Alvaro Lopez Ortega / 2026-03-03 Briefing

Created Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:14:39 +0000 Modified Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:15:00 +0000
7756 Words

Accenture is acquiring Ookla, parent of Downdetector, in a $1.2 billion deal with Ziff Davis. Cybercrime is increasingly perpetrated by individuals aged 35-44, indicating more sophisticated, profit-driven schemes. A report reveals AI adoption is outpacing organizations’ ability to manage it, raising concerns about governance and skills gaps. Perplexity’s Comet AI browser had a vulnerability allowing potential file access and account compromise, now resolved. Finally, a Florida woman received a 22-month sentence for an illegal Microsoft software resale scheme, highlighting supply chain vulnerabilities.

🤖 AI & Machine Learning

CIOs say AI adoption is moving faster than they can manage

A new report reveals that AI adoption is outpacing organizations’ ability to manage it effectively, creating a disconnect between ambition and execution. CIOs are concerned about risks, governance, and a shortage of skilled personnel, despite continued investment in AI technologies. Many organizations lack comprehensive strategies and are worried about the long-term stability of the AI market and its environmental impact.

AI Agent Costs, Microsoft’s New Tier

Microsoft is developing a new Microsoft 365 tier, E7, to facilitate the management and licensing of AI agents within businesses, including identity and access controls. This initiative coincides with the emergence of new cloud operating systems like Construct Computer, which are designed to host and manage autonomous AI agents performing daily work tasks. These developments signal a growing focus on integrating AI agents into the workplace and establishing frameworks for their operational and financial sustainability.

Gemini API Key Theft Costs Developer

A developer’s Google Gemini API key was compromised, resulting in over $82,000 in unauthorized charges within 48 hours. The incident, significantly exceeding typical usage costs, underscores the critical need for developers to secure API keys and implement spending limits and alerts. Google is advising users to take these preventative measures to avoid similar financial repercussions.

Introduction to Data-Centric Query Compilation

Data-centric query compilation, introduced in 2011, optimizes database queries by shifting from operator-based execution to processing data directly. This method generates imperative code that iterates over data, eliminating overhead and enabling faster tuple processing. By embedding query logic within a single, optimized loop, it improves efficiency compared to traditional operator-centric approaches.

Meta Creates AI Unit for Superintelligence Efforts

Meta is establishing a new applied AI engineering organization within its Reality Labs division, led by Maher Saba. The group will focus on supporting the company’s superintelligence efforts and features a “flat structure” with a high ratio of individual contributors to managers. This initiative reports to Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth.

X Suspends Creators for AI Conflict Videos Without Disclosure

X is implementing a policy requiring creators in its revenue-sharing program to disclose when AI-generated videos depict armed conflicts. Violators will face suspensions from the program, ranging from 90 days to permanent removal. This marks X’s first AI content disclosure rule, aimed at combating the spread of misleading content during times of conflict.

ChatGPT Updates: Tone, Speed, and Accuracy

OpenAI has rolled out GPT-5.3 Instant as the new default model for ChatGPT, focusing on improved accuracy, conversational tone, and reduced “cringe” responses. The update aims to minimize hallucinations by up to 26.8%, eliminate unnecessary refusals, and enhance web search integration for a more helpful user experience. GPT-5.2 Instant will be phased out by 2026, and the new model is now available to all ChatGPT users.

JetStream Security raises $34M for AI agent mapping tool.

JetStream Security, a startup founded by cybersecurity veterans, has raised $34 million in seed funding to address growing concerns around AI governance and security. Their “AI Blueprints” tool provides real-time mapping of AI agent activity within organizations, tracking data usage, costs, and potential risks. The company aims to build trust in AI adoption by giving businesses visibility and control over their AI systems.

Gemini AI: Faster, Cheaper, Scalable

Google has introduced Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite, a new AI model optimized for developers needing cost-effective, large-scale processing. This model offers improved speed and quality compared to earlier versions, while also providing performance management controls and affordability. It is currently available in preview through Google AI Studio and Vertex AI.

AI data centers can adjust power use, UK trial finds

A UK trial has shown AI data centers can adjust their power consumption when requested, potentially avoiding continuous peak demand. This discovery challenges current grid connection processes and could ease pressure on electricity grids struggling to accommodate growing AI infrastructure. The findings suggest data centers may be overestimating their power needs when applying for grid access.

Meta AI Tests Shopping Feature, Rivals ChatGPT & Gemini

Meta is testing a shopping research tool within its Meta AI chatbot for a limited number of US users. The feature provides product suggestions and comparisons, directly competing with similar offerings from ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. This move marks Meta’s entry into the AI-powered e-commerce space.

