Technology Weekly News: Week 4, August 2023

The end of annoying CAPTCHAs? Web browsers will soon help users skip them

The introduction of auto-verify features in web browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge signals a potential shift in the way we interact with CAPTCHAs. As technology continues to advance, it’s crucial for CAPTCHA systems to evolve as well.

While CAPTCHAs may not disappear completely, the auto-verify feature offers a more seamless and user-friendly alternative. By leveraging users’ previous CAPTCHA solutions, websites can quickly and accurately verify their human identity without causing unnecessary friction.

As internet users, we can look forward to a future where solving CAPTCHAs becomes less of a hassle. With the implementation of auto-verify features, web browsing will become smoother and more enjoyable.

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Vietnamese EV maker VinFast is now worth more than Ford and GM after Nasdaq debut

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast made a robust debut in the U.S. market through its Nasdaq listing subsequent to its merger with SPAC Black Spade Acquisition. VinFast's stocks surged to $37.06, reflecting an impressive 270% surge from the SPAC's initial IPO price of $10, and a notable 68% increase from its initial opening price of $22. Despite reaching a market value of $85 billion, which exceeded well-known automakers like BMW and Volkswagen, VinFast still trails behind Tesla, which boasts a valuation of $739 billion. VinFast, a subsidiary of Vingroup, has set its sights on the U.S. electric vehicle market and is establishing a factory in North Carolina with the capacity to manufacture up to 150,000 vehicles annually.

A device that costs just $70 can hack your iPhone and trick you into sharing your information

At DefCon in Las Vegas, attendees encountered puzzling iPhone prompts from a nearby Apple TV, requesting access to their accounts. These prompts were generated by a $70 homemade transmitter exploiting Apple's Bluetooth security. The prank's creator aimed to expose a vulnerability, urging for a fix. This technique could trick users into sharing passwords if they engaged. While not for data collection, it underscores caution with unexpected password requests.

The transmitter mimics Apple TV's low-power advertisement, triggering pop-ups on nearby devices. The creator doubts Apple will address it due to design constraints. To guard against Bluetooth incidents, disable Bluetooth in device settings

Two founders behind Russian crypto mixer Tornado Cash charged by US federal courts

Founders of Russian crypto service Tornado Cash charged by US Southern District of NY. Storm arrested, Semenov at large. Platform enabled $1B+ alleged money laundering, including funds linked to North Korean cybercrime group Lazarus. Charges involve money laundering conspiracy, sanctions violations, unlicensed money transmission. Tornado Cash allowed concealing crypto origins for a fee. Despite privacy benefits, it aided potential fund misuse. Created in 2019, platform highlighted decentralization, making investigations difficult.

YouTube tests a search feature where users hum to identify songs

YouTube is experimenting with a new feature on Android devices that lets users identify songs by humming or singing. This feature is seen as an advancement over Apple's Shazam. In the experiment, Android users can switch from voice search to the new song search, humming, singing, or recording a song for at least three seconds. YouTube then identifies the song and provides relevant video results. Although currently available to a small Android user group, if expanded, this feature could prove valuable as YouTube is a common platform for song lookups. This capability was introduced by Google in 2020 and is based on machine learning models. Other music recognition apps exist but aren't as popular as YouTube and Google's offerings.

Amazon AI scammers blew millions on Lake Como wedding and cars, FTC alleges

John and Roman Cresto, self-styled e-commerce "experts," face charges for allegedly running a deceptive consultancy. They promised Amazon and Walmart success strategies for a fee, amassing wealth and projecting luxury lifestyles. The FTC's crackdown targets such e-commerce "coaches" as online marketplaces grow.

The Crestos charged up to $125,000 upfront and shared e-commerce profits. Their Amazon and Walmart stores faced suspensions for policy breaches. They falsely hyped success and recruited clients through affiliate marketing.

Empire Ecommerce clients suffered losses, with the Crestos diverting over $22 million for personal indulgences. They launched Automators AI, an ongoing scheme allegedly defrauding consumers. Cohen, a potential buyer, claims the Crestos deceived him and engaged a law firm that switched allegiance. Stubbs Alderton & Markiles' role raises ethical concerns. Amazon and Walmart backed the FTC's case against the Crestos. The case underlines the need for diligence in the expanding realm of online business consultants.

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