Your Tech Story

tech story

Data Act

Does the EU draft Data Act put trade secrets at risk?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By

German engineering giant Siemens and German business software firm SAP have joined American IT juggernauts in denouncing new EU legislation on the use of data produced by consumer goods and other smart devices. Before the Data Act can be enacted as law, EU member states and EU legislators are working on its specifics.

Data Act
Image Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

The proposed law, which addresses corporate and consumer data from the EU, is one of several pieces of legislation designed to restrain the influence of American tech titans and aid the EU in achieving its digital and environmental goals.

The proposed rule has drawn criticism from the United States for being overly onerous, and German businesses have voiced concern that a section requiring corporations to exchange data with third parties in order to supply aftermarket or related data-driven services could jeopardize trade secrets.

Also Read: What is Apple’s rapid security response?

“It risks undermining European competitiveness by mandating data sharing, including core know-how and design data, with not only the user, but also third parties,” the companies warned in a joint letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, and EU industrial chief Thierry Breton.

According to them, “effectively, this could mean that EU companies will have to divulge data to third-country rivals, particularly those not operating in Europe and against which the Data Act’s safeguards would be ineffective.”

The chief executives of the two firms, Siemens Healthineers, German medical technology company Brainlab, German software developer DATEV, and lobbying group DIGITALEUROPE were among the signatories to the letter, dated May 4, obtained by Reuters.

The letter urged that the list of devices covered by the law not be expanded and called for measures to allow companies to reject requests to divulge data where trade secrets, cybersecurity, health, and safety are in danger. The Commission acknowledged receiving the letter and stated that while it recognized the value of trade secrets, corporations shouldn’t exploit them as an excuse.

The Data Act does not seek to alter international or domestic trade secret laws. Trade secrets shouldn’t, however, be a justification for avoiding sharing data, said Johannes Bahrke, a spokesperson for the EU Commission, at a daily press briefing.

The EU draft Data Act is a proposed legislation aimed at regulating data access and use within the EU. While the Act primarily deals with personal data, it also has provisions that could impact trade secrets.

Also Read: Is advertising the future of streaming?

One provision of the draft Data Act requires companies to disclose certain information about their data processing activities, including information about algorithms used to process data. This provision could potentially put trade secrets at risk, as companies may be required to disclose proprietary algorithms that give them a competitive advantage However, the draft Data Act also includes safeguards to protect trade secrets.

For example, companies would be able to request that certain information be kept confidential, and there are provisions in the Act that limit the disclosure of confidential information to specific parties, such as regulators or courts.

Rapid Security Response

What is Apple’s rapid security response?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By

Apple on Monday made the initial release of “rapid security” updates available to the public in an effort to quickly address security flaws that are being actively exploited or represent a serious risk to its users. The so-called Rapid Security Response upgrades, according to a notice, “deliver important security improvements between software updates.”

Rapid Security Response
Image Source: 9to5mac.com

Rapid Security Responses were made available so that Apple consumers may update their devices more quickly than it normally takes for a software update.

Apple claims that the feature is turned on by default and that, with some exceptions, some quick patches can be downloaded without a reboot.

Also Read: Is advertising the future of streaming?

For users of iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1, and macOS 13.3.1, the rapid security update is now available. After being installed, it will change the software version to a letter, such as iOS 16.4.1(a), iPadOS 16.4.1(a), and macOS 13.3.1(a).

The quick security fix won’t be available to users of earlier versions of Apple’s os. In later software updates, according to Apple, fixes will be added.

The deployment on Monday, however, hasn’t gone as planned. Some customers reported having trouble installing the update. On an iPhone, iPad, and Mac used for testing by TechCrunch, the upgrades were downloaded but were not instantly installed.

Researchers have recently found new exploits created by spyware producers QuaDream and NSO Group that target iPhone users worldwide. Both spyware producers took advantage of previously unknown flaws in Apple software that let their government clients steal data covertly from a victim’s device.

Citizen Lab reported last month that Apple’s Lockdown Mode, a feature introduced last year to thwart similar targeted attacks, had effectively stopped at least one NSO-developed attack that took advantage of a flaw in HomeKit, the company’s smart home feature.

Apple’s rapid security response refers to the company’s approach to quickly identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities in its products. Apple has a dedicated team of security experts who work to proactively identify potential security risks and develop solutions to mitigate them.

Additionally, Apple has implemented various security measures such as two-factor authentication, encryption, and sandboxing to prevent unauthorized access to its products and services. In the event that a security vulnerability is discovered, Apple typically responds quickly by releasing a software update to address the issue.

The company also works closely with security researchers to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.

Overall, Apple’s rapid security response is an essential aspect of the company’s commitment to protecting its users’ privacy and security.

From Candy to Billions: The Success Story of John Franklyn Mars

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By

John Franklyn Mars is an American businessman, born on October 15, 1935. He made a significant portion of his wealth from the family-owned firm. When their father passed away in 1999, John, along with his siblings Jacqueline, and Forrest Junior, received shares in the candy company Mars, Inc.