The AI Bubble Is an Information War

Recent earnings reports from NVIDIA and CoreWeave reveal potential vulnerabilities in the AI industry. NVIDIA is offering incentives to customers, while CoreWeave reported significant losses and declining revenue per megawatt of compute, relying on a few key clients and substantial debt. These findings raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of GPU rental businesses and the valuations of companies within the AI sector.

My accent costs me 30 IQ points on Zoom. So we built an ML model to fix it

A tech entrepreneur has observed that his Armenian accent often hinders communication, despite his expertise, highlighting a broader issue affecting the majority of global workers who are non-native English speakers. Current communication technology is optimized for native speakers, leading to productivity and comprehension losses that are currently unmeasured. His company is now developing AI-powered technology to address this “accent understanding” problem as an engineering challenge.

Why No AI Games?

Despite advancements in artificial intelligence, truly innovative AI-driven video games remain scarce. Current examples often rely on the novelty of AI technology rather than creating unique gameplay experiences. Experts suggest that these games haven’t yet delivered the compelling and surprising moments that define successful video games.

I Used Claude to File My Taxes for Free

A taxpayer successfully filed their complex 2025 federal tax return for free using the AI language model Claude and the IRS’s Free File Fillable Forms. The individual left TurboTax due to concerns about Intuit’s lobbying efforts and deceptive advertising practices related to free tax filing options. Claude primarily assisted with document analysis and verification, but all data entry was done manually.

Cekura (YC F24) – Testing and monitoring for voice and chat AI agents

Cekura is a new platform designed to test and monitor voice and chat AI agents by simulating real user conversations and evaluating entire conversational flows. Unlike traditional methods or tracing platforms, Cekura identifies issues arising from the interaction of multiple turns, ensuring agents behave correctly even in complex scenarios. The platform offers a free trial and aims to help teams catch regressions and improve the reliability of their AI agents.

India’s top court angry after junior judge cites fake AI-generated orders

India’s Supreme Court has condemned a junior judge’s use of fabricated AI-generated legal orders in a property dispute case, threatening legal action and deeming it an “institutional concern.” The court has stayed the original lower court ruling and emphasized the impact on judicial integrity. This incident underscores the challenges of regulating AI’s use within legal proceedings.

The Connecticut Supreme Court is reviewing a case where lawyers submitted legal briefs with fabricated case citations generated by AI, which went unnoticed during review. This incident raises concerns about the reliability of AI in legal practice and the potential for misleading courts. Connecticut courts are now considering measures to verify AI-generated legal research to maintain accuracy and professional standards.

Open-Source Article 12 Logging Infrastructure for the EU AI Act

A new open-source TypeScript library has been released to help companies comply with the EU AI Act’s Article 12, which mandates detailed logging and retention of AI decision-making processes. The free tool creates append-only logs with tamper detection, ensuring accountability and facilitating reconstruction of past AI actions. It’s designed for Node apps using the Vercel AI SDK and offers a simple solution for companies in the EU, UK, and US facing these new regulations.

Whats Up with Claude Lately?

Users have reported recent instability with the AI model Claude, experiencing issues like premature planning and unwanted dialogue. The model itself acknowledges these problems, attributing them to a deviation from established guidelines without understanding the underlying cause. Developers plan to enforce stricter adherence to the model’s rules to address the erratic behavior.

The Excommunicated Devs Making Games with AI

A clandestine community of game developers is utilizing AI tools to create games, sharing their work and fostering a supportive environment. These developers are producing surprisingly innovative and charming games, demonstrating the potential of integrating AI with human creativity. While AI hasn’t replaced traditional development, it’s accelerating the game creation process and opening new possibilities.

Ars Technica fires reporter after AI controversy involving fabricated quotes

Ars Technica has fired senior AI reporter Benj Edwards after a retracted article was found to contain fabricated quotes attributed to a source. Edwards took responsibility, stating he unintentionally incorporated AI-generated paraphrases while experimenting with AI tools. The publication has stated this was an isolated incident and will release a guide on AI usage.

🔒 Security & Privacy

Turns out most cybercriminals are old enough to know better

A new analysis of cybercrime arrests reveals that individuals aged 35-44 constitute the largest group of offenders, challenging the stereotype of teenage hackers. This shift indicates a move towards more sophisticated, profit-driven cybercrime, often resembling organized business operations. The data highlights a growing trend of older adults engaging in activities like cyber extortion and malware deployment.

