Leftovers

• Hackaday ☛ 2024 SAO Contest: We’ve Got SAOs For Your SAOs

  So, we heard you like SAOs. How about some SAOs for your SAO? That’s exactly what’s going on here with [davedarko]’s SAOAO — introducing the Supercon Add-On Add-On standard, which is inspired by another minibadge standard by [lukejenkins]. At most, an SAOAO is 19×19 mm and features a 1.27 mm 3-pin header. As [davedarko] says, no pressure to do I²C, just bring the vibes.

• Hackaday ☛ Print Yourself Penrose Wave Tiles As An Excellent Conversation Starter

  Ah, tiles. You can get square ones, and do a grid, or you can get fancier shapes and do something altogether more complex. By and large though, whatever pattern you choose, it will normally end up repeating on some scale or other. That is, unless you go with something like a Penrose Wave Tile. Discovered by mathematician Roger Penrose, they never exactly repeat, no matter how you lay them out.

• Hackaday ☛ Easily Build This IMU Array Sandbox

  These days we’re used to our devices containing an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that lets it know its position relative to the Earth. They’re mechanical devices at heart, and so they’re not infallible, with a few well-known failure modes — but we can try and help it. One way that’s getting some attention is to put many MEMS IMUs on a single PCB, connect it to an FPGA, then process their data all together to make for a more sensitive IMU or filter out drift. Want to join in? Here’s an open source implementation from [will127534].

• Hardware

  • Tom's Hardware ☛ State-owned China Telecom has trained domestic Hey Hi (AI) LLMs using homegrown chips — one model reportedly uses 1 trillion parameters

    State-owned China Telecom claims to have trained two LLMs—one with a 100-billion parameter and another with one trillion—purely using homegrown Hey Hi (AI) accelerators.

  • Tom's Hardware ☛ Google showcases bizarre double-sided Japanese keyboard, which it won't sell — the keyboard uses a Möbius strip as its foundation

    Google Japan announced a new keyboard design that addresses the “big problem” of keyboards only having keys on one side.

  • Hackaday ☛ ROG Ally Community Rebuilds The Proprietary Asus EGPU

    As far as impressive hacks go, this one is more than enough for your daily quota. You might remember the ROG Ally, a Steam Deck-like x86 gaming console that’s graced our pages a couple lf times. Now, this is a big one – from the ROG Ally community, we get a fully open-source eGPU adapter for the ROG Ally, built by reverse-engineering the proprietary and overpriced eGPU sold by Asus.

  • Hindustan Times ☛ Samsung to cut thousand of jobs: Will layoffs impact India workforce?

    Samsung is laying off workers in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand as the company is reducing global headcount by thousands of jobs, Bloomberg reported citing people in the know. The layoffs could affect about 10% of the workforces in those markets and the numbers for each subsidiary may vary, the report added. Job cuts are planned for other overseas subsidiaries and could reach 10% in certain markets, it claimed.

  • Dyson lays off employees at SG office, union expresses disappointment over one-day notice

    Multinational company Dyson has laid off several employees in its main headquarters at Singapore, and follows a recent job cut by the company involving 1,000 employees in Britain.

• Health/Nutrition/Agriculture

  • RFA ☛ North Korea swaps soybean-based doenjang paste with wheat-based imitation

    Residents say it tastes awful and they long for the salty fermented soybean paste, a staple of Korean cuisine.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Humble gunny sack goes viral after Malaysian student brings it to university [Ed: Why is this news? Social control media algorithms for "engagement"?]

    Ms Rafida said she was not embarrassed about using the gunny sack, as her family often carries it.

  • Science Alert ☛ Shockingly Common Injury Linked With an Increased Risk of Dementia

    An early warning?

  • New York Times ☛ Disease Outbreaks Should Have ‘Storm Warnings’

    Public health experts too often fail to sound the alarm.

  • New York Times ☛ Breast Cancer Continues to Rise Among Younger Women, Study Finds

    Death rates are declining among U.S. women with breast cancer. But the disease is turning up more often in women under age 50.

• Proprietary/Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Bruce Schneier ☛ Hacking Abusive Monopolist Microsoft Chaffbot by Planting False Memories into Its Data

    This vulnerability hacks a feature that allows Abusive Monopolist Microsoft Chaffbot to have long-term memory, where it uses information from past conversations to inform future conversations with that same user. A researcher found that he could use that feature to plant “false memories” into that context window that could subvert the model.

