Alvaro Lopez Ortega / 2026-03-20 Briefing

Created Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:18:22 +0000 Modified Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:18:43 +0000
8933 Words

Salesforce acquired the team behind the Clockwise calendar app to bolster its Agentforce platform, though the app itself will shut down on March 27th. NASA is considering using SpaceX’s Starship to transport Orion to the Moon, potentially reducing reliance on the costly SLS rocket. Millions of devices remain vulnerable after a US Justice Department operation disrupted four major botnets used for DDoS attacks and seized websites linked to Iran’s intelligence ministry. A recent Windows 11 update is preventing some users from signing into their Microsoft accounts, and Essex Police have suspended live facial recognition technology due to bias concerns.

🚀 Space & Exploration

Starship may chauffeur Orion to the Moon, as NASA mulls ditching SLS after Artemis V

NASA is exploring using SpaceX’s Starship to transport the Orion capsule to the Moon after the Artemis V mission, potentially reducing reliance on the costly Space Launch System (SLS). Under the plan, SLS would launch Orion to Low Earth Orbit, where it would meet and transfer to Starship for the lunar journey. This shift reflects NASA’s efforts to balance budget constraints with the Artemis program’s ambitious goals.

Blue Origin Satellite Launch Plans

Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space company, has applied to the FCC for permission to launch up to 52,000 datacenter satellites as part of “Project Sunrise,” an initiative designed to support growing artificial intelligence demands. These solar-powered satellites would operate in orbit, supplementing traditional data centers and utilizing emerging technologies like Blue Origin’s TeraWave service. The project faces significant regulatory and technological hurdles, making its timeline uncertain.

BIO: The Bao I/O Coprocessor

The author designed BIO, an I/O co-processor for the Baochip-1x SoC, initially inspired by the Raspberry Pi’s PIO. Development revealed that the PIO’s complexity led to excessive resource usage and timing issues in FPGA implementations. BIO aims to offload I/O tasks from the main CPU, improving determinism and reducing response time delays.

Raphtory: The temporal graph engine

Raphtory is a new platform for building and analyzing temporal networks, combining a Rust-based core with Python interfaces for user-friendliness. Developed by researchers, it allows users to create networks from various data sources and explore their evolution using algorithms and a GraphQL server. The platform boasts high performance, achieving throughput of 2.6 million edges per second with a latency of 12 milliseconds.

Physicists Trace Sun’s Magnetic Engine, 200k Kilometers Below Surface

NJIT physicists have located the Sun’s magnetic dynamo, the engine driving its 11-year cycle, approximately 200,000 kilometers below the surface. The discovery, made by analyzing three decades of solar oscillation data, pinpoints the dynamo’s location near the tachocline. This provides new insight into the generation of solar magnetic fields and the phenomena that influence space weather.

🤖 AI & Automation

AI Tech Smuggling and Corporate Fraud

Three U.S. tech executives, including Super Micro Computer co-founder Wally Liaw, have been charged with conspiring to illegally export Nvidia server technology and GPUs worth billions of dollars to China, circumventing U.S. export controls. The scheme involved falsified paperwork and complex shipping processes, resulting in significant diverted sales and prompting Super Micro to cooperate with the investigation and place employees on leave. Separately, a man also pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for generating and streaming AI-generated songs using bot accounts to fraudulently collect royalties.

Sashiko: AI code review system for the Linux kernel spots bugs humans miss

Sashiko, a new AI code review system developed by Google and the Linux Foundation, has identified 53% of recent bugs in the Linux kernel that were missed by human reviewers. The tool uses large language models to analyze code patches and provide feedback, with Google currently covering the implementation costs. This system aims to ease the burden on maintainers while sparking less controversy than AI-generated code submissions.

Meta’s latest AI improves its terrible content moderation, just a little

Meta is deploying new AI tools to improve content moderation, demonstrating success in detecting scams, reducing fake profile reports, and preventing account takeovers. These systems aim to more accurately identify and remove severe content violations that previously overwhelmed human moderators. The rollout reflects Meta’s shift in focus from the metaverse to developing artificial intelligence.

Alibaba has made 470,000 AI chips, admits they’re inferior and may always be

Alibaba has manufactured 470,000 AI chips, admitting they currently underperform competitors while focusing on cost-effectiveness through integration with its cloud infrastructure. The company’s chip development aims to secure a stable AI computing power supply, particularly given US export restrictions. Alibaba Cloud is experiencing rapid growth and projects $100 billion in annual revenue within five years.

OpenAI to Launch AI Intern, Aims for Automated Research by 2028

OpenAI is pursuing a new research initiative to develop fully automated AI research systems, aiming to have a preliminary “autonomous AI research intern” ready by September. The company’s long-term goal, dubbed a “North Star,” is to create a comprehensive multi-agent research system capable of tackling complex problems by 2028. This ambitious project will leverage advancements in reasoning models, agents, and interpretability to push the boundaries of AI research.

AI compliance startup Delve accused of faking audits.

A new Substack report alleges that AI compliance startup Delve fabricated evidence and generated false audit reports to convince clients they were compliant. The report claims Delve bypassed key requirements, used deceptive tactics to avoid scrutiny, and misrepresented its auditing processes. This alleged fraud potentially exposes companies to legal and financial risks.

