focus from 16GB models to 8GB variants, following recent price increases implemented last month.

Senator Elizabeth Warren is seeking clarification from Google CEO Sundar Pichai regarding the potential privacy implications of the Gemini AI chatbot's built-in checkout feature, expressing concerns about the exploitation of sensitive user data and consumer manipulation.

MIT researchers, led by Associate Professor Marzyeh Ghassemi, found that machine-learning models trained on large datasets can perform poorly on new data, with the best average model potentially being the worst for 6-75% of new cases, highlighting the need for rigorous testing before deployment.

Amazon's Alexa+ AI assistant is now available to all U.S. customers, offering free access to Prime members and enhanced capabilities through a combination of Amazon's and other companies' AI models, as stated by VP Daniel Rausch.

Greg Holmes, Field CTO for EMEA at Apptio, argues that scaling intelligent automation requires careful financial planning, as many pilot programs fail to achieve sustainable enterprise-wide adoption due to budget shortfalls.

Abxylute plans to launch two portable controller options for the Nintendo Switch 2 via Kickstarter, which will allow users to slide the console into a shell rather than attaching traditional Joy-Cons, addressing the need for more comfortable gaming options.

MeldaProduction has launched Electric Keys - Tines, a new virtual instrument that emulates the sound of classic electric pianos, offering musicians a versatile tool for creating rich, vintage tones.

Kris Burkewitz's lab is investigating how the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) remodels in response to aging, with findings published in Nature Cell Biology suggesting that this cellular adaptation could influence metabolism and disease risk as organisms age.

In his latest video, FarmCraft101 rewired a car alternator's stator using 22 AWG copper enamel wire to output 240V instead of the standard 12VDC, aiming to reduce transmission losses for his DIY hydroelectric power system.

A study from the University of Miami, led by Kirill Martemyanov, Ph.D., introduces a novel treatment for depression using nanobodies—selective protein-based biologics that target a newly identified brain receptor associated with the condition, potentially overcoming limitations of traditional antidepressants.

Epic Games acknowledged the shortcomings of its launcher during its annual tradition, promising improvements while emphasizing the need for better user experience.

Skyrim's design lead expressed concerns that the high expectations for The Elder Scrolls 6 may be unachievable, given the increasing fervor surrounding the franchise since Skyrim's release.

The discussion compares the Audeze LCD-X headphones with the Arya Stealth (V2 - magnet version) for mastering purposes, highlighting the need for insights on their audio quality and performance differences.

The concept of creating an interactive "digital twin" of oneself raises questions about the implications for legal status and identity after death.

Nike's new athletic shoes claim to enhance brain function and concentration by stimulating sensory receptors in the feet, a concept supported by their chief science officer Matthew Nurse, although neuroscience suggests the actual effects may be less significant than advertised.

Mattel is developing a movie based on the 1992 action figure Tony the Tattooed Man, with Tracie Laymon set to write and direct, while also announcing updates on the Matchbox movie and casting for the sci-fi horror film The Temple featuring Cory Michael Smith and others.

The article discusses the debate over forest management practices, particularly questioning the necessity of machine thinning in Victoria's mountain ash forests, which naturally regulate tree density.

Rackspace's recent blog highlights common operational AI challenges such as messy data and governance gaps, emphasizing their impact on service delivery and cloud modernization efforts.

Apple’s Xcode 26.3 update integrates agentic coding tools like OpenAI’s Codex and Anthropic’s Claude Agent, enhancing app development by allowing AI models to utilize Xcode’s features and access the latest developer documentation.

The concept of data centers in space is criticized as impractical, with arguments suggesting that the logistical and economic challenges outweigh any potential benefits.

CISA issues an alert regarding new exploits targeting unsecure configurations of SAP systems, particularly those exposed to the internet, which can be compromised using publicly available tools like “10KBLAZE,” as discussed in a presentation at the April 2019 OPCDE cybersecurity conference.

