Google Introduces AI-Powered Image Generation Right From Your Search Bar

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October 14, 2023

Google Search AI-Powered Image Generation

Google Search now allows you to create images directly from the search bar. Users simply type a description or “prompt,” and Google’s generative AI presents four image options to choose from. These images can be exported or further customized by adding more words in an additional window. This feature is part of Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), a developmental version currently available to a select group of users.

If this sounds vaguely familiar, it’s because Bing has been offering a similar feature through its chat function. Users input a description, and Bing’s search engine returns multiple image options.

The engine driving the Google Search AI-powered image generation feature is known as Imagen, a family of image generation and editing models. These models rely on transformer algorithms to comprehend text and diffusion models to generate high-resolution images. This technology has already been incorporated into other Google services, such as Google Slides and Android’s Generative AI wallpaper.

To prevent misuse, Google has implemented safety measures that align with its policy on the prohibited use of generative AI. Images that promote hate speech, violence, or illegal activities will be blocked. Moreover, the generated images will have metadata tags and watermarks to indicate they were created by AI.

Interestingly, SGE is not limited to searches. It was recently added to Chrome to summarize articles while browsing the web. Known as “SGE while browsing,” this feature highlights key points in a text and offers a Q&A section to aid comprehension.

SGE is currently available to a select group of users in the United States, with plans to expand it globally. The feature is part of Google’s broader strategy to make search more interactive and user-centric.

Despite trailing Microsoft in the AI race, Google continues to dominate with a staggering 90% market share in search engines. The generative AI feature is in its testing phase and is expected to become a staple in Google’s user experience in the near future.

“Microsoft Loves Linux”: Microsoft Published a Comprehensive Guide on Installing Linux

By

Sabarinath

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October 12, 2023

Microsoft has recently published a comprehensive guide on installing Linux. This step reaffirms Microsoft’s commitment to embracing Linux, a commitment encapsulated in their motto, “Microsoft loves Linux.”

Microsoft guide on installing Linux is broken down into four digestible steps, making it accessible even for those who are new to the Linux ecosystem.

The first step involves choosing an installation method. Users have the luxury of options here — whether to go for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), a Virtual Machine (VM), a local installation, or even a cloud-based one. Microsoft doesn’t just throw these options at you; they guide you through the decision-making process with tailored recommendations.

The second step is all about selecting the right Linux distribution for you. Microsoft offers valuable tips on what to consider, such as your level of experience, the performance capabilities of your system, and the availability of community support. This aligns well with the various linux installation methods available, ensuring that you make an informed decision.

Step three dives into the nitty-gritty of the actual installation process. Microsoft provides detailed advice on installing Linux through WSL, VM, cloud, or via a bootable USB stick. They even specify that a USB drive with at least 16 GB of storage is generally required. Tools like BalenaEtcher, Rufus, and UNetbootin are cited as reliable options for creating bootable media.

The final step is all about getting acquainted with your new Linux system. Microsoft guides you through understanding the package manager and the plethora of software options available. This is particularly beneficial for those who are new to Linux.

The timing of this guide’s release is far from coincidental. Microsoft recently made it impossible to activate Windows 10 and 11 with keys from older versions like Windows 7 or 8. This leaves users with the option of purchasing a new license or considering Linux as a free and secure alternative, which continues to receive security updates.

Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon X Series, Aimed at Powering Intelligent PCs

By

Adwaith

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October 11, 2023

UPDATE: Qualcomm unveiled Snapdragon X Elite.

Qualcomm announces Snapdragon X Series processors for PCs — designed to redefine the boundaries of performance, artificial intelligence, and battery life.

Aimed at powering intelligent PCs, Qualcomm promises that these new processors will offer “next-level performance, AI capabilities, connectivity, and battery life.” The company has been tight-lipped about the specific processors that will be part of this new series. However, they have emphasized that these chips will leverage Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU and will be crucial for executing generative AI tasks. The series will focus on the synergy between the CPU, Qualcomm’s own Adreno GPU, and NPU.

The Snapdragon X Series will feature Qualcomm’s custom-developed Oryon CPU. This is not a rebranding of any existing technology but an evolution of what started at Nuvia, a company Qualcomm acquired in January 2021. The Oryon CPU is expected to give a significant boost to the new series, setting it apart from competitors.

Qualcomm is also revamping its corporate design with the Snapdragon X Series. The processors will sport new logos and badges but will retain the iconic Snapdragon fireball, albeit with a fresh aesthetic twist.

The company has promised to reveal more details about the Snapdragon X Series at the upcoming Snapdragon Summit, scheduled for October 24-26 in Maui, Hawaii. The event will also see the announcement of Qualcomm’s next-generation high-end smartphone processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

Google’s HTTP/2 Vulnerability Leads to Record-Breaking DDoS Attacks

By

Bhasker Das

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October 11, 2023

A recent vulnerability in Google’s HTTP/2 protocol has not only exposed the fragility of our interconnected systems but has also led to record-breaking DDoS attacks.

