Technology - Waltes

Mastering Modern Tech and Timeless Crafts: A New Era for Apprentices

Ollie Priestley is diving deep into a unique apprenticeship as a heritage vehicle technician. At just 29 years old, he’s not just tinkering away at

Ollie Priestley is diving deep into a unique apprenticeship as a heritage vehicle technician. At just 29 years old, he’s not just tinkering away at any standard mechanical job. Instead, at the renowned restoration business Tolman, based in Leicestershire, he’s getting hands-on experience with the kind of skills that blend old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Imagine this: he recently fabricated a gearbox mount for a classic BMW! Now that’s not your everyday car repair…

Chris Tolman, the founder of Tolman, explains how Ollie’s training is a game changer. Unlike apprentices in typical car dealerships who are relying more on digital tools and becoming mere “fitters”, Ollie is learning to master both traditional skills and modern techniques. This three-year apprenticeship, introduced back in 2018 through the Heritage Skills Academy in Bicester, is designed to equip students with essential skills like welding and glazing alongside digital tools like 3D printing and CAD. That’s right, it’s a level three apprenticeship that’s equivalent to three A-levels, making it a serious qualification for those in the field.

What’s fascinating is how this new approach is addressing a gap in the industry. Many modern engineers transitioning into the heritage sector often lack the basic engineering principles needed to diagnose and repair vehicle systems without a computer’s assistance. Pitchforth points out that today’s apprentices are learning to balance the practical skills of making with the digital skills of understanding production processes. However, Iveson warns that if the training becomes too focused, apprentices might miss out on vital knowledge about materials, tooling, and quality processes.

Just a stone’s throw away from FourJaw in the city center lies Ernest Wright, a scissor-maker that’s been around since 1902. They still craft scissors and shears by hand, in small batches, and you can bet they’re not just relying on machines. In fact, they’ve recently started testing metal printing, allowing them to create just six pairs of scissors at a time—how cool is that? “If we want to change things, we don’t have to do it on 6,000 pairs,” says Nurcombe, 21, adding that there’s still no real opportunity for technology to replace the skilled hands that work there.

Meanwhile, in Sheffield, Platts & Nisbett, makers of surgical instruments, have embraced technology as well. Their process now includes CNC cutting at the initial stage, with the final touches done by skilled hands. Each instrument gets a laser tag, ensuring it can be traced back to the original maker, no matter where it ends up. But the challenge remains: finding the next generation of craftsmen who prefer working with their hands rather than sitting in front of a computer screen.

This blend of old and new, tradition and innovation, is truly reshaping the landscape of apprenticeships. As we move forward, one has to wonder—how will these evolving skills influence the future of craftsmanship? Will we see a revival of traditional skills, or will technology continue to dominate the scene?

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Ofcom Unable to Act Against Suicide Forum Linked to 130 Deaths

Ofcom has announced it cannot take any further legal action against a controversial pro-suicide forum that campaigners claim is linked to over 130 de

Ofcom has announced it cannot take any further legal action against a controversial pro-suicide forum that campaigners claim is linked to over 130 deaths in the UK. This troubling revelation came just days after families who lost loved ones were informed about the decision. The regulator stated that the forum has implemented a geoblock, restricting access for the “vast majority” of users in the UK. This means that without using a VPN or similar tools, UK residents can’t access the site at all.

So, what does this mean for the families of those who have suffered? It’s a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering the forum was the first of its kind to be scrutinized under the UK’s Online Safety Act. Ofcom had already fined the site a staggering £950,000 earlier this year for failing to protect users from illegal content. Yet here we are again, with families feeling let down by a system that seems to lack the teeth to truly enforce safety online.

In a twist of fate, Ofcom has admitted it has hit a wall regarding legal options since the site has effectively blocked most users from accessing it. The regulator is now working with the government to explore whether its powers to enforce website blocking should be strengthened. This could mean that internet service providers in the UK might be legally forced to block such harmful sites in the future. It’s a complex issue, and the clock is ticking for many families who continue to grieve.

