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Automated summaries of top Hacker News stories written by a large language model.
Launch HN: Univerbal (YC W23) – Language learning with a conversational AI tutor
Univerbal is an AI language learning app that allows users to have conversations with an AI tutor. The app aims to provide high-quality education at an affordable price by offering personalized feedback and tailored curriculum based on the user's interests and needs. The founders started the project as a side project and received positive responses from the HN community, leading them to apply to YC and turn it into a company. The app differentiates itself from language-learning apps like Duolingo by targeting online tutoring platforms as its competition. Univerbal offers a free trial for 7 days and then costs around $10 per month. The founders are seeking opinions on how much gamification to add to the app.
Senator Wyden Letter Confirms NSA Is Buying US Persons' Data from Data Brokers
In a letter released by Senator Ron Wyden, it has been confirmed that the National Security Agency (NSA) is purchasing Americans' internet records from data brokers. This revelation has raised concerns about the government funding and legitimizing an industry that violates Americans' privacy and operates illegally. Wyden has called on the administration to ensure that intelligence agencies stop buying personal data obtained illegally by data brokers. The NSA's involvement in purchasing data from brokers is surprising, as it has the capability to obtain this data through its own surveillance apparatus. The secrecy surrounding these data purchases highlights the government's attempt to keep the American people in the dark. Wyden is urging investigations into the purchase of data from data brokers and the business practices of these brokers. The NSA's admission to domestic surveillance raises further concerns about privacy and government overreach.
Quickemu: Quickly run optimised Windows, macOS and Linux virtual machines
Quickemu is a project that allows users to quickly create and run optimized virtual machines for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It aims to simplify the process by automatically determining the best way to run the desired operating system. The project was initially focused on Linux distributions but now includes comprehensive support for macOS and Windows as well. Quickemu differentiates itself by providing a wrapper for QEMU that simplifies configuration options and offers a more streamlined experience. It supports a wide range of features, including SPICE support, file sharing, USB device pass-through, SSH port forwarding, and more. The project also offers a graphical user interface called Quickgui for easier interaction. (Summary based on 32% of story text.)
JetBrains CEO Transition
JetBrains, a multinational software development company, is undergoing a CEO transition. Kirill Skrygan, who has been with the company since 2010 and has been leading the IntelliJ Department, will take over as CEO on February 1, 2024. The company expresses its gratitude to Maxim Shafirov, who has served as CEO for the past 11.5 years and has helped establish JetBrains as a leading tool provider in the developer market. JetBrains remains committed to its customers and partners and will continue to invest in Kotlin and its ecosystem. The company believes it is well-positioned to provide the best tools for developers in the future.
Seniors spend the equivalent of 3 weeks a year on health care, study says
According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, seniors spend an average of three weeks each year on health care appointments and services. This includes 17 days on ambulatory services like doctor visits, testing, and therapy, and four days in emergency rooms, hospitals, nursing facilities, or hospices. This research sheds light on the significant amount of time and effort older adults dedicate to managing their health.
Why China Could Surprise World by Being the First Country to Adopt UBI
The article discusses the possibility of China being the first country to adopt universal basic income (UBI). The author, who is an expert on UBI, believes that China has several reasons to consider implementing UBI. Firstly, China's political system allows for quick decision-making at the top, making it easier to enact such a policy. Secondly, China aims to achieve common prosperity and boost its consumer base, which UBI can help accomplish. Lastly, China already has a minimum income guarantee program called dibao, which could be transformed into a UBI. The author acknowledges that there are differing opinions on the feasibility of UBI in China, but argues that it is a more efficient and effective way to distribute income. The article also suggests that the prospect of a UBI-equipped China may lead the US to consider UBI as well.
Ryzen 8000G review: An integrated GPU that can beat a graphics card, for a price
The article discusses the review of AMD's Ryzen 8000G chips, which are integrated graphics processing units (GPUs) that can outperform low-tier graphics cards. The author expresses their interest in integrated GPUs as they provide affordable gaming options for those on a budget. The Ryzen 8000G chips are a significant upgrade from their predecessors, offering improved CPU and GPU architectures, faster memory, and energy efficiency. However, the article highlights that the pricing for the socket AM5 platform and DDR5 memory may limit the appeal of the 8000G series for some users. The article also mentions the unique features of the Ryzen 8000G chips, such as their use of laptop silicon repackaged for desktop processors and the inclusion of AMD's "Ryzen AI" feature for machine learning and AI workloads. The Ryzen 8000G chips are suitable for budget gaming PCs or small mini ITX-based desktops.
