Technology

For better or worse, Apple is avoiding the AI hype train

Published

12 months ago

June 6, 2023

For better or worse, Apple is avoiding the AI hype train

Five minutes into Google’s I/O conference in May, Verge staffers started taking bets on how many times “AI” would be mentioned onstage. It seemed like every presenter had to say it at least once or get stuck with a cattle prod by Sundar Pichai. (In the end, we stopped betting and made a supercut.) Watching WWDC, though, the book ran in the opposite direction: would anyone from Apple mention “AI” at all? It turns out, no, not even once.

The technology was referred to, of course, but always in the form of “machine learning” — a more sedate and technically accurate description. As many working in the field itself will tell you, “artificial intelligence” is a much-hated term: both imprecise and overdetermined, more reminiscent of sci-fi mythologies than real, tangible tech. Writer Ted Chiang put it well in a recent interview: what is artificial intelligence? “A poor choice of words in 1954.”

Apple prefers to focus on the functionality AI provides

Apple’s AI allergy is not new. The company has long been institutionally wary of “AI” as a force of techno-magical potency. Instead, its preference is to stress the functionality of machine learning, highlighting the benefits it offers users like the customer-pleasing company it is. As Tim Cook put it in an interview with Good Morning America today, “We do integrate it into our products [but] people don’t necessarily think about it as AI.”

And what does this look like? Well, here are a few of the machine learning-powered features mentioned at this year’s WWDC, spread across Apple’s ecosystem:

Better autocorrect in iOS 17 “powered by on-device machine learning”;
A Personalized Volume feature for AirPods that “uses machine learning to understand environmental conditions and listening preferences”;
An improved Smart Stack on watchOS that “uses machine learning to show you relevant information right when you need it”;
A new iPad lock screen that animates live photos using “machine learning models to synthesize additional frames”;
“Intelligently curated” prompts in the new Journal app using “on-device machine learning”;
And 3D avatars for video calls on the Vision Pro generated using “advanced ML techniques”

One of the most ambitious use cases for AI at WWDC was the creation of new 3D avatars for use in Apple’s Vision Pro headsets.

GIF: Apple

Apart from the 3D avatars, these are all fairly rote: welcome but far from world-changing features. In fact, when placed next to the huge swing for the fences that is the launch of the Vision Pro, the strategy looks not only conservative but also timid and perhaps even unwise. Given recent advances in AI, the question has to be asked: is Apple missing out?

The answer to this is “a little bit yes and a little bit no.” But it’s helpful to first compare the company’s approach with that of its nearest tech rivals: Google, Microsoft, and Meta.

Of this trio, Meta is the most subdued. It’s certainly working on AI tools (like Mark Zuckerberg’s mysterious “personas” and AI-powered advertising) and is happy to publicize its often industry-leading research, but a big push into the metaverse has left less space for AI. By contrast, Google and Microsoft have gone all in. At I/O, Google announced a whole family of AI language models along with new assistant features in Docs and Gmail and experiments like an AI notebook. At the same time, Microsoft has been rapidly overhauling its search engine Bing, stuffing AI into every corner of Office, and reinventing its failed digital assistant Cortana as the new AI-powered Copilot. These are companies seizing the AI moment, squeezing it hard, and hoping for lots of money to fall out.

So should Apple do the same? Could it? Well, I’d argue it doesn’t need to — or at least, not to the same degree as its rivals. Apple is a company built on hardware, on the iPhone and its ecosystem in particular. There’s no pressure for it to reinvent search like Google or improve its productivity software like Microsoft. All it needs to do is keep selling phones, and it does that by making iOS as intuitive and welcoming as possible. (Until, of course, there’s a new hardware platform to dominate, which may or may not be emerging with the Vision Pro.)

There’s only one area, I think, where Apple is missing out by not embracing AI. That’s Siri. The company’s digital assistant has been a laughing stock for years, and although Apple arguably invented the digital assistant as a consumer market, it’s clear it’s no longer a priority for the firm. The most significant Siri news at this year’s WWDC was that its trigger phrase has been shortened from “Hey Siri” to “Siri.” That’s it. In a world where AI language models are vastly improving the ability of computers to parse language and opening up new possibilities in fields like education and health, Apple’s biggest announcement was making the wake word for a product most of us ignore just three letters shorter.

There’s reason to be cautious, of course. As Cook mentioned in his GMA interview, there are all sorts of problems associated with software like ChatGPT, from bias to misinformation. And an image-obsessed corporation like Apple would be particularly wary of headlines the launch of Bing and Bard generated. But how long can the company sit on the sidelines? And will a push into VR distract it from reaping comparatively attainable rewards in AI? We’ll have to wait until the next WWDC. And start counting mentions of “machine learning.”

