Technology
The small but mighty electric helicopter that’ll have you rethinking the way you travel in the future
Who hasn’t been stuck in traffic and said, “I wish I could get out of this mess and fly over it all.”
That idea might be closer to reality than you think.
An Australian startup called FlyNow Aviation is developing an auto-piloted electric helicopter, or eCopter, that aims to revolutionize urban air mobility.
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Auto-piloted electric helicopter (FlyNow Aviation)
What is an eCopter?
An eCopter is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that uses a coaxial drive train with two-rotor propellers. Unlike a drone, which has multiple rotors, an eCopter has only two, making it more efficient and stable. It also has the advantage of being able to use existing regulations for certification. This means that the eCopter could be certified faster and cheaper than other eVTOL designs.
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Auto-piloted electric helicopter (FlyNow Aviation)
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The eCopter by the numbers
Flynow’s eCopter comes in three versions, depending on the function, payload and type of powertrain. The cargo version, C200B, can carry up to 441 pounds of goods, while the passenger versions, P1B and P2B, can seat one or two people, respectively.
Auto-piloted electric cargo version helicopter (FlyNow Aviation)
The B at the end stands for the battery-electric powertrain, which uses lithium-ion batteries to power the motors. However, the eCopter is also preparing for a hydrogen fuel cell version, which will be denoted by an H. This will allow for a longer range and lower emissions.
All three versions of the eCopter should have a flight/battery range of up to 31 miles and a cruising speed of 81 mph. If its predictions are correct, FlyNow believes you should be able to use its air taxis for the same cost as those you already pay for on the ground.
Auto-piloted electric passenger version helicopter (FlyNow Aviation)
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Why choose a coaxial rotor design?
One of the main challenges of eVTOL aircraft is the low energy density of batteries, which limits the range and endurance of the flights. Therefore, the drive train efficiency is key for the successful implementation of eVTOL aircraft. One of the factors that affect the efficiency is the rotor disk loading, which is the ratio of the weight of the aircraft to the area of the rotor disk. The lower the rotor disk loading, the more efficient the aircraft.
The coaxial rotor design has a lower rotor disk loading than a quadcopter-like design because it uses two rotors stacked on top of each other instead of four rotors spread around the body. This means that the coaxial rotor design can generate more lift with less power and also reduce the noise and vibration. The coaxial rotor design is so efficient NASA chose it for its Mars Helicopter “ingenuity,” which had to fly in an atmosphere that is only 1/100th as dense as Earth’s.
Auto-piloted electric passenger version helicopter (FlyNow Aviation)
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What makes the eCopter different from other air taxis?
There are many companies that are developing eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility, such as eHang, Joby, Archer and others. Each of them has its own vision and design, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. However, the FlyNow Aviation team believes its main unique selling point and distinguishing feature is affordability.
It wants to make its aircraft accessible to the general public, not just the wealthy elite. The company is inspired by the history of mobility, where new means of transport became successful when they were affordable for the masses. For example, Ford with the Model T in the U.S. and Volkswagen with the Beetle in Europe.
The FlyNow Aviation team follows the same philosophy and aims to create a simple but intelligent and robust eVTOL aircraft that can be mass-produced and operated at low costs. They also want to create a positive social and environmental impact by reducing congestion, pollution and accidents on the roads.
Auto-piloted electric passenger version helicopter (FlyNow Aviation )
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How far along is the eCopter project?
FlyNow Aviation’s eCopter project started with two generations of scaled models, which were used to test the software and control systems. Then, the team moved on to a full-scale proof of concept, which was tested last summer.
The proof of concept demonstrated the mechanical, electrical, acoustic and systemic performance of the eCopter and validated the simulation results. The team is now working on the series development, which will incorporate the feedback and improvements from the testing phase.
Auto-piloted electric passenger version helicopter (FlyNow Aviation)
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When and where will the eCopter be available?
FlyNow Aviation plans to start commercial operation in 2026 with the cargo version C200B. The first customers will be companies that already have experience in the aviation industry, such as logistics, delivery, emergency and medical services.