American conglomerate Mars, Inc. produces candy, pet food, and various other food items in addition to offering services for caring for animals. According to Forbes, it is the sixth-largest privately held firm in the country.

Image Source: alchetron.com

The Mars brand is well-known for its confectionery products, including Mars bars, M&Ms, Skittles, Snickers, Milky Way bars, & Twix, as well as non-candy snacks and foods. Not only that, but Mars also produces well-known pet food brands, which include Pedigree, Nutro, Whiskas, and Royal Canin.

John Franklyn Mars, the 29th-richest individual globally as of July 24, 2020, is projected to have a net worth of 31.3 billion USD, as per Forbes. But it wasn’t the only factor that propelled him to the top of Forbes’ list, his loyalty to the company also helped him cross many hurdles in life.

Also Read: From Homeless to Millionaire: Penny Streeter Success Story

John Mars entered his family’s firm in 1953 after earning his degrees from Yale University and the Hotchkiss School located in Lakeville, Connecticut, where he was born in 1935 to Forrest Mars Senior, who had a significant impact on the development of the business.

When John was a young child, his father declined to spend money on a luxury lifestyle so that he could grow his business, teaching him valuable lessons about sustainable lifestyles with food and money.

As time passed, he formed the practice of working for whatever he desired in life, refusing to accept privileges such as posh clothing, vehicles, or other luxuries. To make John and his brother Forrest Mars Junior useful people rather than playboys, their father subjected them to this hard lifestyle.

John Franklyn Mars was rewarded for his effort in childhood when he was young and able to support himself. John began serving in the US Army after receiving his Yale diploma in 1956 and served there for two years, from 1956 to 1958. With his father’s permission, he joined the family business. His first task was to launch an Australian pet food firm far from his home.

Even though the mission was difficult for a beginner businessman to complete, he purposefully came to Australia and began working on it. He developed his business steadily while picking up numerous lessons along the way, and today he oversees the company’s global pet food operations.

Another issue arose when, for the first moment in the entire history of the business, Hershey overtook Mars as the number one firm in the United States in 1988, demoting it to second place.

John helped his brother, Forrest Jr., restore the firm to its former status at this time, by acquiring Ethel M Chocolates, a business that their father had started after giving them control of Mars. This measure increased the company’s operations, and when combined with some wise choices, it helped the business regain its respectability in 1991.

John overcame every challenge on his way to becoming a prosperous businessman and is now regarded as Mars’ major leader and main intellect.

He is also credited with pushing the company towards automation, which enabled it to expand outside of the United States by improving productivity. So, John Mars’  training in the initial aspect of life made him reach unprecedented heights of accomplishment.

advertising

Is advertising the future of streaming?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By

The rise of streaming services has revolutionized the way we consume media. With a plethora of streaming options, from Netflix to Hulu to Disney+, there has never been a better time to be a viewer.

However, with the increased competition between streaming services, the need for revenue has become more critical. Advertising has emerged as one of the ways streaming services can generate revenue, but is it the future of streaming?

Image Source: adage.com

Advertising has been a part of television for decades, and with the rise of streaming services, it was only a matter of time before it made its way into the world of online streaming.

The appeal of advertising is clear: it generates revenue for the streaming service, allows for more affordable subscription prices, and can provide targeted advertisements to viewers. This is especially beneficial for smaller streaming services that don’t have the financial power of Netflix or Amazon Prime.

Also Read: Why is Amazon shutting down Halo Division?

The fastest-growing segment of the streaming industry right now is free, ad-supported platforms. Many platforms have quietly accumulated large content collections and millions of users over the course of their existence.

And now, they’re beginning to make a greater impact as consumers hunt for cheaper means to access entertainment and companies look for innovative ways to monetize. Free streaming has its allure already present in the name—it’s cost-free!

According to an increasing number of streaming customers, they already pay more than they would like to for their subscriptions, and a Deloitte poll conducted in the fall of last year indicated that 44% of respondents had canceled at least one subscription service in the previous six months.

In addition, Deloitte discovered that 59% of customers would be content to view a few adverts per hour as a substitute for a less expensive or even free subscription.

Netflix has already found that their ad-supported option, which costs $6.99 a month and features a few advertisements per hour, generates more revenue per user than pure subscriptions. There is also an ad-supported option for Disney Plus as well. As does Peacock, the newest Max service, and a growing portion of the rest of the sector. It seems that advertisements are the streaming industry’s future.

Also Read: Amazon sees cloud slowdown in April, shares erase gains

However, it may have its drawbacks too. Advertising may not be enough to sustain smaller streaming services in the long run. The streaming market is becoming increasingly saturated, with new services popping up all the time. To stay competitive, streaming services need to offer something unique, and advertising may not be enough to differentiate them from the competition.

