Tech Qonversations on Qonversations

In response to growing concerns regarding the 2024 YR4 asteroid, the Chinese defence agency has established a dedicated planetary defence team. Following an update from the European Space Agency (ESA), which reported a 2.2 per cent probability of the asteroid impacting Earth in 2032, immediate action has been triggered globally to address this potential threat.

The 2024 YR4 asteroid, estimated to measure between 40 and 90 metres (approximately 130 to 300 feet), was identified by the University of Hawaii’s Institute of Astronomy in late December. The increase in its collision probability has surpassed international monitoring thresholds, prompting a concerted effort for response measures.

Donald Trump is back in the Oval Office, and his pen is already on fire. Just a day into his second term, Trump has issued a number of executive orders intended at changing the political and social environment in the United States. From immigration crackdowns to energy plans, here’s a rundown of his most controversial moves so far.

Declaring a “national emergency,” Trump revived efforts to build his infamous border wall, citing threats to U.S. sovereignty. He also ordered the military to “seal the borders,” blaming drug trafficking and human smuggling.

Cold weather across the central US has caused significant issues for electric vehicle (EV) owners, including reduced driving range and long wait times at charging stations. The freezing temperatures have impacted EV battery performance and charging capabilities, with some owners reporting their cars not charging at all.

Studies have found that EVs can experience a range loss of 10% to 36% in subzero temperatures. The cold weather slows down the movement of lithium ions through the battery’s electrolyte, reducing energy output and depleting the battery faster.

The latest iteration of Tesla’s Model 3 sedan, which debuted in European, Middle Eastern, and Chinese markets last autumn, has now arrived in North America. Known as “Highland” during its development phase, it brings a variety of noticeable modifications to Tesla’s popular electric sedan.

The front of the car has received an update, with a smoother hood and lower headlights that Tesla claims are designed for maximum aerodynamics. This could potentially result in increased range. Additionally, the car now comes in two new color options: stealth gray and ultra red.

Bitcoin experienced a brief surge in value after a post on the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Twitter account announced the approval of new cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

However, the SEC later deleted the post and stated that its account had been compromised. The social media platform confirmed that the compromise was not due to a breach of its systems. The SEC is expected to officially announce the new ETFs later this week.

Apple has started compensating individuals involved in a class-action lawsuit in the US over allegations that it intentionally slowed down certain iPhones. The settlement amounts to $500 million, with each claimant receiving around $92.
Although Apple denied any wrongdoing, it agreed to the settlement in 2020 due to the high costs of ongoing litigation. A similar case is currently taking place in the UK, where claimants are seeking £1.6 billion in compensation.

In the US, the case originated in December 2017, when Apple acknowledged slowing down older iPhones as their batteries aged to extend their lifespan. However, it was accused of not informing customers and faced backlash, resulting in a discounted battery replacement offer.
This led to the class-action lawsuit in the US. In contrast to initial estimates, the payout per person is nearly four times higher.

UK carmakers have lobbied the government to weaken or delay the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires them to sell increasing proportions of electric cars or face heavy fines.

Toyota, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Nissan were among the companies to ask for delays.
However, Volkswagen, Ford, and Tesla argued that the ZEV mandate should be tougher.

The mission to build a consumer AI device already being called the “iPhone of artificial intelligence” has taken another step closer to reality. The team behind this project is beginning to resemble the tech equivalent of The Avengers, with the latest addition being Tang Tan, an executive at Apple known for his role in designing the iPhone and Apple Watch.

In September, OpenAI announced plans to develop their debut consumer device which aims to enhance AI interaction. The project involves collaborating with notable figures such as former Apple designer Jony Ive.

Adobe’s $20 billion mega-bid to buy rival Figma is now officially dead after the companies said this week that regulatory pushback in Europe caused them to end their acquisition plans. First announced in September last year, the deal was always going to attract regulatory scrutiny due to the size of the transaction and the fact that it took one of Adobe’s major rivals out of the picture.

Comcast has confirmed that hackers exploiting a critical-rated security vulnerability accessed the sensitive information of almost 36 million Xfinity customers. The vulnerability, known as “CitrixBleed,” is found in Citrix networking devices often used by big corporations and has been under mass exploitation by malicious actors since August

According to a statement on X, Humane has revealed that its highly anticipated AI Pin wearable will begin shipping in March 2024. Orders placed with priority status will be fulfilled first, with all other orders being shipped in the order they were purchased.

While Humane did not give a specific date for shipping orders, the March timeline is more definite compared to the early 2024 estimate they gave in November.

Uber Technologies will raise the minimum wage it pays drivers in France as part of a wider agreement between ride-hailing companies and driver representatives in the country.

Drivers will earn a minimum income 9 euros per trip, up from 7 point 65 euros they were earning previously, and will have a guaranteed income of 30 euros per hour and 1 euro per kilometer.

Bird, an electric scooter company, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following a turbulent year. The company’s stock has plummeted, and its CEO departed in June. Bird’s assets will be sold through a “stalking horse” agreement, with lenders setting a baseline bid before opening up to external suitors over the next four months. Bird’s Canadian and European operations will continue to operate normally.

Etsy, the online marketplace, is cutting about 225 jobs, or 11% of its workforce, as part of a plan to bring down its costs.

Several executives, including its chief marketing officer, will leave the online marketplace as part of the move.