All posts tagged: Unlocks

Hackable Robot Lawn Mower Unlocks a New Nightmare

Hackable Robot Lawn Mower Unlocks a New Nightmare

Published by skeptic

Cramming for finals is bad enough without the platform you use to do your schoolwork suddenly shutting down. Unfortunately for countless students across the US, that’s exactly what they faced on Thursday after Canvas went into “maintenance mode” following a ransomware attack on education tech firm Instructure. Hackers using the name ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for the breach, and experts say the chaos they caused shows how far these actors will go to extort their victims. Did you know that Google Chrome includes an automatic download of the Gemini Nano AI model? If not, you wouldn’t be alone. People who use Google’s wildly popular browser realized this week that Gemini Nano has been taking up 4 GB of space on their desktops since 2024, sparking annoyance and concerns over privacy. Fortunately, you can disable the AI model—but not without losing some helpful security features. Obviously, you can also just download a different browser for free. Researchers this week revealed that thousands of vibe coded apps were left exposed on the open internet, revealing sensitive corporate and …

2,200-year-old Roman shipwreck unlocks mysteries of how ships were built and repaired

2,200-year-old Roman shipwreck unlocks mysteries of how ships were built and repaired

Published by Jenni Sidey

Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. About 2,200 years ago, a Roman Republic ship sank off the coast of modern-day Croatia, with wood and amphorae (ancient storage containers) of wine on board. Scientists are not sure why it sank, but the Ilovik–Paržine 1 shipwreck was discovered in 2016. However, the archeologists and researchers behind a new study published today in the journal Frontiers in Materials weren’t interested in its precious cargo. The ship’s critical waterproofing layer was their treasure.  This unique protective layer on a ship traps pollen in its stickiness just like tree sap. By studying the type and quantity of pollen, as well as the molecular composition of the coating itself, researchers can start forming theories about where the boat was when this essential coating was created and applied.  “In archaeology little attention is paid to organic waterproofing materials. Yet they are essential for navigation at sea or on rivers and are true witnesses of past naval technologies,” Armelle Charrié-Duhaut, first author of …

Google’s Gemma 4 model goes fully open-source and unlocks powerful local AI – even on phones

Google’s Gemma 4 model goes fully open-source and unlocks powerful local AI – even on phones

Published by skeptic

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Gemma 4 is now fully open-source under Apache 2.0. Local AI enables privacy, offline use, and lower costs. From servers to smartphones, deployment just got much easier. Google announced today that its DeepMind AI research division is releasing Gemma 4, its latest generation of open large language models. The models are being released under the Apache 2.0 license, making them truly open source compared to the permissive but still controlled license of earlier Gemma generations. What is Gemma? Gemma is an LLM like Gemini. But here, we’re talking about the AI processing engine, not the chatbot interface. Both Gemma and Gemini were developed using the same research and technology. The difference is that Gemini is a subscription-based closed product, whereas Gemma is an open model that can be downloaded and run locally for free. The ability to run an AI model locally without a fee benefits a variety of applications. There are plenty of folks who want to run …

Volkswagen Group’s joint venture with Rivian unlocks another B

Volkswagen Group’s joint venture with Rivian unlocks another $1B

Published by skeptic

According to the Volkswagen Group, its joint venture with Rivian has achieved a key milestone by completing winter testing of Rivian’s technology in VW vehicles. As a result, the milestone unlocks an additional $1 billion in investment from Volkswagen Group in Rivian. Today’s latest milestone news from across the pond dates back to summer 2024, when Volkswagen Group initially announced a new joint venture with Rivian that entails a total investment of up to $5 billion (with a “b”) should certain goals be met. The purpose of the joint venture was to develop a “next generation electrical/electronic architecture.” VW Group initially invested a cool billion in Rivian at the time of the announcement, while gaining immediate access to Rivian’s electronics architecture and software development – a major strength of Rivian and a category that the German auto conglomerate has… stumbled in. Two years later, Rivian’s technology has contributed to the development of a new Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture, and Volkswagen Group has been testing it with several prototype vehicles from VW, Audi, and Scout …

Psilocybin unlocks a specific biological signature in the brain linked to profound mystical states

Psilocybin unlocks a specific biological signature in the brain linked to profound mystical states

Published by José Betancourt

A recent study published in Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry sheds light on how psilocybin alters human brain activity, shifting it from a resting state to a highly engaged pattern of processing. Scientists found that these measurable brain wave changes directly correspond to the intensity of a person’s psychedelic experience. The research also suggests that a person’s resting brain activity before taking the drug might predict how strongly they will respond, opening new possibilities for personalized therapies. Psilocybin is the active chemical found in “magic mushrooms” that can cause profound changes in perception, mood, and thought. By interacting with specific serotonin receptors in the brain, the substance tends to promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new connections. In recent years, scientists have explored its potential as a treatment for conditions like depression, addictive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Early clinical trials suggest that even a single dose of psilocybin might help patients reconnect with their emotions and find meaning in daily experiences. Despite this promise, the exact ways psilocybin affects the …