  • Mobile Systems/Mobile Applications

    • Macworld ☛ RIP Android 2008-2025

      Is there anything left that Android does better than the iPhone? Honestly, not much. I suppose you’d have to include foldables in that category, although I wonder how many people actually care. And the moment folding smartphones become a worthwhile market, you’d imagine Apple would swoop in with a folding iPhone that’s better than anything offered by the competition.

• Security

  • Privacy/Surveillance

    • Security Week ☛ Microsoft Unveils Copilot Vision Hey Hi (AI) Tool, but Highlights Security After Recall Debacle

      Microsoft has unveiled a new AI-based web content analysis tool, underscoring safety and security to address potential concerns. 

    • Tom's Hardware ☛ Microsoft ushers in several new Copilot, Copiliot+ features alongside backdoored Windows 11 24H2

      Microsoft is rolling out backdoored Windows 11 24H2, and is introducing its next round of features for Copilot+ PCs, including bringing back Recall.

• Defence/Aggression

  • The Straits Times ☛ At least 23 killed as blaze engulfs school bus in Thailand

    The children’s instinct was to flee to the back as the fire spread, “so the bodies were there”, says a rescuer.

  • BIA Net ☛ Hundreds evacuated from Lebanon to Turkey amid Israeli strikes

    The evacuees mostly consisting of European citizens have arrived in Mersin via sea. The evacuation was prompted by the suspension of flights in and out of Lebanon

  • France24 ☛ Countries evacuate their nationals from Lebanon as Israel launches ground offensive

    Israel launched a ground offensive in Lebanon on Tuesday, escalating a conflict against Hezbollah after a week of air strikes that have killed hundreds. Several countries have begun evacuating their nationals from Lebanon or are planning to do so. Here's what we know so far.

  • Sky News ☛ Defeating ballistic missiles takes technology, firepower and capability - which Israel has when backed by the US

    It takes a huge amount of capability, technology and firepower to defeat ballistic missiles – meaning a tit-for-tat air war would favour Israel, backed by the US, over Iran.

    The head of the UK armed forces told Sky News over the summer that he does not believe any of the UK's opponents - including Tehran, Moscow and Beijing - would be able to defeat the scale of attack that Iran first launched towards Israel in April.

    "I think the US leadership and the proficiency that we have with our allies is at a level above our potential foes," Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said in an interview.

  • NYPost ☛ Gen Z are decorating their toilets with these viral trinkets for ‘pretty poops’

    Digital devotees of “#ToiletTok,” a niche corner of cyberspace that boasts over 25.1 million posts, regularly share top tips and tricks for cleaning and curating the can to perfection.

  • Cloudbooklet ☛ Create Stunning Instagram Reels with Hey Hi (AI) Reels Generators [Ed: Pure waste of time. Kids missing out on real life.]

    Create stunning video reels effortlessly with Hey Hi (AI) Reels Generator, perfect for social control media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

  • France24 ☛ Japan's new PM, Shigeru Ishiba, forms cabinet with emphasis on defence

    Japan's newly elected Prime Minister took office on Tuesday and formed a cabinet made up of numerous security and defence experts in line with his calls to strengthen regional military alliances. The majority of cabinet members are relative unknowns, marking a break from a string of corruption scandals that have hit the governing party.

  • Defence Web ☛ Paramount’s new Border Patrol Maatla variant aimed at SANDF

    Paramount Land Systems has unveiled a new Border Patrol variant of its Maatla 4×4 Light Protected Vehicle (LPV) specifically for the border security requirements of the South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF).

  • Defence Web ☛ Motshekga’s Department of Defence disputes massive R4 bn Public Works debt

    The Department of Defence (DoD), by way of its Logistics Division, disputes that it owes the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) about R4 billion.

  • The Straits Times ☛ South Korea to send military aircraft to evacuate citizens from Middle East

    President Yoon Suk-yeol is seeking a swift but measured response to any impact a wider war in the Middle East will have.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Talks open options for India, China to resolve border stand-off: Indian army chief

    The militaries haven't secured a breakthrough on two remaining points of friction.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Talks lead to options for India, China to resolve border stand-off: Indian army chief

    The militaries haven't secured a breakthrough on two remaining points of friction.

  • RFA ☛ Rebels seize junta base near Chinese rare-earth mine in northern Myanmar

    Kachin fighters now have near-total control of Chipwi township, a mining hub near the border with China.

