Thursday, February 6

Technology

Neuralink wins approval for new brain implant study aimed at restoring mobility and digital freedom
Technology

Neuralink wins approval for new brain implant study aimed at restoring mobility and digital freedom

Neuralink, the brain technology startup founded by Elon Musk, announced that it has received approval to launch a new feasibility study using its experimental brain implant and robotic arm technology. This initiative, called FIRST studywill evaluate the safety and functionality of the company's wireless brain-computer interface (BCI) and its surgical robot. The study is specifically aimed at helping people with tetraplegia-a severe form of paralysis: controls external devices using only their thoughts. The announcement was made via Neuralink's social media channels, where the company described the study as a significant step toward advancing its technology. “This is the first step in our mission to restore not only digital freedom but also physical freedom,” Neuralink said. The P...
A US court upholds the law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok under penalty of ban
Technology

A US court upholds the law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok under penalty of ban

A US federal court has upheld legislation requiring Chinese tech giant ByteDance to relinquish ownership of the popular social media platform TikTok in the US by early next year or face a nationwide ban. The ruling marks a significant victory for the Justice Department and critics of TikTok, who have long expressed concern about the app's ties to China. However, the decision constitutes a major setback for ByteDance as it now faces the possibility of losing access to the app's 170 million US users. The ruling raises the likelihood of an unprecedented ban on a social networking app widely used in the United States. ByteDance and TikTok are expected to challenge the decision, potentially sending the case to the U.S. Supreme Court or requesting a new hearing by the full appeals cour...
Apple accused of monitoring employees and limiting discussions about pay and conditions
Technology

Apple accused of monitoring employees and limiting discussions about pay and conditions

Apple is accused of illegally surveilling the personal devices and iCloud accounts of its employees, particularly when they discuss pay and workplace conditions. A new complaint, filed by Domingo Amar Bhakta in a California state court, accuses the tech giant of requiring employees to install software on personal devices used for work. This software supposedly grants Apple access to sensitive personal data, including emails, photo archives, health information, and even data from “smart home” devices. Bhakta, who works in Apple's digital advertising division and has been with the company since 2020, claims that Apple has strict privacy policies that prevent employees from openly discussing their working conditions. These policies supposedly include restrictions on speaking to the ...
TikTok pushes Supreme Court to review potential US ban on national security grounds
Technology

TikTok pushes Supreme Court to review potential US ban on national security grounds

TikTok has formally asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a federal appeals court decision that upheld legislation potentially banning the app in the United States. The controversial law, backed by President Joe Biden's administration, requires the popular social media platform to sever ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or face a nationwide ban. The legal documents, filed Monday, come on the heels of a ruling by a three-judge panel of the same appeals court. Last week the committee sided with the government, saying the law requiring TikTok's divestment from ByteDance is constitutional. According to the document, if the legislation is maintained, TikTok will face a US ban effective January 19, 2025, a move that TikTok and ByteDance say would have catastrophic c...
Microsoft reports cybercriminals collaborating with Russia and China in attacks against US targets
Technology

Microsoft reports cybercriminals collaborating with Russia and China in attacks against US targets

Microsoft has released a report indicating a growing trend of cybercriminals collaborating with state actors, particularly Russia, China and Iran, to conduct cyber espionage and hacking operations against adversaries, including the United States. This development raises concerns about the increasingly complex and interconnected nature of cyber threats and the potential for increased cyber conflict. A deeper examination of the report's findings, the implications of these collaborations, and strategies to mitigate these threats is critical to understanding the evolving cyber landscape. Microsoft's report highlights several key findings regarding collaboration between cybercriminals and state actors. Cybercriminals are increasingly offering their services to nation-states, providing access t...
Technology’s pursuit of nuclear energy: Powering the future of artificial intelligence
Technology

Technology’s pursuit of nuclear energy: Powering the future of artificial intelligence

The growing need for clean, reliable energy sources to power the burgeoning artificial intelligence industry has led major technology companies to explore a somewhat controversial energy source: nuclear energy. This marks a significant shift for companies like Microsoft, Google and Amazon, which have historically supported and invested heavily in renewable energy solutions like wind and solar. The immense energy demands of artificial intelligence, however, are pushing these tech giants to reconsider their energy portfolios and explore alternatives that can ensure constant energy supply. Artificial intelligence, unlike its predecessors in the digital realm such as social media or video streaming, requires significantly more computing power. The complex algorithms and massive data ...
Electric vehicles face challenges, but GM’s CEO remains optimistic
Technology

Electric vehicles face challenges, but GM’s CEO remains optimistic

Despite a difficult year for electric vehicles, marked by slow sales and criticism from various quarters, including former President Donald J. Trump, General Motors' commitment to electrification remains unwavering. This resilience is personified by GM CEO Mary T. Barra, who energetically leads the charge toward a future dominated by electric vehicles. In a recent speech, Barra highlighted General Motors' desire to phase out combustion engine vehicles in the United States by 2035. Despite current obstacles, Barra's confidence is supported by significant advances in electric vehicle (EV) technology ) and in the company's production processes. Notably, GM has solved previous problems with battery production and is on the verge of profitability with its electric models, a milestone ...
Acadia Healthcare faces an investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs for potential insurance fraud
Technology

Acadia Healthcare faces an investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs for potential insurance fraud

The Department of Veterans Affairs is currently looking into Acadia Healthcare, a major operator of psychiatric facilities, for allegedly committing insurance fraud by extending patients' stays without medical necessity. This investigation arises from Acadia's own admissions to investors regarding ongoing investigations by various federal agencies, including prosecutors in Manhattan and a grand jury in Missouri, who rely heavily on revenue from government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid . The focus of these investigations is whether Acadia engaged in practices that unfairly increased their financial returns at the expense of government insurance programs. The Securities and Exchange Commission, along with other regulatory bodies, are also expected to increase scrutiny of t...
Amazon ventures into live news broadcasting with Brian Williams
Technology

Amazon ventures into live news broadcasting with Brian Williams

In an exciting development in the media landscape, Amazon has announced its entry into the realm of live news coverage. This initiative will be led by none other than Brian Williams, a seasoned journalist renowned for his vast experience in the broadcasting industry. Amazon's foray into this segment will begin with comprehensive live coverage of the upcoming Election Day, marking a significant milestone for the tech giant's streaming service, Amazon Video. Scheduled for November 5, the program titled “Election Night Live With Brian Williams” will begin broadcasting at 5pm Eastern Time from a state-of-the-art studio in Los Angeles. While the time of the show's conclusion remains unspecified, it promises to provide in-depth analysis and timely updates on election results as t...
Is it worth investing in Oura Ring 4 to track your sleep?
Technology

Is it worth investing in Oura Ring 4 to track your sleep?

In the burgeoning sleep tech market, a new competitor has emerged: Oura Ring 4. Priced at $350, this device not only promises to monitor your sleep patterns, but also doubles as a fitness tracker, competing with heavyweights like Apple , Fitbit and others. Garmin. The ring, which masquerades as a fashion jewel, is equipped with sensors designed to collect crucial health data such as heart rate, body temperature and physical movement. The appeal of the Oura Ring lies in its sleek design and promise of better sleep analysis, an attractive proposition in an era when more and more Americans are investing in sleep health. The market is full of products, from noise-cancelling sleeping sticks to high-tech mattresses aimed at ensuring a perfect night's rest, and Oura Ring adds to this mi...