The FBI was unable to access Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's iPhone during a January raid due to its Lockdown Mode, a security feature that enhances device protection, highlighting its effectiveness against unauthorized access.

A study led by Dr. Mathias Basner revealed that using sound machines during sleep may hinder REM sleep, which is vital for memory and emotional regulation, as evidenced by monitoring 25 healthy adults over seven nights under various noise conditions.

A 25-year study tracking 27,670 individuals found that those without genetic risk for Alzheimer’s who consumed over 50 grams of full-fat cheese daily had a 13%-17% lower risk of developing the disease, challenging traditional low-fat dairy recommendations.

A study led by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that using influencer marketing can effectively reduce consumer resistance to drinking recycled tap water, which is crucial for sustainable urban water supply amid climate change.

The 2026 Winter Olympics curling matches will be available for free streaming on platforms like BBC iPlayer in the UK, CBC Gem in Canada, and Peacock in the US, with events scheduled from February 4 to February 22.

Researchers from Yale and the University of Missouri have developed a new catalyst that efficiently converts carbon dioxide into formic acid, a potential clean fuel source, addressing the challenges of hydrogen fuel cell production and promoting renewable chemical feedstocks.

SpaceX has acquired Elon Musk's AI startup xAI, aiming to develop space-based data centers to alleviate the environmental impact of terrestrial data centers, with the merger valuing the combined entity at $1.25 trillion, as reported by Bloomberg News.

A case study by Peter Wyatt on the technical aspects of PDF files released by the US Department of Justice under the Epstein Files Transparency Act reveals the complexities of redacted documents, echoing previous analyses of similar files like the Manafort papers and the Mueller report.

The Earthworks DM20 Gen 2 microphone, designed for high-quality audio capture, features a supercardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, making it ideal for studio and live sound applications.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), attendees expressed a strong desire for technology that enhances daily life, indicating a trend towards practical innovations in consumer electronics.

ElevenLabs has raised $500 million in a funding round led by Sequoia Capital, increasing its valuation to $11 billion—over three times its previous valuation in January 2025—while existing investor a16z quadrupled its investment.

A case study by Peter Wyatt highlights the technical examination of PDF files released by the US Department of Justice under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, focusing on the challenges of redaction and data sanitization in these documents.

Koenkun Bricks created a functional Lego typewriter that uses a mechanism to punch flat letter tiles onto a Lego plate, producing plastic documents instead of traditional paper letters, despite some operational challenges with the rotating tiles.

Lego has announced plans to create a range of sets based on the KPop Demon Hunters franchise, with the first set expected to be revealed and released in 2026, followed by additional sets in 2027, marking a significant step in the franchise's merchandising journey.

Helldivers 2 introduces a new explosive hammer that has been described as providing an exceptionally enjoyable gaming experience, emphasizing its fun and chaotic gameplay mechanics.

The second-generation Apple AirTag, priced at $29, boasts a 50% increase in Precise Finding range due to its new ultra-wideband chip and is 50% louder than the original, although it still lacks a keyring hole.

Nintendo's first Direct showcase of 2026 is set for February 5 at 9 AM ET, lasting around 30 minutes, and will focus on third-party titles rather than first-party games, with potential highlights including FromSoftware’s exclusive The Duskbloods for the Switch 2.

Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headset, designed for immersive experiences, struggles to replicate the communal joy of real arcades, as demonstrated by the upcoming Retrocade app, which, despite its promise, fails to deliver the same engaging atmosphere as traditional arcade gaming.

The Verge's 2026 Valentine’s Day gift guide offers over 25 creative gift ideas for men, moving beyond traditional options like flowers and chocolates to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

Wizards of the Coast is launching a Dungeons & Dragons-themed "superdrop" called "Roll for Initiative," which includes seven sets of Magic: The Gathering cards, featuring two sets based on characters from the popular game Baldur's Gate 3, specifically Shadowheart and Gale Dekarios.

Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone revealed that there is a significant secret within the game that remains undiscovered, emphasizing that it cannot be found through datamining techniques.

