NerdNews

Amazon has sent a cease and desist letter to Perplexity, demanding the AI company prevent its Comet browser from making automated purchases on behalf of users. Perplexity objects to Amazon's demand, likening it to an attempt to ban access to tools like wrenches. The dispute raises questions about the legitimacy of AI-powered browsing and purchasing, with potential implications for e-commerce and user rights.

Microsoft discovered a backdoor called SesameOp that uses OpenAI's Assistants API as a command-and-control channel, allowing hackers to secretly control malware. The malware uses payload compression and layered encryption to hide commands and exfiltrated results, making it difficult to detect.

Nokia and Rohde & Schwarz have developed an AI-powered 6G receiver that uses machine learning to improve coverage and reduce deployment costs. The receiver can boost uplink distance by 10-25% and has demonstrated improved throughput and power efficiency.

Amazon has requested that Perplexity stop allowing its AI browser to purchase products for customers, citing a degraded shopping experience. Perplexity accuses Amazon of 'bullying' and claims its AI feature makes shopping easier.

Anthropic expects to generate $70 billion in revenue and $17 billion in cash flow in 2028, driven by rapid adoption of its business products, particularly its AI models. The company's B2B strategy has led to partnerships with Microsoft, Salesforce, and Deloitte, and it has launched smaller, more cost-effective models to appeal to businesses deploying AI at scale.

Google announced a new project to launch constellations of solar-powered satellites with tensor processing units (TPUs) to form orbital AI datacenters. The project, called Project Suncatcher, aims to overcome the limitations of terrestrial datacenter builds by utilizing the abundant and clean energy available in space. However, the project faces significant challenges, including finding enough rockets to place the infrastructure in orbit, launch costs, and developing fast and resilient networking capabilities.

Microsoft researchers discovered a backdoor called 'SesameOp' that uses the OpenAI Assistants API for command and control communications. The backdoor is designed to maintain persistence and allow threat actors to manage compromised devices remotely. It uses a loader and a NET-based backdoor that leverages the OpenAI API to fetch commands, which are then decrypted and executed locally.

Freepik's new Spaces platform is a collaborative hub for creatives, offering shared boards, project showcases, and collaborative AI tools. It aims to make Freepik a one-stop shop for all creative projects, with a clean and simple interface. Spaces enters a crowded field, but its foundation of millions of assets and templates sets it apart.

1min.AI offers a suite of AI tools powered by GPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama, providing solutions for writing, design, audio, and more. With a one-time payment of $74.97, users can access dozens of powerful tools, streamlining their productivity and creativity. The platform is ideal for entrepreneurs, marketers, and creators looking to efficiently utilize AI without incurring recurring fees.

Colin Mahony discusses the role of AI in cyber security, the rise of AI-powered cyber threats, and the importance of getting cyber security basics right. He also talks about the potential of threat intelligence capabilities to help counter cyber threats and the need for organisations to follow standard cyber security procedures.

Google's Project Suncatcher aims to create scalable networks of orbiting TPUs, using solar-powered satellites with free-space optical links. This could solve problems of energy costs, logistics, and environmental impact associated with terrestrial data centers. Google is testing the feasibility of this concept, including the ability of TPUs to withstand radiation in space, and plans to launch prototype satellites by 2027.

Ionx and Virgin Media O2 have successfully integrated a neutral host small cell into VMO2's live 5G Standalone (SA) core network, a first-of-its-kind deployment in the UK. The integration aims to deliver high-performance 5G services closer to customers, addressing growing demand for faster connectivity speeds and lower latency.

OpenAI has launched its AI video app, Sora, on Android. The app allows users to create, share, and remix AI-generated videos. It is now available on the Google Play Store in several countries, including the US, Canada, and Japan. Sora had previously launched on iOS and gained over 1 million downloads in its first five days.

Amazon is integrating Alexa Plus into its Music app, allowing users to access the AI assistant and make nuanced song recommendations, build vibe-based playlists, and find songs based on lyrics or shows they were featured on.

Rivian has created a new spinoff company called Mind Robotics, focused on industrial AI and robotics. The company has raised $115 million in seed funding and will be led by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe as chairman of the board. Mind Robotics aims to use AI to improve manufacturing efficiency and operations.

Deploying to Amazon's cloud can be a frustrating experience, especially for younger developers who are used to more streamlined processes. The article highlights the complexity of working with AWS, from setting up accounts and permissions to deploying code and configuring services. In contrast, other cloud platforms like Vercel and Netlify offer a more user-friendly experience. The author argues that AWS's complexity may drive away younger developers who prefer simpler and more efficient platforms.

DragonForce, a new ransomware operation, has emerged with cartel-like ambitions. It uses Conti's core encryption behavior and network-spreading capabilities, and has begun conducting coordinated attacks and recruiting affiliates. The group has shifted from a standard ransomware-as-a-service model to a self-styled cartel structure, and has been linked to several high-profile attacks.

The US government is considering banning DJI drones due to national security concerns. DJI has been placed on a Department of Commerce entity list and the FCC has given itself the power to retroactively cut off products from companies on its 'covered' list. A ban would affect hobbyists, creators, and industrial operators who rely on DJI drones.

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a rule to expand biometric data collection for immigration applications, including DNA, iris scans, and voice prints, affecting both immigrants and US citizens associated with them.

The UK government's digital ID scheme aims to curb illegal migration, but experts warn of risks to personal data and potential for discrimination. A decentralised system could mitigate these concerns, but the current proposal is for a centralised database.