Services like Netflix and Amazon Prime have the financial power to invest in original content, which is a significant draw for viewers. Smaller services may not have the same luxury, and relying solely on advertising may not be enough to keep them afloat.

AI

Is AI getting better at mind-reading?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has made significant advances in recent years, but it’s important to note that AI does not possess a “mind” in the same way humans do. Therefore, the term “mind-reading” is not an accurate description of AI capabilities.

AI
Image Source: readamag.com

However, AI can be trained to predict and infer human behavior and thoughts to a certain extent by analyzing patterns and data. For example, machine learning algorithms can be trained to recognize facial expressions and body language, and infer the emotions and mental states of individuals.

Also Read: Amazon is working to boost the capability of Alexa. Here’s how

Consider the phrases that are running through your mind: that tasteless joke you, wisely, kept to yourself at dinner; your unspoken opinion of your closest friend’s new partner. Now picture someone listening in. University of Texas at Austin researchers took another move in that direction on Monday.

An artificial intelligence (A.I.) that might interpret the private thoughts of human beings was detailed in a study that was released in the journal Nature Neuroscience. The A.I. did this by examining fMRI scans, which assess the flow of blood to various parts of the brain.

Researchers have already created language-decoding techniques to recognize speech attempts made by persons who are mute and to enable paralyzed people to write simply by thinking about writing. However, the new language decoder is among the first to do so without the use of implants.

When respondents watched silent films as part of the study, it was capable to produce fairly accurate accounts of what was occurring onscreen and turn a person’s mental phrases into actual speech.

Three volunteers, who spent 16 hours over many days in Dr. Huth’s lab listening to “The Moth” and other narrative podcasts, were the focus of the study. An fMRI scanner monitored the blood oxygen levels in various regions of their brains while they were listening.

The brain activity patterns were then compared to the words and sentences the subjects had heard using a comprehensive language model.

According to Osaka University neuroscientist Shinji Nishimoto, “Brain activity is a kind of encrypted signal, and language models provide ways to decipher it.” Using another A.I. to convert the participant’s fMRI images into words and sentences, Dr. Huth and his colleagues successfully reversed the process in their study.

Also Read: Did Elon Musk unwittingly expose his alt-Twitter account?

The participants listened to fresh recordings while the researchers evaluated the decoder to assess the degree to which the translation resembled the genuine transcript. Though nearly every word in the decoded script was misplaced, the passage’s meaning was frequently kept intact. The decoders were effectively summarising.

Additionally, participants were able to mask their internal monologues by diverting their attention away from the decoder. A.I. may be able to read our minds, but for the time being it will need our consent and will need to read each thought individually.

Microsoft

Did the U.K. Just Kill the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard Deal?

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By

In response to concerns that it would impede competition in the rapidly expanding cloud gaming business, British regulators on Wednesday rejected Microsoft $69 billion acquisition of video game developer Activision Blizzard. This prevented the largest tech deal in history.

Microsoft
Image Source: bbc.com

In its final report, the Competition and Markets Authority stated that “the only effective remedy” for the significant loss of competition “is to prohibit the Merger.” The organizations intend to file an appeal.

Due to concerns that Microsoft would gain control of well-known game franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush, rival Sony vigorously opposed the all-cash transaction, and regulators in the United States and Europe closely examined it.

Also Read: Amazon is working to boost the capability of Alexa. Here’s how

Concerns raised by the U.K. watchdog centered on how the transaction might impact competitiveness in cloud gaming, which involves streaming games to smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Players no longer need to purchase pricey consoles and gaming laptops as a result.

According to Martin Colman, chair of the Competition and Markets Authority’s independent expert panel looking into the agreement, cloud gaming has the potential to transform the industry by offering players more flexibility over how and where they play. In this new and fascinating sector, he continued, “It is critical that we protect competition.”

The transaction still has our full support, and we will appeal, stated President Brad Smith in a statement. The watchdog’s judgment, according to him, “rejects a pragmatic path to address competition concerns” and deters tech investment and innovation in the UK.

Smith stated, “We’re especially disappointed that, after a lengthy decision, this decision appears to reflect a flawed understanding of this market and the way the relevant cloud technology actually works.” Likewise, Activision retaliated, stating that it will “work aggressively with Microsoft to reverse this on appeal.”

Last month, regulators raised their objections to the agreement, stating that it wouldn’t be advantageous for Microsoft to restrict Call of Duty to its Xbox gaming platform. The agency said on Wednesday that it had looked “in considerable depth” at Microsoft’s suggestions to allay competition worries, but that it had concluded that those remedies would necessitate its supervision, whereas blocking the merger would enable cloud gaming to evolve naturally.

Regulators came to the conclusion that if the acquisition went through, it would strengthen Microsoft’s edge by giving it ownership over important game franchises, given its dominant standing in the cloud computing sector.

Late last year, the US Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit to stop the agreement between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. The FTC action is still in the document discovery phase, and a hearing to present evidence is set for August 2.