Meta has released an update for its Quest headset, introducing a redesigned Meta Horizon OS and several new features. The redesign includes a new light theme by default, with the option to switch to dark mode still available. Additionally, the Settings menu has received a new look and improved search functionality. A calendar app has also been added, allowing users to view different days while in VR and integrate with Google and Outlook calendars. Travel Mode is now available for use on trains, although it's not suitable for playing games due to controller limitations.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/1/24285641/meta-quest-os-update-v71-redesign-train-mode-calendar
New funding rounds confirm that money attracts money! The startup world saw a surge in funding rounds, with some startups announcing new rounds just months after their previous ones. Notable mentions include Salva Health, which won the Startup Battlefield competition at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, and ElevenLabs, which hired the team behind open source read-it-later app Omnivore. The article also highlights various funding rounds, including Sierra's $175 million valuation and Filigran's $35 million Series B round.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/01/new-funding-rounds-confirm-that-money-attracts-money/
Schwinn has brought back its iconic '70s bike, the Hurricane, in a modern electric version. The new Schwinn Hurricane Compact Electric Bike is designed for riders 13 years and older, with a top speed limited to 17.5mph. It features a 250-watt hub motor, lithium-ion battery, and a range of approximately 30 miles on a single charge. Available now through Schwinn's website for $599.99.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/1/24285571/schwinn-hurricane-compact-electric-bike
The concept of elimination strategy in SaaS (Software as a Service) has gained popularity, with companies like Amazon, Tesla, Netflix, and Google succeeding by removing friction between customers and their goals. The idea is not to add more features or options but to eliminate every step that stands between customers and what they want. By asking "What if this entire step disappeared?", companies can identify areas for improvement and create a leaner, more efficient process.
The elimination strategy emphasizes the importance of reducing friction and making it unnecessary for customers to take certain steps. This approach has led to significant success for these companies, transforming industries such as retail, transportation, and entertainment. By removing every step between customers and their goals, SaaS companies can create a seamless experience that sets them apart from competitors.
The article suggests that the next massive opportunities in SaaS will not come from adding more features or options but from eliminating every step between customers and their goals. It encourages readers to ask themselves "What if this entire friction disappeared?" and focus on finding technology leverage for total elimination.
Samsung has announced preorders for two new gaming monitors, the Odyssey G95C Curved Gaming Monitor and the Odyssey OLED G80SD Smart Gaming Monitor. Both monitors offer impressive specs, including high refresh rates, fast response times, and curved designs that immerse users in their games. As part of Amazon's Handpicked event, Samsung is offering buyers a free Logitech accessory with each monitor purchase, choosing from three options: a Logitech Pro Wireless 2 Gaming Mouse, a Logitech G515 Wireless Gaming Keyboard and G309 Lightspeed Gaming Mouse bundle, or a Logitech Pro X Wireless Gaming Headset. The monitors will go on sale on November 11, with the deal expiring on that date.
Black Friday may be a month away, but retailers are already offering early deals on smartwatches and fitness trackers. ZDNET has rounded up the best sales on these devices, including options from Apple, Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit. From sleep tracking to heart rate monitoring, these wearables offer valuable insights into your health. Whether you're a casual athlete or a serious competitor, there's something for everyone.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-black-friday-smartwatch-and-fitness-tracker-deals-2024/
ChatGPT in the spotlight: Controversies and concerns surrounding AI chatbot.
The AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT, has been making headlines recently due to various controversies. One incident involved two users tricking Clyde, a Discord bot powered by OpenAI's technology, into providing instructions for making illegal substances. Another issue arose when ChatGPT falsely accused an Australian mayor of serving time in prison for bribery. Several school systems and colleges have banned the AI from their networks, citing concerns about plagiarism and misinformation.
Additionally, there have been reports of ChatGPT accusing individuals of false crimes. OpenAI has since fixed a bug that exposed some users' conversations to others on the service. The company is also involved in at least one lawsuit related to AI systems trained on publicly available data.
Despite these issues, many see ChatGPT as a valuable tool for generating content and answering questions. With new marketplaces emerging daily, offering prompts for free or a nominal fee, it's clear that this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with information.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/01/chatgpt-everything-to-know-about-the-ai-chatbot/
A recent cybersecurity incident involving open-source software XZ Utils highlights the importance of securing open-source code. Experts warn that open-source software, despite its widespread adoption and benefits, can pose significant security risks if not properly maintained. To address these concerns, initiatives like Tidelift's model, which proposes paying open-source maintainers to fix vulnerabilities, are being explored. Additionally, government agencies like the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are launching programs to educate businesses on best practices for deploying open-source software.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/01/how-to-make-open-source-software-more-secure/
A custom board game, "Airbnbopoly," created by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman has sparked controversy amidst Silicon Valley's stance on Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan's antitrust agenda. The game replaces the traditional "Jail" space with "Government Regulation" and features Airbnb locations instead of Atlantic City streets. This comes as Hoffman, a top donor to the Biden-Harris campaign, has called for Khan's removal from her post. Other tech industry leaders have also expressed criticism towards Khan, citing concerns about anticompetitive measures affecting innovation in AI.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/airbnbopoly-reid-hoffman-lina-khan-ftc-antitrust/
The Shell Hater's Handbook: An Introduction to UNIX Shell Programming
The Shell Hater's Handbook is an introductory talk on UNIX shell programming presented by Ryan Tomayko at GoGaRuCo 2010, a regional Ruby conference in San Francisco. The talk provides an overview of the POSIX Shell and Utilities, a comprehensive guide to the IEEE Std 1003.1-2008 POSIX shell language and command reference. The presentation is accompanied by a video provided by Confreaks, LLC.
