Ok Seriously This is Big
Summary
TLDRThe Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Apple for monopolizing smartphone markets, marking a significant antitrust case. The lawsuit criticizes Apple's restrictive app store rules and hardware incompatibility. Neuralink's brain-computer interface advancements and Microsoft's acquisition of Inflection AI highlight the tech industry's push for innovation and dominance in AI. AMD's FSR 3.1 release and a new Surface Pro 10 are also discussed, along with security vulnerabilities in Apple's M-series chips and hotel locks.
Takeaways
- đą The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has sued Apple for monopolizing smartphone markets, marking a significant antitrust case since the DOJ's lawsuit against Microsoft in 1998.
- đ± The DOJ's complaint against Apple cites Tim Cook's statement about buying an iPhone for better picture and video quality when transferring files between iPhones and Androids, highlighting Apple's 'walled garden' approach.
- đ« Apple is accused of maintaining a restrictive iOS App Store with rules that block 'super apps' like WeChat and of not allowing hardware like the Apple Watch to be compatible with Android.
- đ§ Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-computer interface company, has demonstrated that their first human patient can play chess using a mouse cursor controlled by his mind, indicating progress in BCIs (Brain-Computer Interfaces).
- đ€ Microsoft has hired the CEO and founder of Inflection AI, the company behind the popular Pi chatbot, to lead its Microsoft AI division, in a move seen as an 'acqui-hire' by some industry observers.
- đ° Microsoft will also license Inflection's Pi models for $620 million and pay an additional $30 million for secrecy regarding the acquisition, aiming to strengthen its AI capabilities.
- đ AMD announced FSR 3.1, which improves its upscaling technology and allows other solutions like Nvidia's DLSS or Intel's XS to use AMD's frame generation feature.
- đź The open-source Nintendo Switch emulator, Clamation, released its first build but had it taken down due to DMCA issues, though the team plans to continue the project.
- đ» Microsoft unveiled the new Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 for business, both of which use Intel Core Ultra chips and do not feature the rumored Snapdragon X Elite notebooks.
- đ Researchers have discovered an unpatchable side-channel vulnerability in Apple's M series chips that could potentially allow attackers to extract encryption keys.
- đ A security exploit has been uncovered that could allow the creation of a master key for entire buildings using NFC-enabled Android devices, affecting around 13,000 buildings worldwide.
Q & A
What is the main focus of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit against Apple?
-The DOJ lawsuit against Apple is focused on monopolization of smartphone markets, which is considered a larger claim than the one made by Epic Games in their lawsuit against Apple.
What is the significance of the DOJ's lawsuit in comparison to historical antitrust cases?
-The scope of the DOJ's lawsuit against Apple is significant as it is likely the largest antitrust case since the DOJ sued Microsoft in 1998, which resulted in Microsoft's commitment to not be as monopolistic, particularly in relation to Internet Explorer.
What was Tim Cook's response to a reporter's question about the quality of pictures and videos sent between iPhones and Androids?
-In response to a reporter's question, Tim Cook said, 'Buy your mom an iPhone,' implying that the quality issues were not Apple's concern and that using an iPhone would resolve such problems.
What is the DOJ's claim about Apple's iOS App Store rules?
-The DOJ claims that Apple's iOS App Store has restrictive rules, specifically blocking 'super apps' like WeChat in China, which serves as an app platform itself.
What is the issue with the Apple Watch's lack of Android support mentioned in the DOJ's complaint?
-The DOJ's complaint cites hardware incompatibility, pointing out that the Apple Watch lacks support for Android, which Apple stated was due to technical limitations after a 3-year investigation.
How does the DOJ view Apple's 'Walled Garden' approach?
-The DOJ believes that Apple's 'Walled Garden' approach is no longer acceptable, as indicated by their lawsuit which suggests that they think Apple's practices are harmful to competition and consumer choice.
What is the restriction placed on Tim Sweeney in relation to the Australian Epic Games versus Apple trial?
-Tim Sweeney is restricted from tweeting about the case until after he has given testimony in the Australian Epic Games versus Apple trial.
What is Neuralink's achievement with their first human patient?
-Neuralink's first human patient, Nolan Arbau, received a wireless implant and can now move a mouse cursor with his mind well enough to play the game Civilization 6 for 8 hours straight, only stopping to charge the device.
What is the significance of Microsoft hiring the CEO and founder of Inflection AI?