The vulnerability, known as “Rapid Reset,” is a Zero-Day flaw in the HTTP/2 protocol. This has been the epicenter of a series of staggering DDoS attacks. Google, Amazon, and Cloudflare have all reported record-setting attacks based on this vulnerability, with Google experiencing an eye-watering 398 million requests per second (RPS).

To put this into perspective, the volume of requests Google had to fend off within just two minutes exceeded the total number of Wikipedia page views for the entire month of September 2023. Cloudflare, too, had its hands full, dealing with up to 201 million RPS originating from a botnet of merely 20,000 participants.

What makes this HTTP/2 Rapid Reset flaw so perilous is its potential for exploitation. Cloudflare warns that even a relatively small botnet could unleash a torrent of requests capable of crippling almost any server or application supporting HTTP/2.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) also detected an attack peaking at 155 million RPS in late August. Microsoft has been proactive, releasing immediate remedial measures for its IIS, .NET, and Windows platforms.

The vulnerability exploited in the attacks, registered as CVE-2023-44487, allows for the abusive use of RST_STREAM frames within a TCP connection. This enables an attacker to continually open and close new streams, thereby overloading the target system. Google has elaborated on this in a separate blog post, emphasizing the exploitable cost asymmetry between the server and the client.

Companies are advised to update their systems and apply patches to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Microsoft has also provided some guidelines for online service operators.

Understand SSD overheating and what to do about it

By

Rakesh Babu

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October 10, 2023

Although storage vendors like to position their products as “cool”, the truth is that any electronic device generates a lot of heat as it runs, and SSDs are no exception. Even though common SSDs used in commercial and consumer applications have no moving parts inside and consume less power, most of them are at risk of overheating during operation.

Earlier generations of the low-performance SATA SSDs did not have much of a thermal problem. Overheating becomes a problem for high-performance SSDs that use the NVMe interface. They offer higher data transfer rates and have far greater processing capability than their predecessors. As a result, dense hardware and higher rates of storage activity translate into heat.

A typical consumer-grade NAND memory chip functions at temperatures ranging from 0 to between 70 and 85 degrees Celsius (158 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit). Without a heat sink, a Gen3x4 SSD can reach 70 degrees Celsius within 3 minutes if an ambient temperature is 25 degrees Celsius, and a Gen4x4 SSD can hit 70 degrees in 40 seconds. When the chip reaches 70 degrees Celsius, problems start. This issue is very serious as SSDs accelerate with the evolution of PCIe technology that is now heading to Gen5.

The primary reason for overheating is electrical resistance, and the main source of heat in SSDs is the NAND flash chips that store data. But the NAND flash is not functioning in isolation. The SSD is typically housed in a piece of hardware that may also contain a controller integrated circuit and other heat-generating electronics packed onto limited printed circuit board (PCB) space. The SSD may be designed with multiple die stacking per chip. In some cases, the design is double-sided. That is good for space efficiency but acts as a sandwichlike insulator to the interior copper PCB.

Solid State Drives Heat Problems

Gen 5 SSDs are more likely to overheat than previous generations due to their increased data transfer speeds and power consumption. This is especially true for SSDs that use the Phison E26 controller.

There are a few things that can be done to reduce the risk of Gen 5 SSD overheating:

Use a heatsink: A heatsink can help to dissipate heat from the SSD and keep it cool. Many Gen 5 SSDs come with a heatsink included, but you may need to purchase one separately if your SSD does not come with one.
Install your SSD in a well-ventilated case: Make sure that your SSD is installed in a case that has good airflow. This will help to keep the SSD cool and prevent it from overheating.
Avoid using your SSD in very hot environments: Overclocking your SSD can increase its performance, but it can also increase its temperature.

If the SSD is housed in an enclosure that has limited to no airflow, the heat problem will get worse. If the platform is fanless, that will further compound the cooling challenges. If the SSD is running in a high-speed PC with other devices on the motherboard generating heat, the ambient temperature can easily reach 50 degrees Celsius. This is the temperature when the SSD drive is on the verge of exceeding its heat limits even in the idle state.

Here are some additional tips to help prevent Gen 5 SSD overheating:

Keep your firmware up to date: Manufacturers often release firmware updates that can include improvements to thermal management.
Use the latest drivers: Make sure that you are using the latest drivers for your SSD and motherboard.
Avoid overclocking your SSD: Overclocking your SSD can increase its performance, but it can also increase its temperature.

If you follow these tips, you can help to reduce the risk of Gen 5 SSD overheating. However, it is important to note that Gen 5 SSDs are still a relatively new technology, and there is always the possibility of overheating, even if you take all necessary precautions.