Google is currently testing AI-generated headlines in its search results, replacing those originally written by publishers. The company states this is a limited experiment aimed at improving relevance to user queries, though it’s raising concerns about content alteration and publisher control. Google has not disclosed the full extent of this testing program.

Unitree Robot IPO Seeks $610M, Revenue Up

Unitree Robotics, a prominent Chinese robot company, is pursuing a Shanghai IPO aiming to raise approximately $610 million. The funds will be allocated towards AI research, product development, and expanding manufacturing capabilities. This listing reflects increasing investor interest in the burgeoning robotics industry.

Microsoft’s MAI-Image-2 Competes in AI Image Generation

Microsoft has released MAI-Image-2, a new AI image generation model that places third on a leading benchmark, demonstrating impressive realism and text rendering. While the model excels in generating detailed and photorealistic images, its current utility is limited by content filters and usage restrictions. Microsoft plans to integrate MAI-Image-2 into Copilot and Bing Image Creator, though broader API access is still forthcoming.

AI startups use “taste” to mimic artisan feel.

Silicon Valley startups are increasingly using “taste” as a marketing buzzword to differentiate their AI products, echoing a trend similar to the earlier use of “disruption.” The term is being framed as a crucial factor for success, particularly as AI democratizes technological creation and leaves decisions about what to build up to human discernment. This adoption aims to evoke an aura of handcrafted quality, despite the core products often relying on automation.

MiniMax Unveils “Self-Evolving” LLM, M2.7

MiniMax, a Chinese AI startup, has released M2.7, a proprietary large language model that utilizes a self-evolving system to optimize its own development. The model, which demonstrates strong performance in software engineering and document processing, marks a shift for MiniMax away from open-source models and towards a strategy more closely aligned with US-based AI companies. This self-improvement capability includes M2.7 autonomously managing data pipelines and optimizing its own programming performance.

AI Platform Degradation Concerns

E-commerce servers are experiencing escalating disruptions and botnet attacks, potentially linked to geopolitical tensions. A technology manager attributes these issues to clients and partners interacting with inaccurate AI chatbots, resulting in incorrect technical guidance and communication breakdowns. This reliance on automated support is raising concerns about service viability and escalating demands.

Video Conferencing with Durable Streams

Researchers are exploring video conferencing architectures that utilize databases for data storage and transport, demonstrated through initial experiments with SpacetimeDB and PlanetScale. A developer subsequently built a complete video conferencing application using S2 streams, which simplifies features like recording and replay by treating data streams as durable storage. This innovative approach eliminates traditional recording pipelines and potentially streamlines real-time applications.

Robots could soon run faster than Usain Bolt, Unitree boss says

Due to technical limitations, the provided content is inaccessible and lacks information. Therefore, a summary cannot be generated from the given text. The article title suggests robots may soon surpass human running speeds, but without content, this remains unverified.

Sitefire (YC W26) – Automating actions to improve AI visibility

Sitefire, a new platform from YC W26, aims to help brands improve their visibility in AI search engines like Google and ChatGPT. The platform monitors AI search behavior, analyzes content performance, and automatically drafts or improves web pages to increase traffic. Early clients have seen significant increases in AI bot requests, demonstrating the potential for optimizing content for the evolving AI search landscape.

Nvidia’s Huang pitches AI tokens on top of salary

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is proposing a new compensation model where engineers receive AI tokens in addition to their salaries, incentivizing them to utilize AI tools for increased productivity. This strategy aims to attract talent and reflects a growing trend of integrating AI into the workplace. The initiative envisions engineers working alongside a large number of AI agents to automate complex tasks.

AI (2014)

Despite skepticism, advancements in specific AI domains suggest artificial general intelligence (AGI), or human-like computer thought, has a surprisingly strong chance of success. Secretive companies are making progress, with some researchers believing a single algorithm could unlock general learning capabilities, though replicating human consciousness remains a challenge. The ideal outcome may involve collaboration between computers excelling at tasks and humans retaining creative thinking abilities.

Cursor Composer 2 is just Kimi K2.5 with RL

Cursor’s recently released “Composer 2” is reportedly just a rebranded version of the Kimi K2.5 model, enhanced with Reinforcement Learning (RL). A user discovered this by examining the OpenAI base URL within Cursor’s system. The revelation has prompted calls for Cursor to rename the model identifier to reflect its true origin.

Claude Code: Channels

Claude now offers Channels, a research preview feature that integrates with Telegram and Discord. This functionality, requiring Claude Code v2.1.80 or later, utilizes plugins and necessitates explicit enablement for Team/Enterprise organizations. Users can test the integration with a fakechat demo before connecting to external platforms.

💻 Software & Development

WSL graphics driver update brings better GPU support for Linux apps

Recent updates to Microsoft’s WSL graphics driver and WINE improve performance for running applications across different operating systems. The driver now supports compute-only GPUs and multiple virtual GPUs for Linux apps within WSL2, while WINE enhances compatibility for 32-bit Windows applications on 64-bit systems. These advancements are partially fueled by the success of gaming platforms like SteamOS and Valve’s Proton.

