All posts by dogwomble
dogwomble
Signal downplays encryption key flaw, fixes it after X drama
Signal is finally tightening its desktop client’s security by changing how it stores plain text encryption keys for the data store after downplaying the issue since 2018. As reported by BleepingComputer in 2018, when Signal Desktop for Windows or Mac is installed, it creates an encrypted SQLite database to store a user’s messages. This database is encrypted using a key generated by the program and without input from the user.
OpenAI defines are 5 ‘levels’ for AI to reach human intelligence
The company shared a five-level system it developed to track its artificial general intelligence, or AGI, progress with employees this week, an OpenAI spokesperson told Bloomberg. The levels go from the currently available conversational AI to AI that can perform the same amount of work as an organization. OpenAI will reportedly share the levels with investors and people outside the company.
HP discontinues online-only LaserJet printers in response to backlash
HP has finally been forced to discontinue its cheaper e-series LaserJet printers due to customers experiencing problems with their online-only and always tied to HP+ subscription requirements. Among other things, HP+ requires a permanent Internet connection, and customers only use HP-original ink and toners, not allowing for third-party alternatives to be used at all. There are benefits to HP+, including cloud printing and an extra year’s warranty, but the forced online requirement for a cheaper printer left a bad taste in the mouths of many consumers.
Intel Core i9-13900K/14900K stability issues drive game server providers to AMD
Intel’s 13th and 14th generation CPUs, specifically the 13900K and 14900K, have been plagued by stability issues, frustrating both games and data center operators. Reports of system crashed, blue screens, and intermittent errors have surfaced, making it difficult for users to fully rely on these high-performance chips. The problems seem to come from deeper hardware issues, not just BIOS or microcode updates. Many gamers, looking for high single-thread clock speeds, find their gaming experience disrupted.
Ammunition vending machines using AI to scan ID have come to supermarket
Customers at some grocery stores in Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas are now able to pick up ammunition with their foodstuffs from new vending machines. To verify the legality of the purchase, the machines scan a customer’s driver’s license and also perform a 360-degree scan of their face. Only consumers ages 21 or older can buy from the machines.
New xGeek.au feature!
After a bit of wrangling, xGeek now has a new feature! If you go into your posts in the forums, you will now see an Upvote and Downvote button at the bottom of each post (except of course for your own). My testing reveals that this works to improve your points balance which is also displayed in the forums! So now you can get yourselves massively upvoted or downvoted. This is a feature a few people have requested and took a bit of wrangling, but we got there! The only thing to watch out for is that the points balance won’t update unless you refresh the page – something for a weekend update perhaps. But in celebration, we now have the Rep Whore Thread! So get Rep Whoring!