Too much heat in an NVMe SSD can weaken its performance and cause damage to SSD data retention and endurance. Studies suggest that when an SSD runs at a higher temperature, it is more likely to wear out soon and its lifetime decreases.

OpenAI Considers Developing Its Own AI Chips

By

Avinash A

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October 9, 2023

OpenAI Considers Developing Its Own AI Chips

OpenAI is thinking about making its own computer chips for artificial intelligence. Sam Altman, the boss of OpenAI, says they don’t have enough GPUs, which are like the “brains” for AI tasks. This shortage is causing problems for their services and costing them a lot of money.

Every time someone asks a question to ChatGPT, OpenAI’s chatbot, it costs the company 4 cents. That might not sound like much, but they have 100 million people using it every month. That adds up to a lot of questions and a lot of money.

Stacy Rasgon of Bernstein Research paints a grim picture. If ChatGPT’s query volume reaches even a tenth of what Google handles, OpenAI would require GPUs worth an eye-watering $48.1 billion. The annual expenditure on chips would be a staggering $16 billion. These numbers make it clear why OpenAI is exploring making its own AI chips.

Currently, Nvidia holds the reins of the AI chip market. Even Microsoft, who supports OpenAI, is trying to make their own. They’ve been at it since 2019 and even have a chip called Athena that OpenAI has tested.

While OpenAI’s plans to manufacture AI chips are still in the decision-making phase, the stakes are high. The company faces the monumental task of not just creating efficient chips but also ensuring they are cost-effective. Purchasing an already-established chip-making company could be a shortcut. Either way, it’s going to take time and a lot of money. And there’s no guarantee it will work.

Sony Hit Twice: CL0P Ransomware Group Exposes Data of 7,000 U.S. Employees

By

Bhasker Das

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October 7, 2023

Sony, the Japanese tech giant, has confirmed not one, but two major security breaches within a span of a few months. The latest hack has exposed sensitive data of nearly 7,000 U.S.-based employees, both current and former.

The infamous ransomware group CL0P is behind the latest breach. They took advantage of a weak spot in the MOVEit Transfer file delivery platform, a software that Sony had been using. This same platform has been a gateway for Russian hackers who have targeted organizations in both Europe and the United States. Notably, U.S. government agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense have also been using MOVEit, raising serious concerns about the software’s security features.

Sony became aware of the MOVEit vulnerability on May 31, when Progress Software, the creators of MOVEit Transfer, alerted its customers. Sony’s internal investigation revealed that the breach had occurred on May 28, and the hackers had downloaded data from the server. The compromised server stored identification information of Sony’s employees in the United States. The company has since claimed to have rectified the security lapse and is extending support to those affected.

Ransomware attacks are evolving. Groups like CL0P are not just after money; they are also keen on crippling systems and destroying vital files. Typically, these groups encrypt the victim’s computer systems and then demand a ransom for the decryption key. In Sony’s case, the company has refused to pay the ransom, leading the hackers to consider selling the stolen data directly.

Sony is also investigating another security breach from last September. This breach resulted in the theft of 3.14 GB of data, including files from platforms like SonarQube, a license generator, and Creators’ Cloud. While Sony insists that this incident had no negative impact on its operations, the group Ransomed.vc has claimed responsibility and expressed willingness to sell the data. Another group, MajorNelson, is also staking a claim to the hack, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.

Showdown with SpaceX’s Starlink: Amazon’s First Pair of Prototype Internet Satellites Successfully Launched

By

Avinash A

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October 7, 2023

Amazon's First Pair of Prototype Internet Satellites Successfully Launched

Amazon successfully launched its first pair of prototype internet satellites last Friday. The mission marks the beginning of Project Kuiper, Amazon’s ambitious plan to deploy over 3,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. The initiative puts Amazon in direct competition with SpaceX’s Starlink, which already has nearly 5,000 satellites in orbit.

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, bearing Amazon’s logo, lifted off from Cape Canaveral at 2 p.m. Eastern time. The rocket carried two Kuiper test satellites, part of Amazon’s broader strategy to offer global broadband service. Although the live stream of the launch ended shortly after liftoff, Amazon later confirmed that the satellites were successfully deployed and are now in contact with their mission operations center.

Amazon has pledged a significant $10 billion investment in Project Kuiper, which was first announced in 2019. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set a deadline for Amazon, requiring the company to have at least half of its planned satellite constellation operational by 2026.

Industry experts estimate that the market for broadband service from low-Earth orbit satellites could be worth tens of billions of dollars in the next decade. With SpaceX’s Starlink already in operation, Amazon also faces competition from other players like Canada’s Telesat and France’s Eutelsat’s OneWeb.

Amazon aims to serve both individual consumers and enterprise customers with Project Kuiper. The company is developing consumer terminals at a cost of $400 each, although final pricing has not been disclosed. This stands in contrast to SpaceX’s Starlink terminals, which are currently priced at $599.