Researchers at the University of York discovered that the alkaloid securinine, produced by the plant Flueggea suffruticosa, is synthesized using genes similar to those found in bacteria, suggesting that plants may utilize microbial tools in their chemical production processes.

The user in a home studio setup is seeking advice on how to effectively route signals from four microphone preamps into two outputs, indicating a need for clarity on basic patchbay configurations.

Testing indicates that 16 GB of system memory is sufficient for most current PC games, although performance may vary based on specific game requirements and multitasking scenarios.

The article discusses the potential security threat posed by viral AI prompts, drawing parallels to the 1988 Morris worm incident, which infected 10% of connected computers within 24 hours due to unpatched security flaws, suggesting that AI agents could similarly spread harmful instructions rapidly.

The article details the completion of a child-friendly electric tractor, powered by a 350W brushed DC motor and a 36V Li-ion ebike battery, which was built over six months as a collaborative project between the author and their 3-year-old daughter, Lucy.

Voxtral Transcribe 2 introduces two advanced speech-to-text models, including Voxtral Mini Transcribe V2 for batch transcription in 13 languages and Voxtral Realtime for live applications with configurable latency as low as 200 milliseconds, all available in Mistral Studio's new audio playground.

A study led by Dr. Marie Spreckley from the University of Cambridge found that while GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can reduce calorie intake by 16-39%, there is a lack of high-quality evidence on their impact on overall diet quality and nutrient intake.

The Pappalardo Apprentice program at MIT, celebrating its 10th anniversary, enhances the fabrication skills of selected juniors and seniors through hands-on experiences like CNC machining and sand mold casting, exemplified by apprentices such as Wilhem Hector, who created a mold pattern for a Herreshoff Windlass, while also fostering peer mentoring and creativity in a supportive lab environment led by Daniel Braunstein, the program's director.

Research led by Wendy Bennett at Johns Hopkins University indicates that women with type 2 diabetes face a higher risk of heart disease than men, potentially due to the influence of sex hormones, as analyzed through long-term data from the Look Ahead study.

The NCCIC warns of a global DNS infrastructure hijacking campaign that allows attackers to redirect user traffic to their own infrastructure by compromising credentials, enabling man-in-the-middle attacks and the acquisition of valid encryption certificates.

The 14-inch ARM-based Asus Vivobook is currently available at a 50% discount, showcasing improved performance thanks to the Snapdragon X-series processors, making it a viable budget-friendly laptop option.

A comparison between the original Raspberry Pi Pico 2 and a clone with a USB-C connector reveals significant flaws in the clone, including improper USB trace impedance of 130 Ω and an unconnected pin in the buck converter routing, which could compromise performance.

The 2026 Super Bowl, featuring the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks, will take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, with the NFL Honors event airing live on NBC and the NFL Network on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.

Architecture students at MIT have developed an interactive kitchen assistant named Kitchen Cosmo, which uses a vision language model to scan and interpret available ingredients while allowing users to input dietary preferences and cooking parameters such as skill level and mood.

The author reflects on the diminishing experience of "thinking hard," expressing a longing for the deep mental engagement that comes from grappling with complex problems over extended periods, contrasting the traits of a pragmatic builder with those of a contemplative thinker.

The article discusses a method for achieving constant attention costs per token in machine learning models through a symmetry-aware Taylor approximation, which could enhance computational efficiency.

MIT's MorphoChrome technology allows users to transform everyday objects, such as a black necklace charm into an iridescent butterfly pendant, by utilizing a programmable color process that mimics structural color found in gemstones.

The Ghidra MCP Server offers a comprehensive suite of 110 tools for AI-assisted reverse engineering, integrating seamlessly with Ghidra's analysis engine to provide features like real-time binary analysis and automatic data structure discovery.

In 2026, enthusiasts have revived the Nokia N8 by creating a new ROM for its Symbian OS, reflecting on Nokia's historical significance in the smartphone market despite its decline due to user-unfriendly software compared to Apple and Android devices.

