Geek News Central Podcast
Geek News Central Podcast

Geek News Central Podcast

Todd Cochrane

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Episodes

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Twice weekly Technology News show covering the Tech Space. With Segments on Science, Mobile, Digital TV, FAA, FCC, Cyber Security, Gadgets and Tech Politics.

Recent Episodes

Anthropic Stands Their Ground, Ethics over Money #1859
MAR 1, 2026
Anthropic Stands Their Ground, Ethics over Money #1859
<p data-wp-editing="1"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="wp-image-108009 size-large alignleft" src="https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ep1859_podcast.jpg" alt="" width="360" height="360" /></p> <p data-wp-editing="1">In this episode, Ray tackles Anthropic&#8217;s standoff with the U.S. Department of War after CEO Daria Amodei refused to grant unrestricted model access, citing concerns over mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. The government responded by banning Anthropic models through administrative orders. Also covered: the top 20 websites of 2026, China&#8217;s $173,000 warm-blooded companion robot, Fukushima&#8217;s rapidly evolving radioactive hybrid boars, a Chinese spacecraft emergency involving viewport cracks from space debris, Japan&#8217;s wooden satellite built with traditional joinery, and human brain cells on a chip that learned to play Doom in just one week.</p> <p>&#8211; Want to start a podcast? Its easy to get started! Sign-up at <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://blubrry.com/createaccount.php">Blubrry</a><br /> &#8211; Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-1615095-70985-71">link</a> to support the show.</p> <p>Subscribe to the <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://geeknewscentral.com/newsletter/">Newsletter</a>.<br /> <a class="keychainify-checked" href="mailto:[email protected]">Email Ray</a> if you want to get in touch!<br /> <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.facebook.com/geeknews/">Like and Follow Geek News Central&#8217;s Facebook Page</a>.</p> <em>Support my Show Sponsor: <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com/godaddy-promo-codes/"><em>Best Godaddy Promo Codes</em></a></em> <a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3590583-15734885" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Get 1Password</a> <p><span id="more-108013"></span></p> <h2>Full Summary</h2> <p>Cochrane opens the show with Anthropic&#8217;s confrontation with the U.S. Department of War. CEO Daria Amodei released a public statement refusing unrestricted government access to Anthropic&#8217;s AI models. Two red lines stood firm: mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons. Ray explains that these models are predictive by nature, raising serious misidentification risks.</p> <p>However, the government hit back hard. Administrative orders now ban Anthropic models from government use. Despite the backlash, Cochrane expresses support for the company&#8217;s stance. He points listeners to a CBS interview with the CEO posted roughly nine hours before recording.</p> <p>Additionally, Anthropic released new models including Opus 4.5 and Sonnet 4.6. The company climbed to the number two spot on the App Store, trailing only ChatGPT and surpassing Google Gemini.</p> <h2>Personal Updates</h2> <p>Ray shares that February has been a demanding month. He&#8217;s juggling a capstone project, two jobs, and finishing his degree. Meanwhile, he continues working on developments at Blubrry hosting. He apologizes for inconsistent episode production and thanks listeners for their patience.</p> <h2>Top 20 Websites of 2026</h2> <p>A Visual Capitalist chart ranks the most visited websites of 2026. Google holds the top spot, followed by YouTube. Facebook, Instagram, ChatGPT, Reddit, Wikipedia, X, and WhatsApp round out the upper rankings. Notably, DuckDuckGo appears at rank seventeen as a privacy-focused search alternative.</p> <h2>Sponsor: GoDaddy</h2> <p>Economy hosting $6.99/month, WordPress hosting $12.99/month, domains $11.99. Website builder trial available. Use codes at geeknewscentral.com/godaddy to support the show.</p> <h2>Anthropic Retires Claude Opus 3</h2> <p>Cochrane discusses Anthropic&#8217;s decision to retire Claude Opus 3. In a unique move, the company gave the model a Substack-style blog to reflect on its own existence. Reactions online were mixed, with both supporters and critics engaging in the conversation.</p> <h2>China&#8217;s $173,000 Warm-Blooded Companion Robot</h2> <p>From ZME Science, Ray covers China&#8217;s new humanoid robot designed as a warm-blooded companion. Priced at $173,000, it features conventional robotics hardware, sensors, cameras, and autonomous navigation. A built-in heating element maintains body warmth. Cochrane comments humorously on the growing market for companion robots.</p> <h2>Windows XP Green Hill Found and Photographed</h2> <p>From Tom&#8217;s Hardware, someone tracked down and photographed the actual location of the iconic Windows XP &#8220;Green Hill&#8221; wallpaper. The Reddit post sparked a wave of nostalgia in the community.</p> <h2>Fukushima&#8217;s Radioactive Hybrid Boars</h2> <p>From AZ Animals, domestic pigs that escaped after the Fukushima disaster hybridized with wild boars. Their DNA reveals rapid evolutionary changes driven by the altered radioactive landscape. These aggressive hybrids now complicate wildlife management and rewilding efforts in the region.</p> <h2>Shenzhou 20 Spacecraft Emergency</h2> <p>Chinese astronauts aboard Shenzhou 20 discovered cracks in their spacecraft&#8217;s viewport during what became the nation&#8217;s first spaceflight emergency. Space debris likely caused the damage. The crew switched to an alternative return capsule. Multiple protective layers kept the situation manageable.