This Week in Tech: Tech Loses, Domain Dominance, and More Breaches 👾

ChannelBytes

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:

Google’s search dominance remains unchallenged
Reddit considers a paywall for subreddits
Industry icon Susan Wojcicki passes away

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

🗞️ Apple Swipes Left on Bing

Microsoft made a bold move, offering Apple a chance to switch Safari’s default search engine to Bing without spending a dime. But Apple’s response? A polite, but firm, “No thanks.” According to Apple, Google’s search quality is simply unmatched, and they’re not about to mess with a good thing. This decision is more than just a nod to Google’s superiority; it’s a clear sign of the deep financial and strategic ties between these tech giants. For smaller search engines, this is just another reminder of the steep climb they face in trying to compete in this market.

TL;DR

Apple says no to Microsoft’s Bing offer
Google remains the default search engine on Safari
Apple prioritizes search quality over potential financial gain

TECH HEADLINES FROM ACROSS THE WEB

💰️ Pay to Play on Reddit?

Reddit is reportedly eyeing a paywall for certain subreddits, which could limit access to premium subscribers. This move could alienate users and raise issues of accessibility, potentially splintering Reddit’s vast online communities. The once-inclusive platform might soon feel more like a gated community.

💜 Tech World Mourns Loss of Susan Wojcicki

Susan Wojcicki, former YouTube CEO and a true trailblazer in tech, has passed away at 56. As one of Google’s earliest employees and the mastermind behind YouTube’s success, her influence on the digital world is unmatched. Wojcicki’s legacy as a leader and pioneer for women in tech will continue to inspire generations.

📺️️️ Netflix Leak Spoils Anime Surprises

Netflix is in hot water after a massive data breach leaked full episodes of eagerly awaited anime like Terminator Zero and Dandadan. Released weeks ahead of schedule, these leaks could seriously dampen the hype and viewership for these shows. This fiasco puts Netflix’s security protocols under the microscope, highlighting the growing risks for streaming platforms.

TECH FOR GOOD

Researchers at Jackson Laboratory, led by Dr. Vivek Kumar, have developed a n on-intrusive method using computer vision to measure mouse body mass, reducing the stress typically associated with traditional weighing techniques. This innovative approach not only improves the accuracy of experimental data but also allows for continuous monitoring, enabling researchers to detect subtle changes in body mass over time—critical for studies involving drug or genetic manipulations.

By analyzing extensive video data and training models on diverse mouse strains, the team has created a tool that enhances the quality and reproducibility of biomedical research. This method marks a significant advancement in treating research animals with care while improving the reliability of scientific findings, paving the way for better health outcomes in preclinical studies.