Apple’s AI Turmoil: Inside the Struggles and Setbacks of Siri and Apple Intelligence #1813 11 Apr 2025, 4:29 am

Apple’s efforts to upgrade Siri and develop Apple Intelligence have been plagued by indecision, leadership issues, and underperforming AI models. Internal conflicts, technical missteps, and a fictitious WWDC demo have highlighted Apple’s struggle to keep pace with competitors. Optimism remains as leadership shifts toward a more open, results-driven approach.

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Full Summary:

In this episode titled “Apple’s AI Turmoil: Inside the Struggles and Setbacks of Siri and Apple Intelligence,” host Todd Cochrane discusses Apple’s challenges in upgrading Siri and developing Apple intelligence.

The episode begins with Cochrane highlighting that the AI initiative has been hindered by indecision and leadership issues, followed by a lack of effective AI models. Several difficulties, including technical missteps and a problematic WWDC demonstration, illustrate Apple’s struggle with its competitors. Employee morale is low, with insiders referring to the Apple AI group as “aimless” and describing Siri as a “hot potato.” He emphasizes a particularly frustrating decision-making process, including an eighteen-month debate over changing “hey Siri” to just “Siri,” which has not yielded positive results.

Cochrane mentions that employees are instructed not to include models from other companies in Apple’s final products. He discusses a project codenamed Blink, aimed at developing voice commands for the Vision Pro, which has also faced setbacks. Optimism lingers among some employees regarding leadership changes, particularly under Craig Federighi and Michael Rockwell, who are now tasked with improving Siri, even if it means utilizing open-source models.

After welcoming listeners to episode 1,813, Cochrane transitions to the show’s sponsors, notably GoDaddy, promoting exclusive deals and supporting the podcast infrastructure, he encourages listeners to become GNC insiders and stay connected through various platforms, urging email, chat, and social media engagement.

Moving forward, Cochrane discusses several technology news stories. First, he touches on the fiber broadband advantage and its implications for home value. He then provides insights into Apple’s strategy in response to tariffs, highlighting their effort to airlift six hundred tons of iPhones from India. He also briefly discusses various updates in tech and cybersecurity, such as the vulnerabilities in the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, new Android updates, and ongoing developments in AI technologies.

Cochrane shares an amusing incident involving AI-generated legal representation in a courtroom that resulted in a judge’s dissatisfaction. He mentions ongoing struggles in the cybersecurity sector, including a dramatic rise in ransomware targeting U.S. businesses. He concludes with updates from various corporations, including Amazon’s significant investment in new warehouses and Samsung’s vacuum technology advancements.

As the episode draws to a close, Cochrane expresses gratitude to the listeners and encourages continued support for the podcast, stressing the value of audience engagement. He mentions technical difficulties with the livestream during the episode, transitioning to an audio-only format, but reassures listeners that they will return with future episodes. The podcast ends with his signature farewell and call for feedback and interaction.

• Motorola’s next Razr phones
• The world’s oldest satellite 
• Amazon is considering a $15 billion warehouse expansion plan
• Date Anything!
• Nasdaq falls
• Satellite phone tech comes to cars
• Windows Hello logins are borked for some users
• New Android System updates
• These strange hybrid Earth lifeforms
• Car safety experts axed
• Meta’s new tech
• US businesses are the top target for ransomware
• OpenAI files countersuit against Musk
• Internal chaos behind Siri’s failure
• The fiber advantage for homeowners
• You can stop Google from tracking your smartphone
• These glowing seas
• A tornado on Mars
• France to ban students from keeping smartphones in schools
• The Busy Bar
• New earbuds
• Will iPhones cost more?
• CISA under review
• A generated ‘lawyer’ in court
• Nissan Leaf hacked for remote spying
• Samsung’s new ‘Lite’ cordless vacuum 
• China will show fewer US films
• James Cameron is cautiously optimistic about generative AI
• Apple airlifts 600 tons of iPhones

The post Apple’s AI Turmoil: Inside the Struggles and Setbacks of Siri and Apple Intelligence #1813 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Impact of Tariffs on Tech Companies’ Stock Performance #1812 8 Apr 2025, 5:17 am

Tech stocks swung wildly as Trump reaffirmed global tariff plans, rattling markets after last week’s $1.8 trillion sell-off. Major players like Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Nvidia closed higher despite early losses. Apple and Tesla ended in the red, while hopes of tariff delays briefly buoyed sentiment. Wall Street braced for a broader economic fallout, with corporate leaders warning of rising costs and slowed growth.

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In this episode of the Geek News Central podcast, titled “Impact of Tariffs on Tech Companies’ Stock Performance,” host Todd Cochrane opens by discussing the significant fluctuations in tech stocks triggered by the Trump administration’s reaffirmation of global tariff plans. He highlights a severe market sell-off of 1.8 trillion dollars. He notes that while major players like Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Nvidia managed to close higher, Apple’s and Tesla’s stocks ended negatively—though Tesla regained some momentum during after-hours trading.

Cochrane emphasizes the pervasive impact of the tariff discussions on the tech sector, mentioning the dramatic drop of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) shares and Bitcoin’s decline as market volatility indicators. He points out the European Union’s initiative to propose a zero-for-zero tariff strategy but acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the potential fallout on stock prices and corporate growth.

After introducing the episode, he promotes his show’s sponsor, GoDaddy, mentioning exclusive deals on his website. He invites listeners to support the podcast, highlighting various ways to engage, including following on social media and signing up for the newsletter.

As the conversation continues, Cochrane delves deeper into specific tech company responses to the looming tariffs, mainly focusing on Apple’s proactive measures to fly out stock of gear from China before tariffs kicked in, alongside their plan to ramp up production in India as a strategy to mitigate tariff impacts.

Cochrane also touches on several tech-related news stories, including:
– An electrified Corvette design from GM’s UK team.
– A bizarre instance involving the White House’s chat app and Siri’s auto-update feature.
– A rumored redesign of Windows 11’s start menu.
– Vaio’s promotional pricing on tariff-free laptops.
– Potential NASA science cuts indicating budget uncertainties.
– Google’s new AI capabilities for image searches.
– SpaceX winning a significant share of Space Force launch contracts.

Additionally, he discusses updates regarding an upcoming Apple smart home hub, the implications of online fake reviews in the UK, and recent cybersecurity issues concerning the Port of Seattle due to a ransomware attack.

In closing, Cochrane reflects on the challenges of technology modernization, particularly within the IRS, and the excitement surrounding the development of APIs to modernize IRS data management. He reassures listeners about ongoing technical adjustments to improve audio quality and studio setup.

Concluding the episode, Cochrane thanks his listeners for their support, recaps the significant topics discussed, and looks forward to returning with another episode. He encourages interaction through comments and engagement on various platforms.