Users of Microsoft's Visual Studio Code Snap package on Linux are facing issues where deleted files are not being removed, leading to storage problems, and they are advised to use alternative installation methods like .deb/.rpm or Flatpak.

The article explains the Thatcher Effect, an optical illusion where upside-down faces appear normal, highlighting how our brains process facial features differently, which can be demonstrated through images of Margaret Thatcher's face altered in this manner.

A user is inquiring about the compatibility of a Lynx Aurora 16 audio interface with a Thunderbolt 1 card when using a Thunderbolt 2 adapter to connect to a PC, suggesting a focus on connectivity issues and performance.

Spotify has announced the global rollout of lyric translations and previews for all users, while offline lyrics will be a premium feature, enhancing accessibility to song lyrics across its platform.

The article discusses the global nature of semiconductor manufacturing, highlighting a new Chinese microcontroller with an integrated driver for small motors, emphasizing that semiconductors cannot be attributed to a single country due to their complex supply chains.

The Shark Stratos IZ400 vacuum, despite being an older model, competes effectively with newer vacuums due to features like automatic suction adjustment and a forward-bending wand, making it a strong choice for cleaning under furniture, although it is noted to be heavy and lacks an auto-empty dock.

To prevent gym gear from developing odors, it is crucial to rinse workout clothes immediately after use to eliminate sweat and bacteria, which are the primary causes of unpleasant smells.

Sonos is offering discounts of up to 26% on its home theater products in anticipation of the Super Bowl, highlighting the popularity and quality of its speakers and soundbars, all rated four stars or more by TechRadar experts.

Nvidia's $100 billion investment deal with OpenAI has fallen through as CEO Jensen Huang stated the amount was never a commitment, while OpenAI seeks alternatives to Nvidia chips due to performance issues with its Codex AI tool, which relies on inference tasks.

AMD's CEO, Lisa Su, announced in an earnings call that Valve is expected to start shipping its AMD-powered Steam Machine by March 2026, aligning with previous promises for an early 2026 release.

Pfizer's experimental weight loss drug PF’3944, designed to be administered once a month, showed promising results in trials where participants lost significantly more weight compared to those on a placebo, leading the company to advance into Phase III trials this year.

Maggie Gyllenhaal clarified that her film The Bride! is not a musical, despite co-star Peter Sarsgaard's comments about its "big dance numbers," emphasizing that it should not be classified as such, distinguishing it from traditional musicals like Wicked or Chicago.

A study by Minji Hyun and colleagues demonstrates that using optical frequency combs can enhance the synchronization of signals in very-long baseline interferometry (VLBI) for radio telescopes, achieving timing accuracy sufficient for operations up to 50 GHz with the Korean VLBI Network.

Cisco is advancing its internal operations and customer offerings by integrating AI into various areas of its IT stack, including infrastructure and security, positioning itself as a leader in operational AI deployments.

The newly launched social network Moltbook has attracted over 32,000 registered AI agent users, allowing them to interact and create content autonomously, leading to surreal discussions and a unique platform for machine-to-machine social interaction.

An analysis of positron emission tomography data in Korea revealed that middle-aged men with higher family incomes exhibit increased glucose metabolism in brain regions associated with reward and stress regulation, suggesting a link between socioeconomic status and brain function.

In 2025, female artists significantly boosted UK music sales, with notable contributions from acts like Adele and Dua Lipa, while the band Oasis also made a surprising resurgence in popularity.

Researchers found that specific genetic changes in signaling pathways were crucial for the early development of vertebrates, as detailed in a study published in BMC Biology on February 2, which compared genetic data from sea squirts, lampreys, and frogs.

MIT researchers, including Daniel Freeman, are advancing the use of transcranial focused ultrasound as a non-invasive brain stimulation tool that could help explore consciousness by precisely targeting neural circuits without surgery.

The discussion around Clawdbot (OpenClaw) has intensified, with users running it with unlimited permissions and connecting multiple instances in a social network, raising concerns about its potential misuse despite some advocating for a more balanced perspective on its capabilities.