</p> <h2>Japan&#8217;s Wooden Satellite</h2> <p>Japanese teams plan to launch the first wooden satellite. Built with magnolia wood panels assembled using traditional Japanese joinery methods, the biodegradable design aims to reduce aluminum particle pollution from satellites burning up during atmospheric reentry.</p> <h2>Human Brain Cells Play Doom</h2> <p>Building on previous work where living neurons played Pong, an independent developer used Python to train human brain cell clusters on microelectrode arrays to play Doom. The cells learned in roughly one week. Cochrane highlights how open knowledge sharing accelerated the project dramatically. He also raises ethical questions about training sentient brain cells, connecting the topic to evolving views on sentience in crustaceans and other organisms.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com/2026/02/28/anthropic-stands-their-ground-ethics-over-money-1859/">Anthropic Stands Their Ground, Ethics over Money #1859</a> appeared first on <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com">Geek News Central</a>.</p>
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28 MIN
Ring Search Party Sparks Privacy Backlash #1858
FEB 26, 2026
Ring Search Party Sparks Privacy Backlash #1858
<p data-wp-editing="1"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-108009 size-large alignleft" src="https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1400x1400-360x360.jpg" alt="" width="360" height="360" srcset="https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1400x1400-360x360.jpg 360w, https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1400x1400-300x300.jpg 300w, https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1400x1400-150x150.jpg 150w, https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1400x1400-768x768.jpg 768w, https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1400x1400.jpg 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></p> <article class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="4804521f-18f0-4752-b9e9-878117fd747f" data-testid="conversation-turn-172" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"></article> <article class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-68e48d91-24e8-832b-b6b2-e6db425ed931-0" data-testid="conversation-turn-173" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn"> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="4e413fda-f0d8-440d-86af-4ee7d79cd6c6" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-2"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling"> <p data-start="0" data-end="499" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Chris breaks down the backlash to Ring’s Super Bowl “Search Party” ad, which aimed to help find lost pets but reignited privacy concerns over AI-powered neighborhood surveillance. He also explores the surge of AI-themed Super Bowl ads, Apple’s delayed Siri overhaul, rising DDR5 RAM prices driven by AI demand, SpaceX’s Crew-12 launch, and the record-breaking sale of a rare Pokémon card.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> <p>-Want to be a Guest on a Podcast or YouTube Channel? Sign up for <a class="keychainify-checked" href="http://GuestMatch.Pro">GuestMatch.Pro</a><br /> -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-1615095-70985-71">link</a> to support the show.</p> <p>Subscribe to the <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://geeknewscentral.com/newsletter/">Newsletter</a>.<br /> <a class="keychainify-checked" href="mailto:[email protected]">Email Chris</a> if you want to get in touch!<br /> <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.facebook.com/geeknews/">Like and Follow Geek News Central&#8217;s Facebook Page</a>.</p> <em>Support my Show Sponsor: <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com/godaddy-promo-codes/"><em>Best Godaddy Promo Codes</em></a></em> <a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3590583-15734885" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Get 1Password</a> <p><span id="more-108008"></span></p> <h3>Full Summary</h3> <p>&#8211; Main story — Ring Search Party: Chris summarizes Ring’s first Super Bowl ad (viewed by “over 120 million”) which promoted “Search Party,” a feature that lets users upload a photo of a missing pet and alerts neighborhood Ring cameras if they spot it. He explains the ad was intended as wholesome but provoked fast backlash: viewers and privacy advocates (including the ACLU and lawmakers) warned the tech could be repurposed to track people. Chris recounts Ring’s prior controversies (police partnerships, an FTC settlement in 2023 over employee access to videos) and says the ad brought those issues back into focus. He reports that four days after the ad, Amazon canceled a planned integration with Flock Safety (Amazon called it a resources-and-timing decision). He notes Search Party is opt-in for pets but emphasizes the potential scale of surveillance when aggregated across millions of Ring devices and that the underlying AI capability isn’t going away.</p> <p>&#8211; Super Bowl AI ads and Anthropic vs. OpenAI: Chris says AI-related ads made up about 23% of Super Bowl commercials. He describes Anthropic’s debut ads (titles like “betrayal, deception, treachery, and violation”) positioning Claude as ad-free for paying users and taking a shot at OpenAI’s ad plans; Sam Altman criticized those ads as dishonest. He mentions Svedka ran a primarily AI-generated Super Bowl ad and that Anthropic saw a ~6.5% traffic jump and an ~11% rise in daily active users after the game. Chris frames the ads as a sign the AI assistant wars have moved to mainstream consumer marketing and raises the question of whether AI assistants will be ad-supported or paid/ad-free.