• 11:29–Windows 11 rumored Start menu redesign 
• 12:16–‘Tariff-free’ laptops 
• 12:59–Potential NASA cuts
• 14:34–Google’s AI mode
• 15:10–SpaceX
• 16:06–Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone 
• 16:43–US GSA is getting rid of magnetic tape
• 17:33–Port of Seattle says people impacted by ransomware attack 
• 18:25–Apple’s smart home hub 
• 19:07–X to clamp down on parody accounts 
• 20:13–Microsoft apologizes
• 20:55–Kellogg reveals data breach
• 21:27–UK bans reviews 
• 23:45–Eufy’s new robot mowers 
• Tech stocks fall
• 25:30–Chrome to patch a decades-old flaw
• 10:02–The White House group chat screwup
• 09:28–An electrified Corvette 

The post Impact of Tariffs on Tech Companies’ Stock Performance #1812 appeared first on Geek News Central.

TSMC and Intel’s Partnership #1811 4 Apr 2025, 4:24 am

TSMC and Intel have reached a preliminary deal where TSMC will help operate Intel’s chip facilities and own a 20% stake in a new joint venture. The agreement, influenced by U.S. efforts to revitalize domestic chip production, may involve TSMC sharing manufacturing techniques and training Intel staff. While still in early stages, the move marks a surprising partnership between long-time rivals, driven by Intel’s mounting losses and TSMC’s industry dominance.

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Full Summary:

In the podcast episode “TSMC and Intel’s Partnership,” host Todd Cochrane discusses the preliminary deal between TSMC and Intel. He explained that TSMC would help operate Intel’s chip facilities and own a 20% stake in a new joint venture. This agreement, influenced by U.S. initiatives to revitalize domestic chip production, may involve TSMC sharing manufacturing technologies and training Intel staff. Cochrane notes the surprising nature of this partnership between long-time rivals, highlighting Intel’s losses and TSMC’s dominance in the industry. He speculates on the potential implications for Intel, including possible layoffs and the possibility of being vulnerable for acquisition.

Cochrane welcomes listeners to episode 1,811, thanks the podcast’s sponsor, GoDaddy, and encourages support through the Geek News Central platform. He mentions his recent attendance at Podfest Asia in Manila, praises the growth of podcasting in the region, and confirms a return to regular show schedules after the event.

Further, the episode covers various topics in tech news, including WordPress announcing significant layoffs to improve agility, concerns over explicit content leaks from dating apps, and a political commentary on the funding process for rural fiber internet expansion, criticizing current government hurdles.

Cochrane shares developments on a remarkable injectable pacemaker developed by Northwestern University engineers. He discusses TikTok facing a €500 million fine over data-handling issues related to user privacy in the EU. He summarizes NASA’s successful tests of an electrodynamic dust shield on the moon and mentions upcoming updates to Google’s note-taking app, Google Keep.

The host shares concerns about dodgy Android smartphones preloaded with malware and highlights YouTube’s new features for editing short-form videos. He discusses a T-Mobile bug that revealed sensitive data and Verizon’s recent security flaws that allowed unauthorized access to call logs.

Towards the end of the episode, Cochrane discusses stock market reactions to tariff announcements affecting tech companies like Apple and Amazon, followed by insights into issues like GitHub’s security breaches and Tesla’s declining sales. He wraps up with a reminder of his appreciation for listener support and encourages engagement via social media and email. Cochrane concludes the episode by confirming he will be back with another edition of the Geek News Central podcast on Monday.

• 10:06–Rural fiber internet expansion is at risk – Biased
• 11:02–Reality of Rural Fiber Expansion 
• 14:25–The world’s smallest pacemaker
• 15:55–TikTok faces fines
• 17:30–New shielding technology from NASA
• Everything new on Prime Video in April
• 18:47–Google Keep
• 19:35–Android smartphones are being preloaded with malware
• 21:56–YouTube is updating Shorts
• 22:21–These iPhone accessories are a waste of money
• 23:05–A T-Mobile bug
• 23:57–Apple stock drops
• 25:36–Old Stripe APIs are being hijacked
• 26:17–Amazon adds new benefit to Prime subscription
• 23:33–A Verizon security flaw
• 27:30–Intel unveils a new slogan
• 28:13–Bitcoin falls
• 29:57–Bill Gates shares a code
• 30:07–Chrome for Android is getting extensions
• 30:40–This 7,000-year-old mummy
• 31:44–Netflix on Samsung TVs
• 32:25–Wikipedia’s terrible pictures
• 33:26–NASA astronauts are noticeably healthier 
• 34:35–Scientists sent beans into orbit
• A Minecraft Movie
• 35:47–Android’s Find My Device
• 07:22–Automatic announces layoffs
• 36:49–A weird iOS 18.4 bug
• 37:09–Proton VPN
• 37:49–Oracle admits significant security breach
• 08:32–LGBT dating apps exposed user images online
• 38:10–Verizon introduces a price lock
• 39:25–Secrets leaked on GitHub
• 40:28–Tesla sales plunge
• 41:04–Amazon joins list of suitors to buy TikTok

The post TSMC and Intel’s Partnership #1811 appeared first on Geek News Central.

ChatGPT’s New Image Model Sparks Additional Copyright Controversies #1810 28 Mar 2025, 5:27 am

OpenAI’s new image generator has gone viral with Studio Ghibli-style memes featuring public figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. The tool, part of GPT-4o, allows users to recreate existing images in artistic styles, sparking copyright concerns about training on copyrighted works. Legal experts point out that while the style isn’t protected, how models are trained remains unclear. As lawsuits mount, the tech’s popularity continues to rise, highlighting innovation and ongoing intellectual property tensions.

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Full Summary:

**Podcast Episode Summary: “ChatGPT’s New Image Model Sparks Additional Copyright Controversies”**

The episode begins with Todd Cochrane introducing the lead story about OpenAI’s new image generator, which has gained popularity for creating studio-style memes featuring public figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. This tool, part of the GPT-4 update, raises copyright concerns due to the unclear legalities of how the models are trained on copyrighted works. As lawsuits related to these issues rise, the tool’s popularity continues to grow, reflecting both innovation and the tensions in intellectual property.

Todd expresses enthusiasm about the improvements in the outputs from the new image generator, noting its application in creating episode art and content for YouTube while also highlighting user feedback and the ongoing concerns regarding copyright, particularly from well-known entities like Studio Ghibli.

He then transitions to welcome listeners to episode 1810 of the Geek News Central podcast, offering a shout-out to the show’s sponsor, GoDaddy. Todd encourages listeners to support the podcast and subscribe, emphasizing the importance of their backing as independent creators. He invites feedback via email and mentions that due to scheduling around Podfest Asia, there will be no episode the following Monday.