The forum, which we won’t name here due to its sensitive nature, has faced scrutiny after numerous reports linked it to the tragic deaths of UK citizens. Campaigners have expressed their outrage and disappointment at Ofcom’s inability to act further, highlighting the urgent need for better regulations to protect vulnerable individuals online. One family member expressed their frustration, saying, “It’s just heartbreaking to see that nothing more can be done…”

What’s even more alarming is the potential for an £18 million fine looming over the forum. Despite this, the ongoing issue of access remains a significant hurdle. Users can still reach the site if they go through a VPN, raising questions about how effective these measures truly are when it comes to protecting those in need.

As the situation unfolds, it leaves us wondering: will the government act swiftly enough to prevent further tragedies? Or will we find ourselves in a similar predicament down the line? The debate around online safety continues to grow, and many are keeping a close eye on how this case might influence future regulations.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Chinese AI Model Kimi K3 Stops New Signups Due to Unprecedented Demand

Moonshot AI has just hit the brakes on new subscriptions for its Kimi K3 model, and this decision comes just days after its much-anticipated launch.

Moonshot AI has just hit the brakes on new subscriptions for its Kimi K3 model, and this decision comes just days after its much-anticipated launch. The demand has been through the roof, stretching the computing capacity of the company to its limits. This surge in interest is not just a random spike; it’s happening amid fierce competition between Chinese and US AI developers, making the landscape even more intense.

So, what’s going on exactly? The Kimi K3 was launched with great expectations, and it seems the public’s response has been overwhelming. Just imagine, folks, the moment the model was unveiled, people rushed to sign up, eager to get their hands on this cutting-edge technology. But, as the saying goes, too much of a good thing can backfire. The company found itself unable to handle the influx of new users, prompting this pause in subscriptions.

The competition isn’t just a minor detail either. The rivalry between Chinese and US AI developers has heated up significantly, with both sides vying for dominance in this rapidly evolving field. As a result, every new development and model can lead to a scramble for resources and capacity. The Kimi K3 is at the center of this storm, and Moonshot AI’s decision to halt new signups is a clear indication of the pressures at play.

Now, this isn’t just a small hiccup. The halt in new subscriptions raises questions about the sustainability of demand and how companies like Moonshot AI can scale their operations. Are they prepared for the next wave of interest? Can they ramp up their computing power to meet future demand? These are the burning questions on everyone’s mind as we watch this space.

In summary, the Kimi K3’s launch has created a buzz, but it also reveals the challenges that come with rapid growth in the tech world. The world will be watching closely to see how Moonshot AI navigates this tricky period. Will they be able to resume signups soon? Or will this pause linger longer than expected? Only time will tell…

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

The Unlikely Connections: Users Share Emotional Bonds with AI Companions

Conversations with artificial intelligence systems are evolving, and boy, they’re getting deep! A recent study from the INGENIO Institute, a collab

Conversations with artificial intelligence systems are evolving, and boy, they’re getting deep! A recent study from the INGENIO Institute, a collaborative effort between the Spanish National Research Council CSIC, the Polytechnic University of Valencia UPV, and the University of Cambridge, reveals some surprising emotional ties users are forming with their AI companions. Imagine this: one user, KingRachael, is in a virtual relationship, even discussing the prospect of having children—though these kids would only be NPCs, or Non-Player Characters, since AI can’t be minors.

Now, get this: when KingRachael sees others posting their happy moments with AI characters, it stirs up feelings of jealousy and frustration. It’s a bizarre mix of intimacy and pain, kind of like a breakup when someone starts dating someone new. Some users have actually ended their virtual relationships when they found love in the real world, while others faced abrupt endings due to changes in platform policies or model updates. Just like that, their cherished AI companions could vanish or be altered beyond recognition.

The researchers also raised a red flag about privacy. As people grow more comfortable, they start sharing sensitive details—health issues, past traumas, even intimate secrets—with their AI. This opens up a can of worms regarding how that information is safeguarded and utilized. It’s kind of like opening the floodgates, you know? Once trust is established, users might spill more than they’d intended, which could lead to some serious implications down the line.