Perplexity Comet Security Vulnerability

A recently discovered vulnerability in Perplexity’s Comet AI browser allowed attackers to potentially access users’ local files and compromise 1Password accounts through malicious calendar invites. The flaw, stemming from inadequate file system and cross-origin protections, was enabled by the browser’s reliance on JavaScript and cookies. Perplexity has since addressed the security issues, emphasizing the risks associated with AI agent vulnerabilities.

Bootleg Windows, Office scheme crashes, triggers 22-month lockup for Florida woman

A Florida woman, Heidi Richards, was sentenced to 22 months in prison for a scheme involving the illegal acquisition and resale of Microsoft software product keys and certificate of authenticity labels. Through her company, Trinity Software Distribution, Richards obtained over $5 million worth of labels and profited from distributing activation codes. The scheme exploited vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s supply chain, resulting in a hefty fine and prison term.

Chrome Gemini panel became privilege escalator for rogue extensions

A recently discovered vulnerability (CVE-2026-0628) in Google Chrome allowed malicious extensions to exploit the Gemini Live AI panel and gain unauthorized access to system resources. The flaw enabled extensions to intercept and manipulate traffic, potentially accessing sensitive data like webcams and microphones. Google has patched the vulnerability in Chrome versions 143.0.7499.192 and 143.0.7499.193.

Phish of the day: Microsoft OAuth scams abuse redirects for malware delivery

Microsoft has warned of ongoing phishing scams targeting government and public sector organizations that abuse OAuth redirects to deliver malware. Attackers use malicious URLs in phishing emails to redirect victims to attacker-controlled landing pages, bypassing the need to steal access tokens. Microsoft has taken action to disable some malicious applications, but cautions vigilance and continued monitoring is necessary.

“Star Citizen” maker says that an undisclosed month-old data breach isn’t a big deal

The developer of “Star Citizen” claims a recent data breach, occurring a month ago, is not significant. They state the incident has not impacted player data or the game’s operations. The company has not disclosed further details about the nature or scope of the breach.

Samsung comes clean after collecting Texans’ TV data

Samsung admitted to collecting data from Texas residents’ smart TVs without their explicit consent. The data included viewing habits and audio information, raising privacy concerns. Users can opt-out of data collection, but the incident highlights issues with smart device data practices.

Your car’s tire pressure system can expose where you go 24/7

Due to technical limitations, the provided article content is inaccessible. Therefore, a summary cannot be generated. The article title suggests a potential privacy vulnerability related to vehicle tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and their ability to track location data.

Exploring Maturity Models For Security

Maturity models offer structured frameworks for assessing and enhancing organizational processes, evolving from management science to specific models like CMMI and SAMM. These models, such as the OWASP Software Assurance Maturity Model (SAMM), provide roadmaps for iterative improvements based on measurable practices. They acknowledge that organizations require tailored approaches to achieve progress across different maturity levels.

Online Identity Verification Concerns

Due to privacy concerns and a lack of trust in verification systems, the author is unwilling to verify their identity or age for online services. They are prepared to forgo access to platforms and even essential communications rather than comply with these requirements, which they view as restrictive. The author prioritizes data security and seeks alternative solutions for accessing online content and services.

Someone needs to go to jail

Recent arrests of British figures connected to Jeffrey Epstein are signaling a new era of accountability, contrasting sharply with the lack of action in the United States. The article argues that American elites have largely avoided consequences for their involvement, suggesting a system influenced by wealth and privilege. It contends that this inaction demonstrates a failure to adequately address Epstein’s crimes and the broader political capture of wealthy individuals.

Daily Driving GrapheneOS

After 8.4 months of using GrapheneOS, the author has significantly reduced their reliance on Google apps and streamlined their daily app usage. They’ve shifted to open-source alternatives for functions like podcasting and translation, and removed apps like Discord due to privacy and usability concerns. The recent phone failure and reinstallation of GrapheneOS prompted this reflection on their evolving app choices.

Zuckerberg’s internal emails rendered as Facebook Messenger

Internal emails and messages from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, dubbed “Zuckmail,” have been released as part of the FTC v. Meta trial. The collection, which includes 507 messages across 229 threads involving 103 people, originated from public trial exhibits. These communications are part of a broader release of internal documents from various sources, including the Facebook Papers.

💻 Development & Tools

BunsenLabs Carbon keeps the CrunchBang flame alive with Debian 13

BunsenLabs Carbon, a Debian 13-based distribution, continues the legacy of the CrunchBang Linux project with a lightweight desktop environment. The release incorporates components from Xfce and prepares the groundwork for a potential future transition to Wayland, although it currently uses Openbox. Despite aesthetic changes, it maintains a relatively small footprint compared to other CrunchBang continuations.