Todd dives into various tech news stories, discussing a range of topics:
1. There was a significant decline in public support for a TikTok ban in the U.S., which was attributed to effective PR campaigns.
2. Ongoing trends in media coverage of Elon Musk, highlighting a shift from previously favorable narratives to more critical stances.
3. Government budget cuts are affecting agencies like the U.S. Space Force.
4. Developments at Garmin, which is launching a subscription service for added workout and coaching features.
5. Qatar Airways introduced an AI travel agent named SAMA, which promises a conversational booking experience.
6. Amazon’s test of a new branding for their brilliant displays.
7. Issues with accessing articles from The Verge due to subscription limitations.
8. Upcoming changes in the education department and potential contract cuts affecting several tech suppliers.
9. Robinhood’s move into banking services and cash delivery options.
10. Concerns around OnlyFans’ age verification process leading to legal fines.
11. The impact of AI in advertising models, with H&M planning to use digital replicas of models.
12. Microsoft is addressing USB printer issues with a new update.
13. Nintendo is announcing a news app to keep gamers informed.
14. SpaceX’s planned polar orbit mission with an international crew, including various scientific endeavors.
15. Advances in medical technology with the introduction of tiny magnetic robots for less invasive cancer detection.
16. T-Mobile faced legal issues due to a SIM swap lawsuit, leading to a $33 million settlement.
17. Waze is replacing Google Assistant with Gemini for its mapping app functionality.
18. Developments in Waymo’s autonomous vehicle crashes compared to human driver incidents.
19. The recovery process astronauts undergo post-mission includes physical therapy.
20. Cybersecurity accountability in companies, highlighted by a settlement from Morpho.
21. Protests as hackers leak sensitive information related to NYU to expose alleged racism.
22. Netflix reviving interest in Scooby Doo with a live-action series announcement.

In closing, Todd thanks listeners for their support, invites them to subscribe to the newsletter and podcasts, and reiterates the importance of GoDaddy’s sponsorship. He wraps up by reminding everyone that he will return with the next episode following his attendance at Podfest Asia and encourages listeners to reach out through email.

• The Iron Dome
• 09:23–Signal downloads
• 10:17–Garmin Connect Plus
• 10:42–Sama
• 11:19–New Alexa branding
• 11:42–Elon pressured Reddit’s CEO
• 12:49–Tech suppliers await grades
• 13:51–Robinhood
• 16:26–Cygnus
• 17:36–OnlyFans fined
• 18:52–H&M to use digital clones of models
• 20:02–Optional Windows 11 update
• 20:24–Nintendo is launching a news app
• 0:00–OpenAI
• 20:53–Apple names dedicated retail stores chief
• 21:25–SpaceX
• 23:12–A tiny magnetic robot
• 24:11–T-Mobile pays millions
• 25:12–Waze is ditching Google Assistant
• 25:39–Waymo
• 27:27–NASA astronauts have a long road to recovery
• 28:25–MORSE
• 28:50–NYU website defaced
• 29:53–Netflix is firing up the Mystery Machine
• 30:31–The GMC Sierra electric truck
• 31:14–Malware can lurk in file conversion tools
• 31:58–Dell lays off staff
• 32:19–Vivaldi
• 07:35–Fewer Americans now support a TikTok ban
• 33:13–Uber adds new shuttles
• 34:04–UK’s first permanent facial recognition cameras
• 35:29–Samsung TVs
• 36:29–Instacart will pay shoppers
• 37:13–Google

The post ChatGPT’s New Image Model Sparks Additional Copyright Controversies #1810 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Extraordinary Signal Chat Breach Tops Trump Officials #1809 25 Mar 2025, 5:06 am

In an extraordinary breach, a journalist was mistakenly included in a Signal group chat where top Trump officials coordinated upcoming military strikes on Yemen. Using Signal—a public messaging app—rather than burdensome government-secured systems suggests a deliberate choice to avoid painful legacy systems; unless something has changed, I do not think the app is approved for classified communications. While waivers can be applied case-by-case, talking around a subject does not necessarily mean it’s unclassified. This is going to have good blowback, and rightfully so.

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Full Summary:

In this episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane discusses a significant breach where a journalist was mistakenly included in a Signal group chat used by top Trump officials to coordinate military strikes on Yemen. He underscores the problematic use of a public messaging app for such sensitive discussions, suggesting that it reflects a choice to avoid antiquated government systems. Todd expresses skepticism about the app’s approval for classified communications and warns of potential ramifications for those involved.

As the episode progresses, Todd shares his disbelief over the incident, linking it to his experiences in government service, where secure communications are crucial. He illustrates the challenges when communicating securely and the potential consequences of unauthorized access to classified conversations. He recounts a personal anecdote about a friend who joined a classified chat channel he was not supposed to be in and its serious implications.

Following this lead story, Todd transitions into the main content of the episode, welcoming listeners to episode 1809. He provides a shoutout to the podcast’s sponsor, GoDaddy, and encourages listeners to support the show by visiting the provided links. He shares updates about his recent move to a new apartment and mentions some maintenance issues he has dealt with, leading into the rest of the planned segment.

Todd then shifts gears and dives into various news stories, covering topics such as 23andMe’s bankruptcy filing, a safety recall of espresso machines, and technology updates from Apple and Microsoft. He discusses Meta’s new initiative to potentially charge for an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram in the UK and highlights a class action lawsuit regarding HP printers.

He also discusses the latest developments in space exploration, including NASA’s release of images related to gravity waves and SpaceX’s secret launches for the National Reconnaissance Office. Todd also touches on consumer electronics changes with companies like Samsung and Rivian, updates on the expected features of the next iPhone, and ongoing issues regarding Google’s data handling.

Throughout the episode, Todd interacts with listeners, encouraging engagement through various platforms and promoting membership options for further support. He wraps up the show by thanking his supporters and reminding listeners how to reach him, reinforcing community involvement and interaction. As the episode concludes, Todd encourages listeners to stay tuned for future tech insights, signing off with a reminder to return for the next episode.

• IBM
• Government transparency 
• 16:31–DJI Magic Pro
• 17:34–HP printer class action lawsuit 
• 18:23–Ad-free Facebook and Instagram in the UK 
• 19:09–NASA reveals images 
• 20:09–Microsoft announces AI agents 
• 20:53–iOS 19
• AirPods with cameras 
• 21:28–Samsung promises to repair soundbars
• 13:44–Coffee machines being recalled 
• 22:16–HP is making more PCs 
• 24:30–US government IT contracts
• 26:04–Rivian
• 26:54–Phillips Hue
• 27:15–Google TV 
• 28:04–SpaceX launches a top-secret mission 
• 14:54–Apple Watch
• 28:43–Moto Razr Plus
• 29:21–New iPhone 17 report
• 29:38–Google Maps
• 30:49–Gmail adding Gemini 
• –Tesla is still taking deposits on Roadster 
• 31:57–T-Mobile
• 33:11–Oracle denies data breach 
• 34:19–Amazon warns customers
• 36:03–The March 29th eclipse 
• 37:02–Samsung’s new fridges 
• 38:40–The Internet Archive 
• AT&T making changes 
• 12:13–23andMe

The post Extraordinary Signal Chat Breach Tops Trump Officials #1809 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Apple and Google Push Back Against EU’s Digital Markets Act #1808 21 Mar 2025, 3:51 am

Apple and Google are rebelling against the EU’s Digital Markets Act, claiming new interoperability and openness rules hurt consumers and innovation. The European Commission says these tech giants are abusing market dominance, with Google facing potential fines for favoring its services and restricting developer freedom. Apple is under pressure to make iOS more compatible with third-party devices. The tech giants argue the rules compromise security and user experience, highlighting growing tensions between US firms and European regulators.

