Black Friday is just around the corner, but to try and beat out some of the brick-and-mortar stores, Amazon has deals going live early that may even beat out other shops. This includes a whole slew of Amazon Fire TVs, which are marked down more than normal to save you a buck and up your home theater game.
Leading us off is our strongest
Source: Hot Hardware – Amazon Fire TV Deals Light Up Early For Big Black Friday Savings Up To 38% Off
A machine learning-based weather prediction program developed by DeepMind researchers called “GraphCast” can predict weather variables over the span of 10 days, in under one minute. In a report, scientists highlight that GraphCast has outperformed traditional weather pattern prediction technologies at a 90% verification rate.
The AI-powered weather prediction program works by taking in “the two most recent states of Earth’s weather,” which includes the variables from the time of the test and six hours prior. Using that data, GraphCast can predict what the state of the weather will be in six hours. In practice, AI has already showcased its applicability in the real world. The tool predicted the landfall of Hurricane Lee in Long Island 10 days before it happened, while the traditional weather prediction technologies being used by meteorologists at the time lagged behind. Forecasts made by standard weather simulations can take longer because traditionally, models have to account for complicated physics and fluid dynamics to make accurate predictions.
Not only does the weather prediction algorithm outperform traditional technologies to forecast weather patterns in terms of pace and scale, GraphCast can also predict severe weather events, which includes tropical cyclones and waves of extreme temperatures over regions. And because the algorithm can be re-trained with recent data, scientists believe that the tool will only get better at predicting oscillations in weather patterns that coincide with grander changes that align with climate change.
Soon, GraphCast, or at least the basis of the AI algorithm that powers its predictions, might pop up into more mainstream services. According to Wired, Google might be exploring how to integrate GraphCast into its products. The call for better storm modeling has already paved a path for supercomputers in the space. The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) says it has been working to develop models that will provide more accurate readings on when severe weather events might occur and importantly, the intensity forecasts for hurricanes.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai-is-starting-to-outperform-meteorologists-173616631.html?src=rss
Source: Engadget – AI is starting to outperform meteorologists
If you’re serious about your rest, you need to invest in it.If you’re serious about your rest, you need to invest in it.
Source: LifeHacker – My Essentials for the Best Night’s Sleep Ever
Radio emissions detected about 24,855 miles (40,000 kilometers) above a dark region on the Sun have aurora-like qualities, according to a team of astronomers that studied the emissions.
Source: Gizmodo – Researchers See ‘Aurora’ Above Sunspot
Scarlett Johansson sure seemed shaken when asked about those rumors of her return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Source: Gizmodo – Scarlett Johansson Plays Coy About Black Widow’s Marvel Return
An anonymous reader writes: Videos collected by 404 Media over months give a peek into the world of spoofing numbers, automated call scripts, and a specific seller of the phones. From the report: “Alright lads,” a man sitting in the passenger seat of a moving car says in a heavy British accent. In his left hand he holds a special phone he is showing off to his clients, while with the other he films his demonstration which was later uploaded to Telegram. “I’m only going to say it once, yeah. You swipe, and it’s gone,” he continues, demonstrating one app installed that can instantly destroy data stored on the device. The phone in question is one from “Russiancoms,” an underground outfit that sells the devices for just under $2,000 each. For that price, customers get a laundry list of features: the ability to spoof phone numbers, play hold music, and have a computerized voice read pre-determined scripts. While Russiancoms does not acknowledge in its Telegram channel what the phones might really be for, those are features well suited to committing fraud.
The Russiancoms Telegram channel periodically deletes its videos and other messages, but 404 Media has been archiving many of them for months. They provide insight into a little known industry of fraud phones, ones that make it easy for anyone to enter the world of robocalling or other scams. While much of the underground phone industry has been focused on providing secure communications to criminals — companies like Phantom Secure, Encrochat, and Sky for example — Russiancoms and similar companies appear to cater to a different use case: enabling people to make calls that fraudulently appear to come from someone else. A common tool in the underground is also so-called Russian SIMs, which can spoof numbers in some cases. Russiancoms’ phones, however, are more fully featured.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Source: Slashdot – The ,000 Phones That Let Anyone Make Robocalls
For this article in the series, we explore installing and configuring Manjaro on the NUC 13. Manjaro is an Arch-based Linux distribution.
Source: LXer – Intel NUC 13 Pro Mini PC Running Linux: Installing Manjaro
Enlarge / ULA’s Vulcan rocket rolls to the launch pad for testing. (credit: United Launch Alliance)
Lockheed Martin and Boeing are close to selecting a buyer for United Launch Alliance, two sources told Ars. The jointly owned rocket company, which was founded in 2006 and for a time had a monopoly on US government launch contracts, has been up for sale most of this year.
The sources say three buyers have emerged for the Colorado-based launch company. These include a private equity fund, the Jeff Bezos-owned space company Blue Origin, and a well-capitalized aerospace firm that is interested in increasing its space portfolio.
There is precedent for a private equity firm—typically a group of investors that purchases a company, overhauls it, and then resells the business—buying a launch company. In early 2022, AE Industrial Partners acquired the launch and space services company Firefly.
Read 11 remaining paragraphs | Comments
Source: Ars Technica – Sale of United Launch Alliance is nearing its end, with three potential buyers
Just two weeks since Fwupd 1.9.7 was released, Fwupd 1.9.8 is now available for this open-source solution that facilities firmware updating on Linux systems for system firmware as well as various devices/peripherals…
Source: Phoronix – Fwupd 1.9.8 Released With Firmware Updating For New DP Converters, Wacom Cintiq Pro
Subscriptions to the Headspace app are half off this Black Friday for new and returning customers who have had memberships expire. Starting on November 14 through the 27th, the annual $70 fee will be slashed to $35. Alternatively, you could get a monthly subscription for $6.50 each pay period instead of $13.
A subscription to the mindfulness app will get you access to an entire suite of meditation programming, as well as sounds that can help you focus. But the app isn’t just for stress — it landed a spot on our best sleep app list. Users will also gain access to curated yoga and fitness videos that can help them stick to their fitness goals and in turn, improve overall wellness.
Headspace also offers video content and stress-relieving meditation programs specific for work and school. You can calm your nerves and learn how to connect with your peers by taking the advice of a professional before a presentation if you struggle with public speaking, for example. Or you could follow along with a 7-minute meditation clip to help you decompress after a long day at work. If you’re new to meditation, you can start as a beginner through a four-week guided program assembled by a Headspace expert.
If you’re navigating change or undergoing a stressful time, this Black Friday deal might be the perfect gateway into meditation and getting extra mental health support. If you’re thinking about shopping for the holidays, Engadget has recommended a subscription to Headspace app as a thoughtful gift for teachers, or students alike.
Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo’s Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/headspaces-black-friday-deal-knocks-half-off-annual-and-monthly-memberships-140017944.html?src=rss
Source: Engadget – Headspace’s Black Friday deal knocks half off annual and monthly memberships
Bitcoin wallets older than 2016 could have a vulnerability that puts over $1 billion worth of cryptocurrency at risk, according to a report in the Washington Post.
Source: Gizmodo – Millions of Old Bitcoin Wallets Have Critical Security Flaws, Experts Say
Persona 5 met with near-universal acclaim when it came to the West in 2017, and was widely credited with revitalizing the turn-based RPG after a years-long slump. In the six years since its release, some have argued that P5’s villains are excessively evil, but our real-world corporate overlords, power-hungry…
Source: Kotaku – Persona 5 Tactica: The Kotaku Review
Venmo’s new “Venmo Groups” feature works just as Splitwise does—which means you can split payments all in one app now.Venmo’s new “Venmo Groups” feature works just as Splitwise does—which means you can split payments all in one app now.
Source: LifeHacker – Venmo May Have Just Killed Splitwise
Google Pixel Watch 2: Starting at $349.99 The Google Watch 2 builds on the success of the original with better performance, battery life, and fitness tracking, but its starting price is still relatively high. Bright, sharp display A solid day of battery life Extremely comfortable on the wrist Stylish design Uses proprietary band connector…
Source: Hot Hardware – Google Pixel Watch 2 Review: An Impressive Sequel
With Europa and Enceladus getting most of the attention for their subsurface oceans and potential to host life, other frozen worlds have been left in the shadows—but the mysterious Jovian moon Ganymede is now making headlines.
While Ganymede hasn’t yet been observed spewing plumes of water vapor like Saturn’s moon Enceladus, Jupiter’s largest moon is most likely hiding an enormous saltwater ocean. Hubble observations suggest that the ocean—thought to sit under 150 km (95 miles) of ice—could be up to 100 km (60 miles) deep. That’s ten times deeper than the ocean on Earth.
Ganymede is having a moment because NASA’s Juno mission observed salts and organic compounds on its surface, possibly from an ocean that lies beneath its crust of ice. While Juno’s observations can’t provide decisive evidence that this moon has an ocean that makes Earth look like a kiddie pool, the Juno findings are the strongest evidence yet of salts and other chemicals making it to the exterior of Ganymede.