Next.js turf war heating up: Cloudflare’s vibe-coded gambit humbled by critical security bugs

A security flaw has emerged in Cloudflare’s recently released Next.js competitor, humbling its attempt to challenge the popular framework. The critical bugs were discovered shortly after Cloudflare launched its “vibe-coded” offering, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in its approach. Users are advised to enable JavaScript and cookies to continue accessing the platform.

Chiron Codex: creating software centaurs

The “Chiron Codex” initiative aims to help software engineers effectively utilize AI tools. It promotes the concept of “software engineering centaurs,” highlighting the advantages of integrating AI into the development process. The project offers resources and content to support this integration, with opportunities for audience members to provide support and gain early access.

Rust zero-cost abstractions vs. SIMD

A customer’s full-text search query was experiencing unexpectedly high latency due to Rust’s “zero-cost” iterators inadvertently blocking vectorization. Enabling vectorization resolved the bottleneck, reducing latency from 220ms to 47ms. This incident highlights the importance of understanding how abstractions interact with performance, even when designed to be efficient.

Nobody ever got fired for using a struct

A Feldera customer experienced performance issues in a data processing pipeline due to Rust structs representing SQL rows with numerous nullable columns. These large structs, containing hundreds of optional fields, led to increased disk I/O as the datasets were too large to fit in memory. The company is investigating the impact of these large structs on performance.

Deprecate confusing APIs like “os.path.commonprefix()”

Python plans to deprecate the os.path.commonprefix() function in version 3.15 due to its history of causing user confusion and security vulnerabilities. A recent pip vulnerability highlighted the widespread misuse of the function, prompting the deprecation proposal and a security warning. The function’s placement and behavior have been problematic for over three decades, and its removal aims to prevent future security risks.

Hoot 0.8.0 released! - Scheme in WASM

Hoot 0.8.0, a compiler that enables Scheme code to run in web browsers, has been released. This version includes a built-in read-eval-print loop (REPL) for live coding, an enhanced web server with REPL server capabilities, and new modules for web development and WebSocket interaction. A new command-line tool has also been introduced to simplify development workflows.

EZ-Tree | Procedural Tree Generator

The EZ-Tree is a procedural tree generator created by Dan Greenheck. It allows users to generate trees using algorithms, rather than relying on pre-made models. The tool’s functionality is currently experiencing loading issues.

Claude’s Electron App: A Native Loss

The decline of native app development isn’t a consequence of technological limitations, but rather a result of inconsistent design, poor interoperability, and underwhelming performance compared to web-based alternatives. The increasing adoption of Electron apps, exemplified by Claude, highlights a broader shift away from native development due to a general decline in software quality. Ultimately, improving software requires greater attention to detail and quality, regardless of the underlying technology.

Casual Shadertoy Path Tracing

This series of blog posts will explore path tracing, a rendering technique for creating photorealistic images, using the Shadertoy platform. The tutorials will prioritize artistic exploration and ease of use over strict mathematical accuracy, making the complex process accessible to a wider audience. Readers can expect to learn the basics of path tracing while creating visually appealing renderings within the simplified Shadertoy environment.

Lilaq: Advanced data visualization in Typst

Lilaq is a new plotting library for Typst, offering users the ability to create publication-ready graphics with a real-time preview. The library boasts easy learning, seamless integration, and consistent styling through interoperability with Zero. Developers are seeking sponsorship on GitHub to support the project’s continued development.

Top reasons why you should use std::simd

The C++ standard committee is introducing std::simd to improve developer experience and adapt to modern software development practices. This feature, while initially increasing compilation times, is intended to provide a perception of productivity and justify software maintenance costs. Ultimately, std::simd aims to address issues like slow error messages and allow for future optimizations.

Type systems are leaky abstractions: the case of Map.take!/2

The article examines the challenges of integrating a type system into Elixir, specifically through a proposal for a Map.take!/2 function that enforces key existence. The author demonstrates how existing type signatures are too broad to effectively constrain the function’s behavior, potentially limiting expressive power. This example highlights the difficulties in translating dynamic language behavior into static type systems.

Embedding TeX Hyphenation Patterns for 30 Languages in a 1.1 MB Rust Automaton (2022)

A new Rust library, hypher, has been developed to efficiently handle hyphenation for the Typst typesetting system. It embeds hyphenation patterns directly, reducing binary overhead and eliminating runtime loading and memory allocations. The library utilizes established TeX hyphenation patterns to determine optimal word breaks.

Announcing npmx: a fast, modern browser for the npm registry

npmx is a new, open-source browser for the npm registry focused on improving the package management experience through speed and simplicity. Developed with significant community contributions, it offers enhanced search, code browsing, and social features. The project is currently in alpha and welcomes user feedback to guide its future development.

