TechSlice 2023-10-16

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BIG TECH & STARTUPS

Goldman Sachs exec reportedly said Apple Card savings account was a ****ing mistake (3 minute read)

Goldman Sachs deeply regrets its partnership with Apple, which has resulted in significant financial losses. The bank is now facing the challenge of exiting the partnership and has even considered Apple taking a larger role in the venture, but this idea hasn't gained traction. Furthermore, the partnership is under investigation by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for various issues.

LinkedIn to lay off hundreds of people amid broader restructuring (2 minute read)

LinkedIn is undergoing a major overhaul, shedding around 660 jobs as it sets its sights on artificial intelligence (AI). This shift is all about ramping up their recommendation algorithms and other AI-powered features for a cooler and smarter platform.

Intel’s new 14th Gen CPUs arrive on October 17th with up to 6GHz out of the box (2 minute read)

Intel is introducing its 14th Gen desktop processors, the "Raptor Lake Refresh," maintaining the same pricing as the 13th Gen. The flagship Core i9-14900K boasts a 6GHz boost frequency, making it the fastest volume desktop processor. The Core i7-14700K stands out with 12 efficiency cores, enhancing performance for creators and multithreaded games, while all processors work with Intel's 600- and 700-series motherboards and offer Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support.

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SCIENCE & FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY

Elon Musk wants to merge humans with AI. How many brains will be damaged along the way? (16 minute read)

Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-chip company, has grand ambitions to merge human brains with AI. However, concerns have been raised about the invasive nature of the technology and the ethical implications it poses. Despite the potential benefits, questions about privacy, surveillance, hacking vulnerabilities, and the impact on personal identity are emerging, making the fusion of brains and machines a complex and controversial endeavor.

Apple has an edge over its competitors in the fight against climate change (3 minute read)

Apple leads the way in climate initiatives among major tech companies by setting targets for suppliers to transition to renewable energy, but supply chain transparency remains a concern. The report also suggests that tech firms should collaborate more closely to advocate for clean energy policies and be strategic in their renewable energy purchasing.

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PROGRAMMING, DESIGN & DATA SCIENCE

SSH Hardening with ssh-audit (2 minute read)

The article delves into the world of SSH security and unveils "ssh-audit," an indispensable tool for scrutinizing and enhancing SSH server defenses. It unravels the tool's array of features and practical utility, underscoring the imperative role of maintaining an ironclad SSH configuration in the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity.

Your Mac Terminal Doesn’t Have to Look Ugly. Upgrade It In a Few Minutes (2 minute read)

Article guides tech enthusiasts through the process of revamping the aesthetics of their Mac Terminal, showcasing how to transform its appearance from plain to visually appealing with a few simple steps. It highlights the use of custom themes and fonts to elevate the Terminal's overall look, catering to users who appreciate both style and functionality in their command-line environment.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Hackers are hiding malicious code in Binance Smart Chain contracts (2 minute read)

Hackers are getting crafty by embedding malicious code within Binance Smart Chain contracts, concealing their nefarious activities within blockchain operations. This report explores how these covert tactics are employed and the security challenges they pose in the ever-evolving realm of blockchain technology.

US Government Holds $5B in Bitcoin: WSJ (2 minute read)

The US government has reportedly seized over $5 billion worth of Bitcoin, a significant development in the realm of cryptocurrency-related law enforcement actions. The Wall Street Journal details the reasons behind these seizures, which primarily involve criminal activities and various illicit transactions that federal authorities are targeting. This event underscores the growing interaction between cryptocurrencies and government authorities as they strive to address criminal issues within the digital asset space.

AI Tinder already exists: ‘Real people will disappoint you, but not them’ (5 minute read)

An AI-driven Tinder clone, aptly named "AInder," has been making waves as it promises users the opportunity to avoid the letdowns of real-life dating. The algorithm behind AInder uses deep learning to mimic human interactions and cater to users' preferences, potentially revolutionizing the dating app landscape. While the concept might be intriguing to some, it raises questions about the impact of AI on human relationships and whether it's truly a solution to the complexities of modern dating.

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QUICK LINKS

Deepfake Porn Is Out of Control (9 minute read)

A recent analysis reveals that nonconsensual deepfake porn videos are on the rise, with over 244,625 such videos uploaded to various websites in the past seven years. This disturbing trend, predominantly targeting women, is growing exponentially, with 113,000 videos uploaded in the first nine months of 2023 alone, emphasizing the urgent need for better regulation and safeguards against the spread of such malicious content.

Are we getting new iPads this year? Probably, but they may disappoint you. (1 minute read)

Tech enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation over Apple's upcoming October event, where the tech giant is rumored to reveal a new budget-friendly 10.2-inch iPad. In addition to this, the event may bring exciting updates to the iPad mini, refreshing the lineup with new features and improved performance. Apple's announcements are eagerly awaited as enthusiasts hope for advancements that will enhance their tablet experience.

This $35 AI writes and publishes e-books for you (2 minute read)

My AI eBook Creation Pro is an AI-powered writing tool designed to assist you in creating and publishing e-books, even if you're not a tech-savvy or experienced author. The AI helps you generate the initial draft, and then you can customize and refine the content to match your vision. This tool not only simplifies the writing process but also allows you to publish your work and potentially earn from it, making it a valuable resource for aspiring authors.

Stack Overflow lays off over 100 people as the AI coding boom continues (1 minute read)

Stack Overflow has reportedly laid off a significant portion of its staff as it struggles with profitability issues, with some employees citing the challenges of monetizing its AI products. This move raises questions about the sustainability of platforms that provide valuable services to the tech community while also attempting to balance the financial aspects of their businesses.

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