Read Before Monday

Welcome to another #RBM! From hacking cars with just a license plate to a potential standstill in telecom innovation, this week brings some eye opening tech insights. First, Kia patched vulnerabilities that allowed hackers to remotely control car functions, like unlocking doors and accessing personal data, reminding us how modern cars are more about connected services than transportation - and how vulnerable that makes them. Meanwhile, instead of faster mobile networks, we should focus on expanding coverage and reducing costs. As wifi becomes more ubiquitous than 5G, telecoms risk becoming irrelevant if they don't evolve beyond being just "data pipes". On the privacy front, two Harvard students built smart glasses that can instantly identify people by using facial recognition - raising lots of concerns about the fine line between cool tech and mass surveillance. In more surprising news, Meta is partnering with UK banks to tackle fraud by sharing data through their FIRE program. And in the quirky tech world, someone repurposed a rotary phone as a Bluetooth controller to play Doom. A blend of retro and modern tech that’s both absurd and genius!

Thirty weeks of #RBM! Thank you for being a reader! :) This week is about how the proposed UN cybercrime treaty, expected to finalise by late 2024, sparks an important discussion. On the medical front, photobiomodulation (PBM) is generating buzz, but we need to stay grounded. In the world of art and technology, Andy Warhol's early digital experiments on the Commodore Amiga are back in the spotlight! A fascinating throwback to the intersection of creativity and tech. Then, the impermanence of data is another theme we're grappling with today. From ancient papyrus to SSDs, no data lasts forever. Whether it’s your cloud storage or an old hard drive, modern data storage solutions are fragile, reminding us that active preservation is key. Finally, GenAI is moving fast too, with headlines coming from Microsoft’s new AI developments and regulatory proposals from the UN to ensure equitable AI progress.

Another week and we're already closer to Autumn... In this edition we review OpenAI's o1-preview and o1-mini models, emphasising their enhanced reasoning but noting issues with cost and transparency due to hidden "reasoning tokens." Then we focus to the inadequate testing of medical AI, calling for real-world trials and transparency. !984 called and they want Larry Ellison's AI-powered surveillance vision, which sparks concerns about privacy and overreach. Also, the FTC criticises social media platforms' data practices, pushing for regulation - I'm shocked (narrator: he's not!). Lastly, did you know that tech companies like Spotify exploit nostalgia, driving price hikes while consumers remain attached due to curated memories? See you next week :)

Welcome to another #RBM! This week I just grabbed some great pieces on the state of industries I'm passionate about. First, Intel is struggling to keep pace in AI and chip manufacturing, with ARM and TSMC dominating. Even with Gelsinger’s optimism, the market seems tough for them. Then, lets understand how revolutionary CRISPR is, but the risks and ethical concerns are real, especially in eradicating species. Did you knew that AnandTech ends its 27-year journey, a sign of how tech journalism is evolving. Also, magazines are fading, but writers on Substack thrive! Finally, web design from the 90s is on display, and it's nostalgic! See you next week!

This week's #RBM is all about fascinating technological transformations, from the early days of FM radio to the groundbreaking role of AI in modern healthcare. First up, the history of FM radio is a remarkable journey - it shows how innovation can triumph despite industry pushback and unforeseen obstacles. Speaking of juxtaposition, the Hindenburg interior photos offer a surreal look into the luxury of airship travel, it's a powerful reminder of how innovation and risk were intertwined in the early 20th century, a theme that still resonates today. Then, on a more contemporary note, AI is transforming drug discovery, drastically reducing the time it takes to develop life-saving treatments. Finally, a look back at Y2K which offers a cautionary tale of inflated fears and "fake jobs" driven by corporate panic. Closing with a bit of nostalgia - as usual! Steve Wozniak's reunion with the Homebrew Computer Club reminded us of the heart behind early tech revolutions. Their dream is now our reality, and their legacy continues to shape the digital world we live in.

Welcome to another #RBM! This edition we start strong, with a lot of tech nostalgia and insights! Delayed by internal issues, the Atari 7800 struggled to compete with the NES despite its advanced features. Retro lovers, keep an eye out for the upcoming Atari 7800+! Then, once a giant, Motorola’s failure to innovate post-RAZR and poor decisions led to its downfall. The brand’s journey from leader to Lenovo’s acquisition is a cautionary tale. What about if life is a series of inputs and outputs that we can’t always decode? Maybe instead of over analysing we need to focus on adapting and responding. Also, not everything needs to scale, right? Sometimes, the most fulfilling pursuits are those that resist mass production and constant growth. Finally, in Shanghai, cars are more than transportation - they’re status symbols. As Western tariffs rise, how will Chinese automakers like NIO and BYD navigate global competition? See you next week!