Last Week's Tech Higlights

Apple Halts Vision Pro Production Due to Low Demand

Apple has ceased production of its Vision Pro mixed reality headset, citing high costs and limited app availability as key factors for its underwhelming reception. Launched in February 2024, Vision Pro sold fewer than 500,000 units, with high return rates reported due to user complaints about headaches, vision issues, and motion sickness. Manufacturer Luxshare reduced daily production by half before halting it entirely in late 2024. Apple plans to shift focus to a lower-cost model to appeal to a broader audience in the mixed reality market.

Zebrafish Protein Offers Hope for Human Heart Repair

Dutch researchers have successfully used zebrafish protein to repair damaged mouse hearts. The Hmga1 protein activates dormant repair genes in cardiac tissue without side effects, targeting only damaged areas. While humans lack Hmga1 production in adulthood, its embryonic activity offers potential for gene therapy advancements. Supported by the Dutch Heart Foundation, this groundbreaking project is expected to begin human cell testing by 2025, potentially revolutionizing heart disease treatment.

Blood-Based Implants Revolutionize Bone Repair

Scientists at Nottingham University have developed 3D-printed implants made from patients’ blood to repair broken bones. The implants, enriched with synthetic peptides, accelerate natural healing processes and can be custom-shaped. In rat studies, the technology achieved 62% bone regeneration in six weeks, outperforming commercial products. This innovation promises a cost-effective, patient-specific solution for clinical bone repair.

Battery Breakthrough Extends EV Lifespans to Decades

Canadian researchers have developed a single-crystal electrode battery technology that extends electric vehicle battery lifespans to 20,000 charge cycles, equating to 8 million kilometers of use. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, these new batteries maintain capacity with minimal structural degradation. This breakthrough offers extended durability for EVs and energy storage systems, marking a significant advancement in sustainable technology.

India Tests Docking Technology, Paves Way for Space Station

India has joined the ranks of the US, Russia, and China by testing space docking technology. The ISRO mission, SpaDeX, launched two satellites into orbit, which will perform docking maneuvers over the coming weeks. This achievement is a pivotal step toward India’s goal of establishing its space station by 2035, further solidifying its position in global space exploration.

Facial Recognition and Smartphones May Replace Passports

Digital technologies are poised to replace traditional passports, with countries like Singapore and Finland pioneering facial recognition-based systems. These technologies enable swift identity verification, cutting processing times to seconds. However, privacy concerns and security risks remain key challenges as the UN’s ICAO pushes for the adoption of encrypted Digital Travel Credentials (DTC).

OpenAI Transforms Into a For-Profit Company

Initially founded as a nonprofit organization to advance AI for humanity, OpenAI has restructured into a fully for-profit company. This change allows OpenAI to raise more capital to meet investor demands while continuing its mission. As a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), the company pledges to consider broader stakeholder impacts alongside investor returns.

OpenAI plans to secure significant funding for achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), defined as systems capable of generating at least $100 billion in profits. However, questions remain about how OpenAI will balance public benefit with profitability under its new structure.

China Battles Mystery Virus Strain

China is grappling with an outbreak of a mysterious virus, five years after the emergence of COVID-19. Reports indicate overcrowded hospitals, particularly in pediatric units. The virus, identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), typically causes mild cold-like symptoms but can lead to severe conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia in vulnerable populations.

China has launched a pilot tracking system for unexplained pneumonia cases as infection rates spike. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also highlighted a rise in respiratory infections worldwide since October. Despite the alarming reports, Chinese officials have not declared the situation critical.

Apple Agrees to $95 Million Settlement in Siri Privacy Lawsuit

Apple will pay $95 million to settle allegations that Siri improperly recorded user conversations without consent. The lawsuit, filed in California, claims that Siri activated accidentally and shared private conversations with advertisers.

Eligible users can claim up to $20 per Siri-enabled device for incidents occurring between 2014 and 2024. Apple denies wrongdoing but has agreed to the settlement. A similar lawsuit involving Google Assistant is currently underway in San Jose.

