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Cybersecurity

Lock Down Your Number: Shielding Against SIM Swap Scams

In 2025, phone numbers are essential for online services, but they're vulnerable to SIM swapping attacks. Hackers exploit cell carrier security weaknesses, impersonating customers to transfer numbers. The primary sign of a SIM swap attack is loss of cell service for seemingly no reason.

To combat these attacks, major US carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have introduced security features:

  • AT&T: Offers Wireless Account Lock to prevent SIM swaps.
  • T-Mobile: Allows customers to block unauthorized number port outs.
  • Verizon: Provides SIM Protection and Number Lock to prevent SIM swaps and phone number transfers.

Customers should check their carrier accounts to enable these security features, which are often not enabled by default.

Defense Tech Investment

Darkstar: VC Firm Breaks Defense Tech Taboo with Investments in Ukraine's Military Innovations

Estonian VC firm Darkstar is challenging the conventional dual-use requirement in defense tech investing by focusing on purely military applications emerging from Ukraine. Founded by Ragnar Sass, Darkstar aims to rearm Europe with combat-proven solutions.
Darkstar targets pre-seed and seed rounds with investments between €500k to €1 million, having already invested in FarSight Vision, which specializes in geospatial analytics, and Deftak, which develops ammunition for drones.
The firm takes a hands-on approach, assisting startups with access to military customers and setting up compliant entities in NATO countries. Sass, a veteran of the Estonian startup ecosystem, emphasizes the urgency of defense tech innovation in light of Russia's ongoing aggression, noting that elite Ukrainian units are highly innovative and adaptable.
Darkstar completed a first close of €15 million backed by European entrepreneurs and SmartCap. The firm plans to invest in autonomous systems, air defense, cybersecurity, and other critical areas, providing support through bootcamps and leveraging its deep connections within Ukraine's defense community.

Business & Technology

Apple's Jeff Williams Announces Retirement; Sabih Khan to Take Over as COO

Jeff Williams, Apple's COO, will retire later this month.
Sabih Khan, currently SVP of Operations, will become the new COO.
Williams, after three decades at Apple, wants to spend more time with family.
He will continue to report to Tim Cook and oversee the design team and Apple Watch until his retirement.
The design team will then report directly to Cook.
Williams played a key role in the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch development.

Cybersecurity

Arrest of Chinese Hacker Xu Zewei Confirmed for COVID-19 Research Theft and Exchange Server Hacks

The U.S. Justice Department has confirmed the arrest of Xu Zewei, a Chinese national accused of hacking on behalf of the Chinese government.

Xu is indicted on nine charges, including the theft of COVID-19 research from U.S. universities in February 2020.

He and another individual are also accused of mass hacks of Microsoft Exchange servers starting in March 2021, affecting over 60,000 servers.

Xu's company, Shanghai Powerock Network, allegedly conducted hacking operations for the Chinese government.

The hacking group, known as Hafnium, targeted small businesses across the United States, stealing private company information.

Hafnium has since launched a new hacking campaign, dubbed Silk Typhoon, targeting big companies and government agencies.

Autonomous Vehicles

Waymo Opens Autonomous Rides to Teens in Phoenix, Expanding Mobility Options

Waymo has launched teen accounts in Phoenix, allowing teenagers aged 14-17 to book their own autonomous vehicle rides. This service mirrors similar offerings from Uber and aims to provide a safer transportation option for teens.

Parents can link their accounts to their teen's profile, enabling them to track trips. Waymo emphasizes safety, citing specially trained support agents available 24/7 to assist teens during rides and contact parents if needed.

The expansion addresses the higher risk of traffic accidents faced by teenagers. Waymo plans to extend teen accounts to other cities where its app is available, including potential integration with network partners like Uber in locations such as Austin, Atlanta, Miami and Washington D.C.

Automotive Technology

Rivian's 2026 Quad Motor: Software and Hardware Unite for Unmatched EV Performance

Rivian is now accepting orders for its 2026 Quad Motor pickup truck and SUV, highlighting the power and software advancements of these EVs. The quad-motor system delivers 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds.

  • Kick Turn: A new feature allows the vehicle to spin about its center on dirt, enhancing off-road maneuverability.
  • RAD Tuner: Drivers can customize driving dynamics through the central touchscreen, adjusting balance, stability, and ride height.
  • Launch Cam: Automatically captures videos of "Launch Mode" with real-time stats like speed and distance.
  • NACS Charging: The 2026 models include the North American Charging Standard, granting access to Tesla's Supercharger network.
  • Trip Planner Update: The EV charging trip planner now reflects NACS station compatibility.

Rivian's second-generation overhaul aims to reduce manufacturing costs and improve EV performance by integrating in-house hardware and software.

Technology Partnerships

Replit and Microsoft Join Forces, Expanding Access to Vibe Coding for Enterprise Customers

Replit has partnered with Microsoft to integrate its platform with Azure Marketplace, enabling Microsoft enterprise customers to purchase Replit subscriptions. This collaboration allows users to create web apps through natural language prompts, with Replit handling database setup, authentication, and storage.

The offering is marketed as a prototyping/designing tool and caters to both programmers and non-programmer business managers for build-it-yourself apps. Replit's CEO reported significant growth, reaching $100 million in annual recurring revenue in six months.

While Replit apps are typically hosted on Google Cloud, this partnership is non-exclusive, allowing Replit to support Microsoft shops and potentially opening doors for similar deals with other vibe coders.

Technology

ByteDance to Tailor CapCut for US Market Amid Divestiture Concerns

ByteDance is reportedly planning to launch a U.S.-specific version of its popular video editing app, CapCut.
This move is speculated to be in response to a 2024 law requiring ByteDance to divest from its U.S. assets, including TikTok, or face a ban.
CapCut has achieved over 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store and is currently the top video app on the iOS U.S. App Store.
ByteDance is also said to be developing a new version of TikTok for U.S. users ahead of a potential sale.
The plans for U.S.-specific apps for ByteDance's other services, Lemon8 and Gauth, remain unknown.

Business & E-commerce

Bookshop.org's Clever Jab: An Anti-Prime Day Sale with a Bezos Wedding Twist

Bookshop.org, an independent online bookseller, is holding an Anti-Prime Day sale to coincide with Amazon's Prime Day. The sale aims to attract customers who want to support independent bookstores instead of Amazon.
In a pointed move, Bookshop.org mocked the graphic design of Jeff Bezos' recent $50 million wedding invitations, which were criticized for their lo-fi, childish design reminiscent of Microsoft Word clip art.
Bookshop.org's promotional message reads: "Enjoy free shipping and the knowledge that your money will go toward supporting independent bookstores, not billionaires," highlighting the contrast between supporting independent businesses and contributing to the wealth of billionaires.

Social Media

Mastodon 4.4: Enhanced Features and Quote Post Preparation

Mastodon 4.4 introduces several updates, most notably preparing for Quote Posts, similar to Twitter's Quote Tweets, with user controls to limit misuse. The update also includes profile enhancements with a 'Feature on my profile' option, carousel display of Pinned Posts, and a profile widget showing mutual follows. Navigation is improved with a redesigned 'Trending' section and reorganized sidebar. Media player updates offer better controls, mobile zoom, and alt-text reminders. Onboarding is simplified for new users, and server admins gain new legal compliance features. The changes follow Mastodon's move to a non-profit structure and plans for commercial offerings.