Anti-Clickbait News Summaries for October 21, 2024
U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rises as investors await Federal Reserve speeches
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New Spectre vulnerabilities threaten Intel and AMD processors
Cybersecurity researchers have identified new Spectre vulnerabilities affecting Intel and AMD processors. These flaws exploit speculative execution, a technique used by modern processors to enhance performance, allowing attackers to access sensitive information.
The new attacks, discovered by researchers from ETH Zurich, target a wide range of Intel and AMD chips, including several generations of consumer and server processors. They bypass existing defenses, specifically the Indirect Branch Predictor Barrier.
Both Intel and AMD have acknowledged these vulnerabilities. Intel is tracking the issue as CVE-2023-38575, while AMD is tracking it as CVE-2022-23824. Intel released a firmware update in March, but it has not yet been implemented across all operating systems.
DJI plans to launch Osmo 360 camera to compete in 360-degree market
DJI is reportedly preparing to launch its first 360-degree camera, the Osmo 360, to compete with Insta360 and GoPro. A recent FCC filing suggests the camera will be handheld, similar to the Osmo Pocket 3.
This move comes as GoPro delays the release of its Max 2 camera. DJI's entry into the 360-degree market could disrupt Insta360's dominance, following its success with action cameras like the Osmo Action 5 Pro.
Details about the Osmo 360 remain scarce, but it is expected to offer high video resolution and advanced image stabilization. A user-friendly editing app will also be crucial for its success in the competitive 360-degree camera market.
Apple enhances AirPods Pro with new hearing aid features following FDA resolution
Apple is introducing new hearing aid features for the AirPods Pro 2, following a 2022 FDA resolution that allowed over-the-counter hearing aids. This development has prompted consumer electronics companies to explore hearing health technology.
The new Hearing Test feature allows users to assess their hearing at home. It requires a quiet environment and takes about five minutes to complete, testing each ear with a series of tones. Results indicate whether users have mild to moderate hearing loss.
If hearing loss is detected, users can activate Media Assist, which amplifies speech while reducing background noise. This feature aims to enhance daily communication, although it may require some adjustment in social settings.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/21/a-closer-look-at-the-airpods-pros-new-hearing-aid-feature/
House report finds security failures led to assassination attempt at Trump rally
A House report has concluded that the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a July rally in Pennsylvania was preventable. The report highlights significant security failures, particularly by the Secret Service, which failed to communicate effectively with local law enforcement.
The shooting resulted in one death and two injuries. Lawmakers criticized the fragmented communication and lack of security measures that allowed the gunman to access the roof and open fire. The report draws from extensive interviews and documents but does not assign individual blame.
The Secret Service director resigned after the incident, and at least five agents have been placed on modified duty. A final report with recommendations to improve security for political candidates is expected by mid-December. The task force is also investigating a second assassination attempt on Trump.
Apple prepares to launch AI features but trails Google and Samsung in competition
Apple will launch its first Apple Intelligence features with the iOS 18.1 update on October 28. However, expectations are low, as industry expert Mark Gurman suggests these features may not match the capabilities of competitors like Google and OpenAI.
An internal study indicates that OpenAI's ChatGPT is significantly more accurate than Siri, highlighting Apple's challenges in the AI market. Despite this, Apple plans to expand support for Apple Intelligence across all screen-equipped devices by 2026.
The upcoming iPhone SE, expected in March 2025, will support Apple Intelligence, making it more accessible. It will feature a design similar to the iPhone 14 and is likely to be powered by the A18 chip, enhancing its performance.
U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rises as investors await Federal Reserve speeches
The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield increased to 4.112% on Monday, as investors prepared for several speeches from Federal Reserve officials. The 2-year Treasury yield also rose to 3.979%.
Key Fed officials, including Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, are set to speak. Investors are looking for insights on future monetary policy.
Last week, Fed Governor Christopher Waller indicated that future interest rate cuts may be more cautious than those made in September, citing concerns about the economy's performance.
Tesla and Intel deny illegal mapping allegations in China
Tesla and Intel have denied allegations from China's Ministry of State Security that they engaged in illegal mapping activities and stole state secrets. The accusations involve a foreign company linked to a smart car project.
Tesla's China Vice President emphasized the company's commitment to compliance, while Intel's Mobileye stated it adheres to legal requirements in its operations. Both companies are responding to rising tensions between the U.S. and China in the tech sector.
These allegations come as Intel faces challenges, including a drop in stock price, and Tesla seeks to maintain its market position in China amid changing sales incentives.
Vitalik Buterin highlights growth potential for cryptocurrencies after industry challenges
Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, spoke at a conference in Singapore about the future of cryptocurrencies. He noted that recent challenges, including the collapse of FTX, have exposed weaknesses in the industry but also led to improvements.