  • New York Times ☛ Germany Accuses Woman of Spying for China on Arms Exports

    The woman, who worked at an airport that is one of Europe’s largest cargo hubs, is accused of passing along “flights, freight and passengers” related to arms exports.

  • Russia, Belarus, and War in Ukraine

    • Defence Web ☛ Russia and China bringing additional complications to Africa – Africom

      External players in Africa, particularly China and Russia, are bringing additional complications to Africa, including destabilising influences, the head of the US military’s Africa Command (Africom) has said. In an exclusive interview with White House Correspondent Pearl Matibe on 17 September, General Michael Langley discussed the challenges facing African peace and security.

    • Silicon Angle ☛ AUKUS nations impose sanctions on Russian cybercrime group Evil Corp

      The U.K., the U.S. and Australia have sanctioned 16 members of the Russian cybercrime gang Evil Corp in the latest crackdown against hacking and ransomware gangs among the AUKUS countries.

    • LRT ☛ Lithuanian denounces 3 economic treaties with Russia and Belarus

      The Lithuanian parliament on Tuesday voted to denounce three international agreements with Russia and Belarus related to economic cooperation.

    • Atlantic Council ☛ Russia’s war on Ukraine: Moscow’s pressure points and US strategic opportunities

      A new Atlantic Council report explores Russia’s modern day domestic and international vulnerabilities.

    • RFERL ☛ At Least 8 Dead In Russian Strikes As Ukraine Marks 'Defenders Day'

      At least eight people were killed in Russian strikes on Ukraine on October 1 as the embattled country marked Defenders Day amid an increasingly difficult situation on the battlefield in the east, where Moscow's grinding offensive is making incremental progress.

    • New York Times ☛ In a Shattered Ukrainian Town, a Long Battle Nears a Sudden End

      The loss of Vuhledar, at the intersection of two fronts, would complicate the defense of a regional transit hub and strengthen Russian supply lines, Ukrainian soldiers say.

    • LRT ☛ ‘Once a hero, always a hero’ – Lithuania’s rehabilitation programme for Ukrainian veterans

      As Ukraine celebrates the Day of Defenders of Ukraine on October 1, Lithuania’s Central Project Management Agency is sharing details of an extensive programme aimed at rebuilding and improving rehabilitation facilities for veterans and victims of the war.

    • RFERL ☛ U.S. Must Prepare For 'Long-Term' Confrontation With Russia: Helsinki Commission

      The United States must prepare for a “long-term” confrontation with Russia that won’t end when authoritarian President Vladimir Putin departs from the political scene, according to a new report by a bipartisan commission.

    • RFERL ☛ Uzbek Teacher Fined For Hitting Student In Russian-Language Dispute

      A teacher in Tashkent was fined 6.8 million soms ($534) for hitting a sixth-grade student who asked why she did not speak Russian during a Russian language class.

    • CS Monitor ☛ Winning elections with voices of truth

      One of Europe’s smaller nations finds it can counter a Russian-led "firehose of falsehoods."

    • RFERL ☛ U.S., British Authorities Publicly Link Ex-FSB Officer To Notorious Russian Ransomware Group

      U.S. and British authorities for the first time publicly linked an ex-Russian special forces officer to one of the world’s most notorious ransomware groups, adding further evidence of ties, formal and informal, between Russian intelligence agencies and criminal groups.

    • JURIST ☛ Lithuania refers ICC to investigate crimes against humanity in Belarus

      The Republic of Lithuania formally referred the situation in Belarus to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday, a significant action reflecting its dedication to ensuring accountability for the alleged crimes against humanity perpetrated by the authoritarian regime of President Alexander Lukashenko.

• Environment

  • New York Times ☛ Typhoon Krathon Nears Taiwan After Lashing the Philippines

    The storm is expected to bring torrential rain this week to Taiwan’s south, including Kaohsiung, the island’s third-largest city.

  • SANS ☛ Hurricane Helene Aftermath - Cyber Security Awareness Month, (Tue, Oct 1st)

    For a few years now, October has been "National Cyber Security Awareness Month". This year, it is a good opportunity for a refresher on some scams that tend to happen around disasters like Hurricane Helene. The bigger the disaster, the more attractive it is to scammers.

  • MIT Technology Review ☛ 2024 Climate Tech Companies to Watch: Sun King connects low-income households to clean energy

    Sun King is helping poor households across Asia and Africa access reliable, clean power and healthier ways of cooking.  Accessing clean sources of energy has always been a challenge for low-income communities worldwide, given the high up-front costs.