-Microsoft hiring the CEO and founder of Inflection AI, the company behind the popular Pie chatbot, along with most of its 70 employees, is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Microsoft's AI division and dominance in the industry.
What is the outcome of the acquisition of Inflection AI for Microsoft?
-The acquisition includes Microsoft paying Inflection $620 million to license their Pi models and another $30 million for confidentiality. This is seen as a way for Microsoft to avoid regulatory approval and gain a competitive edge in AI.
What is the new feature introduced by AMD with FSR 3.1?
-AMD introduced FSR 3.1 which adds significant improvements to its upscaling technologies and expands access to frame generation, allowing other upscaling solutions like Nvidia's DLSS or Intel's XS to use AMD's frame generation feature.
What is the vulnerability discovered in Apple's M series chips?
-Researchers from multiple universities discovered an unpatchable side-channel vulnerability in Apple's M series chips, which allows attackers to extract encryption keys from the device. This vulnerability is due to the design of the silicon itself and cannot be patched, only mitigated by software defenses that could affect performance.
Outlines
đą DOJ Lawsuit Against Apple: Antitrust Allegations
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, accusing the company of monopolizing smartphone markets. This claim is broader than the one made by Epic Games in their lawsuit against Apple. The DOJ's complaint highlights Tim Cook's statement about buying iPhones and mentions Apple's restrictive rules in the iOS App Store, particularly concerning 'super apps' like WeChat. Additionally, the lawsuit addresses hardware incompatibility issues, such as the lack of Android support for the Apple Watch. Apple's 'Walled Garden' approach is under scrutiny, and the company claims the lawsuit threatens its identity. The case is being viewed as one of the largest antitrust cases since the DOJ sued Microsoft in 1998.
đ Neuralink's Human Trials and Microsoft's AI Acquisition
Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-computer interface company, has demonstrated that their first human patient is not only alive but also excels at chess after receiving a wireless implant. The patient, Nolan Arbau, can move a mouse cursor with his mind, showcasing the potential of BCIs (Brain-Computer Interfaces). Meanwhile, Microsoft has hired the CEO and founder of Inflection AI, the company behind the popular Pie chatbot, to lead its AI division. This move is seen as an 'acquihire' by many, with Microsoft also licensing Inflection's AI models for $620 million and paying an additional $30 million for secrecy. The move indicates Microsoft's commitment to AI dominance, echoing CEO Satya Nadella's statements from a November interview.
đ» Tech Updates: AMD's FSR 3.1, Suyo Nintendo Switch Emulator, and Microsoft's Surface Line
AMD has announced FSR 3.1, which improves its upscaling technology and allows other companies like NVIDIA and Intel to use its frame generation tech. The update enhances temporal stability and reduces ghosting. Suyo, an open-source Nintendo Switch emulator, released its first build but faced immediate takedown by GitLab due to DMCA issues. Despite this, the team plans to continue the project. Microsoft unveiled the new Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 for business, both of which use Intel Core Ultra chips. The company also reiterated its commitment to AI, showcasing its AI capabilities during the event.
đ Security Concerns: Unpatchable M1 Chip Vulnerability and Hotel Lock Exploits
Researchers have discovered an unpatchable vulnerability in Apple's M1 chips that allows attackers to extract encryption keys. The issue lies in the silicon design and can only be mitigated by software defenses that may impact performance. Additionally, a security exploit has been uncovered that affects around 13,000 buildings, primarily hotels, making them vulnerable to master key creation using an NFC-enabled Android device and a hotel key card. The exploit can override deadbolts and affects locks created by dormakaba. No known cases of this exploit being used have been reported.
đ Upcoming Tech News and Events
The video script ends with a teaser for more technology news to be covered in the next episode of TechLink, scheduled for Monday. The host humorously compares the effort to find tech news to archaeology, suggesting that despite the challenges, they are committed to delivering the latest updates to their audience.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄMonopolizing
đĄAntitrust Case
đĄWalled Garden
đĄNeuralink
đĄAI
đĄFSR 3.1
đĄOpen Source
đĄSurface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6
đĄM Series Chips
đĄMaster Key Exploits
đĄMagical
Highlights
The United States Department of Justice sued Apple for monopolizing smartphone markets, marking a major antitrust case.
The lawsuit against Apple is broader than Epic Games' own lawsuit against the company.
This legal action against Apple is the largest antitrust case since the DOJ sued Microsoft in 1998.
Tim Cook's quote, 'Buy your mom an iPhone,' is referenced in the DOJ's complaint.