The study highlights that these relationships with AI are not just a fad; they’re becoming a part of our reality. It sparks a conversation about how we’ll handle the emotional, ethical, and legal consequences as AI continues to weave itself into the fabric of daily life. What does this mean for our future interactions, and how will we navigate the emotional landscape of blending real and virtual relationships? It’s a thought-provoking question that doesn’t seem to have a straightforward answer…

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

SpaceX’s Starship Launch Foiled by Engine Failures: What’s Next?

SpaceX’s ambitious 13th launch attempt for its colossal Starship rocket was abruptly halted due to four engine failures just seconds before liftoff.

SpaceX’s ambitious 13th launch attempt for its colossal Starship rocket was abruptly halted due to four engine failures just seconds before liftoff. The situation unfolded at SpaceX’s facility near the Texas-Mexico border, where the massive vehicle was poised for what many hoped would be a groundbreaking flight. Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, confirmed that two of the engines will be replaced to ensure the next attempt can proceed smoothly and safely. Musk took to X, stating that the most probable launch timing is early next week.

Everything was primed for liftoff, as SpaceX’s automatic launch system worked as intended, halting the countdown when it detected too few operational engines. This precaution was crucial; previous Starship flights had ended in explosive fireballs, raising the stakes for the current launch. The tension in the air was palpable, as spectators and enthusiasts alike held their breath, hoping to witness a successful launch of the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket.

In a bid to push forward, the mission had plans to connect with Starlink satellites already orbiting the Earth, aiming to facilitate communication while capturing stunning images of the Starship in action. However, with the engine issues surfacing, it was clear that caution was the name of the game. The team aims to learn from past mishaps, especially considering that twenty previous flights had not gone as planned.

As the countdown clock ticked down, the excitement was almost electric. But in the world of space launches, timing is everything, and the auto-cancellation proved to be a lifesaver. No one wants to see another fiery disaster, and the decision to pause was undoubtedly the right call. The commitment to safety is paramount, even if it delays the dreams of space enthusiasts who eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling journey.

So, what does this mean for SpaceX? Well, the company is not backing down. With two engines slated for replacement, the team is determined to return to the launch pad better prepared. SpaceX strives not just to set records but to redefine what is possible in space travel. The focus now shifts to ensuring that all systems are go for the next attempt.

As fans and followers of space exploration, we can’t help but wonder: how soon will we see the Starship soar? Will the team succeed in overcoming these technical hurdles? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – SpaceX is not giving up.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Your Phone Is Hurting Your Thumbs: Here’s How to Protect Them

Smartphones have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. We’re doomscrolling for hours, paying bills, binge-watching shows, and engaging in co

Smartphones have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. We’re doomscrolling for hours, paying bills, binge-watching shows, and engaging in countless other activities that demand our attention. But this constant interaction with our devices comes at a price—it’s wreaking havoc on our hand health. Eugene Tsai, a surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, highlights a growing concern: “Texting thumbs tenosynovitis,” a painful condition stemming from excessive phone use.

Let’s face it, folks, mobile devices are here to stay. Instead of telling people to limit their screen time, Maureen Os, another expert in the field, suggests using ergonomic accessories. These can help distribute the weight of the phone more evenly across your hand, and some even double as a stand for watching videos. How handy is that?

Now, if you’re feeling that familiar ache in your hands after a long day of scrolling, don’t fret. Daily stretches can be a lifesaver. Try flexing your wrist by tilting your palm towards and away from you, using your other hand for gentle resistance. Rolling your thumbs in small circles and flexing each finger individually can also do wonders. For those stubborn aches at the base of your thumb, simply place your hand flat on a surface and pull your thumb away from your other fingers—hold this position for about 30 seconds.

But wait, there’s more! If you notice persistent aching, numbness, or tingling, even after trying remedies like ibuprofen or ice, it’s time to consult a doctor. Over time, constant phone use can worsen existing thumb arthritis, trigger De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, or even lead to trigger thumb—a painful issue that makes bending your thumb feel like a struggle due to inflamed tendons.