Windows 11 Account Sign-in Issues

A recent Windows 11 update has introduced errors preventing free users from signing into their Microsoft accounts and accessing services like OneDrive and Office. Affected users are seeing false “no internet” messages despite having a connection, while business accounts are unaffected. Microsoft is preparing a rapid update to resolve the issue in the coming days.

While you’re here, could you go out of your way to do an impossible job?

A sales consultant was sent to a potential client under the misleading assumption they were nearby, resulting in extensive travel. Upon arrival, strict security protocols prevented a product demonstration due to the client’s device labeling policy. Despite the setback, the client found the situation humorous, and the consultant learned the importance of clarifying visit details beforehand.

WordPress Lets AI Draft & Publish Website Content

WordPress.com will now allow AI agents to draft, edit, and publish content on customer websites, manage comments, and update metadata. This new feature, accessible through a natural language interface, leverages the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to integrate with various AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT. The platform emphasizes user approval for all changes, with AI-generated content initially saved as drafts.

Graph Over Tables: Why We Built a Context Graph Instead of a CMDB

The article explains why the authors opted to build a context graph instead of a traditional Configuration Management Database (CMDB). CMDBs often become unreliable due to manual data entry and rigid classification, while the graph-based approach automatically gathers data, treats relationships as primary objects, and merges information from various systems. This new system offers a more flexible and accurate representation of IT environments.

Adding Live Reload to a Static Site Generator Written in Go

The developer of Lumaca, a minimalist Go-based static site generator, has implemented live reloading functionality to automatically rebuild and refresh the browser upon file changes. Initially, the implementation triggered excessive rebuilds due to text editor file saving behavior. A debouncing technique was subsequently introduced to delay rebuilds and resolve this issue, improving the live reloading experience.

Recent UI design trends, such as those seen in Firefox, are increasingly separating related interface elements with floating designs and margins. This aesthetic prioritizes visual separation over clear connections, often at the expense of content space. The author believes this “floating-bubbles” style is a temporary trend that will eventually pass.

A with-based effect notation

The article proposes a new notation for effects in programming languages, aiming to expand beyond Rust’s current capabilities. Effects describe a function’s behavior, such as asynchronicity or compile-time evaluation, and the notation introduces terms like “effect types” and “effect handlers” to formalize this concept. The author envisions a formal system and algebra for reasoning about effects to promote consistency and gradual adoption.

Emacs Internal #01: is a Lisp Runtime in C, Not an Editor

GNU Emacs is fundamentally a Lisp runtime environment built within a C implementation, rather than simply a text editor. Its origins trace back to MIT’s TECO editor, where complex macros evolved into a programming language, ultimately becoming Emacs Lisp. The current version, “Gosling Emacs,” was written in C to broaden its adoption and facilitate extensive user customization.

The Tailless Deno

The Caffeine compiler, written in Gleam, initially used Deno for packaging, resulting in a large binary size of 121MB. To address performance and size concerns, the developer migrated the project to Bun, encountering a “maximum call stack size exceeded” error during the process. Benchmarking efforts are now underway to monitor Caffeine’s compilation speed and scalability.

Bitfield Pitfalls

A bug in C code involving bit-field left shifts has been identified, causing inconsistent results across different compilers (Microsoft, GCC, and Clang). This stems from the C standard’s ambiguity regarding the type of bit-fields and how they are handled during integer promotions, leading to differing interpretations of signed versus unsigned shifts. The issue primarily affects platforms where int is 32 bits wide and was addressed with a change in the C11 standard.

Life TV: Video with 2 bits to spare

A hobbyist successfully transmitted a video signal of Conway’s Game of Life to a vintage CRT television using an AVR microcontroller. The system utilized a unique square-wave transmission method and resistor switching to generate a grayscale signal, overcoming the microcontroller’s limited output capabilities. This project demonstrates the potential of repurposing broadcast bands through controlled interference and highlights the surprisingly effective transmission of information.

Serenely Fast I/O Buffer (With Benchmarks) | SereneDB

SereneDB has developed “sdb::message::Buffer,” a high-performance I/O buffer designed to improve asynchronous data handling in high-load services. The buffer utilizes a lock-free, single-producer single-consumer architecture with features like data commitment stages and configurable flushing mechanisms to optimize network I/O. It prioritizes FIFO order and expandable size while minimizing atomic operations for efficient operation.

The Good, the Bad, and the Leaky: jemalloc, bumpalo, and mimalloc in meilisearch

Meilisearch recently investigated reports of increased memory usage, initially suspecting memory leaks. The issue was traced to the mimalloc allocator, and reverting to jemalloc revealed a single, actual memory leak that has been resolved. The investigation also highlighted potential performance concerns with Bumpalo and underscored the complexities of memory management in Rust.

Beat Paxos

A developer used Claude Code to create “BeatPaxos,” a game designed to teach the Paxos distributed consensus algorithm through interactive gameplay. Players attempt to delay decisions by simulating failures, but cannot violate the algorithm’s safety properties. While the initial prototype was functional, refinements were needed to address leader timeout bugs and improve message visualization.

