NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, equipped with Deep Space Optical Communications technology, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully transmitting data from over 140 million miles away using space lasers. This achievement, which included sending ultra-high-definition video and engineering data at unprecedented speeds, marks a significant advancement in deep-space communication technologies. Such capabilities pave the way for more complex and faster data transmission, which is crucial...

ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, has expressed a preference for shutting down its TikTok app in the U.S. if forced to divest rather than sell it. This stance stems from the importance of the app’s core algorithms to ByteDance’s global operations. Despite TikTok’s substantial user base in the U.S., it represents only a tiny portion of ByteDance’s revenue. The company would rather cease operations than compromise on the algorithms integral to its suite of applications. This...

Jason Citron, CEO of Discord, explores the platform’s unique position in the online world. Unlike traditional social networks, Discord offers a private space for communities centered around shared interests like gaming, AI, and fandoms. Citron discusses Discord’s shift from voice chat to a comprehensive social hub, emphasizing a future focused on intimate, community-driven experiences. He also addresses challenges such as content moderation and the decision against selling to Microsoft,...

Meta has launched a significant update to its AI platform, Meta AI, now powered by the open-source Llama 3 large language model. This upgrade introduces broader functionality and integration across Meta’s products, including Instagram, Messenger, Facebook feeds, and WhatsApp, along with a new dedicated web portal. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat Email Todd or follow him on Facebook. Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page. Download the Audio Show...

Last week, the U.S. Congress faced intense debates over the reauthorization of FISA Section 702, which allows indirect surveillance of American citizens without a warrant. The controversy peaked when a proposed amendment to mandate warrants for such surveillance failed in a 212-212 vote. Despite significant opposition and a temporary block by a bipartisan coalition, the renewal bill passed the House and is now pending Senate approval before the April 19 deadline. Subscribe to the...

Microsoft is gearing up to unveil a series of groundbreaking AI tools for PCs and the cloud at its Build conference in May. With a vision to integrate AI into every PC by 2024, the company will showcase advancements such as the Advanced Paste feature, new AI capabilities for Windows applications, and safety enhancements for Azure AI Studio. CEO Satya Nadella and newly appointed head of Microsoft AI, Mustafa Suleyman, will highlight Microsoft’s commitment to AI innovation and responsible...

In a significant bipartisan effort, Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) have introduced the American Privacy Rights Act, aiming to break the deadlock in Congress over data privacy protections. This landmark proposal offers consumers new rights over personal information, including the ability to correct, delete, or export their data and opt out of targeted advertising and data transfers. Additionally, it introduces stringent security measures to protect consumer...

Google announced the discontinuation of support for early Dropcam, Dropcam Pro, and Nest Secure models, rendering these devices largely inoperable on April 8. To assist users in transitioning, Google offers a complimentary Nest camera for Nest Aware subscribers or a 50% discount on a new Nest camera for non-subscribers. Dropcam and Dropcam Pro users will lose the ability to save new clips, and they will have limited time to access existing ones. Nest Secure users will find their devices, such...

Perplexity, an AI search engine rivaling Google and backed by prominent investors including Jeff Bezos, is set to introduce advertising in its platform. The company, boasting a significant $73.6 million in Series B funding, plans to embed native ads within the related questions section of its search responses. This move comes as publishers adjust their SEO strategies to mitigate potential losses from Google’s search advancements. By leveraging AI technology from OpenAI and its proprietary...

Blubrry introduces the revolutionary Blubrry Podcast AI Assistant (Blubrry PAI), designed to streamline and enhance every aspect of podcast production and promotion. With features such as AI-driven planning, integrated production tools, and automated social media and email promotion capabilities, Blubrry PAI promises to alleviate common podcasting challenges. This comprehensive toolset allows podcasters to create better content, engage audiences more effectively, and provide richer metadata...

Vid2Pod by Blubrry Podcasting offers an innovative solution for YouTube creators aiming to extend their content’s reach by effortlessly converting video playlists into high-quality audio podcasts. This new service by Blubrry podcasting is a boon for video-first creators, enabling them to tap into a new audience and ensure their content is accessible across all major podcast platforms. The process involves simply integrating your YouTube account, selecting a playlist for conversion, and...

In a momentous event, SpaceX’s colossal Starship, the world’s largest and most powerful rocket, achieved orbital speed for the first time today. This significant milestone occurred during its third test flight, marking a historic day for SpaceX and space exploration enthusiasts. Despite not completing its intended splashdown, the test was deemed successful as it accomplished several key objectives, advancing SpaceX’s ambitious space travel goals. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Join the Chat @...