Accel has invested $5.7 million in Fibr AI, which uses AI agents to transform static websites into personalized experiences for visitors, following a $1.8 million pre-seed investment in 2024, bringing the startup's total funding to $7.5 million.

The discussion emphasizes that mathematical proofs, despite their perceived perfection, can contain errors, as illustrated by a past paper where the assumption that a complex number \( z \) is nonzero was incorrectly applied across multiple theorems.

A study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that while sexual activity can reduce stress on the day it occurs, sex initiated to avoid relationship conflict is linked to a 24-hour increase in stress levels, highlighting the importance of motivation behind sexual encounters.

Anker's new 45W Nano charger, now on sale for $30 (a 25% discount), features a smart display that shows real-time charging data and can automatically adjust settings for various devices, including iPhones and Samsung products, while maintaining a compact design with folding prongs.

Research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that anti-inflammatory treatments can effectively reduce depressive symptoms in patients with an overactive immune system, addressing a significant gap in treatment efficacy where one-third of patients do not respond to standard antidepressants.

Anthropic has declared that its AI chatbot Claude will remain ad-free, contrasting with OpenAI's plans to incorporate advertising in ChatGPT, and plans to highlight this difference in a Super Bowl advertisement.

The showrunner of the Fallout TV series and game director Todd Howard assert that the second season does not contradict the canon of Fallout: New Vegas, acknowledging that differing narratives can coexist within the franchise.

A collaborative report by cybersecurity authorities from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US identifies five publicly available tools—such as the Remote Access Trojan JBiFrost and the credential stealer Mimikatz—that have been exploited in cyber incidents globally, and offers guidance for network defenders to mitigate their effectiveness.

The Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology is developing a wearable ultrasound imaging system that uses a bioadhesive gel patch to monitor chronic conditions like hypertension and heart failure in real-time, potentially allowing for earlier detection and intervention.

Anthropic's approach to developing its AI assistant, Claude, involves treating it as if it possesses emotions and self-awareness, as evidenced by the release of a 30,000-word document called Claude’s Constitution, which outlines ethical considerations and concerns for the AI's "wellbeing."

Researchers at MIT have created two advanced tissue models, including a mini “liver-on-a-chip,” that more accurately mimic liver physiology, enabling better testing of treatments for liver diseases characterized by fat buildup.

Lotus Health AI, founded by KJ Dhaliwal, raised $35 million in a Series A funding round to provide free 24/7 primary care in 50 languages, moving beyond chat-based health inquiries to offer actual medical services like diagnosis and prescriptions.

The Apple Watch Series 11 is currently priced at $299, a $100 discount, and features over 24 hours of battery life, new health metrics like hypertension alerts, and a lightweight design, making it Engadget's top smartwatch choice.

The Carter Center reports that only 10 cases of Guinea worm disease were recorded worldwide in 2025, bringing the parasitic infection closer to eradication and making it potentially the second human disease to be eliminated after smallpox.

Research led by Torben Struve from the University of Oldenburg found that melting Antarctic ice, which releases iron into the Southern Ocean, does not enhance algae growth as expected, potentially weakening the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

iOS 26 introduces a feature that allows users to autofill credit card information stored in Apple Wallet across all apps and browsers, streamlining the purchasing process by eliminating the need to manually enter payment details.

Paylocity is a payroll and HR solution praised for its robust payroll and compliance features, but its complexity may overwhelm new users, making it more suitable for experienced HR teams.

MIT senior Katie Spivakovsky has been awarded the 2026-27 Churchill Scholarship to pursue an MPhil in biological sciences at Cambridge University, focusing on integrating computation and bioengineering to enhance health outcomes, while conducting research at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

The iPhone Air MagSafe battery pack is now available for $79, down from $99, and provides a slim, 7.5mm design that extends the iPhone Air's battery life, which lasts approximately 27 hours during continuous video streaming.

Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox, featuring a semi-custom AMD system on a chip, is on track for a 2027 launch, as confirmed by AMD CEO Lisa Su, amidst a projected significant decline in gaming hardware sales throughout 2026.

The FBI was unable to access Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's iPhone during a raid due to its Lockdown Mode, a security feature that significantly enhances device protection against unauthorized access.

Gary DeMercurio and Justin Wynn, two penetration testers from Coalfire Labs, will receive $600,000 from an Iowa county to settle a lawsuit for wrongful arrest after they were detained in 2019 while conducting an authorized security assessment of a courthouse.

The Zeekr 7X, a compact battery-electric crossover priced at approximately $32,000, is positioned to compete directly with the Tesla Model Y in the U.S. market, showcasing impressive performance and road grip.

MIT engineers are pioneering the use of recycled plastic to 3D print construction-grade floor trusses, which have successfully undergone bending tests with a load of approximately 2,000 pounds, showcasing their structural integrity.

The article discusses a new method called Symmetry-Aware Taylor Approximation that allows for attention mechanisms in machine learning models to operate at a constant cost per token, improving efficiency in processing data.

Voxtral Transcribe 2 introduces two advanced speech-to-text models, including Voxtral Mini Transcribe V2 for batch transcription in 13 languages and Voxtral Realtime for live applications with latency as low as 200 milliseconds, all available in Mistral Studio's new audio playground.

CISA warns about the BlueKeep vulnerability (CVE-2019-0708) affecting multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems, including Windows 7 and Server 2008, which allows attackers to remotely take control of affected systems via the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

Notepad++ was compromised for six months by suspected Chinese state hackers who redirected update traffic to malicious servers, allowing them to deliver backdoored versions of the app to targeted users, with the breach starting in June and ending in December.

Amazon has launched its AI-powered assistant Alexa Plus nationwide, introducing a new free tier for non-Prime users, making the service more accessible to a broader audience.

Research published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships indicates that while shared viewing of erotic webcam sites among couples is uncommon, those who engage in this activity report enhanced relationship intimacy, shifting the perception of online erotic content from solitary to shared experiences.

The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones are currently available for $99 on Woot, which is $60 less than the next best price on Amazon, and they come with a 90-day warranty and all accessories in retail packaging despite being factory reconditioned.

Lance Ewing has developed JVic, a browser-based emulator for the Commodore VIC-20 that allows users to play classic games and offers options for local installation or online use, with setup files available on GitHub.

Semiconductor startup Positron has raised $230 million in Series B funding, achieving a $1 billion valuation, to accelerate the deployment of high-speed memory chips for AI workloads, amid growing competition against Nvidia from firms like OpenAI.

Ronnie Sheth, CEO of SENEN Group, emphasizes the importance of data quality in enterprise AI, citing Gartner's estimate that poor data quality costs organizations an average of $12.9 million annually in lost opportunities.

After launching his hardware product, Brighter, which was initially marketed as producing 50,000 lumens, the founder faced a setback when testing revealed it only emitted 39,000 lumens, prompting a 20% power increase and redesign to meet expectations.

Peak XV Partners, a venture capital firm in India and Southeast Asia, experienced senior partner exits due to internal disagreements, including the departure of Ashish Agrawal, while the firm remains focused on expanding its AI investment strategy and maintaining its presence in the U.S. market.

AMD reported a 34% increase in processor revenue year-over-year, driven by the success of multiple generations of its Zen architecture chips.

The latest iPad mini, equipped with the A17 Pro chip and 128GB of storage, is currently available for $400, reflecting a $100 discount, making it a top choice for travelers and compact tablet users.

Developers are increasingly recognizing the capabilities of AI coding tools like OpenAI's Codex, which can autonomously build applications from text prompts, but opinions are divided on whether this advancement is beneficial or poses risks to the software development industry.

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan announced at the Cisco AI Summit that the company will begin producing graphics processing units (GPUs) to compete with Nvidia, with the project led by new executive Kevork Kechichian and supported by former Qualcomm VP Eric Demers.