In defence of correctness

Reporting systems, crucial for business decision-making, require a high degree of accuracy as incorrect data can have significant real-world consequences. While absolute correctness isn’t always feasible, particularly with evolving requirements, it’s essential for applications impacting resource allocation and business strategy. The author emphasizes that even subtle errors in reporting can lead to flawed decisions and negative outcomes.

Microsoft’s Build Confab Returns to SF, Smaller Developer Invite

Microsoft’s Build developer conference is relocating from Seattle to San Francisco in June, with a smaller, more intimate format. The event will host approximately 2,500 developers, a reduction from previous years, and will focus on developer interaction and learning. This shift aims to refocus Build on developer-centric content and experiences, moving away from broader product announcements.

Chrome to Release Every Two Weeks, Starting Sept. 8

Google will accelerate Chrome browser releases to a two-week cycle, starting September 8th with version 153. This change, affecting desktop, Android, and iOS versions, aims to deliver faster updates and improvements to users and developers. Channels like Dev, Canary, and Extended Stable will remain on their current release schedules.

A [Firefox, Chromium] extension that converts Microsoft to Microslop

A browser extension called “Microslop” replaces Microsoft-related terms with humorous and often disparaging alternatives. Available for Firefox and Chromium browsers, the open-source tool claims not to collect user data, although optional replacements can be enabled. The extension has received positive reviews and is accessible on multiple websites.

Drizzle Joins PlanetScale

The Drizzle team, known for their open-source ORM for JavaScript and TypeScript, has joined PlanetScale. Drizzle will remain an independent open-source project with its own roadmap, now supported by PlanetScale’s resources. This collaboration aims to enhance database tools with a focus on performance and developer experience.

Don’t become an engineering manager

The author advises against transitioning to an engineering management role, citing the current rapid pace of technological change that limits individual learning and experimentation. Companies are also flattening management hierarchies, making advancement more difficult and reducing upward mobility. Remaining an individual contributor, especially at a senior level, is often more financially rewarding and offers greater opportunities.

I’m losing the SEO battle for my own open source project

Open-source project creator Gavriel Cohen is facing an unusual SEO crisis where impersonators are creating fake coins and attributing malicious activity to him and others. Google’s search capabilities are reportedly contributing to the problem, requiring their intervention to resolve the situation. The incident has sparked user frustration and concerns about the reliability of online search engines.

What’s new in Linux kernel for PostgreSQL

Recent changes to the Linux kernel include a new feature called “Uncached buffered IO” designed to improve PostgreSQL database performance. This feature utilizes the page cache for data while preventing data from lingering in the cache after operations, addressing unpredictable resource consumption during memory reclamation. The development aims to enhance PostgreSQL’s efficiency by leveraging these kernel improvements.

The beauty and terror of modding Windows

Windhawk is a free tool that allows users to deeply customize Windows and applications through the installation of “mods,” enabling features like taskbar theming and custom mouse functionality. However, the tool works by injecting code into running processes, which introduces potential stability and security risks, including compatibility issues and potential account bans. Microsoft’s development of Windows Baseline Security Mode highlights the ongoing conflict between user customization and system security.

Simplifying Application Architecture with Modular Design and MIM

A new article explores software design, bridging the gap between system architecture and code-level implementation. It provides a tutorial for refactoring complex legacy code into modular components and introduces a new architectural pattern called MIM. The piece also offers a comprehensive overview of modular design principles.

Giggles – A batteries-included React framework for TUIs

Giggles is a new React framework designed to simplify the development of terminal user interfaces (TUIs) by automating focus and input routing. It provides a suite of 15 pre-built UI components, terminal process control features, and navigation tools, all with React 19 compatibility. Developers can explore interactive demos and get started quickly through the project’s website.

PHP 8 disable_functions bypass PoC

A vulnerability dubbed “TimeAfterFree” allows attackers to bypass PHP’s disable_functions security feature in versions 8.2 through 8.5. The exploit leverages a use-after-free bug and DateInterval object to achieve read/write access, demonstrating the potential for memory corruption. This highlights the unreliability of sandboxing measures within PHP.

LibreOffice hits back at critics, says its UI is better than Microsoft Office’s

LibreOffice has publicly criticized Microsoft Office’s ribbon interface, arguing it’s not inherently more usable and that user preference is driven by Microsoft’s market dominance. The open-source office suite emphasizes its customizable UI and features like native ODF support and enhanced privacy as advantages over Microsoft Office. LibreOffice claims its design is more thoughtful and efficient, particularly for experienced users.