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Full Summary:

In this episode, host Todd Cochrane discusses the lead story regarding Apple and Google’s resistance to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Both tech giants argue that new rules demanding greater interoperability and openness could harm consumers and stifle innovation. The European Commission has suggested that these companies are abusing their market dominance, with Google facing potential fines for favoring its services and limiting developer freedom.

Cochrane points out that while Apple is not under immediate pressure to make its iOS more compatible with third-party devices, it contends that the new regulations may compromise user security and experience. He expresses skepticism about the EU’s motives, suggesting that similar U.S. interoperability demands might also be warranted. Cochrane elaborates on the implications of this regulatory scrutiny, particularly for Google, which is under investigation for its search engine practices and could face fines based on its annual revenue.

Moving on, Cochrane welcomes listeners to episode 1,808 and acknowledges the show’s sponsor, GoDaddy, offering exclusive deals for listeners. He encourages support for the podcast and mentions opportunities for listeners to engage with the community through the website and social media.

He continues with varied tech news stories, including a warning for Mac users about a known Windows phishing attack, a significant data breach involving stalkerware affecting millions, updates on YouTube’s resolution quality issues, and WhatsApp fixing a critical security flaw.

Cochrane also discusses international issues, such as changes in intelligence sharing among the Five Eyes alliance and NASA’s upcoming Starliner test flight. He reviews news about breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, the launch of new Chromebooks, TikTok’s initiative for Amber Alerts, foldable tech innovations from Apple, and Nvidia’s unique promotional strategy featuring RTX GPUs.

Further, he shares updates from Tesla regarding recalls of Cybertrucks, LG’s NFT marketplace closure, and Netflix’s competition with HBO. Cochrane reflects on how tech developments affect consumers, including Apple’s billion-dollar loss in its TV division and Plex’s price increases for streaming services.

Finally, Cochrane looks into AI’s growing presence in fast-food services and wraps the episode by encouraging listeners to support the show through donations and participation in the value-for-value program. He thanks the audience for tuning in and promises to return on Monday with more tech insights. The episode concludes with a reminder to email and support the podcast.

• • • 09:32–Five Eyes 
    • 10:59–YouTube is investigating a bug 
    • 11:14–WhatsApp patches a security flaw 
    • 12:02–A data breach at a PA education union 
    • 13:00–NASA examining options 
    • 14:19–Man files complaint against ChatGPT
    • 15:59–Gemini coming to Chrome
    • 16:30–Apple shakes up ranks
    • 17:13–Chromebooks are not dead
    • 17:39–TikTok is adding Amber Alerts
    • Apple and Google
    • 18:16–A folding Apple Watch
    • 19:04–Nvidia sells GPUs from a ‘food truck’
    • 21:05–Jeff Bezos and Donald Trump
    • 06:41–Mac users are now in danger
    • 21:53–DOT and Tesla
    • Stalkerware data breach
    • 22:41–Baidu denies data breach
    • 24:13–X sues Modi’s government
    • 25:16–Our genes reveal a mysterious split in the human population
    • 26:06–Google is working on a cleaner backup interface
    • 27:08–Roku’s Home Screen Ad Experiment 
    • 27:37–Tesla recalls Cybertrucks
    • 28:00–LGs NFT marketplace for TVs
    • 29:16–Verizon users will soon be able to text via satellite
    • 29:37–Apple TV+ faces losses in the billions
    • 30:41–A Minecraft Movie meal
    • 31:38–The ‘car radio of the future.’
    • NASA astronauts don’t receive overtime
    • Amazon ends little-used privacy feature
    • 32:14–Plex is raising its prices
    • 33:53–AI is taking over your favorite fast-food restaurants

The post Apple and Google Push Back Against EU’s Digital Markets Act #1808 appeared first on Geek News Central.

US Astronauts Return Home After Nine-Month Stranded Stay on ISS #1807 18 Mar 2025, 8:00 am

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, stranded on the ISS for nine months due to a Boeing Starliner malfunction, will return to Earth on Tuesday aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon. Initially planned as a short trip, their extended stay required extra supplies. Their journey home, alongside two other crew members, will be broadcast live.

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In this episode of the Geek News Central podcast, host Todd Cochran discusses several technology-related topics, starting with the lead story about NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. They have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months due to a Boeing Starliner malfunction and are set to return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon on Tuesday. This return was initially planned as a short trip, but their extended stay required extra supplies and generated public concern about their health. Their journey home, alongside two other crew members, will be broadcast live. Todd mentions that although their stay was lengthy, they did not set a record, noting that astronaut Frank Rubio and Russian cosmonaut Valery Polyakov hold records for extended stays in space.

Todd welcomes listeners to episode 1,807, thanks their sponsor, GoDaddy, and encourages support for the show. He highlights the importance of interacting live during the show and checks in with listeners about the podcast’s direction and changes. He shares updates on his studio setup and mentions feedback about audio levels in previous episodes.

Following the introduction, Todd discusses various articles and technology news. He warns listeners about overconfidence in spotting phishing attacks, citing statistics on how many people fall victim to such scams. The discussion transitions to rumors surrounding the iPhone 17, including speculation about the release of an iPhone 17 Air and its potential pricing.

Todd reflects on Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to remove classic Looney Tunes shorts from its streaming service, which he finds disappointing. He also recounts the news about Telegram’s founder being allowed to leave France after an arrest.

He details the expected release of the Google Pixel 9a and the anticipated redesign of iOS 19. He mentions a significant supply chain attack that impacted numerous car dealerships. Todd discusses new Apple Wallet features intended to monitor recurring payments and alert listeners to new threats targeting Microsoft 365 accounts.

A notable mention revolves around a groundbreaking camera designed to photograph faint celestial objects, which has been installed at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile. Amidst various departmental rankings, NASA is lauded as the top government agency for which to work.

The conversation extends to Alphabet’s Tara, which targets remote internet access using laser technology, and the discontinuation of Google Assistant in favor of an AI called Gemini. A recent partnership between Klarna and Walmart involving buy-now-pay-later loans is announced, while Todd expresses concern regarding privacy issues with Amazon’s Alexa, which will begin sending voice commands to the cloud for processing.