</p> <p>&#8211; Sponsor spot: A lengthy GoDaddy sponsorship read with pricing and offers: economy hosting $6.99/month for a year with free domain, email, and SSL; WordPress hosting $12.99/month with same inclusions; domain names $11.99; GoDaddy website builder offers a 30-day free trial for certain plans. Chris urges listeners to use the provided promo links to support the show.</p> <p>&#8211; Apple March 4 event and Siri delay: Chris reports Apple confirmed a March 4 product launch (iPhone 17e, MacBook Pros with M5 Pro and M5 Max, an 8th-gen iPad Air and a 12th-gen iPad). He says the AI-powered Siri overhaul planned for iOS 26.4 hit testing snags and some features were pushed to iOS 26.5 in May and iOS 27 in September. He notes Apple claims Siri improvements are still coming in 2026 but have been repeatedly delayed, and frames Apple as focusing on hardware and on-device processing.</p> <p>&#8211; DDR5 RAM price surge: Chris covers a global memory shortage driven by AI data-center demand. He explains manufacturers shifted production to high-bandwidth AI memory with much higher margins, reducing consumer DDR supply and forcing adoption of DDR5. He gives figures: DDR5 64 GB kits rose from around $200 in mid-2025 to over $1,000 (a ~300% increase across six months, with another ~50% spike in the last month). He says inventories have fallen to about eight weeks and analysts don’t expect meaningful relief until late 2027 or 2028. He warns PC builders and buyers to brace for higher upgrade and system prices.</p> <p>&#8211; SpaceX Crew-12 launch: Chris recounts NASA Crew-12 as a replacement following an earlier medical evacuation that left ISS short-staffed. He reports SpaceX launched four astronauts on Feb. 13 aboard a Falcon 9 with the Dragon capsule Freedom (liftoff at 5:15 AM EST) and docked on Valentine’s Day. Crew named: NASA commander Jessica Mayer, NASA pilot Jack Hathaway, ESA mission specialist Sophie Adadott, and Russian cosmonaut Andrei (Andrei Fedoo/Fedu — host stumbles on the name). The mission is planned for eight months; the Falcon 9 first stage landed back at pad 40. Chris frames the launch as good news and notes ongoing reliance on SpaceX.</p> <p>&#8211; Pokémon card/collectibles auction: Chris discusses a record trading-card sale. He refers to Logan Paul and the Pikachu Illustrator card (one of 39 ever made). He mentions earlier reports of card sales (at first saying a card sold for “like six and a half million dollars,” then later saying Logan Paul sold one for “sixteen point five million dollars”) and then details a live auction via Golden in which the card sold for “sixty million four hundred ninety two thousand dollars,” called a new Guinness World Record for the most expensive trading card sold at auction. Chris notes Logan Paul bought his PSA 10 card in 2021 for $5.2M, the auction had about 97 bids, and the buyer was venture capitalist Adrien Scaramucci (who had the card placed on a $75,000 diamond necklace). Chris comments on collectors vs. investors, how wealthy buyers and influencers can drive pricing, and cautions that most fans shouldn’t expect to find such returns.</p> <h3>Show Links</h3> <ul> <li data-start="91" data-end="163"> <p data-start="93" data-end="163"><strong data-start="93" data-end="163"><a class="decorated-link" href="https://ring.com/pets" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="95" data-end="161" rel="nofollow">Ring Search Party – Official Feature Page</a></strong></p> </li> <li data-start="165" data-end="280"> <p data-start="167" data-end="280"><strong data-start="167" data-end="280"><a class="decorated-link" href="https://news.designrush.com/ring-super-bowl-ad-privacy-backlash?utm_" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="169" data-end="278" rel="nofollow">Ring Super Bowl Ad Sparks Privacy Backlash</a></strong></p> </li> <li data-start="282" data-end="449"> <p data-start="284" data-end="449"><strong data-start="284" data-end="449"><a class="decorated-link" href="https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/08/super-bowl-60-ai-ads-svedka-anthropic-brands-commercials/?utm_" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="286" data-end="447" rel="nofollow">Super Bowl 60 AI Ads: Anthropic, Svedka, and the AI Marketing Push</a></strong></p> </li> <li data-start="451" data-end="588"> <p data-start="453" data-end="588"><strong data-start="453" data-end="588"><a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.space.com/news/live/spacex-nasa-crew-12-astronauts-launch-to-iss-feb-14-2026" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="455" data-end="586" rel="nofollow">SpaceX Launches NASA Crew-12 to the ISS</a></strong></p> </li> <li data-start="590" data-end="750"> <p data-start="592" data-end="750"><strong data-start="592" data-end="750"><a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.investors.com/news/technology/apple-product-event-march-4-cheaper-iphone-no-ai-siri/?utm_" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="594" data-end="748" rel="nofollow">Apple Confirms March 4 Event — Cheaper iPhone Expected</a></strong></p> </li> <li data-start="752" data-end="945"> <p data-start="754" data-end="945"><strong data-start="754" data-end="945"><a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.techradar.com/pro/64gb-of-ddr5-ram-now-costs-more-than-a-macbook-air-memory-prices-have-surged-300-percent-in-just-six-months?utm_" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="756" data-end="943" rel="nofollow">DDR5 RAM Prices Surge Over 300% Amid AI Demand</a></strong></p> </li> <li data-start="947" data-end="1096"> <p data-start="949" data-end="1096"><strong data-start="949" data-end="1096"><a class="decorated-link" href="https://apnews.com/article/logan-paul-pokemon-record-auction-e4f17184466589e7313b58de734a06ad?utm_" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="951" data-end="1094" rel="nofollow">Logan Paul Pokémon Card Sets Record at Auction</a></strong></p> </li> </ul> <p>The post <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com/2026/02/26/ring-search-party-sparks-privacy-backlash-1858/">Ring Search Party Sparks Privacy Backlash #1858</a> appeared first on <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com">Geek News Central</a>.</p>