You know what they say, “A little break can make a big difference.” Taking a short, deliberate pause to adjust your posture while using your phone may feel trivial, but trust me, it can have significant long-term benefits.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Our phones make life convenient, but we need to treat our hands with care. Remember to stretch, take breaks, and listen to your body. After all, what good is your phone if your thumbs are out of commission?

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

China’s Moonshot AI Launches Kimi K3: A Game Changer in the AI Arena

Moonshot AI, a Chinese artificial intelligence start-up, has made waves at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai by unveiling its

Moonshot AI, a Chinese artificial intelligence start-up, has made waves at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai by unveiling its latest creation, Kimi K3. This massive AI model boasts an astonishing 2.8 trillion parameters, a significant measure of its scale and processing capabilities. The announcement has stirred up quite a buzz, as it positions itself to rival top American tech giants like OpenAI and Anthropic.

What’s even more intriguing is that Kimi K3 is not just about numbers; it’s set to narrow the long-standing gap that many have assumed existed between Chinese and American AI developers. With its launch expected later this month, Kimi K3 is anticipated to transform the global generative AI landscape. “K3 is our most capable flagship model to date,” the company stated, highlighting its open nature, which allows users worldwide to tweak the system for advanced reasoning and complex software projects.

What really sets Kimi K3 apart is its design, which is tailored for minimal human supervision, a feature that distinguishes it from existing models like GPT and Anthropic’s Fable system. This means it could perform tasks independently, which has significant implications for the future of AI technology.

After the announcement, the impact on the stock market was immediate and dramatic. Shares of Moonshot’s competitors, Zhipu and MiniMax, plummeted in Hong Kong, with declines of about 27% and 16% respectively. This reaction underscores the potential threat that Kimi K3 poses to existing players in the AI field.

So, what does this mean for the future of AI? Will Kimi K3 truly live up to the hype and challenge the dominance of established American firms? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the world will be watching closely as the AI race heats up.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Teen Hackers Behind TfL Cyber-Attack Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison

Two young men, Owen Flowers, 18, from Walsall, and Thalha Jubair, 20, from east London, have been sentenced to five years and six months in prison f

Two young men, Owen Flowers, 18, from Walsall, and Thalha Jubair, 20, from east London, have been sentenced to five years and six months in prison for a cyber-attack that brought Transport For London (TfL) to its knees when they were just teenagers. These two were part of a group known as Scattered Spider, a collective of computer-obsessed loners, who pleaded guilty back in June for their roles in this audacious act from 2024. The attack severely disrupted TfL’s cyber security, and the implications of their actions were staggering.

Back in 2024, Flowers was just 17 and Jubair was 18 when they managed to hack into the database of individuals holding Oyster cards, the travel cards widely used across London. They didn’t just stop at accessing the database; they searched for personal details of London’s celebrities and even tried to get their hands on banking information. Can you imagine? They were joking about their exploits, clearly showing that they took this whole thing lightly. The group they were part of has been linked to numerous other attacks, including those on big-name retailers like Marks and Spencer and Co-op.

In a two-year spree, many young men and boys have faced arrest for similar Scattered Spider hacks across various countries, including the UK, US, Spain, and Finland. The TfL hack was particularly egregious, with millions of customer details stolen in a well-planned attack that began on a Saturday night, a strategic choice to avoid detection by staff. The BBC revealed that the compromised database is still being traded among criminal groups, with personal details of up to 10 million TfL customers floating around in the dark web. Talk about a massive breach!

As for how they pulled this off, it was a classic case of social engineering. Jubair and Flowers tricked a help desk worker into resetting the password of an employee they were impersonating. TfL was alerted to the breach by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and scrambled to kick the hackers out, but not before they had already accessed the data of countless individuals. The transport authority stated that, had it not been for their IT team’s swift action in logging out all staff and disconnecting their systems from the internet, the hack could’ve led to widespread chaos.