Airbnb has taken a significant step to enhance guest privacy by prohibiting indoor cameras in rental properties. The new policy, aimed at ensuring guests’ peace of mind, extends to limit the use of outdoor cameras, requiring hosts to disclose their presence and ensuring they do not invade private spaces. The company’s decision to ban indoor cameras, previously allowed in communal areas, responds to privacy concerns. This move clarifies rules around surveillance and outlines strict...

A federal lawsuit filed in the District of North California accuses Google of profiting from gift card fraud, particularly involving Google Play gift cards. The complaint highlights that Google has retained millions from such scams, either by commission from payments made with fraudulently obtained cards or by holding onto the funds. This comes amid FTC data showing over $433 million lost to gift card fraud from 2018 to 2021, with Google Play scams constituting a significant portion. The...

Gartner forecasts a significant shift in the digital marketing realm by 2026, predicting a 25% decline in traditional search engine volume due to the rising influence of AI chatbots and virtual agents. This evolution is poised to redefine marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of generative AI in content creation and the critical need for quality and authenticity in digital content. As AI-generated content proliferates, search engines prioritize content quality, and companies must...

Apple’s recent decision to discontinue support for iPhone web apps in the European Union has sparked potential investigative action from the European Commission. Citing compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which mandates support for third-party browser engines, Apple plans to downgrade web apps to function similarly to bookmarks in iOS 17.4. The company attributes this shift to the impracticality of developing a new integration architecture amid other DMA demands, low user...

OpenAI, in collaboration with Microsoft Threat Intelligence, has successfully disrupted the operations of five state-affiliated hacking groups using ChatGPT to identify system vulnerabilities for illicit activities. The crackdown targeted groups including China’s Charcoal Typhoon and Salmon Typhoon, Iran’s Crimson Sandstorm, Russia’s Forest Blizzard, and North Korea’s Emerald Sleet. These entities exploited OpenAI’s technology to uncover coding flaws, translate documents, and devise phishing...

Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, retains conversations for up to three years, even after users delete the app. The company’s updated privacy policy highlights that reviewed conversations, including details like language, device type, and location, won’t be deleted with Gemini app activity. This retention policy applies to conversations scrutinized by human reviewers, urging users to be cautious about sharing personal or sensitive information. The transparency over whether conversations have been...

OpenAI introduces a transformative memory feature in ChatGPT, allowing it to remember user interactions and preferences to personalize conversations and streamline tasks. This update is expected to significantly boost productivity and customer experience for individual and enterprise users. With the ability to control memory settings, OpenAI ensures user privacy while enhancing ChatGPT’s efficiency and intelligence. Despite the potential for increased data privacy concerns, the feature...

Bitcoin has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the $50,000 mark for the first time since late 2021, signaling a robust recovery and entering the FOMO stage of its bull market. This resurgence comes after a challenging period marked by the crypto winter of 2022, where Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies faced steep declines following high-profile industry setbacks. Despite initial volatility, the introduction of spot ETFs has contributed to investor confidence, with notable shifts...

Apple has unveiled significant updates for Windows users, introducing new standalone applications for Apple Music, Apple TV, and a Device management app specifically designed for Windows 10 and later versions. These apps aim to enhance the user experience by providing specialized music and TV access functions and iPhone management, including backups, data syncing, and iOS updates. Although iTunes for Windows will still be available for audiobooks and podcasts, and it is compatible with PCs...

Hertz has halted its ambitious plan to expand its electric vehicle (EV) fleet, reversing its earlier commitment to acquire 65,000 Polestars and sell a significant portion of its Tesla EVs. This shift comes after the rental car giant faced substantial financial losses attributed to the rapid depreciation, high repair costs, and reduced value of its EVs. Despite initial enthusiasm for leading the EV market, Hertz’s change in strategy reflects broader industry challenges, including softer demand...

In North Carolina, a Tesla Model 3 owner, James Hanna, experienced a sudden and alarming incident on Interstate 277. While driving to pick up his son, the car unexpectedly beeped and stopped completely in the middle of the highway despite having a 60% charge. Hanna, unable to restart the vehicle or re-enter it after exiting due to a dead battery in the door mechanism, had to call for a tow truck. Imagine if your car came to a sudden halt on the highway. We have a goal of 1500 listeners...

Google has introduced a new disclaimer in Chrome’s Incognito mode following a $5 billion lawsuit alleging the mode’s misleading privacy claims. The updated blurb informs users about data collection practices, clarifying which browsing data is not saved and which Google can still access. This change comes after a federal judge allowed the lawsuit to proceed, which accused Google of violating privacy and wiretapping laws. The tech giant’s previous attempts to dismiss the complaint were...