🌐 Business & Tech

Accenture down to buy Downdetector as part of $1.2 billion deal

Accenture is acquiring Ookla, the parent company of Downdetector and Speedtest, in a $1.2 billion deal with Ziff Davis. The acquisition will expand Accenture’s analytics and intelligence capabilities, providing network performance insights for clients. Ziff Davis will use the proceeds to reduce its debt.

New Android Features: Calling Cards, Location Sharing, Luggage Tracking

Google is rolling out new Android features including customizable calling cards and real-time location sharing within Google Messages. These additions, which mirror existing iPhone capabilities, enhance communication and personalization for Android users. The update also includes a luggage tracking feature in partnership with select airlines.

Yahoo Sells Engadget to Static Media

Yahoo has sold the tech news website Engadget to Static Media, a deal finalized in March. The move allows Yahoo to focus on its core brands, while Static Media expands its portfolio of media properties. A broader partnership between Yahoo and Static Media will support audience and revenue growth for Engadget and other brands.

X Tests Standalone Chat App for iOS

X is testing a standalone X Chat app for iOS with a limited group of users through Apple’s TestFlight platform. This marks a departure from Elon Musk’s vision of X as an “everything app,” opting instead for a dedicated messaging experience. An Android version is also planned for release soon.

Audible Adds $8.99 Tier to Compete with Spotify

Audible is introducing a new, lower-priced streaming tier in the US for $8.99 per month, competing with services like Spotify. This standard plan offers ad-free podcasts and is a significant price reduction from Audible’s current premium offering of $14.95. The move aims to attract a wider audience to the audiobook platform.

Elliott Invests $1B in Pinterest for Stock Buybacks

Elliott Investment Management has invested $1 billion in Pinterest through convertible notes, which Pinterest will utilize for stock buybacks. The notes have an initial conversion price representing a 30% premium over Pinterest’s recent stock price. This move signals Elliott’s increased stake and influence within the social media platform.

X, xAI to Repay $17.5B Debt

X and xAI are preparing to repay approximately $17.5 billion in debt, according to sources. The repayment will be funded through capital, including recent equity investments in xAI. Morgan Stanley is communicating the plans to lenders as a potential SpaceX IPO approaches.

Why payment fees matter more than you think

Payment processing fees charged by companies like Visa and Mastercard significantly impact merchant profits, often exceeding 4% of sales. This seemingly small percentage can represent a substantial portion of a merchant’s margin, especially when sales tax is considered. Ecuador offers a contrasting example, with alternative payment systems avoiding these fees and providing a more affordable option for businesses.

Pass-Through of Tariffs: Evidence from European Wine Imports

A recent study examining US tariffs on European wines found that foreign producers absorbed 20% of the tariff cost by lowering their prices, while US importers passed on the remaining 80% to distributors and consumers. Retail prices increased by approximately 6.9% due to the tariffs, and businesses employed strategies like altering alcohol content to avoid them. The full impact of the tariffs on consumer prices took about a year to materialize.

Entry-level PC market to ‘disappear’ by 2028 – memory prices strain PC market

Gartner predicts the entry-level PC market (under $500) will disappear by 2028 due to significantly rising memory costs, which are projected to reach 23% of a PC’s bill of materials by 2026. This price increase will cause a 10.4% drop in PC shipments this year and delay the widespread adoption of AI PCs until 2028. Consumers and businesses are expected to extend the lifespan of existing devices as a result of these higher costs.

⚙️ Infrastructure & Systems

AWS backs Open VSX as Rust survey shows VS Code decline

AWS is supporting the Open VSX registry, a vendor-neutral alternative to the Visual Studio Code marketplace, with infrastructure and funding. This move comes as competition in the IDE market increases and VS Code’s usage declines within some developer communities, particularly among Rust developers. Open VSX aims to provide a more open and accessible platform for extensions, addressing limitations within the official VS Code marketplace.

Vodafone to use Amazon sats for cell backhaul in remote parts of Europe, Africa

Vodafone has partnered with Amazon’s Kuiper (now Amazon Leo) to utilize satellites for backhaul connections for cellular base stations in remote areas of Europe and Africa. This agreement will initially focus on Germany and is expected to begin deployments in 2026, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional cable infrastructure. Vodafone is also expanding direct-to-device satellite services through Satellite Connect Europe, facing competition from other satellite providers.

QuePaxa: Escaping the tyranny of timeouts in consensus

The article introduces QuePaxa, a new approach aimed at eliminating timeouts in consensus algorithms. It promises to address a common limitation in distributed systems where timeouts can lead to errors and inefficiency. Users are instructed to enable JavaScript and cookies to access the full content.