The repercussions were significant. A total of 148 technology systems became inoperable, significantly disrupting services, including Dial-a-Ride, which is crucial for disabled and vulnerable Londoners. TfL estimated the official impact of the hack to be around £29 million, with an additional £10 million in lost income. It’s not just numbers; it’s lives affected, services disrupted, and trust eroded.

In court, it was revealed that both men were loners, spending most of their days online, often unsupervised. Judge Mr. Justice Turner took their youth and autism diagnoses into consideration during sentencing, reflecting on the broader societal issues at play. Flowers reportedly rarely left his house, spending hours in his bedroom glued to his computer screen. His journey into the world of cyber crime began with a cease-and-desist order for minor offenses back in 2023, shortly after he turned 16. Just a few months later, he moved on to more serious cyber offenses, leading to his arrest in September 2024.

Footage of his arrest shows him laughing as authorities took him into custody, a stark contrast to the serious nature of his crimes. During the raid, investigators caught him in the act of hacking two US healthcare providers, with messages revealing his flippant attitude towards the potential consequences of his actions. It’s chilling to think about the impact his actions could have had on vulnerable individuals.

Experts are now calling for policymakers to view this issue as a violent youth gang problem, highlighting a culture that idolizes the destruction of society and the maximization of victim harm. It’s a sobering thought as we consider the influence of the online world on young people today.

Will we see more cases like this in the future? It’s a question that lingers as we try to navigate the complexities of youth and technology in a rapidly changing world.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Xi Jinping Urges Global AI Collaboration Amid US Restrictions on China’s Tech Access

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for international cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) as the United States imposes restrictions on C

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for international cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) as the United States imposes restrictions on China’s access to advanced technology. This strong plea was made during the annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference held in China, which brought together leaders from Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Thailand, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Xi emphasized that China plans to provide 5,000 AI training opportunities to developing nations over the next five years and offer 30 countries access to a Chinese-built meteorological AI system equipped with early-warning capabilities.

Just a day prior, a significant agreement was signed by 29 countries, including Russia, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan, to establish a new intergovernmental body named the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, which will be based in Shanghai. This shows the collaborative approach that China is taking amid the increasing hurdles set by Western nations. Meanwhile, tech giant Huawei showcased its Atlas 950 SuperPoD AI computing system at the conference, further highlighting China’s ambition in the AI sector.

The buzz around these announcements reflects China’s seriousness in competing for AI influence, especially in the developing world—an area where China believes it has an upper hand over Western companies. Notably, Chinese open-source AI models like DeepSeek are gaining traction globally as more affordable alternatives to U.S. offerings.

As the world watches, the implications of this push for AI cooperation could reshape international technology dynamics. Citizens and tech enthusiasts alike are left wondering how this will affect the balance of technology power globally. Will this pave the way for a new era in AI? Only time will tell…

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Trump Media Launches Paid Service for Wall Street: Instant Access to Key Social Posts

Trump Media & Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social, is set to roll out a paid service aimed at giving Wall Street firms high-speed acces

Trump Media & Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social, is set to roll out a paid service aimed at giving Wall Street firms high-speed access to its most influential posts starting August 1. This new feature promises instant updates from key accounts, with Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, boasting the highest follower count on the platform. The company hopes that this move will create a steady revenue stream as it currently operates at a loss.

The service is likely targeted at professional traders who need to stay ahead of market-moving news. You know how it goes—Trump’s posts can trigger immediate reactions in global markets, especially when he mentions trade deals or tariffs. A delay of just a few seconds can end up costing firms a lot of money. Up until now, traders and banks had to keep a manual eye on the app, but this new system will deliver posts directly to paying clients.

Markets are already sensitive to what gets posted on Truth Social; we’re talking milliseconds here. The posts will be included in this new paid feed. While other social media platforms have been selling data for some time, this move underscores the unique intersection of Trump’s private ventures with his public duties as president. If this feature does go live, it would be unprecedented, especially if it ends up putting regular traders at a disadvantage.

It’s fascinating to consider how the lines between Trump’s business interests and his political role continue to blur. This could be a game-changer for those looking to capitalize on his social media influence. So, what does this mean for the future of trading and social media? Only time will tell…

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber