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2024-11-30

What does this button do? – My new car has a mysterious and undocumented switch

  • A 2020 Opel Corsa owner discovered a mysterious switch linked to a fleet tracking system, likely installed by the previous owner, a large company.
  • The system functions as a GPS tracker and possibly an immobilizer, tracking the driver's movements and sending data to a fleet manager.
  • The owner plans to remove the system due to privacy concerns, highlighting the issue of unknowingly driving with tracking devices.

Reactions

  • A new car model features a switch linked to GPS and eSIM technology, raising privacy concerns as these features cannot be disabled, potentially enabling data collection and government surveillance.
  • Some consumers prefer older cars to avoid privacy issues, as modern vehicles are often compared to "smartphones on wheels" due to their connectivity features.
  • Privacy studies highlight significant concerns with new cars, though some brands offer options to opt out of data sharing, sparking ongoing debates about balancing technological advancements and privacy rights.

Breaking the 4Chan CAPTCHA

  • The project aimed to develop a machine learning model using TensorFlow to solve 4Chan CAPTCHAs with over 80% accuracy, ultimately achieving over 90% accuracy.
  • The model utilized an LSTM CNN architecture with CTC encoding, trained on 500 hand-solved and 50,000 synthetic images, and was converted for browser use with TensorFlow.js.
  • The project provided valuable insights into machine learning and computer vision, overcoming challenges like data collection, synthetic data generation, and compatibility issues.

Reactions

  • 4Chan's CAPTCHA system has been compromised, showcasing the limitations of text-based CAPTCHAs as computers now surpass human capabilities in solving them.
  • Despite their vulnerabilities, CAPTCHAs still play a role in increasing the cost of spamming, thus deterring some potential spammers.
  • The ethical implications of CAPTCHA-breaking are debated, as it facilitates more spam and AI-generated content, affecting website owners and users, highlighting the need for more effective anti-spam solutions.

Geometric line-art of Wacław Szpakowski (2017)

Reactions

  • Geometric line-art by Wacław Szpakowski is gaining recognition for its complex designs, drawing comparisons to Op Art and artists like Bridget Riley and Bernard Cohen.- The art, which resembles mathematical patterns, is inspiring digital and generative art creators, highlighting its potential in modern digital platforms.- Discussions emphasize the historical significance of Szpakowski's work and its blend of math and art, with links to related art and exhibitions being shared.

Engineering Sleep

  • Familial Natural Short Sleep (FNSS) is a condition where individuals can sleep less without adverse effects due to a genetic mutation, notably in the DEC2 gene affecting orexin levels.- Orexin plays a key role in sleep regulation, with imbalances leading to sleepiness or insomnia, and research is exploring FNSS replication through orexin agonists or gene therapy.- Despite its potential, FNSS remains under-researched, indicating a need for further studies to develop improved sleep engineering methods.

Reactions

  • Familial Natural Short Sleep (FNSS) is a genetic mutation enabling individuals to sleep less without adverse effects, sparking interest in its potential benefits and risks.
  • Concerns are raised about the long-term health impacts of reduced sleep, including a possible increased risk of dementia, despite some personal anecdotes of successful sleep optimization.
  • The discussion also considers the evolutionary role of sleep, the potential for sleep biohacking, and societal implications, questioning whether reduced sleep needs are ultimately beneficial or harmful.

The Deterioration of Google

  • The closure of Giant Freakin Robot underscores the challenges faced by independent publishers, as many sites are shutting down due to decreased traffic from major platforms like Google and Facebook.- Google's machine learning system, designed to enhance search results, has unintentionally delisted numerous small sites, leading to financial difficulties for content creators.- The algorithm's complexity and Google's dominant market position contribute to the ongoing issue, leaving creators with limited alternatives and solutions.

Reactions

  • The decline of Google is linked to its focus on advertising revenue over search quality, resulting in reduced innovation and vision.
  • Users report a decline in the quality of services such as Google Maps and Google Docs, with no significant achievements from Google in recent years.
  • The rise of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and AI-generated content has complicated search results, prompting users to explore alternatives like Kagi and DuckDuckGo for better search experiences.

Sol-Ark manufacturer reportedly disables all Deye inverters in the US

  • Sol-Ark disabled all Deye inverters in the US, disrupting homeowners by intentionally bricking them with a message about regional restrictions.
  • Sol-Ark, holding exclusive US sales rights, offered a discounted replacement program to affected customers, raising concerns about control and security of internet-connected solar inverters.
  • The incident emphasizes the importance of selecting inverters with reliable support and secure networking to avoid similar disruptions, particularly with Chinese-manufactured products.

Reactions

  • Sol-Ark allegedly disabled all Deye inverters in the US, sparking frustration over the dependency on internet-connected devices and cloud services.- Users express concerns about the reliance on cloud services for local devices, fearing potential future disruptions and advocating for local control.- The incident underscores the risks associated with cloud-dependent technology, prompting calls for improved consumer protection and alternative solutions.