Title: TechCrunch’s Week in Review: Apple Spoofers, Health Data Hacks, Musk vs. Zuckerberg, and More
Introduction
Welcome to TechCrunch’s Week in Review (WiR), our regular newsletter that covers the major tech events of the past few days. In this edition of WiR, we’ll give you a summary of the key highlights, including a $70 device that can fake an Apple device, hackers stealing Americans’ health data, Elon Musk challenging Mark Zuckerberg to a cage fight, X (formerly Twitter) slowing down access to rival websites, Better.com going public, and a review of Baldur’s Gate 3. So sit back, buckle up, and let’s dive into the exciting world of tech news.
Tech Highlights
1. A Cheap Apple Spoofer: At Def Con, a prominent hacking conference, attendees discovered that their iPhones were displaying pop-up messages asking them to connect their Apple ID or share a password with a nearby Apple TV. This turned out to be part of a research project involving a $70 gadget that can fake an Apple device and trick unsuspecting users into sharing their password.
2. Stolen Americans’ Health Records: Hackers exploited a zero-day vulnerability in the widely used MOVEit file transfer software and accessed systems operated by tech giant IBM, resulting in the theft of sensitive health and medical information of millions of Americans. The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing confirmed that it had fallen victim to these massive hacks, exposing the data of over 4 million patients.
3. Musk vs. Zuckerberg: Elon Musk, CEO of X (formerly known as Twitter), challenged Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, to a cage fight for charity. After delays in finalizing the fight, Musk recently reassured everyone that it is still happening. However, Zuckerberg stated that they could not agree on terms, including a location and date, and that it was time to “move on.”
4. X Slows Down Access: X was found to have intentionally slowed down access to websites that its owner, Elon Musk, publicly dislikes. The social network platform increased the time it takes to access links to several websites, including The New York Times, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, Reuters, and Substack.
5. Better.com Goes Public: Digital Mortgage Lender Better.com received shareholder approval to merge with Aurora Acquisition Corp. via a SPAC (special purpose acquisition). Despite setbacks, including layoffs, high-profile executive resignations, a downturn in the real estate market, and negative publicity, Better.com persevered and successfully went public.
6. Baldur’s Gate 3, Reviewed: Baldur’s Gate 3 is a Dungeons and Dragons game that offers an immersive RPG experience. Taylor, in his first impressions article, notes that the game stays true to the D&D world and systems but can be enjoyed by newcomers as well. Whether you’re interested in romancing vampires or witnessing the world burn, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a unique gaming experience.
Additional Piece: Impact and Insights
The tech industry is abuzz with exciting developments and controversies, as reflected in TechCrunch’s Week in Review. Let’s explore some key takeaways and delve deeper into the implications of these stories.
1. Device Security and User Vulnerability: The $70 gadget capable of spoofing Apple devices serves as a wake-up call regarding device security and user vulnerability. It highlights the importance of staying vigilant and recognizing potential threats, even from seemingly harmless pop-up messages. As technology advances, it becomes essential for manufacturers and users alike to prioritize robust security measures.
2. Health Data Protection in the Digital Age: The stolen Americans’ health records illustrate the critical need for robust cybersecurity protocols in the healthcare industry. As more medical systems digitize patient records and rely on file transfer software, the risk of data breaches increases. Governments and organizations must prioritize investing in robust security measures to safeguard sensitive health information.
3. Clash of the Titans: The anticipated cage fight between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg captured the attention of the tech and entertainment world. While the showdown might not materialize, the clash reflects the competitive nature of the tech industry and the public personas of influential figures. It also emphasizes the power dynamics and rivalries within the sector, where CEOs engage in playful challenges to fundraise for charity or make bold statements to assert their dominance.
4. X’s Controversial Actions: X’s deliberate slowing down of access to certain websites raises questions about net neutrality, censorship, and the platform’s power over content distribution. Critics argue that X’s actions infringe upon the principles of a free and open internet, while supporters believe it reflects the platform’s right to shape user experiences. This debate calls for a deeper examination of the role and responsibility of social media giants in controlling the flow of information.
5. Better.com’s Resilience: Despite facing numerous challenges, including negative publicity and market downturns, Better.com managed to successfully go public. This exemplifies the resilience and adaptability required to navigate the volatile world of startups and reveals the potential for recovery and growth in the face of adversity. It also serves as a reminder that setbacks are an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey.
6. Baldur’s Gate 3: Baldur’s Gate 3’s popularity among both Dungeons and Dragons enthusiasts and newcomers showcases the enduring appeal of immersive RPG experiences. The game’s ability to attract players who are unfamiliar with the underlying world and systems speaks to its accessibility and engaging gameplay. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, developers should focus on creating experiences that cater to diverse audiences and offer unique storytelling opportunities.
Conclusion
TechCrunch’s Week in Review presents an array of compelling tech stories that provide insights into the ever-evolving landscape of technology. From device security and health data protection to clashes between industry giants and the resilience of startups, these stories reflect the advancements, challenges, and controversies of the tech world. As technology plays an increasingly significant role in our lives, it’s crucial to stay informed and engaged with the factors shaping the industry’s future. With TechCrunch’s Week in Review, you can stay up-to-date with the latest tech events and developments that impact our everyday lives.
Summary
– This edition of TechCrunch’s Week in Review covers a range of tech stories, including a $70 device capable of spoofing Apple devices, hackers stealing Americans’ health data, Elon Musk challenging Mark Zuckerberg to a cage fight, X slowing down access to rival websites, Better.com going public, and a review of Baldur’s Gate 3.
– The $70 gadget highlights the need for strong device security and user awareness, while the health data breach underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the healthcare industry.
– The clash between Musk and Zuckerberg sheds light on the competitive nature of the tech industry and the power dynamics among influential CEOs.