Doc Unlocks Murder of Gay Porn Star

Doc Unlocks Murder of Gay Porn Star

Published by Daniella Wilson

There’s so much true crime content out there that it’s sometimes hard to tell one sordid exposé from the other. Most of them tend to apply the same formula and aesthetic: plots twists and reversals galore; reams of archive images; interviews with experts or so-called experts; cheesy re-enactments and b-roll footage; and lots of thriller music to up the suspense. Rachel Mason’s My Brother’s Killer checks most of the above boxes, and at first blush it feels like yet another gory cold case doc meant to shock us in front of our screens. But as the story unfolds, and some truly surprising characters and facts emerge, the film transforms into a probing account of a gay community devastated by bigotry, AIDS and one gruesome murder that haunted people for decades. My Brother’s Killer The Bottom Line More than a classic cold case. Venue: SXSW Film Festival (Documentary Spotlight)Cast: Marc Rabins, John Lamberti, Clark Williams, Sabin Grey, Christopher Rice, Rachel MasonDirector: Rachel Mason 1 hour 36 minutes Let’s start with the facts: In October 1990, the …

BYD’s Blade EV Battery 2.0 unlocks 1,000+ km pure electric range

BYD’s Blade EV Battery 2.0 unlocks 1,000+ km pure electric range

Published by skeptic

BYD’s ultra-luxe electric sedan, the Yangwang U7, will be the first to feature the new Blade Battery 2.0. The new EV battery boasts a pure electric range of 1,006 km (625 miles) under CLTC conditions. BYD Blade Battery 2.0 delivers 1,000+ km of EV range After overtaking Tesla last year, BYD officially claimed the global EV sales leader crown for the first time. However, BYD’s sales growth in China has slowed over the past few months with a flood of new domestic EVs hitting the market. To recapture its momentum, the company is developing new batteries, charging systems that are just as fast as filling up at a gas station, smart driving features, and more. During its “Disruptive Technology” event on March 5, we will get our first look at several exciting projects and vehicles BYD will roll out over the next few months. Advertisement – scroll for more content That will include the new BYD Blade Battery 2.0. BYD’s luxury brand confirmed on social media that the Yangwang U7 will be the first to …

There’s a secret menu on your Samsung TV that unlocks more picture settings

There’s a secret menu on your Samsung TV that unlocks more picture settings

Published by skeptic

As time goes on, the quality of 4K screens and TV displays has been getting so much better. While some may argue that plasma screens were where things peaked, we’ve only got room to expand from those heavy, heat-producing displays of yesteryear. Even back in the day, Samsung was a pioneer in creating a great display, and they’ve kept that quality high since flat screens were unleashed on the world. But, there’s a chance that you may not know that your Samsung device has a hidden service menu that unlocks even more customization for your picture and device. PWM, calibrating colors, and backlight adjustments are just the start for curious consumers. Credit: Shaun Cichacki/MUO Before trying this for yourself, make sure you research and understand what each setting in the service menu does. MUO and the author are not responsible for any damage done to your devices without prior research into Samsung service menu settings. Messing around with electronics has been a passion of mine for years. Regardless if it’s tinkering with and disassembling different consoles …

Pennsylvania unlocks 0M to install EV chargers in communities

Pennsylvania unlocks $100M to install EV chargers in communities

Published by skeptic

Photo: FLO Pennsylvania is putting another $100 million in federal funding toward public EV chargers, this time targeting communities instead of highways. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has launched the Community Charging phase of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a new round of funding meant to bring chargers into towns and cities across the state. The money will roll out region by region, starting in southeastern Pennsylvania, which includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Around $34 million will be available for projects in that first region. Local transportation planning agencies will decide which specific sites get priority, but any publicly accessible location in those counties can apply. PennDOT also released a survey so businesses, property owners, and organizations can connect with charging developers and operators before submitting applications. The state says this new funding builds on $54 million already committed to public charging through NEVI. So far, Pennsylvania has 29 federally funded stations either built or under construction, costing about $17 million. Another 54 stations are in planning or construction. …

This antenna unlocks hundreds of free TV channels – no subscriptions required

This $20 antenna unlocks hundreds of free TV channels – no subscriptions required

Published by skeptic

Best Buy Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Whether you’re gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday or the 2026 Winter Olympics, there are plenty of ways to catch all the action live or in highlight reels. But what if you don’t want to spend a fortune on streaming subscriptions?  The Best Buy Essentials indoor TV antenna is just $20, and gives you access to free, local NBC channels all year long so you can keep up with sports, news, and entertainment without having to budget for monthly fees. It’s our tested pick for the best budget TV antenna. Also: The best indoor TV antennas you can buy Measuring just 11.7 x 8.3 inches, the Best Buy Essentials indoor TV antenna is the perfect size for placing in a window or tucked out of the way for a more organized home theater. And the 35-mile range gives you the ability to focus in on your favorite local channels while HD support gives you great picture quality in both 1080p and 4K resolution.  It also …