Unified Modules For Your Nixfiles

The author critiques the conventional NixOS module structure, finding it inefficient for managing configurations across platforms and features. They developed an alternative system for dotfiles that prioritizes organization by feature rather than module type, aiming for improved maintainability and discoverability. This new system separates personal computer configurations from broader system management, grouping modules based on functionality.

Atuin v18.13 – better search, a PTY proxy, and AI for your shell

Atuin v18.13 introduces a new daemon for significantly faster and more accurate shell history search, along with an AI assistant for generating shell commands with a focus on safety and privacy. The release also includes a “pty proxy” (Atuin Hex) to improve terminal rendering and enable future feature expansion. Users can enable these features through configuration or the atuin setup command.

Minecraft Source Code is Interesting

A recent leak of Minecraft’s PS3 source code revealed optimization techniques used by 4J Studios to port the Java game to C++ for the console. These included packing data into single integers to avoid locks, a custom 20-line garbage collection system, and a compression strategy for reducing data storage. The techniques highlight ingenious solutions for working within the constraints of the PS3’s hardware.

Android Apps Update: Google Extends Support for Older Apps

Due to upcoming changes, older, unverified Android applications will soon cease to function. Google is implementing an “advanced flow” to allow these apps to continue operating. This measure aims to maintain compatibility while upholding security standards.

Systemd Introduces Birth Date Support for Upcoming Linux Desktop Age Controls

Systemd has added a birth date field to user records to facilitate age verification compliance with emerging regulations. This feature provides a centralized data source for applications to determine age-based access, though it does not enforce restrictions itself. The change is part of a broader effort to support age-aware functionality on the Linux desktop, raising privacy concerns and posing challenges for distributions without systemd.

Java is fast, code might not be

A Java order-processing application underwent optimization, resulting in significant performance improvements including a 79% reduction in garbage collection pauses and a fivefold increase in throughput. The enhancements were achieved by addressing common code anti-patterns like inefficient string handling and unnecessary object creation, without altering the application’s architecture. The author plans to share detailed profiling data and specific code fixes in subsequent parts of the series.

KiCad 10.0.0 Release

The KiCad project has released version 10.0.0, a major update to their open-source electronics design software. Key improvements include a dark mode for Windows, customizable toolbars, and enhanced official libraries with STEP format models. This release features contributions from hundreds of developers and focuses on usability and library enhancements.

Delphi 13.1 Released, with ARM64 support

RAD Studio 13.1, including Delphi and C++Builder, has been released with support for Windows on ARM devices through a new native compiler. The update also ensures compatibility with the latest Android and iOS platforms, addressing current app store requirements. Numerous IDE enhancements and technology improvements have been incorporated into this release.

Codex with a vague prompt just solved a bug in Ghostty

OpenAI’s Codex 5.3 model successfully resolved a software bug in Ghostty that had previously resisted fixes from other AI models. The model identified and generated a code solution by analyzing GTK4 source code, costing just $4.14 and 45 minutes. This fix will be included in the upcoming stable release of Ghostty.

Sonar – A tiny CLI to see and kill whatever’s running on localhost

Sonar is a new command-line tool that simplifies identifying and managing processes listening on localhost. It provides a comprehensive list of ports with details like Docker container information and resource usage, and allows users to kill processes, view logs, and access container shells. The tool aims to streamline development workflows by replacing complex commands like lsof.

The miracle of PowerToys, Microsoft’s last great Windows app

Microsoft PowerToys is a free suite of over 30 utility tools for Windows users, exceeding 70 million downloads. The project serves as an experimental platform for Microsoft to build goodwill and test new ideas, with no plans for monetization. PowerToys focuses on empowering users and fostering innovation within the Windows ecosystem.

TI-89 Height-Mapped Raycaster

A developer has created a height-mapped raycasting engine and dungeon crawler game for the TI-89 graphing calculator, building upon the existing FAT Engine. The game features procedural level generation, textured walls, and enemy sprites, along with several standalone tools for tasks like data transfer and graphics effects. Users can transfer prebuilt binaries to the calculator via USB, or build the project from source using tools like Docker and Python.

3D Printing High Quality Keycaps

A recent article demonstrates that high-quality keycaps can be successfully 3D printed using readily available FDM printers, eliminating the need for more expensive resin printers. The author found that a 45-degree printing angle with a 0.2mm nozzle produced excellent results and has shared their designs online. The article also explores keycap design considerations, such as sculpted profiles and shapes, and their impact on printability and user experience.

Drugwars for the TI-82/83/83 Calculators (2011)

“Drugwars” is a text-based simulation game for TI-82/83 calculators where players buy and sell drugs to pay off debt and earn money, while avoiding police detection. The game features fluctuating drug prices, random events like rival dealers and muggings, and incorporates a cautionary anti-drug message. Players manage limited storage space in their wallet and trenchcoat, adding a layer of resource management to the experience.

🛡️ Security & Privacy

Cybercrime, DDoS, and Terrorist Websites

A US Department of Justice operation, alongside international partners, has disrupted four large botnets – JackSkid, Mossad, Aisuru, and Kimwolf – impacting over three million compromised devices and responsible for record-breaking DDoS attacks. Simultaneously, the Justice Department seized several websites linked to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security for spreading propaganda and threatening individuals. While the botnet takedown aims to protect internet services, millions of vulnerable devices remain online, and the website seizures reflect ongoing tensions and cyber activity.

