It’s time for Bits & Bytes…
… where we bring you news, innovations, and thought-provoking insights from AI, IT, and beyond. In this week’s newsletter we’re looking at:
- KT Corporation allegedly infects over 600,000 customers’ PCs with malware
- Google AI search summaries consume 10 times the energy of regular searches
- Nearly half of US firms are using AI to reduce staffing costs
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
🗞️ Torrent Takedown Turns Toxic
South Korea has become an unexpected battleground for digital rights this week. KT Corporation, a major telecom provider, is facing serious heat after allegedly infecting over 600,000 customers’ computers with malware. The supposed culprit? Torrenting.
In an attempt to curb users’ file-sharing activities, KT is accused of deploying software that disrupted downloads, caused missing files and strange folders to appear, and even disabled some computers entirely. This heavy-handed approach has sparked outrage from users and tech experts alike.
The story highlights the power imbalance between corporations and consumers, raising concerns about user privacy and the legality of such tactics. As this story unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of digital security and choosing reputable internet service providers.
TL;DR
- KT Corporation allegedly infected over 600,000 customers’ PCs with malware.
- KT is accused of trying to stop users from torrenting files.
- The malware caused missing files, strange folders, and even disabled some computers.
TECH HEADLINES FROM ACROSS THE WEB
🪫 Searching for Answers, Finding Energy Drains
The Google AI search summaries you get are like mini power plants. A new study found these summaries suck up 10 times the energy of a regular Google search – another site found one search has enough power to power up 7 electric vehicles. Maybe it’s time Google invested in some renewable energy sources for their AI overlords.
🔁 Windows 11 Purgatory
Microsoft’s latest attempt to bless us with a Windows 11 update backfired in spectacular fashion this week. Instead of enhanced features, some users got an endless loop of rebooting doom. This “reboot hell” forced Microsoft to hit the pause button.
🤖 The Robots Are Coming
Nearly half of US firms using AI are on a mission to trim staffing costs, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The survey found that 47% of firms in the Richmond area are automating tasks to save on labor, while almost all are using AI to crank up output.
TECH FOR GOOD
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed robotic hands equipped with artificial tactile fingertips, giving robots an unprecedented sense of touch. This breakthrough promises significant advancements in various industries.
Manufacturing and Assembly: Robots with enhanced tactile sensitivity can now perform delicate tasks with greater precision. This improvement not only boosts efficiency and productivity but also paves the way for more intricate manufacturing processes.
Robotic Prosthetics: The new tactile fingertips can be integrated into prosthetic limbs, offering users improved control and a more natural experience. This could be a game-changer for people with limb loss, enhancing their quality of life.
Safety in Human-Robot Collaboration: With a refined sense of touch, robots can safely work alongside humans in shared environments. This minimizes the risk of accidents and fosters more collaborative human-robot teams.
This development marks a significant step toward further advancements in robot dexterity and manipulation. The ability for robots to grasp and manipulate objects with a human-like touch opens the door to groundbreaking applications across various fields, making this a pivotal moment in robotics research.