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Source: Ars Technica – Jupiter’s moon Ganymede is telling us more about its alien ocean
NASA is pulling back from its Mars Sample Return program (MSR) in order to develop a revised way of bringing the Martian rocks back to Earth after its original plan was deemed unrealistic.
Source: Gizmodo – NASA ‘Pauses’ Mars Sample Return to Get a Grip on the Mission
Uber drivers (and riders) need to maintain a high rating to keep using the app, but bad actors can pull that score down. Some may even give a driver or courier a poor rating for a perfectly fine ride or food delivery just so they can get a refund. Uber says it’s doing more to tackle that problem and to make the platform fairer and safer for riders and couriers.
The company says it has established new systems to pinpoint users who make complaints solely in an effort to get a refund or other appeasement. Uber says any allegations that these flagged users make will not impact a driver’s rating or play a factor in account deactivation decisions. The company notes that this builds on a policy it’s had since 2017 to discard low ratings for issues that are outside of a driver’s or courier’s control, such as heavy traffic.
Elsewhere, drivers and couriers will receive clearer information as to why Uber deactivated their account. They’ll be able to ask Uber to review the decision and include any details that may help their case, such as video or audio recordings. In addition, drivers in the US who have been accused of operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs will have the option of taking a test to prove their innocence. Uber will cover the cost of the drug test.
These are part of a number of measures Uber is bringing in to make the platform safer and fairer for drivers. For one thing, the company is expanding its Record My Ride feature to more cities in the US. Drivers in more locations will be able to use their iPhone’s front-facing camera to capture video of their trips. As with the audio recording feature that’s now available nationwide, no one will have access to an encrypted video capture unless a driver sends it to Uber for review.
In another safety-oriented update, Uber says that in 2024 it will “significantly expand verification of rider identities to compare rider account details against trusted data sources or an ID document.” Eventually, it will start informing drivers whether the rider they’re set to pick up is verified. The idea is to give drivers more peace of mind before they accept a trip.
Other updates Uber has announced include Android Auto integration so the Uber Driver app can be accessed on a larger screen. That builds on previous CarPlay integration.
Drivers will soon be able to share real-time traffic and route information that other drivers can access, while information on roadworks, crashes and lane closures that are sourced from TomTom are automatically factored into Uber’s suggested routes. Meanwhile, couriers can now see if there’s free parking close to their destination and they can access more information about their drop-off point, including photos of the building or door.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/uber-is-clamping-down-on-users-who-give-bad-ratings-just-to-get-refunds-164045280.html?src=rss
Source: Engadget – Uber is clamping down on users who give bad ratings just to get refunds
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has struggled to stop a hyper-aggressive cybercrime gang that’s been tormenting corporate America over the last two years, according to nine cybersecurity responders, digital crime experts and victims. Reuters: For more than six months, the FBI has known the identities of at least a dozen members tied to the hacking group responsible for the devastating September break-ins at casino operators MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, according to four people familiar with the investigation. Industry executives have told Reuters they were baffled by an apparent lack of arrests despite many of the hackers being based in America. “I would love for somebody to explain it to me,” said Michael Sentonas, president of CrowdStrike, one of the firms leading the response effort to the hacks.
“For such a small group, they are absolutely causing havoc,” Sentonas told Reuters in an interview last month. Sentonas said the hackers were “known” but didn’t provide specifics. He did say, “I think there is a failure here.” Asked who was responsible for the failure, Sentonas said, “law enforcement.” […] Dubbed by some security professionals as “Scattered Spider,” the hacking group has been active since 2021 but it grabbed headlines following a series of intrusions at several high profile American companies.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Source: Slashdot – FBI Struggled To Disrupt Dangerous Casino Hacking Gang, Cyber Responders Say
The Canonical-developed Netplan has served for Linux network configuration on Ubuntu Server and Cloud versions for years. With the recent Ubuntu 23.10 release, Netplan is now being used by default on the desktop. Canonical is committing to fully leveraging Netplan for network configuration with the upcoming Ubuntu 24.04 LTS release and in turn also marking the Netplan 1.0 release…
Source: Phoronix – Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Committing Fully To Netplan For Network Configuration
Catch a documentary, learn filmmaking from Martin Scorcese, explore black holes, and much more.Catch a documentary, learn filmmaking from Martin Scorcese, explore black holes, and much more.
Source: LifeHacker – The Best Educational Streaming Services for Kids and Adults Alike