He warns of a critical RCE flaw in Apache Tomcat servers and discusses Roku’s testing of autoplay video ads. He then covers Mistral AI releasing an open-source model that outperforms others with fewer parameters. He also touches on the growing issue of AI-generated spam content online.

Todd wraps up the episode by thanking an insider supporter and encouraging others to contribute, expressing his appreciation for listeners’ support. He invites them to reach out via email or social media and reassures them of his commitment to delivering tech news and hosting the show. The episode concludes with Todd expressing hope for a heavier tech news load in the next episode and inviting listeners to return.

• Astronauts are coming back to Earth. 
• 06:05–Workers are overconfident of phishing attacks 
• 07:28–The iPhone 17 Air 
• Nvidia stock slides
• 08:52–Max wipes out Looney Tunes 
• Apple’s rumored foldable iPad and iPhone 
• 09:40–Telegram founder allowed to leave France 
• 10:38–Google Pixel 9a
• 12:01–iOS 19
• 14:10–Car dealerships hit by attack 
• 15:19–Apple Wallet 
• 17:32–Microsoft 365 accounts are under attack 
• 18:30–This car-size camera 
• 19:57–NASA is the best place to work
• 20:46–Taara
• 23:40–Gemini replacing Assistant?
• 24:31–Klarna

The post US Astronauts Return Home After Nine-Month Stranded Stay on ISS #1807 appeared first on Geek News Central.

OpenAI Pushes for Copyright Flexibility and Light AI Regulations #1806 14 Mar 2025, 4:04 am

OpenAI’s latest push for influence in Washington. With President Trump revoking Biden’s AI executive order, OpenAI is making its case for light regulations, copyright flexibility, and a stronger U.S. stance against Chinese AI competition. We’ll explore what this means for the future of AI development, government partnerships, and the ongoing legal battles over AI training data.

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Full Summary:

In this episode, “OpenAI Pushes for Copyright Flexibility and Light AI Regulations,” host Todd Cochrane introduces the lead story about OpenAI’s recent influence in Washington, especially following President Trump’s revocation of Biden’s AI executive order. OpenAI advocates for light regulations, copyright flexibility, and a stronger U.S. stance against Chinese AI competition. Cochrane highlights the implications this has for AI development, government partnerships, and legal battles concerning AI training data.

He shares insights on OpenAI’s desire for a more favorable regulatory environment, noting that the company believes easing restrictions could accelerate government access to AI services. However, there are concerns regarding safety in government use of AI technologies, especially if regulations are relaxed. Cochrane discusses the potential dangers of AI from China, emphasizing that Chinese companies face fewer constraints than U.S. firms.

As the episode continues, Cochrane explores the broader context of AI advancements and the operational strategies of AI firms. He raises concerns about the speed of government adoption of AI and its implications for safety and security. Cochrane also touches on a few other technology-related news stories, including OpenAI’s proposals involving copyrighted materials and a new executive order to sustain America’s global AI dominance.

Throughout the discussion, he engages with the audience, encouraging feedback and interactions, and promotes listener subscriptions and donations to support the show. Cochrane expresses gratitude to the show’s sponsor, GoDaddy, detailing the advantages of using their services for hosting and domain needs.

He covers various tech news highlights, including Microsoft’s antitrust probes, competitors’ implications of new AI features, and developments with major tech companies like Adobe and Meta. Cochrane shares news about notable advancements in AI and technology while addressing ongoing federal regulatory discussions.

Toward the end of the episode, Cochrane acknowledges listener contributions and donations, emphasizing the importance of supporting the podcast. He concludes with a reminder of the following week’s episode and expresses his development challenges as a late-night, ongoing host. The episode wraps up with Cochrane thanking listeners for their support and wishing them a great weekend.

• 16:20–A man survives with a titanium heart
• 13:33–Adobe’s stock falls 
• 40% of IT leaders are scared to admit mistakes 
• 12:17–Gemini Deep Research 
• 18:20–Meta warns of a worrying security flaw 
• 18:55–iPhone 17 Pro, Max, and Air 
• 20:22–Microsoft warns about a phishing campaign 
• 22:20–Google Messages 
• 22:55–Meghan Markle’s show on Netflix 
• 23:41–Google and the governor of Utah 
• 24:18–Meta is stopping a former employer from promoting a book
• 26:35–Printers are spitting out nonsense 
• 27:27–Blood pressure tracking on the next Fitbit?
• SpaceX delays mission to rescue astronauts
• 29:18–iOS apps found to expose user data 
• 30:18–T-Mobile raising rates 
• 30:24–Sonos
• 31:07–Watching less TV lowers the risks of heart problems 
• 32:04–NymVPN
• 12:36–Microsoft and the FTC
• 32:54–Is our universe trapped in a black hole?
• 34:34–Samsung’s bundle of 8 TV’s 
• 35:43–Apple and Google 
• 36:29–AI models hallucinate 
• 15:16–Meta Community Notes
• 38:41–Toyota unveils FT-Me
• 39:13–Keep kids off Roblox if you’re worried 

The post OpenAI Pushes for Copyright Flexibility and Light AI Regulations #1806 appeared first on Geek News Central.

Meta’s Censorship Deal with China #1805 11 Mar 2025, 12:09 am

A shocking new whistleblower complaint reveals that Meta, formerly Facebook, went to extreme lengths to gain access to the Chinese market, even agreeing to censorship demands from the Chinese Communist Party. According to former global policy director Sarah Wynn-Williams, the company developed a censorship system, suppressed dissident voices, and planned to allow the CCP to oversee content moderation. The complaint, filed with the SEC, accuses Meta of misleading investors and regulators about its China dealings. We dive into the explosive allegations and what they mean for the future of Big Tech and global free speech.

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Full Summary:

In this podcast episode titled “Meta’s Censorship Deal with China,” host Todd Cochrane dives into a shocking whistleblower complaint regarding Meta, formerly Facebook. The complaint reveals that Meta allegedly went to extreme lengths to access the Chinese market, including agreeing to censorship demands from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). According to the former global policy director, Sarah Wynne-Williams, the company created a censorship system that suppressed dissident voices and allowed the CCP to oversee content moderation. The complaint also accuses Meta of misleading investors and regulators about its dealings in China.

Todd expresses his disbelief at the extent of Meta’s willingness to cooperate with the Chinese government, referencing a Washington Post report that outlines how Meta had been working closely with the CCP for many years. He highlights how Meta was prepared to grant the Chinese government access to user data in exchange for the ability to operate in China, which he finds deeply disturbing.