Technology

This modder proves everything’s better with a GBA SP screen attached

Published

6 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Press Room

This modder proves everything’s better with a GBA SP screen attached

Have you ever looked at a Nintendo DS and thought it would be cooler if the top screen was swapped for the Game Boy Advance SP’s? Or looked at a Super Nintendo controller and wished it had a GBA SP screen bolted onto the back? Whether you have or not, Hardware modder Hairo Satoh, aka Retrohai hai Softbank, has you covered with some truly cursed reimaginings of Nintendo’s portable consoles. (Recall their portable emulated PlayStation built into the Takara Roulette Controller.)

Let’s go on a little journey through Satoh’s Instagram account. Before we get into my favorite mutated Nintendo handhelds — frankententos, if you will — know that Satoh also does some very pretty custom jobs on the company’s various portable consoles. And they’re made to order.

This one they posted recently is a good example. We are Known Transparent Case Stans here at The Verge, but this goes a step further with its colorful hologram stickers and ChromaFlair-style color-changing sheen. Oh, and it runs Game Boy Advance games.

That controller mod I mentioned up top isn’t the only time Satoh has turned a console gamepad into its own handheld. The GBA SP’s screen looks remarkably at home on an SNES (well, Super Famicom, technically) pad…

…and on a PS2 Dual Shock controller, too.

But why not jam one onto a Nintendo DS Lite, too? It doesn’t make sense at all, even if this is a mash-up of the two most attractive pieces of hardware Nintendo ever made, but I don’t need any justification for this thing’s existence. Also, this is the point where things start getting a little cursed.

I guess this is also a Nintendo DS?

Again, but more colorful.

Ah yes, the Original Game Boy Advance SP DS (OGBASPDS).

I’m enamored with the concept of a multi-position adjustable screen on this original DS.

Give me this and the ability to emulate the fantastic vertical-scrolling shooter Ikaruga, please.

Ah, yes, this makes sense.

I can’t say I understand the extra buttons and d-pad here, but I respect the chaos.

The Nintendo Long Boy DS.

I think this is probably the final boss of Satoh’s inventive creations.

Satoh didn’t respond to us when we reached out, but we’d love to know more about these creations. How much of these are made up of custom hardware on the inside? How many of them are emulating Nintendo’s handhelds, rather than rejiggering its original hardware components to fit? If we receive a response, we’ll dig in some more.

Technology

Massive Dell data breach hits 49 million users; what this means for your privacy and security

Published

6 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Press Room

Massive Dell data breach hits 49 million users; what this means for your privacy and security

Computer maker Dell faced a huge security challenge after a cyberattack stole information for approximately 49 million customers.

Dell confirmed that the type of information stolen includes people’s names, postal addresses, and Dell hardware and order information, such as service tags, item descriptions, order dates and different warranty information.

What happened: a breakdown of the incidents

Menelik, the threat actor behind the attack, openly told told TechCrunch how he extracted such a huge amount of data from Dell without being detected.

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Menelik set up several partner accounts within the Dell company portal which, when approved, allowed the hacker to use a brute-force attack to access customer data. A brute-force attack consists of an attacker submitting many passwords or passphrases hoping to eventually guess correctly.

The hacker sent more than 5,000 requests per minute to the page for nearly three weeks, and Dell did not notice anything. After sending nearly 50 million requests and scraping enough data, Menelik sent multiple emails to Dell, notifying the company of the vulnerability. It took Dell nearly a week to patch it all up, according to the hacker. Dell confirmed to TechCrunch that it received the hacker’s email notification of the vulnerability.

MASSIVE FREE VPN DATA BREACH EXPOSES 360 MILLION RECORDS

How Dell responded to the data breach

Dell sits as the No. 3 PC vendor in the world behind Lenovo and HP, and the affected accounts represent a small fraction of its user base. The company communicated this statement to affected users:

“We are currently investigating an incident involving a Dell portal, which contains a database with limited types of customer information related to purchases from Dell. We believe there is not a significant risk to our customers given the type of information involved.”

We reached out to Dell and a representative for the company provided us with this statement:

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“Dell Technologies has a cybersecurity program designed to limit risk to our environments, including those used by our customers and partners. Our program includes prompt assessment and response to identified threats and risks. We recently identified an incident involving a Dell portal with access to a database containing limited types of customer information including name, physical address, and certain Dell hardware and order information. It did not include financial or payment information, email address, telephone number or any highly sensitive customer data.