Senators Demand Justice Department Halt Funding to Predictive Policing Programs
A group of Democratic senators has written a letter to the Department of Justice (DoJ) demanding that funding for predictive policing programs be halted unless measures are put in place to prevent discriminatory impacts. The senators argue that predictive policing technologies worsen the unequal treatment of people of color by law enforcement. The letter references an investigation by The Markup and Gizmodo that revealed how a predictive policing algorithm disproportionately targeted marginalized communities. The senators also call for an audit of all grants issued by the DoJ for predictive policing technology. The letter comes after President Biden issued an executive order on the use of artificial intelligence systems, including predictive policing. The senators urge the DoJ to conduct its own analysis of the accuracy and biases of predictive policing systems and provide recommendations for non-discriminatory use of this technology.
There's So Much Data Even Spies Are Struggling to Find Secrets
In today's digital age, there is an overwhelming amount of data available, making it increasingly difficult for even spies to uncover secrets. With the rapid advancement of technology, the volume of data being generated has skyrocketed, posing a significant challenge for intelligence agencies. The sheer amount of information makes it harder to identify and extract valuable intelligence. This has led to the development of sophisticated algorithms and artificial intelligence systems to help sift through the vast amounts of data. However, even with these tools, the task of finding secrets remains a daunting one.
After 32 years, one of the 'Net's oldest software archives is shutting down
New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced that it will be shutting down the Hobbes OS/2 Archive on April 15, 2024. The archive, which has been in operation for over 32 years, has been a valuable resource for users of the IBM OS/2 operating system. The decision to close the archive was made due to a reevaluation of priorities, although specific reasons were not disclosed. The closure of Hobbes marks the end of an era and is a loss for the preservation of digital heritage. However, archivists have assured that the files hosted on Hobbes are already mirrored elsewhere, ensuring their safety.
A predicted quasicrystal is based on the 'Einstein' tile known as the hat
In a recent study, researchers have predicted the existence of a new type of quasicrystal based on a unique tile shape known as the "Einstein" tile or the "hat." Quasicrystals are materials with a unique atomic structure that exhibit symmetries not found in regular crystals. The researchers used computer simulations to demonstrate that this new quasicrystal could form under certain conditions. This discovery could have implications for understanding the properties and behavior of quasicrystals, which have already been found in nature and synthesized in the lab. The study provides new insights into the fascinating world of quasicrystals and their potential applications.
Notes on Cruise's Pedestrian Accident
The article discusses the Quinn Emanuel report on Cruise's handling of a pedestrian accident involving one of their autonomous vehicles. The author criticizes the media coverage of the report, stating that many journalists did not read the source material and therefore provided misleading summaries. The report itself presents both positive and negative findings about Cruise's actions during the accident. The author finds the report interesting because it provides a detailed investigation into a tech incident, which is rare. The report highlights failures in leadership, judgment, and transparency on Cruise's part, and calls for the company to take steps to restore trust and credibility. (Summary based on 19% of story text.)
A mistakenly published password exposed Mercedes-Benz source code
Mercedes-Benz accidentally exposed its source code after leaving a private key online, according to cybersecurity firm RedHunt Labs. The company discovered a Mercedes employee's authentication token in a public GitHub repository, which granted unrestricted access to the car maker's GitHub Enterprise Server and allowed the download of private source code repositories. The exposed repositories contained sensitive information such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services keys, a Postgres database, and design documents. Mercedes has since revoked the API token and removed the public repository. It is unclear if any customer data was compromised or if anyone else discovered the exposed key.
A Tinkertoy computer that plays tic-tac-toe (1989)
The article discusses a Tinkertoy computer that was built by a group of MIT students in 1975. The computer is able to play tic-tac-toe and uses Tinkertoy "memory spindles" to encode all the possible combinations of X's and O's that could arise during a game. The computer is not fully automatic and requires a human operator to crank the read head and manage its input. The article also mentions that one of the team members, Daniel Hillis, went on to found Thinking Machines, Inc., a company that produces parallel supercomputers. The Tinkertoy computer showcases the universality of computation and the potential of simple construction sets like Tinkertoys.