  • Energy/Transportation

    • Hackaday ☛ Xiaomi M365 Battery Fault? Just Remove A Capacitor

      Electric scooters have long been a hacker’s friend, Xiaomi ones in particular – starting with M365, the Xiaomi scooter family has expanded a fair bit. They do have a weak spot, like many other devices – the battery, something you expect to wear out.

• Finance

  • New York Times ☛ How the Port Strike Could Affect the Economy and Certain Products

    Transportation and warehousing sectors are poised to first feel the pinch, with a broader economic fallout expected if the strike drags on.

  • France24 ☛ US dockworkers launch massive 'coast-wide' strike ahead of presidential election

    Tens of thousands of dockworkers across the US went on strike Tuesday in a bid for higher wages and protection against automation. The mass industrial action has shut down shipments at 36 ports and threatens to cost the nation's economy billions of dollars every week, potentially creating a drag on the world's largest economy just over a month ahead of the US presidential election.

  • TwinCities Pioneer Press ☛ Dockworkers go on a strike that could reignite inflation and cause shortages in the holiday season

    The strike is affecting 36 ports.

  • NYPost ☛ Unemployed Gen Zers are using a #Desperate Microsoft's Surveillance Arm LinkedIn banner now: ‘How is anyone going to know that I need a job?’

    “Why be ashamed of a situation that you’ve been forced into?” said one adopter of the trend.

• AstroTurf/Lobbying/Politics

  • The Straits Times ☛ North Korean defector in South stole bus in bid to return home, media reports say

    He told police that he was trying to return to North Korea after struggling to settle in the South.

  • The Straits Times ☛ North Korean defector in South reportedly stole bus, rammed into barricade in bid to return home

    He told police that he was trying to return to North Korea after struggling to settle in the South.

  • France24 ☛ French PM Barnier tells parliament the country’s 'colossal' debt is 'sword of Damocles'

    France's new Prime Minister Michel Barnier outlined his policy plans in a much-anticipated speech to parliament on Tuesday. Here are the key takeaways from his address.

  • European Commission ☛ Speech by President von der Leyen at the ceremony on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of CERN

  • JURIST ☛ HRW denounces detention of human rights activist ahead of Tunisia election

    HRW denounced the pre-trial detainment of prominent activist and former president of Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission, Sihem Bensedrine, in a press release on Monday calling for her immediate release. Bensedrine was detained in Manouba prison by order of an investigative judge on August 1, 2024, for her work as president of the Commission.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Prosecutors drop charges against South Korea’s First Lady over Dior bag, gifts, Yonhap reports

    The scandal caused a political uproar and contributed to an election defeat for the South Korean President’s party.

  • The Straits Times ☛ South Korea’s Yoon, Japan’s Ishiba agree united response with US needed against North Korea

    The two presidents held their first telephone call to each other on Oct 2.

• Censorship/Free Speech

  • RFA ☛ Malaysia deports Cambodian worker for calling Hun Sen ‘despicable’

    Nuon Toeun was arrested just a few days after putting the post on Facebook

• Freedom of Information / Freedom of the Press

  • Press Gazette ☛ Olga Craig: Fearless war reporter and charmer of tricky interviewees

    A newsroom star who was also a team player, Olga Craig died after a short illness aged 67.

  • The Record ☛ Cambodia arrests journalist known for exposing cyber scams and human trafficking

    An award-winning Cambodian freelance journalist known for investigating the cyber scam industry was arrested on Monday on charges of “incitement to disturb social security,” according to a statement from local authorities.

• Civil Rights/Policing

  • JURIST ☛ UN agencies call on Security Council to protect the human rights of migrants

    The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) stated on Tuesday that urgent action from the UN Security Council is needed to prevent death on migration routes to Europe, noting that humanitarian law is no longer providing migrants with reliable protection from violations of their human rights.

  • JURIST ☛ ACLU seeks to block New Hampshire voter identification law

    The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Hampshire filed a complaint for injunctive and declaratory relief in the US District Court for the District of New Hampshire on Monday challenging the state’s new voter identification law.

• Internet Policy/Net Neutrality

  • Public Knowledge ☛ Building a More Connected Future in New Mexico

    New Mexico is a state rich in diversity with a unique blend of cultures and a deep history that embodies the American spirit.

Monopolies/Monopsonies