DIY Home Network with OpenBSD, OpenWrt, and Pi-hole

This article provides a guide for building a DIY home network using OpenBSD, OpenWrt, and Pi-hole, costing approximately $150. The setup uses OpenBSD as a router, OpenWrt as an access point, and Pi-hole for ad blocking, with detailed instructions for configuring each component. It aims to be accessible to newcomers interested in creating customized home network solutions.

Why glibc is faster on some Github Actions Runners

A recent investigation by CodSpeed revealed that seemingly unrelated code changes, like adding a new benchmark, can unexpectedly impact the performance of other benchmarks due to complex CPU behaviors like caching and branch prediction. The team uses a modified version of Callgrind to measure performance and pinpoint these regressions. This highlights the intricate relationship between code and CPU optimization, demonstrating that even small changes can have far-reaching performance consequences.

Simple Screw Counter

A maker has developed a simple, automated screw dispenser using laser-cut acrylic and an Arduino to streamline the assembly of precision clock kits. The device utilizes a ramp and slot system to reliably dispense screws and incorporates a shaking mechanism to prevent jams. While the current design has limitations in hopper capacity, it represents a surprisingly straightforward approach compared to existing solutions.

To update blobs or not to update blobs

Much hardware relies on proprietary “firmware” that functions like standard software, often distributed without access to the source code. Free software advocates are concerned about trusting these updates due to potential security flaws, backdoors, and the inability to fix malicious code embedded in read-only memory. The lack of transparency surrounding this code raises questions about its functionality and trustworthiness.

DOS Memory Management

DOS initially lacked memory management but introduced it in version 2.0 to support larger RAM capacities in PCs. The system manages memory in 16-byte paragraph-sized blocks using memory control blocks (MCBs) that track allocation status and ownership. Errors in these MCB signatures indicate significant system corruption.

Samsung Texas Plant Delayed to 2027

Samsung has delayed the start of mass production at its Taylor, Texas semiconductor plant to early 2027, pushing back the original timeline. While pilot operations have begun, the delay is attributed to ongoing timeline adjustments and factory utilization issues. Samsung maintains that preparations for the plant will still be completed by the end of 2026.

Intel’s make-or-break 18A process node debuts for data center with 288-core Xeon

Intel has launched its Xeon 6+ “Clearwater Forest” processors, featuring up to 288 energy-efficient cores and built on its new 18A process technology. These CPUs target telecom, cloud, and edge AI workloads by integrating advanced features like Foveros Direct 3D packaging and DDR5-8000 memory. Intel aims to replace multiple accelerators with a single, compatible platform solution for increased performance and efficiency.

Ohio EPA weighs allowing data centers to dump wastewater into rivers

The Ohio EPA is considering a permit that would allow data centers to discharge untreated wastewater into Ohio’s rivers, acknowledging potential water quality degradation for economic development. Residents are concerned about the environmental and health impacts, as well as the potential for Ohio taxpayers to cover remediation and monitoring costs. The permit is currently in draft form and open for public comment.

Buckle Up for Bumpier Skies

Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 experienced severe turbulence over Myanmar on May 21, 2024, resulting in multiple injuries to passengers. The sudden drop, occurring before passengers could react, highlights the dangers of unexpected weather and the challenges in passenger compliance during turbulence. Research indicates that even with drills, securing passengers during turbulence takes considerable time, leaving little margin for sudden events.

Device that can extract 1K liters of clean water a day from desert air revealed

Professor Omar Yaghi has developed a large-scale device utilizing Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) to extract up to 1,000 liters of water daily from desert air, even with as little as 20% humidity. The off-grid system, roughly the size of a shipping container, operates using wind and solar power and aims to provide a sustainable water source for arid regions. This technology is inspired by Yaghi’s personal experiences with water scarcity and seeks to create a source of “personalized water.”

Offline 23 Hours a Day

The author has moved to a home with limited internet access and has found it significantly boosts productivity and independent thinking. By restricting online time to brief periods, they’ve experienced deeper problem-solving and a greater reliance on personal ideas. This experiment serves as a reminder to maintain a focused approach even when connectivity is readily available.

🌎 Geopolitics & Society

Weekend attacks rattle Iran’s crypto market and users

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Data Privacy and AI Concerns

Several companies are addressing user privacy concerns. Zed is updating its terms of service and privacy policy to increase transparency around data handling, especially related to AI features and user control over telemetry. Simultaneously, Google is urging users to update their Chrome browsers to prevent potential data access by its Gemini AI model.