AI Integration: Xiaomi, Apple, and Security

Recent developments showcase significant advancements in accessible AI capabilities. Xiaomi has launched its MiMo V2 AI models, positioning them competitively against industry leaders like GPT-5, while a benchmark reveals that the Qwen3.5 AI model can achieve impressive results on home security tasks when run locally on a MacBook Pro, demonstrating the growing feasibility of running sophisticated AI on consumer devices. These innovations emphasize efficiency, privacy, and the potential to bypass reliance on cloud-based AI services.

Trivy Compromised a Second Time - Malicious v0.69.4 Release

The vulnerability scanner Trivy has been compromised a second time, with a malicious release (v0.69.4) published on March 19, 2026, following a previous incident in February. This new compromise also involved a related GitHub Action and the deletion of incident disclosure discussions, impacting projects using Trivy. Security firm StepSecurity detected the compromised action and is reporting impact to affected repositories.

Data Security and Digital Freedom

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She watched. She waited. Then she vanished with his $163m bitcoin fortune

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Tinder wants to scan your camera roll: this is why you should opt out

Due to technical issues, Tinder is currently requesting access to users’ camera rolls. This feature, intended to help identify fake profiles, has raised privacy concerns. Users are advised to opt out of this feature until its implementation is more clearly explained and trusted.

Wrong kind of spark: Innova Energie ex-employee steals customer IBANs in insider breach

Due to a data breach, a former employee of Innova Energie stole customer IBANs (bank account details). The incident occurred through an insider breach, compromising sensitive financial information. JavaScript and cookies are required to access further details about the incident.

CISA issues urgent Microsoft Intune security warning

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a security warning regarding Microsoft Intune. The alert instructs users to enable JavaScript and cookies to proceed, suggesting a potential vulnerability or necessary configuration update. Further details are needed to fully understand the scope and impact of the warning.

France’s aircraft carrier located in real time by Le Monde through fitness app

A French Navy officer unknowingly revealed the location of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Mediterranean Sea through a public Strava fitness app profile. The carrier, deployed following attacks on Iran, was located approximately 100 kilometers off the coast of Turkey. While the deployment was announced, the precise location remained undisclosed until this data breach.

FBI started buying Americans’ location data again, Kash Patel confirms

The FBI has restarted purchasing Americans’ location data from commercial sources, reversing a previous statement claiming they had stopped. Director Kash Patel defended the practice as legally compliant and providing valuable intelligence, despite concerns about potential Fourth Amendment violations and AI use. This resumption of data acquisition occurs without warrants.

FSFE supporters affected: Payment provider Nexi cancelled us

The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) lost its payment processing contract with Nexi after refusing a request for supporter usernames and passwords. This abrupt termination has halted recurring donations for over 450 supporters, requiring them to update their payment methods. FSFE is now seeking a new provider and expressed concern about the impact on their work.

Full Disclosure: A Third (and Fourth) Azure Sign-In Log Bypass Found

Security researcher Nyxgeek has identified and reported four Azure Entra ID sign-in log bypasses since 2023, allowing authentication without logging activity. These vulnerabilities, now patched, involved crafting specific login requests to validate passwords and, in recent cases, obtain functional tokens without creating visible log entries. The findings highlight the importance of understanding past security flaws to improve future preparedness.

💼 Business & Finance

Salesforce snaps up the team who built calendar app Clockwise to work on Agentforce

Salesforce has hired the team behind the calendar app Clockwise to work on its Agentforce platform, but will not be acquiring the app itself. Clockwise will cease operations on March 27th, advising users to migrate to Reclaim, and Salesforce assures users their data will not be accessed. The transition will see Clockwise’s leaders join Salesforce to develop Agentforce’s interoperability and orchestration features.

Jaguar Land Rover’s cyber bailout sets worrying precedent, watchdog warns

A UK cyber watchdog warns that the government’s £1.5 billion bailout of Jaguar Land Rover sets a concerning precedent due to the lack of clear criteria. The bailout, which followed a costly cyberattack, risks encouraging companies to rely on state support rather than improving their own cybersecurity. The Cyber Monitoring Centre is working to better measure cyber damage and is expanding its operations.

Zetwerk Eyes $550M India IPO, Valuation ~$4B

Zetwerk, an Indian contract electronics manufacturer, is preparing to file for an IPO aiming to raise up to $550 million and achieve a $4 billion valuation. The planned offering includes fresh equity and an offer for sale, with a potential listing expected later this year. Zetwerk serves major clients like Samsung and Volvo and benefits from the trend of diversifying global tech supply chains.

Roblox to Share Sponsorship Revenue, Overhauls Ads

Roblox is implementing new advertising policies starting May 4, clarifying what constitutes an advertisement on its platform. The company will now take a share of revenue generated from sponsorships within games. These changes aim to provide more transparency and boost sponsorship revenue for Roblox.

Kalshi Halts Nevada Contracts After Judge’s Order

A Nevada judge has issued a temporary restraining order halting Kalshi’s sports and election contracts, marking the first time a US state has forced the company to cease operations. The ruling is part of an ongoing regulatory battle over prediction markets and comes after Kalshi faced criminal charges in Arizona. The court will decide whether to extend the ban after a 14-day period.