He discusses broader implications, suggesting that content creators should consider podcasting as a medium less affected by censorship than platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Todd mentions the alarming trend of YouTube down-ranking content critical of China while promoting a positive image of the country through sponsored content, raising concerns about global free speech.

After discussing the main story, Todd introduces the rest of the episode, emphasizing the importance of listeners subscribing to the podcast to ensure they receive unfettered content delivery. He acknowledges the show’s sponsor, GoDaddy, and details the exclusive deals they offer.

The episode then covers additional news stories, including a cybersecurity issue related to Chinese-made Bluetooth chips that could be exploited through hidden commands and a significant cyberattack affecting the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Additionally, he discusses Chase’s new policy to block certain Zelle transactions believed to originate from social media scams and highlights the stock downturn for major tech companies, including Tesla, Nvidia, and Meta, amid market uncertainties.

Todd also touches on a mandatory recall of Google’s Pixel 4A due to battery overheating, debates the ongoing discussion around Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and its implications for content moderation, and shares thoughts on Apple’s AI developments.

As the episode wraps up, Todd mentions various tech-related topics such as a new Mario Lego set, Chromecast bugs, and a significant Oracle outage impacting US federal health records. He invites listeners to reach out via email and underscores the importance of staying informed in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, particularly regarding censorship and digital privacy.

The episode concludes with a reminder for listeners to consider supporting the podcast through various donation methods. It reiterates the importance of podcasting as a platform for free expression in an increasingly censored media environment. Todd thanks the audience for tuning in and signing off, promising to return for another podcast edition shortly.

• 14:19–Is X down?
• 15:37–JP Morgan Chase cracking down on social media 
• 36:18–Trump coins
• 33:42–YouTubers targeted
• 17:19–Tech stocks fall
• 34:55–Fake parking ticket scams
• 18:06–Google Pixel 4a’s painful “update”
• 19:18–Section 230
• 22:04–Apple Intelligence 
• 25:08–This 2,000-piece Mario Kart Lego set 
• 25:54–A serious bug on Chromecast devices
• 11:40–A top Bluetooth chip security flaw
•  A terrifying NASA map
• 26:42–PC insiders weigh in on tariffs 
• 24:05–Apple’s smart home hub
• 27:34–VA hospitals suffering outages 
• 28:01–Google paid out millions 
• 28:27–The DOJ and Google 
• 29:38–‘Disc rot’
• 31:07–Stranded astronauts are coming home
• 01:07–Meta considered sharing data to China 
• 35:40-Four healthcare data breaches
• 36:45–The sale of TikTok

The post Meta’s Censorship Deal with China #1805 appeared first on Geek News Central.

The AGI Standoff Is Already Happening #1804 7 Mar 2025, 3:38 am

Today, we’re diving into a major policy paper co-authored by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, and AI safety expert Dan Hendrycks. They’re pushing back against the idea of a ‘Manhattan Project’ for artificial general intelligence (AGI), warning that an aggressive U.S. race for AI dominance could escalate global tensions—especially with China. Should America rethink its strategy on superintelligent AI?

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Full Summary:

In this episode titled “The AGI Standoff Is Already Happening,” host Todd Cochrane discusses a significant policy paper co-authored by Eric Schmidt, Alexander Wang, and Dan Hendricks, which cautions against the creation of a Manhattan Project-style initiative for artificial general intelligence (AGI). They warn that the U.S.’s aggressive race for AI dominance could escalate global tensions, particularly with China.

Cochrane expresses skepticism about the authors’ perspective, arguing that an AGI race is already underway despite their claims. He emphasizes the risk of a global AI arms race, likening it to the historical atomic arms race and questioning whether rivals would accept a strategic imbalance in AI development. Cochrane believes the existing competition and investment in AGI development among nations indicate that the standoff is already in motion.

Throughout the episode, Cochrane engages with the topic while also updating listeners on his circumstances, including technical challenges he faces while setting up his new equipment and updates on his work schedule. He mentions using GoDaddy for website services and encourages listeners to support the podcast.

The discussion moves on to various tech-related news items, including the U.S. government’s measures regarding cryptocurrency, upcoming Apple products like the first foldable iPhone and new Mac Studio models, and the implications of cybersecurity cuts in government positions. Cochrane also shares updates on app stores verifying user ages and recent fraud activity detected by Google.

Cochrane thanks his audience for their donations and support and touches upon the ongoing challenges in the tech industry, such as ad fraud on app stores and the rise of AI in healthcare. He wraps up by reaffirming his commitment to podcasting and the importance of community support, urging listeners to engage with the show through feedback and memberships.

• 18:22–This strange AI smartphone 
• 19:45–App stores to verify user ages
• 22:19–Mass app deletion on Play Store 
• 23:00–DirecTV’s skinny bundles 
• 24:41–VW is testing its robotaxis
• 16:27–NASA’s stranded astronauts
• 25:25–Radio signals from the other side of the universe 
• 26:14–Victrola
• 26:43–Adobe and Apple TV 
• 27:00–Netflix’s push into live TV 
• 27:31–Mass federal layoffs 
• 28:36–Congressional panel urges Americans to ditch China-made routers 
• 29:39–DJI Magic 4 Pro 
• 30:52–StarLink
• 33:34–Toronto Zoo
• 33:56–Everything new on Prime Video in March 
• 34:08–Tired of your carrier?
• 34:54–Brother
• 36:00–Your older Pixel phone gets a boost 
• 36:51–YouTube warns of phishing video 
• 37:22–Ataraxis AI 
• There shouldn’t be a “Manhattan Project.”
• Apple’s first foldable phone

The post The AGI Standoff Is Already Happening #1804 appeared first on Geek News Central.

ChatGPT 4.5 Unveiled and My Experience with it! #1803 28 Feb 2025, 12:46 am

Today, OpenAI unveils GPT-4.5, its newest AI language model, promising enhanced writing skills, better knowledge, and a more refined, human-like interaction. Despite impressive upgrades, OpenAI admits GPT-4.5 isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s optimized for more natural conversations, practical problem-solving, and reduced hallucinations. Available first to ChatGPT Pro users, it’s soon rolling out broadly, including on Microsoft’s … Continue reading ChatGPT 4.5 Unveiled and My Experience with it! #1803 →

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Protoclone Unveiled Put Some Pants On! #1802 25 Feb 2025, 12:55 am

Clone Robotics’ Protoclone features synthetic muscles, a polymer skeleton, and advanced sensors. It moves like a human. Future uses may include household chores but my god put some pants on the ugly thing. -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support the show. -I am introducing Distil Union as a new sponsor of … Continue reading Protoclone Unveiled Put Some Pants On! #1802 →

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Crypto Scam Targets Elderly Globally #1801 21 Feb 2025, 1:00 am