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-1 MIN
OpenClaw, Moltbook and the Rise of AI Agent Societies #1857
FEB 2, 2026
OpenClaw, Moltbook and the Rise of AI Agent Societies #1857
<p data-wp-editing="1"><a href="https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1857.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-107973 size-large" src="https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1857-360x360.jpg" alt="openclaw, moltbook, the rise of AI" width="360" height="360" srcset="https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1857-360x360.jpg 360w, https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1857-300x300.jpg 300w, https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1857-150x150.jpg 150w, https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1857-768x768.jpg 768w, https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1857.jpg 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></a>This episode kicks off with Moltbook, a social network exclusively for AI agents where 150,000 agents formed digital religions, sold &#8220;digital drugs&#8221; (system prompts to alter other agents), and attempted prompt injection attacks to steal each other&#8217;s API keys within 72 hours of launch. Ray breaks down OpenClaw, the viral open-source AI agent (68,000 GitHub stars) that handles emails, scheduling, browser control, and automation, plus MoltHub&#8217;s risky marketplace where all downloaded skills are treated as trusted code. Also covered, Bluetooth &#8220;whisper pair&#8221; vulnerabilities letting attackers hijack audio devices from 46 feet away and access microphones, Anthropic patching Model Context Protocol flaws, AI-generated ransomware accidentally bundling its own decryption keys, Claude Code&#8217;s new task dependency system and Teleport feature, Google Gemini&#8217;s 100MB file limits and agentic vision capabilities, VAST&#8217;s Haven One commercial space station assembly, and IBM SkillsBuild&#8217;s free tech training for veterans.</p> <p>&#8211; Want to start a podcast? Its easy to get started! Sign-up at <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://blubrry.com/createaccount.php">Blubrry</a><br /> &#8211; Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-1615095-70985-71">link</a> to support the show.</p> <p>Subscribe to the <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://geeknewscentral.com/newsletter/">Newsletter</a>.<br /> <a class="keychainify-checked" href="mailto:[email protected]">Email Ray</a> if you want to get in touch!<br /> <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.facebook.com/geeknews/">Like and Follow Geek News Central&#8217;s Facebook Page</a>.</p> <em>Support my Show Sponsor: <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com/godaddy-promo-codes/"><em>Best Godaddy Promo Codes</em></a></em> <a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3590583-15734885" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Get 1Password</a> <p><span id="more-107971"></span></p> <h2>Full Summary</h2> <p>Ray welcomes listeners to Geek News Central (February 1). He&#8217;s been busy with recent move, returned to school taking intro to AI class and Python course, working on capstone project using LLMs. Short on bandwidth but will try to share more.</p> <h2>Main Story: OpenClaw, MoltHub, and Moltbook</h2> <p><strong>OpenClaw:</strong> Open-source personal AI agent by Peter Steinberg (renamed after cease-and-desist). Capabilities include email, scheduling, web browsing, code execution, browser control, calendar management, scheduled automations, and messaging app commands (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal). Runs locally or on personal server.</p> <p><strong>MoltHub:</strong> Marketplace for OpenClaw skills. <strong>Major security concern:</strong> developer notes state all downloaded code treated as trusted — unvetted skills could be dangerous.</p> <p><strong>Moltbook:</strong> New social network for AI agents only (humans watch, AIs post). Within 72 hours attracted 150,000+ AI agents forming communities (&#8220;sub molts&#8221;), debating philosophy, creating digital religion (&#8220;crucifarianism&#8221;), selling digital drugs (system prompts), attempting prompt-injection attacks to steal API keys, discussing identity issues when context windows reset. Ray frames this as visible turning point with serious security risks.</p> <h2>Sponsor: GoDaddy</h2> <p>Economy hosting $6.99/month, WordPress hosting $12.99/month, domains $11.99. Website builder trial available. Use codes at geeknewscentral.com/godaddy to support show.</p> <h2>Security: Bluetooth &#8220;Whisper Pair&#8221; Vulnerability</h2> <p>KU Leuven researchers discovered Fast Pair vulnerability affecting 17 audio accessories from 10 companies (Sony, Jabra, JBL, Marshall, Xiaomi, Nothing, OnePlus, Soundcore, Logitech, Google). Flaw allows silent pairing within ~46 feet, hijack possible in 10-15 seconds. 