Amazon’s New Phone Project

Amazon is reportedly developing a new smartphone, internally codenamed “Transformer,” signaling a return to the mobile market after the 2014 Fire Phone. The device is expected to heavily integrate with Alexa and Amazon’s services to create personalized experiences, though details remain limited and the project’s success is uncertain. This venture aligns with Amazon’s broader strategy focused on voice-driven technology.

Gemini Cuts Staff, Lost $500M+ Amid Crypto Downturn

Gemini has reduced its workforce by roughly 30% this year, resulting in approximately 445 employees as of March 1. The cryptocurrency exchange reported losses exceeding $500 million in 2025 and is using AI to improve productivity. Gemini will not be providing a financial outlook for 2026.

ByteDance to Sell Moonton Gaming Unit for $6B

ByteDance has reached an agreement to sell its Moonton game studio to Savvy Games Group, a Saudi Arabian firm, for $6 billion. Savvy Games Group, owned by the Saudi PIF, acquired Moonton, which ByteDance bought for $4 billion in 2021. The acquisition is part of Savvy’s broader strategy to expand its mobile gaming portfolio.

Nasdaq to Test Tokenized Securities Trading

The SEC has approved a Nasdaq rule change that will allow some securities to trade in tokenized form, initiating a pilot program with the Depository Trust Company. This program will enable eligible participants to settle trades using tokenized shares, which will operate alongside traditional shares with the same order book and execution priority. The move represents a step towards integrating blockchain technology into traditional financial markets.

Alibaba, Tencent Shares Drop Amid AI Monetization Concerns

Alibaba and Tencent lost a combined $66 billion in market value after investors reacted negatively to a lack of clarity regarding the monetization of their AI investments. The drop follows a week of gains driven by expectations of AI-related growth, which were not supported by concrete plans. Investors are now questioning the tech giants’ ability to profit from recent AI advancements.

Yotta Eyes $500M Funding, IPO Plans Loom

Indian data center operator Yotta Data Services is seeking a $4 billion valuation and plans to raise $500-$600 million in new capital. The company, which operates India’s largest Nvidia AI processor cluster, intends to file paperwork for an IPO within weeks. This move would also involve a public offering expected to generate a similar amount of funds.

Bezos Fund to Invest in Tech-Linked Companies

Jeff Bezos is reportedly planning a $100 billion investment fund to support his AI startup, Project Prometheus, which aims to improve engineering and manufacturing. The fund will invest in companies that can utilize Project Prometheus’s technology and will be managed under the same holding company. Discussions are currently ongoing with investors in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Film your chores and get some cash, DoorDash tells couriers

DoorDash is now incentivizing its couriers to film themselves completing tasks, offering cash rewards for participation. The program requires couriers to enable JavaScript and cookies on their devices. Details on the specific tasks and reward amounts were not provided.

Meta will pay $3,000 for YouTubers and TikTokers to post on Facebook

Meta is offering YouTubers and TikTokers $3,000 to create content for Facebook. The program aims to boost engagement on the platform and attract creators from rival services. Interested participants need to enable JavaScript and cookies to proceed with the application.

BYD’s bet on EVs is paying off as drivers ditch gas amid rising oil prices

BYD, now the world’s largest EV manufacturer, is experiencing increased demand for its electric vehicles as global oil prices surge. This trend is impacting markets worldwide, prompting consumers to seek alternatives and governments to incentivize EV adoption. Rising gas prices are accelerating the shift towards electric vehicles, with some regions even implementing policies to encourage the transition.

90% of crypto’s Illinois primary spending failed to achieve its objective

Super PAC spending in Illinois’ primary elections was largely ineffective, failing to influence most races and only succeeding in contests with predictable outcomes. Despite backing candidates like Bean and Budzinski, the PACs’ opposition to Robert Peters failed to prevent him from receiving a significant portion of the vote. With substantial funds still available, more significant spending is expected in the months leading up to the general election.

HP trialed mandatory 15-minute support call wait times (2025)

HP recently tested a policy in several European countries that forced customers calling tech support to wait 15 minutes on hold, aiming to encourage self-service digital options. The company has since discontinued the practice following customer feedback emphasizing the importance of timely access to live agents. HP stated it will now prioritize ensuring quick access to phone support to improve the customer experience.

Atlassian, AI sell-off’s worst-hit company, grapples with ‘SaaSpocalypse’

Atlassian has been heavily impacted by a recent sell-off affecting AI companies, leading to substantial losses. This downturn is prompting discussions about a potential “SaaS apocalypse” within the software-as-a-service industry. The Financial Times is promoting subscription options to access their coverage of this developing situation.

Entso-E final report on Iberian 2025 blackout

A final report concluded that a combination of voltage fluctuations and generator disconnections caused the April 2025 blackout in Spain and Portugal. The Expert Panel identified the root causes and recommended improvements to operational practices, monitoring, and coordination to prevent future incidents. The blackout, the most severe in Europe in over 20 years, underscored the need for regulatory adjustments and aligning market mechanisms with the power system’s capabilities.