Prisoners in the US are part of a hidden workforce linked to popular food brands
A two-year investigation by the Associated Press has revealed that prisoners in the US are part of a hidden workforce that is linked to popular food brands. The investigation found that prisoners are forced to work for pennies an hour or sometimes nothing at all, with their labor being used in the supply chains of major companies like McDonald's, Walmart, and Cargill. The prisoners are often excluded from protections guaranteed to other workers and can face punishment if they refuse to work. The use of prison labor is legal, but many companies buying directly from prisons are violating their own policies against the use of such labor. Efforts are underway to challenge the legality of using prison labor. (Summary based on 24% of story text.)
TrustArc adds fake long delay when denying cookies on Starbucks website (2021)
TrustArc, a privacy compliance company, has been caught adding a fake long delay when denying cookies on the Starbucks website. This controversial practice was discovered by a Twitter user who noticed that the denial of cookies took an unusually long time to process. TrustArc claims that this delay is necessary to ensure that the user's decision is properly recorded, but many are skeptical of this explanation. This revelation raises concerns about the transparency and trustworthiness of privacy compliance companies like TrustArc.
Ask HN: Would doing a coding bootcamp be a horrible idea?
The author of this post is seeking advice on whether or not they should enroll in a coding bootcamp. They have a background in tech sales and sales operations, with some knowledge of Python and SQL. They mention feeling intimidated by "real" engineers and have been primarily working on no code platforms like Salesforce. The author recently lost their job in a round of layoffs but has saved enough money to support themselves for 6-12 months. They are curious about the current state of coding bootcamps and whether they are worth the investment, especially considering the job market and the impact of generative AI. The author is 34 years old, based in NYC, and does not have any dependents.
Men hand over Bitcoins worth two billion euros to German federal police
The German federal police have received over two billion euros worth of Bitcoins from men involved in an ongoing investigation. The investigation, led by the General Prosecutor's Office in Dresden, the State Criminal Police in Saxony, and the Tax Investigation Office in Leipzig, has been supported by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the FBI, and a Munich IT expert firm. So far, no charges have been filed. This is the largest seizure of Bitcoins by law enforcement authorities in Germany. One of the men transferred the Bitcoins to a BKA wallet, and the decision on how to dispose of the Bitcoins has not been finalized.
CDC 6600
The CDC 6600 was a groundbreaking supercomputer manufactured by Control Data Corporation. It was the first successful supercomputer and outperformed its predecessor, the IBM 7030 Stretch, by a factor of three. With a performance of up to three megaFLOPS, it was the world's fastest computer from 1964 to 1969. The CDC 6600 quickly became popular in high-end scientific and mathematical computing, with over 100 machines delivered to various institutions. The design of the CDC 6600 was innovative, featuring a system console with screens and a keyboard, replacing the traditional switches and blinking lights. The machine's architecture and use of peripheral processors allowed for improved performance and parallel processing. (Summary based on 28% of story text.)
ZFS over iSCSI Storage in Proxmox
The author shares their experience of using Proxmox as their main hypervisor in their homelab. They explain that due to high electricity prices, they had to shut down their old server and switch to using Lenovo Tinies that consume less power. The author wanted to try remote storage and found that using ZFS over iSCSI with Proxmox allows for the snapshot feature. They provide a guide on how to set up a storage server with fast disks and a 10G network card, using Debian as the fileserver. They also explain how to install ZFS, create a pool, and configure the iSCSI server using targetcli. Finally, they explain how to add the storage to Proxmox and use it for VMs.
How Will the Golden Age of "Making It Worse" End?
The article discusses the belief that one person, usually a man, can make a critical difference in a bad situation through anger and violence. The author highlights Mark Wahlberg's statement about how he could have prevented the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent apology he issued. The article explores the national pastime of idle fantasies of retribution and the desire to make wrong things right. It also delves into the erosion of safety culture in industries like Boeing due to a focus on financial capitalism and cost-cutting measures. The author criticizes the capitalist mindset and the lack of concern for quality and safety. The article concludes by suggesting that those in power have no idea about the anger and frustration caused by their actions.
Dirtyjson (2022)
Dirtyjson is a JSON decoder designed to extract JSON-type data from .js files that may not adhere to the official JSON standard. It provides information about line and column numbers, allowing for more useful error messages. The project aims to read JSON objects from files that contain elements that do not fit the standard, making it useful for complex data parsing or compiling. The project differentiates itself by providing an API similar to the standard library marshal and pickle modules, but only for loading JSON data. Writing JSON is recommended using either the standard json library or simplejson.