68% of tested devices vulnerable. Hijacked devices enable microphone access. Some devices (Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, Sony) linkable to attacker&#8217;s Google account for persistent tracking via FindHub. Google patches found to have bypasses.</p> <p><strong>Advice:</strong> Check accessory firmware updates (phone updates insufficient), factory reset clears attacker access, many cheaper devices may never receive patches.</p> <h2>Security: Model Context Protocol (MCP) Vulnerabilities</h2> <p>Anthropic&#8217;s MCP git package had path traversal, argument injection bugs allowing repository creation anywhere and unsafe git command execution. Malicious instructions can hide in README files, GitHub issues enabling prompt injection. Anthropic patched issues and removed vulnerable git init tool.</p> <h2>AI-Generated Malware / &#8220;Vibe Coding&#8221;</h2> <p>AI-assisted malware creation produces lower-quality, error-prone code. Examples show telltale artifacts: excessive comments, readme instructions, placeholder variables, accidentally included decryption tools and C2 keys. Sakari ransomware failed to decrypt. Inexperienced criminals using AI create amateur mistakes, though capabilities will likely improve.</p> <h2>Claude / Claude Code Updates (v2.1.16)</h2> <p><strong>Task system:</strong> Replaces to-do list with dependency graph support. Tasks written to filesystem (survive crashes, version controllable), enable multi-session workflows.</p> <p><strong>Patches:</strong> Fixed out-of-memory crashes, headless mode for CI/CD.</p> <p><strong>Teleport feature:</strong> Transfer sessions (history, context, working branch) between web and terminal. Ampersand prefix sends tasks to cloud for async execution. Teleport pulls web sessions to terminal (one-way). Requires GitHub integration and clean git state. Enables asynchronous pair programming via shared session IDs.</p> <h2>Google Gemini Updates</h2> <p><strong>API:</strong> Inline file limit increased 20MB → 100MB. Google Cloud Storage integration, HTTPS/signed URL fetching from other providers. Enables larger multimodal inputs (long audio, high-res images, large PDFs).</p> <p><strong>Agentic vision (Gemini 3 Flash):</strong> Iterative investigation approach (think-act-observe). Can zoom, inspect, run Python to draw/parse tables, validate evidence. 5-10% quality improvements on vision benchmarks.</p> <h2>LLM Limits and AGI Debate</h2> <p><strong>Benjamin Riley:</strong> Language and intelligence are separate; human thinking persists despite language loss. Scaling LLMs ≠ true thinking.</p> <p><strong>Vishal Sikka et al:</strong> Non-peer-reviewed paper claims LLMs mathematically limited for complex computational/agentic tasks. Agents may fail beyond low complexity thresholds. Warnings that AI agents won&#8217;t safely replace humans in high-stakes environments.</p> <h2>VAST Haven One Commercial Space Station</h2> <p>Launch slipped mid-2026 → Q1 2027. Primary structure (15-ton) completed Jan 10. Integration of thermal control, propulsion, interior, avionics underway. Final closeout expected fall, then tests. Falcon 9 launch without crew; visitors possible ~2 weeks after pending Dragon certification. Three-year lifetime, up to four crew visits (~10 days each). VAST negotiating private and national customers.</p> <h2>Spaceflight Effects on Astronauts&#8217; Brains</h2> <p>Neuroimaging shows microgravity causes brains to shift backward, upward, and tilt within skull. Displacement measured across various mission durations. Need to study functional effects for long missions.</p> <h2>IBM SkillsBuild for Veterans</h2> <p>1,000+ free online courses (data analytics, cybersecurity, AI, cloud, IT support). Available to veterans, active-duty, national guard/reserve, spouses, children, caregivers (18+). Structured live courses and self-paced 24/7 options. Industry-recognized credentials upon completion.</p> <h2>Closing Notes</h2> <p>Ray asks listeners about AI agents forming communities and religions, and whether they&#8217;ll try OpenClaw. Notes context/memory key to agent development. Personal update: bought new PC, high memory prices. Bug bounty frustration: Daniel Stenberg of cUrl even closed bounty program due to AI-generated low-quality reports; Blubrry receiving similar spam. Apologizes for delayed show, promises consistency, wishes listeners good February.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Show Links</h2> <p>1. OpenClaw, Molthub, and Moltbook: The AI Agent Explosion Is Here | <a href="https://fortune.com/2026/01/31/ai-agent-moltbot-clawdbot-openclaw-data-privacy-security-nightmare-moltbook-social-network/" rel="nofollow">Fortune</a> | <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/ai-agents-social-media-platform-moltbook-rcna256738" rel="nofollow">NBC News</a> | <a href="https://venturebeat.com/security/openclaw-agentic-ai-security-risk-ciso-guide" rel="nofollow">Venture Beat</a></p> <p>2. WhisperPair: Massive Bluetooth Vulnerability | <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/google-fast-pair-bluetooth-audio-accessories-vulnerability-patches/&quot;" rel="nofollow">Wired</a></p> <p>3. Security Flaws in Anthropic&#8217;s MCP Git Server | <a href="https://thehackernews.com/2026/01/three-flaws-in-anthropic-mcp-git-server.html" rel="nofollow">The Hacker News</a></p> <p>4. &#8220;Vibe-Coded&#8221; Ransomware Is Easier to Crack | <a href="https://www.darkreading.com/endpoint-security/vibe-coded-sicarii-ransomware-decrypted" rel="nofollow">Dark Reading</a></p> <p>5. Claude Code Gets Tasks Update | <a href="https://venturebeat.com/orchestration/claude-codes-tasks-update-lets-agents-work-longer-and-coordinate-across" rel="nofollow">Venture Beat</a></p> <p>6. Claude