The DOJ claims Apple's iOS App Store has restrictive rules, blocking certain 'super apps' like WeChat.
Apple Watch's lack of Android support is cited as evidence of hardware incompatibility in the lawsuit.
The DOJ believes Apple's 'Walled Garden' approach is no longer acceptable.
Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-computer interface company, demonstrates their first human patient playing chess using a mind-controlled cursor.
Neuralink aims to create an 'iPhone moment' for BCIs with its sleek design and advanced neural threads.
Microsoft acquires Inflection AI, the company behind the popular Pi chatbot, in a significant move for its AI division.
Microsoft pays Inflection $620 million to license their Pi models and $30 million for secrecy regarding the acquisition.
AMD announces FSR 3.1, which improves its upscaling technology and allows other solutions like Nvidia's DLSS to use AMD's frame generation tech.
Sue, an open-source Nintendo Switch emulator, faces legal challenges but continues development despite DMCA issues.
Microsoft unveils the new Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 for business, both of which use Intel Core Ultra chips.
Apple's M-series chips have an unpatchable security vulnerability that allows extraction of encryption keys.
A master key exploit affects approximately 13,000 buildings worldwide, primarily hotels, using NFC-enabled Android devices and a hotel key card.
Dormakaba, the lock manufacturer involved in the NFC exploit vulnerability, has replaced or patched 36% of the affected locks.
Transcripts
we make these videos in a single day so
saving time is super important which is
why I'm just going to tell you that
magical is sponsoring this video and
move on okay I'll tell you more later
don't worry about it the United States
Department of Justice sued apple on
Thursday for monopolizing smartphone
markets which is a bolder and broader
claim than even epic games made in their
lawsuit they should have thought of that
before they became a video game company
instead of a government institution the
sheer scope of the doj's complaints make
this probably the largest antitrust case
since the doj sued Microsoft back in
1998 which led to the company pinky
swearing to not be so monopolistic in
shoving Internet Explorer down consumer
throats but when you change the browser
name to Edge pinky promises don't count
that's playground rules in a nutshell
the reason for the doj's lawsuit is
basically summarized by Tim Cook's now
classic line buy your mom an iPhone buy
your mom an
iPhone all
right join me or be cast into the
piercing void with the rest of your
contemptible kind unworthy scum cook
said this in response to a reporter
talking about how pictures and videos
look like grainy garbage when they're
sent between iPhones and Androids and
it's even quoted in the doj's complaint
they also mentioned the IOS app store's
restrictive rules specifically claiming
that Apple blocks super apps like WeChat
which basically serves as an app
platform in itself in China and they
also bring up Hardware incompatibility
citing the Apple watch's lack of Android
support but that's apparently not for a
lack of trying Apple told 9 to5 Mac that
it spent 3 years investigating whether
Android support could be added to Apple
watch ultimately deciding it would never
work because of technical limitations
which is so weird that's the same reason
my last girlfriend broke up with me
pretty much any issue with iOS you've
ever heard of is cited in this lawsuit
and it's clear the doj thinks Apple's
Walled Garden approach isn't cool
anymore in a statement issued to the
Press Apple says the lawsuit threatens
who we are and and and yeah yeah it does
that's kind of the whole point you're
toxic I'm slipping under but for me the
most scandalous part of all of this is
that Tim Sweeney can't even tweet about
it until he's done giving testimony in
the Australian epic games versus Apple
trial what does he think if he does
tweet it spins the opposite way
neuralink Elon musk's brain computer
interface company posted a live stream
on Twitter proving that their first
human patient is not only alive he is
killing it at chess Nolan arbau received
the wireless implant in January and can
now easily move a mouse cursor with his
mind well enough to play Civilization 6
for 8 hours straight only stopping
because he had to charge it now while
this is certainly impressive be experts
have pointed out that the basic
technology here isn't new I mean here's
a video from 2007 of a guy controlling a
mouse cursor with his mind academic
researchers and startups like synchron
and black rock the neurotech company not
the one you're thinking of have all
achieved similar results but it's clear
that neuralink is trying to create the
iPhone moment for bcis with its
minimalist design and sexy neural
threads that get all up inside your
brain and have a 300 count and to be
fair it does seem like neuralink has
stirred up a lot of hype thanks in no
small part to Elon making claims like
this one where he says it's possible to
shunt brain signals past a spinal injury
so paralyzed people can walk again which
would obviously be awesome but I've also
seen a lot of this guy's rockets explode
so I I just don't know Microsoft has