After the cargo version, the passenger versions P1B and P2B will be introduced to the market in the second step. This will depend on the availability of a functioning infrastructure, such as vertiports, charging stations, air traffic management and public acceptance. FlyNow Aviation believes a step-by-step approach will reduce the technical, financial and regulatory risks for all parties involved.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
The eCopter is an innovative and ambitious project that wants to bring urban air mobility to the masses. By using a coaxial rotor design, various versions and a step-by-step approach, the FlyNow Aviation team hopes to overcome the technical, financial and regulatory challenges that face the eVTOL industry. The team is confident its aircraft will be ready for commercial operation in 2026 and that it will offer a safe, efficient and sustainable way of flying over traffic.
What do you think? Would you feel safe flying in an eCopter over the city? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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Technology
Anthropic upgrades Claude’s memory to attract AI switchers
Anthropic is making it easier to switch to its Claude AI from other chatbots with an update that brings Claude’s memory feature to users on the free plan, along with a new prompt and dedicated tool for importing data from other chatbots. These upgrades could allow users who have been using rivals like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini to quickly copy the data their preferred AI has collected on them and bring it over to Anthropic’s chatbot. That way, they don’t have to “start over” teaching Claude the context and history their previous chatbot already knows.
The option to import and export memories from Claude has been available since October, when Anthropic also rolled out the option for users to turn on Claude’s memory. Up until now, the memory feature was only available to users on paid Claude subscriptions, but now all Claude users can turn it on by going into “settings” then “capabilities.” This menu is also where users can find the new memory importing tool, which has users copy a pre-written prompt into their previous AI then copy the output from that prompt back into Claude’s importing tool.
Anthropic is introducing the upgraded memory importing tool as Claude is seeing a rise in popularity, driven by tools like Claude Code and Claude Cowork. Last month, Anthropic launched its new Opus 4.6 and Sonnet 4.6 models, which the company says are better at coding and completing complex tasks like working through a spreadsheet or filling out forms.
Anthropic has also been experiencing a spike in attention recently after pushing back against demands from the Pentagon to loosen the guardrails on its AI models, with the company stating publicly that they drew “red lines” around mass surveillance and fully autonomous lethal weapons.
Technology
Why the Microsoft 365 Copilot bug matters for data security
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You trust your email security settings for a reason. So when an AI assistant quietly reads and summarizes messages marked confidential, that trust takes a hit.
Microsoft says a bug in Microsoft 365 Copilot allowed its AI chat feature to process sensitive emails since late January.
The issue bypassed Data Loss Prevention policies that organizations rely on to protect private information. Put simply, emails that were supposed to stay locked down were being summarized anyway.
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Microsoft 365 Copilot’s work chat interface sits at the center of the issue after a bug allowed it to summarize confidential emails. (Microsoft)
Microsoft 365 Copilot bug summarized confidential emails
Microsoft says a coding error impacted Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, specifically the “work tab” feature. The AI assistant helps business users summarize content, draft responses and analyze information across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote.
Beginning Jan. 21, an internal bug labeled CW1226324 caused Copilot to read and summarize emails stored in Sent Items and Drafts folders.
The real concern runs deeper. Several of those messages carried confidentiality or sensitivity labels.
Companies apply those labels along with DLP policies to block automated systems from accessing restricted content. Despite those safeguards, Copilot still generated summaries.
We reached out to Microsoft, and a spokesperson provided CyberGuy with the following statement:
“We identified and addressed an issue where Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat could return content from emails labeled confidential authored by a user and stored within their Draft and Sent Items in Outlook desktop. This did not provide anyone access to information they weren’t already authorized to see. While our access controls and data protection policies remained intact, this behavior did not meet our intended Copilot experience, which is designed to exclude protected content from Copilot access. A configuration update has been deployed worldwide for enterprise customers.”
Why the Microsoft 365 Copilot bug matters for data security
AI tools feel helpful. They save time and reduce busy work. But they also rely on deep access to your data. When safeguards fail, even temporarily, sensitive content can move in ways you did not expect.
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For businesses, that could mean:
Legal discussions summarized outside intended controls
Financial projections processed despite restrictions
HR communications are exposed to automated analysis
Even if no data leaves the organization, the bypass itself raises concerns about how AI integrates with enterprise security systems.
Business users rely on Copilot to streamline work, but a recent bug raised concerns about how it handles sensitive email content. (Microsoft)
How Microsoft is fixing the Microsoft 365 Copilot bug
Microsoft says it began rolling out a fix in early February. The company continues to monitor deployment and is contacting some affected users to verify the fix works.
However, Microsoft has not provided a final timeline for full remediation. It has also not disclosed how many organizations were affected.