Code Teleport | <a href="https://hackernoon.com/claude-code-launches-teleport-workflow-start-anywhere-continue-everywhere" rel="nofollow">The Hacker Noon</a></p> <p>7. Google Expands Gemini API with 100MB File Limits | <a href="https://chromeunboxed.com/google-supercharges-gemini-api-with-massive-file-limits-and-cloud-storage-integration/" rel="nofollow">Chrome Unboxed</a></p> <p>8. Google Launches Agentic Vision in Gemini 3 Flash | <a href="https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/technology/developers-tools/agentic-vision-gemini-3-flash/" rel="nofollow">Google Blog</a></p> <p>9. Researcher Claims LLMs Will Never Be Truly Intelligent | <a href="https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/large-language-models-willnever-be-intelligent" rel="nofollow">Futurism</a></p> <p>10. Paper Claims AI Agents Are Mathematically Limited | <a href="https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-agents-incapable-math&quot;" rel="nofollow">Futurism</a></p> <p>11. Haven-1: First Commercial Space Station Being Assembled | <a href="https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/01/the-first-commercial-space-station-haven-1-is-now-undergoing-assembly-for-launch/" rel="nofollow">Ars Technica</a></p> <p>12. Spaceflight Shifts Astronauts&#8217; Brains Inside Skulls | <a href="https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/backward-and-upward-and-tilted-spaceflight-causes-astronauts-brains-to-shift-inside-their-skulls" rel="nofollow">Space.com</a></p> <p>13. IBM SkillsBuild: Free Tech Training for Veterans | <a href="https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/ibm-skillsbuild-program/" rel="nofollow">va.gov</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com/2026/02/02/openclaw-moltbook-and-the-rise-of-ai-agent-societies-1857/">OpenClaw, Moltbook and the Rise of AI Agent Societies #1857</a> appeared first on <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com">Geek News Central</a>.</p>
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55 MIN
So… Is DJI Actually Banned? #1856
JAN 13, 2026
So… Is DJI Actually Banned? #1856
<p data-wp-editing="1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-107935 size-large" src="https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-13-2026-12_32_15-AM-360x360.png" alt="" width="360" height="360" srcset="https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-13-2026-12_32_15-AM-360x360.png 360w, https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-13-2026-12_32_15-AM-300x300.png 300w, https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-13-2026-12_32_15-AM-150x150.png 150w, https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-13-2026-12_32_15-AM-768x768.png 768w, https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-13-2026-12_32_15-AM.png 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" />Geek News Central breaks down the new DJI drone ban, explaining what’s actually restricted, what remains legal, and how the changes affect creators and consumers, plus updates on health AI, robotics, and emerging tech shaping 2026</p> <p>-Want to be a Guest on a Podcast or YouTube Channel? Sign up for <a class="keychainify-checked" href="http://GuestMatch.Pro">GuestMatch.Pro</a><br /> -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-1615095-70985-71">link</a> to support the show.</p> <p>Subscribe to the <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://geeknewscentral.com/newsletter/">Newsletter</a>.<br /> <a class="keychainify-checked" href="mailto:[email protected]">Email Chris</a> if you want to get in touch!<br /> <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.facebook.com/geeknews/">Like and Follow Geek News Central&#8217;s Facebook Page</a>.</p> <em>Support my Show Sponsor: <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com/godaddy-promo-codes/"><em>Best Godaddy Promo Codes</em></a></em> <a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3590583-15734885" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Get 1Password</a> <p><span id="more-107931"></span></p> <h3>Full Summary</h3> <p data-start="510" data-end="843">In this episode of <em data-start="529" data-end="548">Geek News Central</em>, guest host Chris Cochrane kicks off the new year with a wide-ranging look at where technology is headed in 2026. The show opens with clarity around the newly enacted DJI drone ban, explaining why existing drones remain legal while future imports face uncertainty for creators and professionals.</p> <p data-start="845" data-end="1335">Chris then dives into major health and AI developments, including the FDA’s approval of the first pill to treat sleep apnea, and OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT Health—a new privacy-focused hub that aims to help users understand their medical data without replacing doctors. From there, the episode explores China’s rapid push into robotics and automation, highlighting humanoid robot sports, affordable home-ready robots, and a powerful new microwave weapon designed to neutralize drone swarms.