Buterin emphasized the need for technological advancements, such as multi-signature wallets, to enhance security. He pointed out that decentralized exchanges have become more common, marking a significant improvement in the crypto landscape.
The cryptocurrency market is currently experiencing a resurgence, with Bitcoin and Ethereum seeing notable price increases. Bitcoin recently surpassed $69,000, while Ethereum reached $2,750, indicating growing confidence in the sector's long-term potential.
Biden administration proposes free over-the-counter birth control coverage for insured individuals
The Biden administration has proposed a new rule requiring health insurers to cover all recommended over-the-counter contraceptives, including birth control and condoms, at no cost and without a prescription for insured individuals.
This marks a significant change, as previously, over-the-counter birth control required a prescription for insurance coverage. The rule aims to improve access to contraceptives amid ongoing debates about reproductive health access following restrictions in many states.
The proposed rule will undergo a comment period and could take effect in 2025 if approved. The administration's efforts follow the recent approval of the first over-the-counter birth control pill, Opill, which became available earlier this year.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2024/10/20/g-s1-29117/over-the-counter-birth-control-condoms-free
Pennsylvania emerges as a crucial battleground in tight Harris-Trump race
Pennsylvania is a key battleground in the presidential race, with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in a close contest. Both candidates are heavily advertising in the state, which holds 19 electoral votes.
Recent polls indicate a tight race, prompting increased campaign activity. Democrats have outspent Republicans on ads, with $159 million compared to $121 million. Voter concerns center on the economy and abortion access, influencing candidate strategies.
Trump appeals to white voters without college degrees and blue-collar workers, while Harris aims to maintain support in urban areas and among Black and Latino voters. Both candidates are focusing on key demographics to secure victory in this pivotal state.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2024/10/21/g-s1-28936/pennsylvania-election-harris-trump-2024
Bitcoin rises above $68,000 as crypto market gains momentum ahead of US elections
Bitcoin's price surged past $68,000 on October 21, reaching $68,771 on international exchanges. This marks a significant recovery from a three-month slump, driven by optimism surrounding the upcoming US elections and potential pro-crypto policies.
Ether also saw gains, rising 3.62% to $2,739. The overall crypto market cap increased by 1.76% to $2.38 trillion, with many altcoins, including Solana and Ripple, benefiting from the bullish trend.
Investors are showing strong interest, with record inflows into spot ETFs totaling $2 billion in the past week. The USDT market cap reached a record $120 billion, further supporting the positive market sentiment.
Satya Nadella's daily outreach shapes Microsoft's AI partnerships and investments
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has adopted a unique habit of speaking with two executives daily from various industries, including tech and sports. This approach helps him identify emerging trends and potential collaborations.
Nadella often asks about exciting startups and valuable contacts during these conversations. His outreach includes discussions with AI leaders and even former sports figures, enhancing Microsoft's strategic partnerships.
Under Nadella's leadership since 2014, Microsoft has shifted to a partnership-focused strategy. The company has made significant investments in AI, including $10 billion in OpenAI and $1.5 billion in G42, reflecting this new direction.
Chinese banks lower lending rates to boost growth as gold prices hit record high
Chinese banks have cut lending rates to stimulate economic growth. This move has positively impacted the mining sector, with shares of companies like Antofagasta and Glencore rising.
Gold prices have reached a record high of $2,732.73 per ounce, up over 32% in 2024. Factors driving this increase include geopolitical instability and uncertainty surrounding the U.S. presidential election.
In Germany, wholesale inflation has decreased more than expected, with industrial prices down 1.4% year-on-year. This decline, mainly due to lower energy prices, may influence the European Central Bank's interest rate decisions in the coming months.
IBM unveils new AI models for businesses as competition in generative AI intensifies
IBM has launched new AI models called "Granite 3.0" aimed at businesses, responding to the growing interest in generative AI. These models will be open-source, unlike competitors like Microsoft, which charge for access.
Some Granite models are now available for commercial use on IBM's Watsonx platform. Additionally, select models can be used with Nvidia's software tools, enhancing integration for businesses.
The new models were developed using Nvidia's H100 graphics processors, reflecting IBM's collaboration with leading AI technology.
Perplexity AI targets $9 billion valuation in new funding round
Perplexity AI is seeking to raise about $500 million in a new funding round, aiming for a valuation of around $9 billion. This is a significant increase from its $3 billion valuation in June.
The company started 2024 with a valuation of roughly $500 million and has raised funds three times this year, benefiting from growing investor interest in generative AI.
Perplexity AI competes with major players like OpenAI but faces controversy over plagiarism accusations from media outlets, which it has denied.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/20/perplexity-ai-startup-funding-round-8-billion-valuation.html