“Upon discovering this incident, we promptly implemented our incident response procedures, applied containment measures, began investigating, and notified law enforcement. Our investigation is supported by external forensic specialists. We continue to monitor the situation and take steps to protect our customers’ information. Although we don’t believe there is significant risk to our customers given the type of information involved, we are taking proactive steps to notify them as appropriate.”

WHAT A MASSIVE HEALTHCARE CYBERATTACK AT ASCENSION MEANS FOR YOUR PRIVACY AND SECURITY

What this means for your privacy and security

There’s no immediate aftermath of this data leak. Dell believes the risk to its customers is not significant since financial and payment information, email addresses and phone numbers were not stolen in this attack. However, the risk of phishing or even major malware and ransomware attacks still exists. The threat actors might try sending personalized letters with infected drives, a tactic seen before.

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There’s a good chance this data leak has already been sold on the dark web. The hacker posted the information for sale on the dark web and then took it down quickly, which often happens when someone buys the whole database. If you’re a Dell customer who bought hardware between 2017 and 2024, be very careful about any messages you get in the mail claiming to be from Dell, especially if they ask for personal information.

OVER HALF A MILLION ROKU ACCOUNTS COMPROMISED IN SECOND CYBER SECURITY BREACH

7 proactive measures to take to protect your data

In the wake of the cyberattack on Dell, consider taking several proactive steps to protect your personal information:

1. Change your passwords: Although Dell says your personal details like phone number and email address haven’t been leaked, it’s still advisable to change the password of your Dell account if you have one. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

2. Avoid tech support phone scams: Since the hackers have your data, they may try to get in touch with you, posing as a Dell employee. Always verify if the tech support person you’re talking to actually works for Dell. Be skeptical about all unsolicited phone calls, and don’t provide any personal information.

3. Be wary of mailbox communications: Bad actors may also try to scam you through snail mail. The data leak gives them access to your address. They may impersonate people or brands you know, and use themes that require urgent attention, such as missed deliveries, account suspensions and security alerts.

4. Report any suspicious activity: If you notice any suspicious activity related to your Dell accounts or purchases, report them to security@dell.com. This may include unauthorized purchases, unusual login attempts, or changes in account information.

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5. Monitor your accounts and transactions

You should check your online accounts and transactions regularly for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. If you notice anything unusual, report it to the service provider or the authorities as soon as possible. You should also review your credit reports and scores to see if there are any signs of identity theft or fraud.

6. Use identity theft protection

Identity Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security Number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

7. Invest in personal data removal services: While no service guarantees complete data removal from the internet, utilizing a removal service can be beneficial for those seeking to monitor and automate the deletion of their personal information from numerous sites over time. Check out my top recommendations for removal services here.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Dell’s recent data leak highlights the lapse in the computer maker’s security infrastructure. The attackers being inside the network for an extended period is especially troubling. Given Dell’s role in providing hardware and software solutions, including backup and recovery tools, for critical infrastructure, a thorough investigation into its code and supply chain for signs of tampering is crucial. Dell is working with law enforcement and third-party security experts to investigate the incident, so that’s a step in the right direction.

Have you adjusted your online behavior or preferences due to concerns about data privacy and security breaches? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

The EV industry can’t shake its human rights abuse problem

Published

13 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Press Room

The EV industry can’t shake its human rights abuse problem

Mining for minerals used to make EVs and batteries is plagued with allegations of abuse, the latest report from the nonprofit Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) shows. And automakers continue to source materials from some of the worst offenders, The Verge finds.

BHRRC has documented 631 allegations of human rights abuses since 2010 for seven key minerals used in electric vehicles, rechargeable batteries, and renewable energy technologies. Many of the allegations were made against a small group of companies, which The Verge was able to link to three of the world’s biggest EV manufacturers: Volkswagen Group, Tesla, and BYD.

“Things are not improving,” said Caroline Avan, head of natural resources and just transition at BHRRC. The need for more renewable energy and clean transportation is evident, but those technologies shouldn’t come at the expense of people who live and work in places where companies source their raw materials, she said.

“Things are not improving.”

“The fight against climate change is a human rights imperative at this point in time, but it should not be seen as a license to just disregard human rights in mining operations,” Avan said.

An electric vehicle requires about six times as many minerals as a typical gas-guzzling car. Demand for critical minerals used in EVs and battery storage for renewable energy could grow tenfold by 2040, under a conservative estimate by the International Energy Agency. Scrambling to secure all those minerals without taking the time to make sure they’re mined humanely is where problems arise.