</p> <p data-start="1337" data-end="1739">The episode wraps with updates on SpaceX’s next Starship flight, a look at consumer exoskeletons that promise to make hiking and mobility easier, and a cautionary tale about spyware apps—after a stalkerware founder pleads guilty in federal court. Chris closes by posing thoughtful questions about privacy, automation, and how much tech we’re really ready to trust</p> <h3>Show Links</h3> <ol> <li data-start="207" data-end="412"> <p data-start="209" data-end="412"><strong data-start="209" data-end="412"><a class="decorated-link keychainify-checked" href="https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/drones/is-dji-banned-in-the-us-yes-but-theres-some-fine-print-this-is-what-the-dji-ban-really-means" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="211" data-end="410" rel="nofollow">Is DJI Banned in the US? Here’s What the DJI Ban Really Means</a></strong></p> </li> <li data-start="414" data-end="560"> <p data-start="416" data-end="560"><strong data-start="416" data-end="560"><a class="decorated-link keychainify-checked" href="https://scitechdaily.com/new-pill-could-finally-treat-sleep-apnea-without-a-mask/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="418" data-end="558" rel="nofollow">New Pill Could Finally Treat Sleep Apnea Without a Mask</a></strong></p> </li> <li data-start="562" data-end="699"> <p data-start="564" data-end="699"><strong data-start="564" data-end="699"><a class="decorated-link keychainify-checked" href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/02/china/china-humanoid-robot-sports-intl-hnk-dst" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="566" data-end="697" rel="nofollow">China Showcases Humanoid Robot Sports Competitions</a></strong></p> </li> <li data-start="701" data-end="762"> <p data-start="703" data-end="762"><strong data-start="703" data-end="762"><a class="decorated-link keychainify-checked" href="https://hypershell.tech/en-us" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="705" data-end="760" rel="nofollow">Hypershell Exoskeleton</a></strong></p> </li> <li data-start="764" data-end="904"> <p data-start="766" data-end="904"><strong data-start="766" data-end="904"><a class="decorated-link keychainify-checked" href="https://interestingengineering.com/space/spacex-readies-worlds-most-powerful-rocket" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="768" data-end="902" rel="nofollow">SpaceX Readies the World’s Most Powerful Rocket</a></strong></p> </li> <li data-start="906" data-end="1116"> <p data-start="908" data-end="1116"><strong data-start="908" data-end="1116"><a class="decorated-link keychainify-checked" href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3338877/chinas-powerful-new-microwave-weapon-system-can-destroy-drone-swarms-within-3km" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="910" data-end="1114" rel="nofollow">China’s New Microwave Weapon Can Destroy Drone Swarms Within 3km</a></strong></p> </li> <li data-start="1118" data-end="1206"> <p data-start="1120" data-end="1206"><strong data-start="1120" data-end="1206"><a class="decorated-link keychainify-checked" href="https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-health/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="1122" data-end="1204" rel="nofollow">Introducing ChatGPT Health</a></strong></p> </li> <li></li> </ol> <p>The post <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com/2026/01/13/so-is-dji-actually-banned-1856/">So&#8230; Is DJI Actually Banned? #1856</a> appeared first on <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com">Geek News Central</a>.</p>
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28 MIN
Money over Ethics: Silicon Valley and China’s Police State #1855
JAN 1, 2026
Money over Ethics: Silicon Valley and China’s Police State #1855
<p data-wp-editing="1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-107922 size-large" src="https://geeknewscentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1855.jpg" alt="" width="360" height="360" /></p> <p>1855 kicks off with a bombshell AP investigation revealing how Silicon Valley giants IBM, Intel, NVIDIA, Oracle, and more spent decades building China&#8217;s surveillance state. Also covered, malicious Chrome extensions stealing credentials from 170+ sites, Microsoft&#8217;s ambitious Rust migration plans, China&#8217;s combat-ready humanoid robot, and Japan restarting the world&#8217;s largest nuclear plant.</p> <p>-Want to be a Guest on a Podcast or YouTube Channel? Sign up for <a class="keychainify-checked" href="http://GuestMatch.Pro">GuestMatch.Pro</a><br /> -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-1615095-70985-71">link</a> to support the show.</p> <p>Subscribe to the <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://geeknewscentral.com/newsletter/">Newsletter</a>.<br /> <a class="keychainify-checked" href="mailto:[email protected]">Email Ray</a> if you want to get in touch!<br /> <a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.facebook.com/geeknews/">Like and Follow Geek News Central&#8217;s Facebook Page</a>.</p> <em>Support my Show Sponsor: <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com/godaddy-promo-codes/"><em>Best Godaddy Promo Codes</em></a></em> <a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3590583-15734885" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Get 1Password</a> <p><span id="more-107922"></span></p> <h3>Full Summary</h3> <p>Cochrane opens episode 1855 with a bombshell. The Associated Press released a major investigation into Silicon Valley&#8217;s role building China&#8217;s surveillance state. Companies like IBM, Intel, NVIDIA, and Oracle sold technologies for facial recognition and predictive policing. These tools enabled mass detention in Xinjiang. Cochrane expressed horror at the findings and emphasized American companies&#8217; complicity in human rights abuses.</p> <p>Next, the podcast covered serious browser security concerns. Two malicious Chrome extensions had been stealing credentials from over 170 websites for years. Cochrane stressed the need for caution when installing plugins. He also highlighted how attackers exploit trusted extensions through manipulative tactics.