3M’s PFAS exit killed the supply chain for two-phase immersion cooling in DCs

Ecolab is set to acquire CoolIT Systems for $4.5 to $5 billion, reflecting surging demand for liquid cooling solutions driven by the AI boom. Data centers are facing supply chain challenges and regulatory scrutiny regarding water usage, leading to exploration of alternative cooling technologies like zeolite thermal batteries and a surprising return to less efficient air-cooled systems. These shifts are driven by rising data center construction and concerns about environmental impact.

Why is US tech giant Palantir suing a small Swiss magazine?

Tech giant Palantir is suing Swiss magazine Republik over an investigative article detailing the company’s unsuccessful efforts to secure government contracts in Switzerland. Palantir claims the article contains inaccuracies and is seeking a lengthy rebuttal, while the magazine alleges the lawsuit is an intimidation tactic. The investigation revealed Palantir’s extensive, but ultimately failed, pursuit of Swiss government business.

Stack Overflow lays off approx 40 staff

Stack Overflow recently laid off over 30 employees, including long-term staff, resulting in a loss of institutional knowledge. The company attributes the layoffs to broader industry trends focused on monopolizing knowledge, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to freely sharing information. The layoffs have prompted concerns about preserving Stack Overflow’s original mission and purpose.

China could be the biggest public funder of science within two years

A new analysis projects that China will surpass the United States as the world’s largest public funder of research within the next two to three years. Fueled by significant increases in government spending, China’s R&D investment has reached $133 billion, compared to the U.S.’s $155 billion. While China is poised to lead in public funding, it still lags behind the U.S. in fundamental research spending.

U.S. weighs lifting Iranian oil sanctions to keep price in check

The White House is considering easing sanctions on Iranian oil currently at sea to help lower global oil prices, which have significantly increased due to the war in Ukraine. This move would release approximately 140 million barrels of oil onto the market and counter Iran’s leverage, marking a notable shift in U.S. policy. Experts describe this as a concession by the U.S., previously hesitant to loosen sanctions even during negotiations.

The Cult of Costco

Costco has cultivated a surprising sense of community and normalcy, offering a respite from broader societal anxieties. The store’s unique membership model, focus on value, and courteous environment foster a loyal customer base and create a surprisingly positive shopping experience. Shoppers find comfort in Costco’s consistent operation and cooperative atmosphere, contrasting it with the instability of the outside world.

🌍 Society & Policy

Police Facial Recognition: Bias Concerns

Essex Police has temporarily halted the use of live facial recognition technology after studies revealed concerns about racial bias and disproportionate misidentification of Black individuals. While police cite conflicting findings, the suspension follows scrutiny from the Information Commissioner’s Office and a University of Cambridge study highlighting accuracy and fairness issues. The force is currently updating the system and revising procedures before considering future deployment.

UK to rethink tech buying after Palantir contracts

The UK government is reassessing its technology procurement strategy, prioritizing domestic companies and innovation over previous contracts, particularly those with Palantir. Concerns regarding Palantir’s background and data privacy are prompting a review of the NHS contract, potentially leading to early termination. The government is also merging NHS England’s responsibilities, which will further impact the future of the Palantir contract.

Starmer’s digital ID reboot raises same old questions as its Blair-era ancestor

The UK government is proposing a voluntary digital identity scheme, initially for work verification, with potential expansion to other public services. Key details regarding the project’s cost and data retention policies remain unclear, sparking concerns reminiscent of a failed initiative from the Blair era. The system will primarily rely on smartphone-based IDs, despite concerns about accessibility and its impact on young people.

EU AI Levy Proposed: Funds for Content & Culture

Mistral AI’s CEO has proposed a new revenue-based levy for AI model providers in the EU. The funds generated would be invested in content creation and supporting European cultural sectors, aiming to protect copyright holders. This proposal seeks to establish legal clarity within the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

AI Regulation and Legislation

Both the Trump and current White House administrations are pushing for federal legislation to regulate artificial intelligence development. The frameworks prioritize innovation, economic growth, and national security while addressing concerns about child safety and workforce readiness. Both proposals seek to establish a unified national policy to ensure American leadership in AI and preempt potentially conflicting state laws.

Lobsters Interview with Internet_Jannitor

John Earnest, known as Internet_Janitor, creates creative software projects like Decker, which resembles HyperCard. He discussed his experience with the array language K, emphasizing the importance of concise code and avoiding unnecessary abstractions. His approach prioritizes writing programs directly in the language, adapting solutions to specific needs rather than relying on pre-built libraries.

Thunderbird: Introducing our Public Roadmaps

Thunderbird has launched public roadmaps, available at roadmaps.thunderbird.net, outlining its plans for Services, Desktop, and Mobile products starting in 2026. The roadmaps will be updated quarterly to provide transparent communication about progress and adjustments, focusing on overarching goals. Thunderbird emphasizes community input and prioritizing initiatives with long-term impact.

Embracing Technological Progress, Remaining Content

The author argues against the pressure to immediately adopt emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and AI, suggesting it’s often more prudent to wait and assess their long-term value. Early adoption can lead to wasted time and resources, and there’s no disadvantage in embracing technology later when its utility and reliability are established. Ultimately, it’s perfectly acceptable to adopt new technologies at your own pace.

What are you doing this weekend?