– X’s deliberate manipulation of website access raises questions about net neutrality, freedom of information, and social media platform control.
– Better.com’s successful IPO showcases the resilience and adaptability of startups, even in the face of significant challenges.
– Baldur’s Gate 3’s popularity among both dedicated fans and newcomers reflects the timeless appeal of immersive RPG experiences.
The Week in Review provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the major tech events and trends shaping the industry, helping them stay informed and engaged with the rapidly evolving world of technology. Be sure to sign up for TechCrunch’s newsletter to receive WiR in your inbox every Saturday.
References:
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Welcome folks to Week in Review (WiR), TechCrunch’s regular newsletter covering the major tech events of the past few days. Haven’t you had your eyes glued to the headlines? It is not to worry. That’s our job, and we’ve compiled them into the clever summary that is WiR.
In this week’s edition of WiR, we cover a $70 device that can fake an Apple device, hackers steal Americans’ health data from an IBM system, and Elon Musk vows to fight Mark Zuckerberg in a fight. of suitable cage. On the other hand, we highlight X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, which slows down access to rival websites; Better.com goes public; and TC prints of Baldur’s Gate 3.
It’s a long way to go, so buckle up. Oh, and if you haven’t already, sign up here to receive WiR in your inbox every Saturday.
most read
A cheap Apple spoofer: Attendees at Def Con, one of the world’s largest hacking conferences, noticed that their iPhones were displaying pop-up messages. telling them to connect their Apple ID or share a password with a nearby Apple TV. As it turns out, it was part of a research project: a $70 gadget that can fake an Apple device and trick unsuspecting users into sharing their password.
Stolen Americans’ Health Records: Millions of Americans had their sensitive health and medical information stolen after hackers exploited a zero-day vulnerability in the widely used MOVEit file transfer software and raided systems operated by tech giant IBM. The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, which is responsible for administering Colorado’s Medicaid program, confirmed Friday that it had fallen victim to MOVEit’s massive hacks, exposing the data of more than 4 million patients.
Musk vs. Zuckerberg: In June, X CEO Elon Musk challenged Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, a Brazilian jiujitsu practitioner, to a cage fight, for charity. After repeated delays in ending Musk, last week Musk promised that the fight was still happening. But soon after, Zuckerberg said that he and Musk could not agree on terms, including a location and date, and that it was time to “move on.”
X slows down access: X was found to have sped up traffic to websites that the social network’s owner, Elon Musk, publicly dislikes. The platform slowed down the speed it takes to access links to a handful of websites, including The New York Times, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, Reuters, and Substack.
Better.com goes public: Digital Mortgage Lender best.comThe proposal to combine with Aurora Acquisition Corp. through a SPAC (special purpose acquisition) has been approved by shareholders. The company had originally started make plans to go public in May 2021, but was plagued by layoffs, high-profile executive resignationsa downturn in the real estate market and negative publicity that forced him to delay his IPO.
Baldur’s Gate 3, reviewed: Baldur’s Gate 3 is a Dungeons and Dragons game through and through, Taylor reports in his first impressions article, but you don’t have to be familiar with that world or those systems to enjoy it. Whether you want to kiss vampires or watch the world burn, the game is an RPG experience like no other, he writes.
A smart ring to compete with Oura: Indian fitness and nutrition tracking startup Ultrahuman has quickly followed up its first smart ring last year with a second generation of the device, which officially launched in June. Natasha, who reviewed it for TC, found it to be an improvement over the original in a number of ways, including (very importantly) in the form factor department.
An EV battery with greater autonomy: CATL, the Chinese battery giant and one of Tesla’s main suppliers, has unveiled its latest product that aims to solve the range and charging limitations of electric vehicles. Nicknamed Shenxing, or “divine motion,” the battery can recharge up to 400 kilometers (250 miles) of range in 10 minutes.
Audio
Need some listening material to entertain and inform? Look no further than TechCrunch’s growing stable of podcast episodes.
In Equitythe team started with an update on former FTX exec Sam Bankman-Fried heading to jail, then went public with Better.com, growth of Monday.com, addition of Vinfast to the list SPAC, the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and two bright spots in the business landscape of 2023.
Meanwhile, Found highlighted Marco Zappacosta, co-founder and CEO of Thumbtack, a startup that runs a marketplace for home services and more. Zappacosta talked about his unusual path to entrepreneurship, which included almost getting a degree in neuroscience before deciding to start a company with no existing idea.
AND Chain reaction spoke with Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, along with TechCrunch+ editor-in-chief Alex Wilhelm. Among other things, they dove into what’s going on with spot bitcoin ETFs in the US, why it matters, and the odds that the SEC will approve one in the near future.
TechCrunch+
TC+ subscribers get access to detailed feedback, analysis and surveys, which you know about if you’re already a subscriber. If you’re not here consider signing up. Here are some highlights from this week:
A surprisingly strong job market: After big companies made mega layoffs earlier this year, it would be natural to think that the tech unemployment rate would skyrocket. But Ron writes about how, if we think of tech jobs as purely IT, engineering, and development functions, then those jobs are definitely still in demand and less impacted than you might imagine.
What exactly do CTOs do?: Haje writes about how technical blind spots mean investors are leading founders in the wrong direction. Premature optimization is of no use to anyone. But having a CTO with the right experience, knowledge and expertise for the stage a company is in seems to be something that is rarely looked at in the investment process.
A superconductor at room temperature? Not so fast: If there was any hope that LK-99 could be a superconductor at room temperature, now it’s pretty much dead. Tim writes that dozens of studies published in the last week or two have coalesced around this conclusion, less than a month after a team from the Quantum Energy Research Center published a sensational preliminary paper.
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Apple devices spoofed, Musk eggs on Zuckerberg and Better.com goes public
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