BHRRC’s latest report includes potential abuses linked to the mining of seven minerals: bauxite, cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese, nickel, and zinc. It’s been tracking those allegations since 2019 using publicly available records, including court documents and regulatory resources, as well as reports from other nongovernmental organizations and media outlets.

It found 91 more allegations in the past year alone, including a “marked increase in labour rights violations and worker deaths” that made up roughly 40 percent of the new allegations in 2023. Across its entire data set going back to 2010, labor violations including 53 work-related deaths make up a quarter of all allegations. For 2023, alleged attacks against human rights defenders, water pollution, and threats to water access are also glaring issues.

It found 91 more allegations in the past year alone, including a “marked increase in labour rights violations and worker deaths”

Since 2010, more than half of the allegations were made against just 10 companies. State-owned China Minmetals now leads the pack, topping Swiss multinational mining giant Glencore, which ranked highest over the past two years.

Combing through sustainability reports and media coverage of the world’s top three EV manufacturers, The Verge found a history of deals with Glencore and China Minmetals.

To drive its EV ambitions, Volkswagen entered into an agreement with Glencore and battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) back in 2017, Reuters reported. Under the agreement, CATL would buy 20,000 metric tons of cobalt products from Glencore for Volkswagen’s EV batteries.

In 2023, VW’s battery division PowerCo initially agreed to back a SPAC deal alongside Glencore and Stellantis to buy nickel and copper mines in Brazil — although the deal reportedly fell through later that year over price squabbles. Volkswagen has also identified gold sourced by Glencore in its supply chain, according to its 2023 Responsible Raw Materials Report. The company declined to comment on BHRRC’s findings but has said that it is working to comply with Germany’s new Supply Chain Due Diligence Act.

Tesla buys nickel from a Glencore mine in Australia and cobalt from two Glencore mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo according to the company’s 2021 and 2022 impact reports. In 2022, workers at one of those cobalt mines spoke to The Verge about unsafe working conditions without adequate water or breaks and with little food or pay. Cobalt is often called “the blood diamond of batteries” because of the dangers workers face mining it.

Neither Tesla nor Glencore responded immediately to requests for comment from The Verge. Tesla’s 2022 impact report explains that the company conducts audits of its suppliers to improve working conditions at each site and make sure “corrective actions” are taken to address any problems. It touts “working with suppliers where issues are found rather than walking away.”

In the year since then, China’s BYD overtook Tesla to become the world’s biggest seller of EVs — despite its vehicles being unavailable in the US due to high tariffs. China Minmetals also inched past Glencore this year, racking up more allegations of abuse than any other company in BHRRC’s report.

BYD doesn’t name its more than 10,000 suppliers in its 2023 CSR report (Tesla and Volkswagen only give a partial list in their reports). But China Minmetals subsidiary Hunan Changyuan Lico is reportedly one of BYD’s lithium battery material suppliers. BYD didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

A separate report by environmental and human rights groups published in February ranked car companies based on how much progress they’ve made to eliminate environmental harms and human rights abuses. Tesla ranked third highest, behind Ford and Mercedes-Benz, in that assessment. Volkswagen ranked sixth, and BYD came in 16th out of 18 companies.

Automakers certainly aren’t the only industry with a lot of work to do to prevent abuse along their supply chains. Rechargeable batteries that power many of the gadgets in our lives are made with a lot of the same materials cited in these reports.

Governments, mining companies, and manufacturers who buy their goods all need to take action to stop abuse, BHRRC’s Avan says. That includes adopting policies that make human rights a priority and that empower people to have a say in projects that might affect their communities.

“[When it comes to] a lot of egregious and gross negligence in occupational health and safety at mining sites, this is not rocket science. Those things can be fixed,” Avan says. “What [manufacturers] should be doing is engaging with the mining sector, asking questions, and putting in front of them the requirements and expectations for better protection of human rights.”

The Verge reached out for comment to each of the 10 companies BHRRC lists as having the most human rights allegations against them. Three of them replied to say that they respond to allegations of abuse and implement changes accordingly, including Freeport-McMoRan, Solway Group, and Tenke Fungurume Mining.

Neither China Minmetals nor Glencore immediately replied to The Verge’s request for comment. But a spokesperson for Glencore commented on BHRRC’s report last year in an email to The Verge to say, “Our assets are located in diverse contexts, some .. in more challenging socio-political circumstances with a history of conflict, limited basic services, and weak rule of law … we work in partnership with government, civil society and development agencies to share knowledge, build capacity and contribute to enduring social and economic outcomes.”