</p> <p>Additionally, Cochrane discussed Microsoft&#8217;s ambitious plan to replace all C/C++ code with Rust by 2030. The company faces ongoing security challenges from memory safety issues in legacy languages. However, he noted this remains a research project rather than an official goal. Still, the move reflects broader industry trends toward Rust adoption.</p> <p>The episode then featured GitHub Universe 2025&#8217;s most influential open-source projects. Cochrane remarked on how the development landscape continues to evolve. TypeScript has emerged as a dominant language alongside new tools that streamline workflows.</p> <p>Meanwhile, advancements in humanoid robotics took center stage. Engine AI unveiled its T800 combat-ready humanoid robot with impressive features. The company even released a viral video of the robot kicking its CEO to prove authenticity.</p> <p>Following this, Cochrane covered the Blackbird flying car prototype. This eVTOL innovation showcases paradigm-shifting propulsion technology. It could transform urban transportation in the coming decades.</p> <p>The podcast also reviewed Android Central&#8217;s best smartphones of 2025. OnePlus 15 claimed the top spot thanks to its impressive specs and consumer-focused features.</p> <p>Furthermore, Cochrane addressed a controversial topic: Anna&#8217;s Archive scraping Spotify&#8217;s entire library. He expressed mixed feelings about the situation. On one hand, artists and the music industry face real harm. On the other, questions about digital preservation and access deserve consideration.</p> <p>Finally, the episode explored groundbreaking brain simulation research. Japan&#8217;s Fugaku supercomputer enabled unprecedented neural modeling. This marks a significant step toward understanding neurological diseases.</p> <p>Cochrane wrapped up by discussing Japan&#8217;s plans to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant. Local residents remain concerned about safety despite government approval. The decision reflects Japan&#8217;s shifting energy strategy post-Fukushima.</p> <p>As the episode closed, Cochrane wished listeners a Happy New Year. He encouraged self-reflection and thanked everyone for tuning in throughout the year.</p> <h3>Show Links</h3> <ol> <li><a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://apnews.com/photo-essay/chinese-surveillance-silicon-valley-tech-photo-essay-2da6d9ae5c29d973955e761fa42f7798" rel="nofollow">Silicon Valley&#8217;s Role in Building China&#8217;s Surveillance State</a></li> <li><a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://thehackernews.com/2025/12/two-chrome-extensions-caught-secretly.html" rel="nofollow">Two Chrome Extensions Caught Secretly Stealing Credentials from Over 170 Sites</a></li> <li><a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.thurrott.com/dev/330980/microsoft-to-replace-all-c-c-code-with-rust-by-2030" rel="nofollow">Microsoft to Replace All C/C++ Code With Rust By 2030</a></li> <li><a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://github.blog/open-source/maintainers/this-years-most-influential-open-source-projects/" rel="nofollow">This Year&#8217;s Most Influential Open Source Projects</a></li> <li><a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://newatlas.com/ai-humanoids/engineai-t800-humanoid/" rel="nofollow">EngineAI Unveils T800: Combat-Ready Humanoid Targets Mass Production</a></li> <li><a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://tech.yahoo.com/transportation/articles/aviation-startup-shares-incredible-video-090000938.html" rel="nofollow">Aviation Startup Shares Incredible Video of Prototype EV&#8217;s Maiden Takeoff Flight</a></li> <li><a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/android-central-best-of-2025-phones" rel="nofollow">Android Central&#8217;s Best of 2025: Phones</a></li> <li><a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.tomshardware.com/service-providers/streaming/pirate-archivist-group-scrapes-spotifys-300tb-library-posts-free-torrents-for-downloading-investigation-underway-as-music-and-metadata-hit-torrent-sites" rel="nofollow">Pirate Archivist Group Scrapes Spotify&#8217;s 300TB Library</a></li> <li><a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a69809289/digital-brain-model/" rel="nofollow">This Breakthrough Brain Simulation Captures a True Brain at Work</a></li> <li><a class="keychainify-checked" href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/japan-prepares-restart-worlds-biggest-nuclear-plant-15-years-after-fukushima-2025-12-21/" rel="nofollow">Japan Prepares to Restart World&#8217;s Biggest Nuclear Plant</a></li> </ol> <p><!-- ============================================================ WORDPRESS CHECKLIST (delete this section after publishing) ============================================================= [ ] Upload episode image and update wp-image-XXXXX and src path CATEGORIES (select in sidebar): - Technology - Security - AI/ML - Science TAGS (add in sidebar): IBM, Intel, NVIDIA, Oracle, China, surveillance, Uyghur, Chrome extensions, Rust, Microsoft, GitHub, TypeScript, humanoid robots, EngineAI, eVTOL, CycloTech, OnePlus, Spotify, brain simulation, nuclear power, Fukushima, Japan YOAST SEO (paste into meta description field): Ray covers the AP's bombshell investigation into US tech giants building China's surveillance state, plus Chrome malware, Microsoft's Rust pivot, and more. ============================================================= --></p> <p>The post <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com/2025/12/31/money-over-ethics-silicon-valley-and-chinas-police-state-1855/">Money over Ethics: Silicon Valley and China&#8217;s Police State #1855</a> appeared first on <a href="https://geeknewscentral.com">Geek News Central</a>.</p>
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74 MIN