This article encourages readers to share their weekend plans and seek advice. It emphasizes that having a relaxing, unplanned weekend is perfectly acceptable. The piece serves as an open invitation for community interaction and sharing.

Wayland’s Impact on Linux Desktops

Wayland, a project aiming to modernize the Linux desktop display protocol, has experienced slow adoption and significant challenges despite 17 years of development. Restrictive security measures and compatibility issues have hindered its progress, resulting in only a minority market share and prompting a reevaluation of its design. The project’s difficulties contrast with the faster adoption of alternatives like PipeWire.

Small social network gains traction

Offpunk software has launched “Social Smolnet,” a new feature enabling decentralized social interaction through existing email and web infrastructure. Users can now easily share links and reply directly to authors, bypassing traditional social media platforms. This approach emphasizes leveraging existing tools to create a simpler, decentralized network within the “Small Web.”

Fedora Asahi Remix 43 is now available

Fedora Asahi Remix 43 is now available, bringing Fedora Linux 43 to Apple Silicon Macs with significant package management upgrades. The release expands device support, including the Mac Pro, and offers KDE Plasma 6.6 as the flagship desktop experience, alongside GNOME and server options. Existing users can upgrade using Plasma Discover or DNF’s system upgrade command.

US to deploy additional troops to the Middle East, officials say

The U.S. is deploying thousands of additional Marines and sailors, including a Marine Expeditionary Unit and the USS Boxer, to the Middle East. This move supplements the existing 50,000 U.S. troops in the region and aims to increase capacity for potential future operations. The deployment follows escalating tensions with Iran and comes as the U.S. prepares for possible actions, though no decision has been made to send troops into Iran.

Carbon dioxide levels are higher than humans have ever experienced

A new study analyzing decades of US health data reveals correlations between rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and changes in human blood chemistry, including increased bicarbonate and decreased calcium and phosphorus. These shifts, potentially a response to increased blood acidity, mirror the rise in carbon dioxide and could lead to unhealthy levels within decades. Researchers caution that further investigation is needed, but the findings suggest climate change may pose a significant public health risk.

Oregon school cell phone ban: ‘Engaged students, joyful teachers’

Oregon’s statewide cell phone ban in K-12 schools is largely successful, leading to improved student engagement and classroom discussions. Governor Tina Kotek recently visited Estacada High School to assess the policy and received mostly positive feedback from students and teachers. The ban is now fully implemented across all Oregon school districts.

Chuck Norris dies at age 86

Chuck Norris, the actor and martial artist known for roles in Walker, Texas Ranger and numerous action films, has died at age 86. He achieved enduring fame across generations, further amplified by his popularity as a meme icon. Norris’s authentic presence and martial arts expertise cemented his legacy in entertainment.

Having Kids (2019)

The author initially held a negative view of parenthood, believing parents lacked enjoyment and were often stressed. However, after becoming a parent, their perspective changed significantly due to hormonal shifts and the discovery of deep joy and peace. They now recognize their prior observations of parents and children were biased, missing the many fulfilling moments of connection.

Chuck Norris has died

Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion and star of “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died at the age of 86. He passed away peacefully in Hawaii surrounded by family after being hospitalized. Norris was celebrated for his action roles and martial arts skills, becoming a notable American icon.

Germany Mandates ODF for Public Administration

Germany’s new digital infrastructure framework, Deutschland-Stack, now mandates the use of the open-standard Open Document Format (ODF) for all public administration documents. This move aims to enhance interoperability, ensure long-term accessibility, and reduce dependence on proprietary software within the German government. The framework also prioritizes open standards and local data storage to promote digital sovereignty.

Schizophrenia study finds new biomarker, drug candidate in mice

A new study has identified Cacna2d1 as a biomarker linked to cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, a significant unmet need in current treatments. Researchers developed a synthetic protein, SEAD1, that successfully corrected brain activity and behavior in a mouse model without side effects, offering a potential new therapeutic approach. This biomarker-therapeutic strategy could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for schizophrenia and potentially other mental disorders.

Exploring 8 Shaft Weaving

The author acquired an 8-shaft table loom to explore traditional weaving techniques, a shift from their previous experience with looms offering more individual thread control. An expert weaver assisted in the complex warp setup, emphasizing the importance of tension and order. The loom’s mechanics and threading methods, like “point threading,” significantly impact design possibilities and highlight the interplay between technical limitations and creative expression.

Floating wetlands boost water quality, slash greenhouse emissions

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State of Platforms 2026: From Adoption to Accountability

A recent survey of Norwegian public sector organizations shows near-universal adoption (92%) of Internal Developer Platforms, driven by a standardized toolchain that emerged through open knowledge sharing. Security and cost management have become key priorities for platform development, reflecting the influence of regulations like NIS2. While operational maturity has improved, measuring platform performance remains a persistent challenge.

The Soul of a Pedicab Driver

An Oslo, Norway resident working as a pedicab driver initially found the job rewarding but experienced increasing stress from difficult passenger interactions. To cope, the author adopted mindfulness techniques and embarked on a period of self-reflection, focusing on inner resilience. Ultimately, the experience prompted a personal journey toward balance and emotional management amidst the challenges of the unique profession.