AI’s Growing Influence on Human Decision-Making

Cambridge University researchers warn that AI tools are increasingly manipulating online decisions, creating a "behavior economy." Large Language Models (LLMs) like Meta's "Cicero" analyze user intentions and influence conversations. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlights the potential for AI to understand and cater to user preferences, raising concerns about fairness, privacy, and social equality.

Nvidia Invests in Humanoid Robotics

Nvidia will launch its new Jetson Thor compact computers for humanoid robots in early 2025. These systems enable the simulation-based training of generative AI models for robotics. Nvidia aims to support "thousands" of robot manufacturers as an OEM provider rather than competing directly in the robotics market. This move comes as Amazon and Google develop their own AI chips, reducing reliance on Nvidia.

U.S. Treasury Targeted by Chinese Cyberattack

Chinese state-backed hackers have breached the U.S. Treasury using vulnerabilities in third-party remote management software. The attack accessed employee computers and unclassified documents. Following the breach, the Treasury worked with the FBI and CISA to secure systems. BeyondTrust, the software provider, has revoked affected API keys.

Quantum Consciousness Hypothesis to Be Tested

A team of researchers plans to test the theory that human consciousness emerges from quantum entanglement in the brain. The experiment involves linking human brain activity with a quantum computer to observe how entanglement impacts consciousness. While the concept remains speculative and requires invasive techniques, the study could advance understanding of human cognition and consciousness.

NATO Develops Satellite Backup for Submarine Cables

NATO is working on a satellite-based system called HEIST to protect global data flows from submarine cable disruptions. The system uses lasers to enhance satellite speeds and accurately detects cable damage. Submarine cables carry 95% of global data traffic but experience frequent outages. HEIST aims to ensure secure, reliable communications for military and civilian use.

Meta Integrates AI Bots Into Social Media Platforms

Meta plans to introduce AI-powered bots to its platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, to boost user engagement. These bots mimic user personalities and generate posts with fake biographies. While Meta aims to attract younger audiences, critics warn of risks like misinformation and privacy breaches. This initiative could redefine social media interactions.

Pro-Russian Hackers Target Italian Government Websites

Pro-Russian hacker group Noname057(16) launched DDoS attacks on Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Milan’s airports, claiming the attacks as a response to "anti-Russian sentiment." Italian cybersecurity authorities mitigated the impact within hours, ensuring flight operations were unaffected. The attacks highlight growing geopolitical tensions in cyberspace.

China Unveils World's Largest Hydropower Project

China is constructing a massive hydropower dam on Tibet's Yarlung Tsangpo River, projected to generate 300 billion kWh annually. This project, three times the size of the Three Gorges Dam, will power 300 million people. Despite environmental and geological challenges, the $137 billion project aims to advance China's renewable energy goals.

Huawei Remains Dominant in European 5G Networks

Huawei continues to supply 32% of Europe’s 5G infrastructure, with no significant decline since 2022, despite regulatory restrictions. In Germany, Huawei accounts for 59% of 5G networks. While some EU countries limit Huawei’s role, others like Greece and Poland increase reliance on its equipment, maintaining the Chinese firm's stronghold.

Volkswagen Data Breach Exposes EV Location Data

A Volkswagen software vulnerability exposed location data for 800,000 electric vehicles. Affected brands include Audi, Seat, and Skoda. Sensitive details like email addresses and phone numbers were also compromised. While payment and password information remained secure, the breach raises concerns about privacy in connected vehicles.

Swisscom Acquires Vodafone Italy Amid Earnings Adjustment

Swisscom announced its €8 billion acquisition of Vodafone Italy, merging it with its subsidiary Fastweb. However, increased costs have lowered its EBITDA forecast for 2024. The deal is expected to enhance Swisscom's presence in the Italian market while maintaining its focus on Switzerland.

Eni Launches Europe's Most Powerful Supercomputer

Italian energy giant Eni has activated HPC6, Europe’s most powerful supercomputer, in Ferrera Erbognone. Powered by 14,000 AMD processors, HPC6 achieves speeds of 477 petaflops. It will support energy exploration, carbon capture, and clean energy projects, advancing Eni’s sustainability initiatives.