Source: https://shellhaters.org/talk
A growing concern in the cybersecurity world is the rise of "advanced persistent teenagers" - a group of skilled and financially motivated hackers, including Lapsus$ and Scattered Spider. These individuals have been known to carry out sophisticated attacks on companies, using tactics like phishing and social engineering to gain access to networks and steal sensitive information. Experts warn that these hackers are highly effective and unpredictable, making it crucial for organizations to prioritize identity and access management.
In San Francisco, a company called Brownstone Shared Housing is offering "sleeping pods" for rent at $700 per month. Despite violating city codes in the past, the facility has received 300 applications for its remaining 17 beds. The pods provide basic amenities like privacy curtains and charging ports. However, the building remains in violation of planning and building codes due to a misrepresentation on the application.
New research reveals a surprising link between childhood sugar intake and adult risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. A study analyzing UK sugar rationing in the 1950s found that children who consumed less sugar during their first two years had a lower risk of developing these conditions decades later.
A new budget-friendly Android phone has gained attention for its impressive features and performance. The CMF Phone 1, developed by Nothing's sub-brand CMF, offers a vibrant AMOLED display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, a power-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G processor, and two-day battery life. The phone also features swappable back covers and accessories, as well as polished Nothing OS software.
While some may be drawn to the phone's affordability and practical design choices, others may be concerned about its limitations, including a lack of support for 5G on certain carriers and a relatively short software update commitment of two years. Nevertheless, the CMF Phone 1 has earned praise from reviewers for its value and performance.
ZDNET Offers Discounted Windows 11 Pro Subscription at $20
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/upgrade-to-windows-11-pro-for-20-with-this-deal/
The Browser Company, creator of the popular Arc browser, has announced plans to discontinue development and focus on a new project. While fans of Arc are disappointed by this news, CEO Josh Miller emphasizes that the company will not abandon the existing user base and will continue to provide security updates and fixes for Arc. The decision comes as the company aims to create a simpler browser with more mass appeal, leveraging large language models and generative AI to revolutionize the way people use software.
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, many are looking for deals on virtual private networks (VPNs). ZDNET has compiled a list of the best VPN deals ahead of the holiday weekend. Surfshark is offering its entry-level plan at $1.99/month with four months of free access added to a two-year contract. NordVPN and PrivadoVPN are also providing discounts, with prices starting at $3.59/month and $1.99/month respectively. Private Internet Access (PIA) is offering a deal for $2.03/month on a two-year contract with four months of free access. CyberGhost is promoting its two-year plan at the equivalent of $2.03/month with four months of free access.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-black-friday-vpn-deals-2024/
Apple Acquires Pixelmator, a Popular Photo Editing App
Pixelmator, a Lithuania-based image editing platform, has been acquired by Apple. The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approval, but the company assures that there will be "no material changes" to its apps, including Pixelmator Pro and Pixelmator for iOS, at least in the near future.
As part of the deal, Apple may integrate Pixelmator's features directly into its Photos app. The acquisition comes as Apple has been expanding its AI capabilities in its imaging apps. Pixelmator is currently available on iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS, but not Android.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/01/apple-is-buying-photo-editing-app-pixelmator/
Get ready for Fortnite's Remix: The Prelude event! Scheduled for 6:30PM ET / 3:30PM PT, this musical in-game event promises to be a showstopper. If you're playing the game, jump into a Battle Royale or Zero Build match and head to Restored Reels ahead of the start time. Alternatively, tune in with streamers on Twitch or YouTube. The "Remix" title hints at Epic bringing back elements from Chapter 2 seasons, so it's going to be an exciting event! 🎵
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/1/24285464/fortnite-remix-the-prelude-event-how-to-watch
Stay cool and boost laptop performance with the right cooling pad! According to a recent article, several laptop cooling pads successfully brought down temperatures. While some were better than others, they all achieved their goal. To make an informed decision, consider consulting online reviews from sources like Reddit and Amazon.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-laptop-cooling-pad/