hired the CEO and founder of inflection
AI the company behind the popular pie
chatbot to head up its Microsoft AI
division also hired by Microsoft most of
inflection other 70 employees in what
many in the industry are calling an aqua
hire and what a smaller group is calling
a h quisition it's just me saying that
second one you know what I don't even
like it Microsoft will also pay
inflection $620 million to license their
Pi models and another 30 million to keep
their lips shut about the whole poaching
a whole company thing don't spread this
around in a blog post the survivors at
inflection referred to the gutting of
their company as an important change to
how will work but analyst Tony Wang and
everyone else with eyes says this is
basically an acquisition of inflection
without having to go through regulatory
approval it's clear that Microsoft CEO
Satia Nadella is serious about his
company's dominance in AI in the wake of
this story a quote has gone viral from
one of his interviews back in November
when Microsoft was briefly going to hire
open AI CEO Sam Alman and much of that
company's staff asked about the
possibility of open AI folding nadela
said Microsoft would be fine because
quote we have all the IP rights and all
the capability we have the people we
have the compute we have the data we
have everything we are in there we are
below them above them around them we are
the
Senate he didn't say that last part but
it's treason then now it's time for
quick bits brought to you by magical the
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and save some of your precious time AMD
has announced FSR 3.1 which not only
adds substantial improvements to ITS
upscaling Technologies but also greatly
expands access to frame generation the
update allows for the decoupling of
amd's frame generation Tech from its FSR
3 upscaling allowing other upscaling
Solutions like nvidia's dlss or Intel's
XS to use team Red's frame generation
feature apparently Nvidia RTX 20 series
cards and above are supported though
amd's upscaling also got some love FSR
3.1 improves temporal stability and
reduces ghosting which AMD demonstrated
using GIFs that are definitely from
ratchet and clanked Rift apart and
totally aren't just AI generated
clamation why are they so small like
look how good this
looks what sue you a nonprofit open-
Source Nintendo switch emulator based on
the recently defunct Yuzu released its
first build on Wednesday only to have it
immediately pulled down by gitlab on the
grounds that it's a fork of a public
repo against which we previously
received a dmca notice
ironic however the suyu team says they
will still continue the project the
build is available for Windows Linux and
Mac OS and they've apparently added
several fixes and removed all Telemetry
which is probably a good idea given what
happened to the last guy who Tangled
with Nintendo's enforcers the those
Goombas look not threatening but at a
virtual event Microsoft unveiled the
brand new Surface Pro 10 and surface
laptop
6 for business no but seriously uh if
you're excited about the new arm powered
devices um don't be for these these
products use Intel Core Ultra chips
which are still new the rumored
Snapdragon X Elite notebooks won't be
coming until May but it might be worth
the wait Qualcomm claims most Windows
Games should just work on their
processors you know what else Works
co-pilot before announcing the new
Surface devices Microsoft rehashed all
of their ai's greatest hits Like a
Rolling Stones concert if no one wanted
to listen to The Rolling Stones how' I
get a ticket Apple's M series chips have
an unpatchable side Channel
vulnerability allowing attackers to
extract encryption keys from Max a team
of researchers from multiple
universities detailed an attack called
go fetch which uses an app that doesn't
require any root access to the Target
Mac only the same user privileges needed
by most thirdparty Mac OS apps the
vulnerability is due to the design of
the Silicon itself so it can't be
patched only mitigated by software
defenses that could severely affect
performance I also have an unpatchable
flaw that affects my performance it's
called depression and security
researchers say that around 13,000
buildings predominantly hotels from
around the world are currently
vulnerable to an exploit that allows a
master key to be created for the entire
building using just an NFC enabled
Android device and a key card from that
hotel it can also be used to override
dead bolts so you're going to want to
hope that little chain can hold this
vulnerability affects saff loock locks
created by dormakaba and I swear we're
just now making these Nam these are all
Star Wars names dorak is aware of the
issue and have so far replaced or
patched 36% of the affected locks wow
there are no known cases of this exploit
being used in the wild this is very much
a horror we have uncovered for ourselves
in captivity much like the Zony the
Unholy offspring of a zebra and a donkey
that's Jessica's fun fact fun horror for
the day and you'll uncover more Tech
news if you come back on Monday for
another episode of TechLink might have
to might have to dig a little bit but
just kidding you know we just give it
right to you just big into archaeology
right now just
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