The issue is tagged as an advisory, which usually signals limited scope or impact. Still, many security professionals will want deeper clarity before feeling comfortable.
What this Microsoft 365 Copilot issue reveals about AI security
This incident highlights something many companies are wrestling with right now. AI assistants sit inside productivity platforms. They need access to email, documents and collaboration tools to work well.
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At the same time, those platforms contain your most sensitive information. When AI features expand quickly, security policies must evolve just as fast. Otherwise, even a small code mistake can create unexpected exposure.
The Copilot chat feature was designed to boost productivity, yet a code error let it process emails labeled confidential. (Microsoft)
Ways to stay safe after the Microsoft 365 Copilot bug
If your organization uses Microsoft 365 Copilot, here are practical steps to reduce risk:
1) Review Copilot access settings
Work with your IT team to confirm which folders and data sources Copilot can access.
2) Revalidate DLP policies
Test sensitivity labels and DLP (Data Loss Prevention) rules to ensure they block AI processing as intended.
3) Monitor advisory updates
Stay current on Microsoft service alerts and verify that the fix is fully deployed in your tenant.
4) Limit AI scope during investigations
If you have concerns, consider temporarily restricting Copilot features until verification is complete.
5) Train employees on AI boundaries
Remind staff that AI assistants can process drafts and send messages. Encourage careful handling of sensitive content.
6) Audit Copilot activity logs
Review audit logs to see whether Copilot accessed or summarized labeled emails. This helps determine actual exposure rather than assumed risk.
7) Review sensitivity label configuration
Confirm that confidential labels are configured to block AI processing where required. Misconfigured labels can create gaps even after a bug is fixed.
8) Reassess retention and draft policies
Because the issue involved Sent Items and Drafts, evaluate whether sensitive drafts should be stored long-term or deleted after sending.
9) Limit Copilot to specific user groups
Instead of enabling Copilot organization-wide, consider a phased deployment to departments with lower sensitivity exposure.
10) Conduct a post-incident security review
Use this moment to reassess how AI tools integrate with compliance controls. Treat it as a learning opportunity rather than a one-time glitch.
Pro Tip: This Copilot bug centers on enterprise controls. Even so, AI tools operate on your devices and accounts, so keeping software up to date and using strong antivirus software adds an important layer of defense. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
Considering a more private email provider
Enterprise AI bugs raise a bigger question: how much access should email platforms have to your data in the first place? If you want an added layer of privacy beyond mainstream providers, privacy-focused email services are worth exploring.
Some offer end-to-end encryption, support for PGP encryption and a strict no-ads business model that avoids scanning messages for marketing purposes.
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Many also allow you to create disposable email aliases, which can reduce spam and limit exposure if one address is compromised.
While no provider is immune to software bugs, choosing an email service built around privacy rather than data monetization can limit how much of your information is accessible to automated systems in the first place.
For individuals, journalists and small businesses especially, that added control can make a meaningful difference.
For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com
Kurt’s key takeaways
AI assistants are becoming part of daily work life. They promise speed, efficiency and smarter workflows. But convenience should never outrun security.
This Copilot bug may have a limited impact. Still, it serves as a reminder that AI tools are only as strong as the guardrails behind them.
When those guardrails slip, even briefly, sensitive information can move in unexpected ways. As AI becomes more embedded in business software, trust will depend on transparency, fast fixes and clear communication.
Here is the real question: If your AI assistant can see everything you write, are you fully confident it respects every boundary you set? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Technology
Samsung’s Digital Home Key lets you use your phone as your key
Just days after showing off the Galaxy S26, Samsung is finally rolling out the ability for users to unlock their home with a tap of their phone or by simply approaching their door. The new feature, called Digital Home Key, will live inside Samsung Wallet and is powered by the Aliro smart home standard.
Samsung first teased its Digital Home Key feature in 2024 and said the feature would be available in 2025. That didn’t pan out, as the CSA’s Aliro standard — which will let users unlock smart locks with any phone — only arrived in February of this year. The new standard uses near-field communication (NFC) for its tap-to-unlock technology. It also supports ultra-wideband (UWB), giving users the ability to unlock their door as they approach and without pulling out their phone.
To add a Digital Home Key to your wallet, you’ll need to set up a compatible smart lock through SmartThings using Matter. Only some Galaxy smartphones support both NFC and UWB, including the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and up, as well as the Galaxy S22 Ultra and up. You can view the full list of compatible devices on Samsung’s website.
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