Two men, aged 54 and 36, were arrested in England for a cryptocurrency fraud that cost a 75-year-old Aberdeen resident a six-figure sum. Police Scotland, with assistance from West Midlands and South Yorkshire Police, led the operation. Authorities stress vigilance as elderly individuals remain frequent scam targets, with crypto fraud surging globally. -Thinking of buying … Continue reading Crypto Scam Targets Elderly Globally #1801 →

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Celebrating 1800 Episodes of Geek News Central #1800 18 Feb 2025, 1:22 am

In the 1800th episode of Geek News Central, host Todd Cochrane marks a major milestone by reflecting on the evolution of podcasting and the show’s journey over two decades. He dives into 30 major tech stories, including AI industry shakeups, Tesla protests, TikTok’s legal troubles, and Meta’s latest innovations. With a mix of personal anecdotes … Continue reading Celebrating 1800 Episodes of Geek News Central #1800 →

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Federal Workers Shift to Encrypted Messaging to Hide Communications #1799 14 Feb 2025, 1:58 am

As trust in platforms like Facebook declines, federal employees are increasingly turning to encrypted apps like Signal for private communication. Concerns over surveillance by the Trump administration and tech companies’ cooperation with government data requests have driven many to migrate sensitive conversations away from mainstream services. Employees fear potential monitoring and retaliation, leading to heightened … Continue reading Federal Workers Shift to Encrypted Messaging to Hide Communications #1799 →

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T-Mobile Offers Free Starlink Satellite Texting Beta Until July #1798 11 Feb 2025, 1:19 am

T-Mobile is rolling out its Starlink satellite texting feature in beta, free until July. Compatible iPhone and Android users, even on rival networks, can apply. After July, premium T-Mobile plans will include it, while others can subscribe for $10–$20 per month. Limited spots are available. -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support … Continue reading T-Mobile Offers Free Starlink Satellite Texting Beta Until July #1798 →

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USPS Reverses China Parcel Ban Amid Tariff Confusion #1797 7 Feb 2025, 1:38 am

Today, I explore a significant shake-up in international shipping. Just hours after the U.S. Postal Service halted parcels from China, it suddenly reversed course. This move follows President Trump’s new tariffs and the elimination of a key duty exemption used by major retailers like Temu and Shein. What does this mean for businesses, consumers, and … Continue reading USPS Reverses China Parcel Ban Amid Tariff Confusion #1797 →

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Starlink 12 Billion in Revenue in 2025? #1796 4 Feb 2025, 12:49 am

SpaceX’s Starlink has seen explosive growth, with revenue nearly tripling in two years, reaching $8.2 billion in 2024. Analysts project it could surpass $12 billion in 2025, generating $2 billion in free cash flow. With 4.6 million subscribers and rapid expansion across consumer, government, and commercial markets, Starlink is poised for further dominance. However, Elon … Continue reading Starlink 12 Billion in Revenue in 2025? #1796 →

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DeepSeek Security Lapses #1795 31 Jan 2025, 1:08 am

DeepSeek, the AI platform that’s taken the world by storm, is now under fire for a significant security lapse. Researchers at Wiz discovered that DeepSeek left a critical database exposed, potentially compromising over a million records, including user data, API keys, and system logs. While there’s no evidence of malicious access, the ease of discovery … Continue reading DeepSeek Security Lapses #1795 →

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DeepSeek 10 Reason To Not Use it #1794 28 Jan 2025, 1:09 am

In today’s episode, we dive into the groundbreaking rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that’s shaking up the industry. With its latest release, the DeepSeek-R1 model, this free AI chatbot rivals ChatGPT in performance yet operates at a fraction of the cost. How did DeepSeek match OpenAI’s cutting-edge models while spending just 3% of … Continue reading DeepSeek 10 Reason To Not Use it #1794 →

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OpenAI’s Operator: AI Agent Automates Web Tasks #1793 24 Jan 2025, 12:45 am

OpenAI unveils “Operator,” an AI agent in research preview for ChatGPT Pro users in the U.S. This browser-based tool automates tasks like filling forms, ordering groceries, and planning trips by interacting with web interfaces. It combines GPT-4 vision and reasoning, can self-correct, and seeks user approval for sensitive actions. Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use … Continue reading OpenAI’s Operator: AI Agent Automates Web Tasks #1793 →

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TikTok Ban Drama: Trump’s Executive Order #1792 21 Jan 2025, 1:34 am

In this episode, we dive into the TikTok ban saga. With President-elect Donald Trump pledging an executive order to delay the ban, we discuss the legal battles, national security concerns, and what this means for TikTok’s 170 million US users. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat Email Todd or follow him on … Continue reading TikTok Ban Drama: Trump’s Executive Order #1792 →

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Biden’s “AI Diffusion Rule” Targets Export Limits on AI GPUs #1791 14 Jan 2025, 1:11 am

The Biden administration’s “AI diffusion rule” restricts the export of GPUs crucial for AI, primarily to curb China’s AI advancements. The rule establishes three licensing tiers, with China and other adversarial nations effectively barred from accessing top-tier GPUs. Critics, including the Semiconductor Industry Association and NVIDIA, argue the policy risks harming U.S. competitiveness and fostering … Continue reading Biden’s “AI Diffusion Rule” Targets Export Limits on AI GPUs #1791 →

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AI’s Data Dilemma: Exhausting Human Knowledge #1790 10 Jan 2025, 12:58 am

Elon Musk claims AI companies have exhausted available human knowledge for training models, pushing reliance on synthetic data. While firms like Meta, Google, and OpenAI already use AI-generated data for fine-tuning, challenges such as hallucinations and diminishing returns arise. Experts warn overusing synthetic data risks “model collapse,” while copyright disputes over data usage intensify. Subscribe … Continue reading AI’s Data Dilemma: Exhausting Human Knowledge #1790 →

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Influencers Versus Honey: A Fight for Fairness in Digital Revenue #1789 3 Jan 2025, 4:49 am

I dive into a controversy shaking up the influencer world and online shopping landscape. A viral exposé has accused the popular browser extension, Honey, owned by PayPal, of deceptive practices that have sparked outrage among creators and consumers alike. Stay tuned as we unpack the allegations, the fallout, and the class-action lawsuit that could redefine … Continue reading Influencers Versus Honey: A Fight for Fairness in Digital Revenue #1789 →

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Chinese Technology Bans in the US Market #1788 20 Dec 2024, 5:51 am

In today’s show, I explore the controversies surrounding Chinese technology firms in the U.S., the FAA’s drone ban, and the latest in AI with Google’s Gemini 2.0. I dive into the critical security debates, industry advancements, and the implications of government policies on tech and consumer trust. Stay tuned for an insightful blend of tech … Continue reading Chinese Technology Bans in the US Market #1788 →

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Google DeepMind Unveils Veo 2: A Next-Gen Video AI #1787 17 Dec 2024, 5:13 am