ICANN proposes creating .INTERNAL domain to do the same job as 192.168.x.x
ICANN has proposed creating a new top-level domain (TLD) called .INTERNAL that would be reserved for internal use only. This TLD would serve the same purpose as the 192.168.x.x IPv4 bloc, which is used for internal networks but not accessible from the open internet. The idea behind .INTERNAL is to address the issue of enterprises and device vendors using ad hoc TLDs for private use, which can cause harm to internet users. After a consultation process, ICANN chose .INTERNAL as the preferred TLD over .PRIVATE. However, ICANN's board still needs to approve the creation of .INTERNAL. Some organizations already use ad hoc TLDs, but ICANN advises considering the potential costs and suggests using a sub-domain of a publicly registered domain name instead.
Europe's quantum tech sees rosy outlook for 2024
A new report published by three leading quantum firms reveals that Europe is experiencing steady growth in investments in quantum start-ups. Europe was the only region to see consistent growth in venture capital investment in quantum technologies, while investments in the United States plummeted by 80%. The report also predicts a "steady momentum toward the quantum era" and highlights the importance of upskilling the quantum computing workforce. However, there are challenges ahead, including data security and privacy regulations for on-premise quantum computing and the high cost per useful hour of quantum computers compared to traditional systems.
Hopes for Finding Mars Life After Rover's Ground-Penetrating Radar Discovery
Ground-penetrating radar onboard NASA's Mars Perseverance rover has confirmed that the Jezero crater on Mars once contained a vast lake and river delta. The discovery of lake sediments in the crater reinforces the hope that traces of life might be found in soil and rock samples collected by the rover. The radar images reveal two distinct periods of sediment deposition sandwiched between periods of erosion, indicating significant environmental changes over time. The research, led by UCLA and the University of Oslo, confirms previous suspicions of the existence of lake sediments in the crater. The rover's findings will contribute to our understanding of Mars' geologic history and the potential for past life on the planet.
Raspberry Pi Picks Banks for IPO, Choosing London over New York
Raspberry Pi, the British computer hardware company known for its affordable mini-computers, has chosen London over New York for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO). This decision comes as a surprise to many, as New York is typically seen as the go-to destination for tech IPOs. However, Raspberry Pi's CEO, Eben Upton, believes that London offers a more favorable regulatory environment and a better understanding of the company's mission to make computing accessible to all. This move also highlights the growing strength of the London tech scene and its ability to attract high-profile IPOs.
Poincaré Recurrence Theorem
The Poincaré recurrence theorem states that certain dynamical systems will, after a sufficiently long but finite time, return to a state arbitrarily close to their initial state. The theorem applies to isolated mechanical systems subject to some constraints, such as all particles being bound to a finite volume. The theorem is named after Henri Poincaré, who discussed it in 1890. The proof of the theorem relies on the conservation of energy and the concept of phase space. The theorem does not guarantee that all parts of the phase volume will return at the same time or that the recurrence will be periodic. (Summary based on 50% of story text.)
The pursuit of cutting-edge JS frameworks resulted in a less accessible web
The pursuit of cutting-edge JavaScript frameworks has resulted in a less accessible web, particularly for users with lower-power devices and slower internet connections. The emphasis on creating highly interactive web applications has led to large payloads that are difficult to download and require a lot of memory to execute. This disproportionately affects those who could benefit the most from well-supported access to the web, such as those needing government services. Additionally, the push for interaction has taken a toll on web accessibility, with developers often neglecting the needs of screen-reader users. The author suggests prioritizing information access and accessibility over flashy interfaces to preserve the web's easy access to information.
Many Younger Americans Don't See a Path to Retirement
Many younger Americans are feeling uncertain about their ability to retire. A recent survey found that 64% of millennials and 54% of Generation Xers believe they will never be able to save enough money to retire comfortably. This is a concerning trend, as retirement savings are crucial for financial security in later years. The rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and high levels of student debt are some of the factors contributing to this pessimistic outlook. It is important for policymakers and employers to address these concerns and provide solutions to ensure that younger Americans have a path to retirement.
Since when does Windows support forward slash as path separator?
The article discusses whether Windows supports forward slashes as path separators. It explains that while Windows itself did not explicitly support both slashes, DOS did since version 2.0. Therefore, all DOS functions would work properly with either slash. Newer versions of Windows, such as NT and later, copied this behavior. However, Windows applications may or may not accept forward slashes when parsing for filenames. The article provides examples and screenshots to demonstrate the behavior of different Windows versions and applications. Overall, the support for forward slashes in Windows is described as incoherent, with some parts supporting it and others not.