Last week I listened to Matteo Franceschetti from Eight Sleep and now I'm questioning my long-standing belief that caffeine drives my programming performance. It helps for sure, but what if strategic rest could debug my productivity further. We will see 😄.

🛡️ Security & Privacy

• Apple has removed its optional Advanced Data Protection feature in the UK, which expanded end-to-end encryption to additional iCloud data categories like iCloud Backup, Photos, and Notes. This decision was made in response to a UK government request for a backdoor into iCloud encryption. More here.
• Researchers have uncovered a critical privacy exploit called nRootTag that can transform computers and devices into trackable targets using Apple's Find My network. The attack method works across multiple operating systems (Linux, Windows, Android) and can track desktops, laptops, smartphones, and IoT devices. More here.
• Australia bans Kaspersky software on all government systems due to national security concerns, requiring removal by April 1, 2025, citing risks of foreign interference and data exposure to a foreign government. More here.
• Signal threatens to leave Sweden if a proposed law requiring backdoors for law enforcement access to encrypted messages passes, citing unacceptable security vulnerabilities. The Swedish Armed Forces, which recently adopted Signal for secure communications, also opposes the law. More here.
• France may force Apple to disable app tracking transparency: Apple is facing a potential order from French authorities to disable its App Tracking Transparency feature, which allows users to control ad tracking. The investigation alleges anti-competitive practices, and Apple may also face a fine of up to 10% of its global annual revenue. Investigations into ATT are also ongoing in Germany and Italy. More here.
• Two new Mac malware:
  • New Mac Malware Discovered: Two new pieces of Mac malware have been found. One exploits a Parallels vulnerability (Intel Macs only, physical access required), and a fix is expected this week.
  • FrigidStealer Targets Passwords: The second, FrigidStealer, can be remotely exploited to steal passwords, but requires users to bypass Gatekeeper by manually opening a downloaded file. More here.

🛸 Tech

• Skype is retiring in May 2025: Microsoft is focusing on Microsoft Teams (free) as its primary communication and collaboration hub and will retire Skype on May 5, 2025. More here.
• Amazon's AWS has revealed its first quantum computing chip, "Ocelot," using innovative "cat qubits" to slash error correction costs by up to 90%. More here.
• Framework launches compact, powerful desktop PC: : The Framework Desktop, a mini-PC (4.5L), boasts impressive gaming and AI capabilities powered by AMD Ryzen™ AI Max processors. It features customizable ports via Expansion Cards, easy 6-step assembly, up to 128GB of memory, Wi-Fi 7, and supports various operating systems. More here.
• Scientists in Switzerland have developed the QS7001 chip, the first of its kind, designed to safeguard data against future quantum computer attacks by using quantum-resistant encryption algorithms and enhanced hardware. More here.
• Alphabet's Project Taara: This initiative uses wireless optical communication to beam high-speed internet across the Congo River, connecting Brazzaville and Kinshasa without the need for fiber cables, enhancing connectivity in the region. More here.

🤖 AI

• OpenAI introduces GPT-4.5, a more advanced AI model featuring a broader knowledge base, improved emotional intelligence, and enhanced capabilities in writing, programming, and problem-solving. Available to ChatGPT Pro users and developers via the API. More here.
• Anthropic unveils Claude 3.7 Sonnet, a hybrid AI model that balances rapid responses with advanced reasoning. Its adaptive computational intensity and developer-friendly tools (like Claude Code) make it a strong competitor in the AI landscape. More here.
• Researchers have developed AI-designed chips so complex that humans struggle to understand them. These chips exhibit superior performance compared to traditionally designed hardware, showcasing AI’s potential in hardware innovation. More here.
• Chinese AI company DeepSeek will release the code and data for its powerful and efficient R1 model, boasting 671 billion parameters. R1's open-source approach challenges proprietary models like OpenAI, offering comparable performance at significantly lower costs. More here.
• Startup Inception has launched a diffusion-based large language model (DLM) that claims to be up to 10x faster and 90% cheaper than traditional LLMs. Their models reportedly rival or surpass other models like GPT-4o mini and Llama 3.1 8B, potentially revolutionizing NLP with improved efficiency and scalability. More here.

🛠️ Tools

• ForeverVM - a powerful code execution API that allows you to run Python code in a remote sandbox with persistent state.
• Ladybird Browser - an independent, pre-alpha web browser built from scratch with a novel engine based on web standards. Designed with a multi-process architecture for robustness and security.
• fish - the friendly interactive shell, has been ported from C++ to Rust.
• CodersRank - generates real-time, comprehensive profiles for developers by aggregating their public and private data from prominent platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and LinkedIn. It provides an authentic representation of their skills, experience, and professional identity.
• Surfshark - a suite of tools for effortless online privacy on unlimited devices. It provides a VPN, antivirus and data breach alerts.

☕ Misc

• Coffee prices have hit record highs, more than doubling year-over-year and surpassing levels not seen since 1977, driven by severe weather, tight supplies, and strong demand. More here.
• The Johnny.Decimal system simplifies organization by dividing everything into 10 areas, each with up to 10 categories, and assigning unique IDs (e.g., 15.23). This structured approach helps you find things quickly, reduces stress, and works across personal and professional domains.

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Thanks for reading!

Have a great day!
Bogdan