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Technology & Transportation

Uber Enhances Driver Safety with In-App Video Recording Pilot in India

Uber has launched a pilot program in India allowing drivers to record video within the app to deter misconduct and protect against false complaints. The feature, currently live in 10 cities, encrypts recordings on the device, accessible only if shared in a safety report. This initiative builds upon Uber's existing safety measures, including in-app audio recording, and aims to balance dispute resolution with privacy concerns. The pilot's success will determine its wider rollout across India and potentially other regions.

Mobile App Development

Apple Launches Mini Apps Partner Program with Reduced 15% Commission

Apple has introduced the Mini Apps Partner Program, offering a reduced commission rate of 15% on in-app purchases for mini applications.

Mini apps are defined as self-contained experiences built using web technologies like HTML5 and JavaScript, distributed within a larger, native app.

To qualify, the main app must be available on iOS or iPadOS, hosted on the App Store, and adhere to Apple's guidelines, including the Advanced Commerce API and Declared Age Rating API.

The program incentivizes developers to use Apple’s technologies and safety tools, while allowing Apple to retain a commission on mini app transactions.

Developers can apply to the program and must provide information about their host app, eligibility, and mini app, agreeing to the program's terms.

Fashion & Accessories

Apple's $150-$230 iPhone Pocket: Fashion or Ragebait?

Apple has released the iPhone Pocket, a cloth sling for your phone designed by Issey Miyake, priced at $149.95 (short) and $229.95 (long). Inspired by Miyake's 'a piece of cloth' concept, it's seen as a logical extension in the fashion world, akin to accessorizing existing accessories. The short version is compared to the popular Labubu art toy, while the crossbody version joins the trend of phone accessories. The collaboration feels natural, given Miyake's influence on Steve Jobs' aesthetic.

Cybersecurity

CISA Urges Federal Agencies to Patch Cisco Firewalls Against Active Exploitation

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning to federal government departments about insufficient patching of Cisco firewalls, leaving them vulnerable to an active hacking campaign. CISA is tracking exploitation of two security flaws in Cisco's Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) software since September. While some agencies have applied patches, others remain vulnerable. This follows a recent hack of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), where an unpatched Cisco firewall was found. CISA urges all agencies with affected devices to update to the latest patch version.

Social Media

TikTok Unveils 'Bulletin Board,' Echoing Instagram's Broadcast Channels

TikTok has introduced 'Bulletin Board,' a feature enabling creators and brands to share one-to-many messages with followers, similar to Instagram's broadcast channels.

Key aspects include:

  • Only the creator can post, with followers reacting via emojis.
  • Supports text, image, and video posts.
  • Available to creators over 18 with at least 50,000 followers.
  • Aims to facilitate community building through news, updates, and exclusive content.

The feature was previously tested in June and has been used by artists, musicians, People Magazine, and Paris Saint-Germain to share news and updates.

TikTok emphasizes adherence to Community Guidelines, utilizing technology and human moderators for enforcement, with safety tools available for users.

Creators can initiate a bulletin board via their inbox, customizing visibility and naming options. Followers can join through the creator's profile and receive notifications for new posts.

Technology

Tesla Considers Integrating Apple CarPlay to Boost Vehicle Sales

Tesla is reportedly developing Apple CarPlay integration for its vehicles, a significant shift from its previous stance. This move aims to attract customers who prioritize CarPlay functionality.

The integration focuses on the standard CarPlay and not Apple's next-generation CarPlay Ultra. Currently, Tesla offers native apps for streaming services, but their quality is inconsistent, and they require a premium connectivity subscription.

A McKinsey survey revealed that half of drivers wouldn't purchase a vehicle without CarPlay or Android Auto, highlighting the potential impact of this decision on Tesla's sales.

Cybersecurity

International Law Enforcement Dismantles Three Cybercrime Operations

An international coalition led by Europol has taken down three cybercrime operations, targeting the Rhadamanthys infostealer, the Elysium botnet, and the VenomRAT remote access trojan. Authorities seized over 1,000 servers and arrested a key suspect behind VenomRAT in Greece. These malware infrastructures had compromised hundreds of thousands of computers, stealing millions of credentials and crypto wallets potentially worth millions of euros. Rhadamanthys saw increased use after the takedown of Lumma, becoming a prominent infostealer with over 12,000 victims in October. Experts acknowledge the ongoing challenge of combating cybercrime, describing it as a perpetual 'whack-a-mole' situation.

E-commerce and Social Media

Meta Revamps Facebook Marketplace with Enhanced Collaboration, Social Tools, and AI

Meta is introducing significant updates to Facebook Marketplace, focusing on collaborative tools, social features, and Meta AI integrations to enhance user experience and platform competitiveness.

Key updates include:

  • Collections: Users can now create groups of listings, invite friends, and share updates via various platforms.
  • Collaborative Buying: Users can invite friends to chat with sellers, facilitating coordination on purchases and negotiations.
  • AI-Suggested Questions: Meta AI helps buyers by suggesting relevant questions to ask sellers based on listing details and conversation context.
  • AI Insights for Vehicle Listings: AI-generated insights provide key details about vehicles, such as engine options, safety ratings, and price information.
  • Reactions and Comments: Users can now react and comment directly on listings, which can influence item quality and discoverability.
  • Partner Integrations: eBay and Poshmark inventory has been integrated into Marketplace, expanding buying options.
  • Improved Checkout Experience: Buyers see total costs upfront and receive order status notifications.

These changes aim to boost user engagement and make Marketplace a more competitive e-commerce platform by blending social interaction, commerce, and AI.

Technology

Tesla Recalls Powerwall 2 in US Over Fire Risk

Tesla is recalling over 10,000 Powerwall 2 home batteries in the U.S. due to fire and burn hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) reported five Powerwalls caught fire, six started smoking, and eleven overheated. Affected units were sold between November 2020 and December 2022. Tesla will discharge affected units that are online and provide replacements.

Technology

Google's Visual Inspiration Hub: New 'Images' Tab Challenges Pinterest

Google is introducing a dedicated 'Images' tab within its Search app for iOS and Android, aiming to become a go-to source for visual inspiration, similar to Pinterest. This new feature, personalized to user interests and updated daily, allows users to browse, search, and save images to collections for various creative purposes like trip planning, party hosting, or fashion discovery.

The move is likely intended to boost user engagement with the Google app, particularly as AI innovations impact the search and advertising landscape. The 'Images' tab also presents a new avenue for potential advertising opportunities within the Google Search app.

While Google previously launched a broader 'Collections' feature in 2018, this new tab focuses specifically on images, offering a more direct competitor to platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. The feature will roll out in the U.S. over the next few weeks on iOS and Android devices.