Google DeepMind introduces Veo 2, a cutting-edge video-generating AI capable of producing 4K, two-minute clips—significantly surpassing OpenAI’s Sora in resolution and duration. While Veo 2’s capabilities are currently capped at 720p and eight seconds within Google’s VideoFX tool, broader access is planned through Google’s Vertex AI as the technology scales. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join … Continue reading Google DeepMind Unveils Veo 2: A Next-Gen Video AI #1787 →

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Gemini 2.0: A New Frontier in Agentic AI Solutions #1786 13 Dec 2024, 4:58 am

In this episode, I explore Google’s groundbreaking announcement of Gemini 2.0, its latest AI model family. With twice the speed and enhanced multi-modal capabilities, Gemini 2.0 enables text, image, and audio generation in a single API call. We explore its revolutionary applications, from integrating directly into GitHub workflows with the experimental code agent Jules to … Continue reading Gemini 2.0: A New Frontier in Agentic AI Solutions #1786 →

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Sora Turbo: A New Era in AI Video Generation #1785 10 Dec 2024, 5:43 am

Sora, the cutting-edge AI video generation model, moves beyond research with the launch of Sora Turbo. Available at Sora.com for ChatGPT Plus and Pro users, the model offers faster video creation with resolutions up to 1080p and versatile aspect ratios. Features include a storyboard tool, remixing options, and community-generated content feeds. Sora’s release emphasizes transparency … Continue reading Sora Turbo: A New Era in AI Video Generation #1785 →

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The Rise of ChatGPT: OpenAI’s Path to 300 Million Users #1784 6 Dec 2024, 4:40 am

OpenAI’s ChatGPT has reached an impressive milestone with 1 billion daily messages and 300 million weekly active users. CEO Sam Altman shared this growth, highlighting its increasing role in daily life and its widespread adoption by over 1.3 million US developers. This marks a sharp rise from February 2023, when it first hit 100 million … Continue reading The Rise of ChatGPT: OpenAI’s Path to 300 Million Users #1784 →

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Predicting Your Demise – The Death Clock App #1783 3 Dec 2024, 7:25 am

Have you ever wondered when your time might come? The Death Clock app uses AI and data from 1,200 life expectancy studies to make educated guesses about your lifespan. By analyzing your habits and lifestyle, it provides predictions—and even offers tips to live longer (if you’re willing to pay). Is it science or just a … Continue reading Predicting Your Demise – The Death Clock App #1783 →

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Websites in 2024: GoDaddy’s Vision with Aman Bhutani #1782 26 Nov 2024, 5:00 am

In a live interview, GoDaddy CEO Aman Bhutani discussed the continued relevance of websites in 2024 amidst the rise of generative AI and evolving digital landscapes. Bhutani highlighted GoDaddy’s shift from being just a domain registrar to supporting micro-businesses with tools like the AI-powered platform Airo. He stressed the value websites offer small businesses for … Continue reading Websites in 2024: GoDaddy’s Vision with Aman Bhutani #1782 →

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OpenAI Faces Allegations of Data Loss in Copyright Dispute #1781 22 Nov 2024, 6:05 am

Today, I delve into a high-stakes legal battle between OpenAI and major news outlets like The New York Times and Daily News. These publishers allege OpenAI improperly used their copyrighted content to train AI models, and now, a data loss by OpenAI has escalated the case. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat … Continue reading OpenAI Faces Allegations of Data Loss in Copyright Dispute #1781 →

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DOJ Targets Google’s Chrome in Groundbreaking Antitrust Case #1780 19 Nov 2024, 4:37 am

The Department of Justice is making bold moves against Google, urging the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser to address illegal monopolization of the search market. This historic antitrust effort could reshape the digital landscape by enforcing AI restrictions and data licensing requirements and unbundling Android from Google’s other services. The DOJ’s proposals aim … Continue reading DOJ Targets Google’s Chrome in Groundbreaking Antitrust Case #1780 →

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The Onion Acquires Infowars: Satire to Replace Conspiracy in 2025 #1779 15 Nov 2024, 5:39 am

The Onion, known for its satirical news, has acquired Alex Jones’ Infowars in a bankruptcy auction. The site, notorious for spreading conspiracy theories, will be reimagined and relaunched in 2025, focusing on humor and advocacy. The acquisition aims to replace disinformation with socially conscious satire, supported by Sandy Hook families. The Onion has also secured … Continue reading The Onion Acquires Infowars: Satire to Replace Conspiracy in 2025 #1779 →

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Bitcoin Hits Record High of $85K #1778 12 Nov 2024, 3:37 am

Bitcoin has surged to a record high of $85,000, adding nearly $20,000 in just a week following the U.S. elections. As cryptocurrencies gain momentum, major tech stocks like Apple, NVIDIA, and Amazon lag, with only Tesla showing growth thanks to its Bitcoin holdings. Gold also saw a decline, suggesting a potential shift from traditional assets … Continue reading Bitcoin Hits Record High of $85K #1778 →

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ChatGPT Simplifies Access with New Chat.com Domain #1777 8 Nov 2024, 6:15 am

OpenAI has acquired the domain Chat.com for a reported $15.5 million, making it more straightforward for users to access ChatGPT directly. This move has sparked speculation of a possible rebrand to make ChatGPT more competitive with significant rivals like Google. Acquiring this concise, memorable domain aligns with trends in AI branding to enhance accessibility and … Continue reading ChatGPT Simplifies Access with New Chat.com Domain #1777 →

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GM Ditches CarPlay for Ultifi: Bold Move or Big Mistake? #1776 5 Nov 2024, 4:58 am

General Motors’ software chief, Baris Cetinok, defends GM’s decision to remove Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from their vehicles, especially in their electric models. Cetinok argues that building an in-house software platform, Ultifi, allows GM to create a fully integrated, seamless user experience tailored to each car’s unique features. By retaining control over in-car displays … Continue reading GM Ditches CarPlay for Ultifi: Bold Move or Big Mistake? #1776 →

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OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Search Monumental SEO Disrupter #1775 1 Nov 2024, 5:38 am

OpenAI’s new “ChatGPT Search” feature, launched for paid users on mobile and the web, allows real-time information access with source attributions, enhancing ChatGPT’s value as an alternative to traditional search engines like Google. Following a prototype called SearchGPT, this feature integrates licensed content from major publishers to deliver reliable, timely information in a conversational format. … Continue reading OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Search Monumental SEO Disrupter #1775 →

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Google Expands AI Search Summaries to Over 100 Countries #1774 29 Oct 2024, 1:35 am

Google’s AI search summaries, also known as AI Overviews, expand to over 100 countries, offering users quick, AI-generated insights in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Hindi. While ads have been integrated into these summaries for U.S. mobile users, Google assures global users that ads will continue to appear separately across other locations. Initially launched … Continue reading Google Expands AI Search Summaries to Over 100 Countries #1774 →

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