Iran Sees $10M Crypto Flight Amid Attacks, Ecosystem Worth $7.8B

Following recent US-Israeli airstrikes, approximately $10.3 million in cryptocurrency flowed out of Iranian exchanges, mirroring a pattern of increased crypto activity during times of geopolitical instability. Chainalysis estimates Iran’s crypto ecosystem to be worth over $7.8 billion, and the recent outflows are likely being directed towards personal wallets, other exchanges, or potentially state actors. The increased movement highlights crypto’s role as a potential financial tool during periods of crisis and economic pressure.

DOJ Sues Over $160M Nvidia Chip Export Scheme to China

The U.S. Justice Department has dismantled a smuggling ring that attempted to illegally export approximately $160 million worth of Nvidia AI chips to China. Businessman Alan Hao Hsu has pleaded guilty and is cooperating with authorities, while two others are facing trial, revealing a scheme involving a Houston-based shell company and purchases from Lenovo. The case highlights concerns about ongoing chip smuggling and the ability to prevent the export of restricted technology.

Iran War Cost Tracker

A new cost model estimates daily operational expenses for a potential conflict with Iran would range from $155 million to $380 million, encompassing personnel, naval forces, aircraft operations, and logistics. The model acknowledges these figures are likely an underestimate due to unclassified expenses and omitted factors like long-term veteran healthcare and economic impacts. The estimate utilizes data from government reports, industry sources, and expert analysis to provide a running total.

Trump Threatens to Cut Off Trade After Spain Denies Air Base Use

Donald Trump has threatened to halt all trade with Spain following the country’s refusal to allow access to its military bases for a potential bombing campaign against Iran. The statement, made during a White House meeting, directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to sever dealings with Spain. Madrid has responded by urging Trump to respect international trade agreements.

FCC Chair Wants Networks to Pledge Loyalty for America’s Big Bday

FCC Chair Brendan Carr is spearheading a campaign encouraging broadcasters to create patriotic programming celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary. The initiative, called “Pledge America Campaign,” suggests programming focused on civic education, American history, and featuring American classical music. Carr’s efforts are part of a larger task force and aim to promote national pride through media content.

We may soon have 70M boomers too old to drive, too car-dependent to stop

An aging population of baby boomers, many of whom are heavily reliant on cars, is creating a looming urban planning crisis. Many seniors are reluctant to give up their driver’s licenses, despite potential risks and financial burdens on municipalities. This car dependency is trapping seniors and negatively impacting the quality of life for all residents.

Florida public universities to pause hiring new H-1B workers

Florida’s public universities have paused hiring new faculty through the H-1B visa program until 2027, following Governor DeSantis’ concerns about potential program misuse. Existing H-1B visa renewals will continue, and exceptions can be made for critical workforce shortages. The freeze aims to assess the program’s impact and address any abuses while potentially impacting Florida’s ability to recruit international talent.

China’s 450kmph bullet train is the fastest ever built

China is poised to launch the CR450, a new bullet train capable of speeds up to 450 km/h, making it the fastest ever built. This train, succeeding the CR400, will further reduce travel times between major cities and offer enhanced passenger comfort. The advancement aims to encourage travelers to choose high-speed rail over other transportation options.

Drinking newer groundwater linked to up to 62% higher Parkinson’s risk

A new study has linked drinking water from newer groundwater sources, particularly carbonate aquifers, to a significantly higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. Researchers suspect increased exposure to contaminants in newer groundwater may be a contributing factor, although the study establishes correlation, not causation. Further investigation is needed to confirm the connection and identify potential pollutants.

US President struggles to explain why he launched another Middle Eastern war

President Trump is facing criticism for his inability to clearly explain the reasoning behind a recent military intervention in the Middle East. The article suggests a lack of strategic clarity surrounding the decision and a disconnect between the action and its justification. This has led to questions about the objectives of the military action.

U.S. Troops Were Told Iran War Is for “Armageddon,”

Service members have filed over 110 complaints alleging military commanders are promoting religious beliefs, linking the conflict with Iran to biblical prophecies like Armageddon and the return of Jesus. These reported messages, shared across multiple branches and installations, suggest the war is part of a divine plan and President Trump was divinely appointed. The Military Religious Freedom Foundation has reported these allegations, and the Pentagon has not yet commented.

The Case for Apolitical Tech Spaces

The article argues that technical spaces thrive when focused on collaboration and learning, creating beneficial outcomes for everyone involved. Introducing political discussions shifts the dynamic to a zero-sum or negative-sum game, centered on power and advantage, which undermines the positive environment. Maintaining apolitical spaces is essential for continued growth and enriching technical discourse.