sparta – Page 17 – Techin' Geek

‘Eerie Chasm’: Iran’s Menaces Against US Technology, Trump’s Midterm Strategies, and Polymarket’s Temporary Failure

April 2, 2026sparta

Kate Knibbs: So, you went there twice?

Makena Kelly: Yes, Kate. I went there twice.

Kate Knibbs: I missed that detail.

Zoë Schiffer: Hold on, is the Pentagon Pizza thing a joke about the pizza foretelling the war?

Makena Kelly: Yep.

Zoë Schiffer: Oh, my gosh.

Makena Kelly: Because they had these Pentagon pizza trackers set up. When I returned the second night, most things were running. Some displays were still off, and I didn’t spot any real Bloomberg terminals. There were a few self-made monitors that looked like Bloomberg terminals, but there was no authentic $50,000 Bloomberg terminal around. The second night was again crowded with people eager to witness the event, though I did run into a couple of individuals who wagered on sites like Polymarket and Kalshi. One of them, William, claimed he was in the military but didn’t provide his full name. He began betting last year with all his tax refund on Oklahoma City sports wagering.

Makena Kelly, archival audio: So, you’ve used Kalshi?

William, archival audio: Yes.

Makena Kelly, archival audio: When did you first start using that service?

William, archival audio: Probably when I got my tax refund back.

Makena Kelly, archival audio: Got it.

William, archival audio: So, I filed my taxes early and thought, “Awesome, I got my tax refund. What should I do with it?” So, I chose to put it on Kalshi.

Makena Kelly: He noted he’s fluctuating by $100 but hasn’t scored any big wins. Unlike some tales of people making enormous insider bets and winning millions, he’s just in it for the enjoyment.

Brian Barrett: Kate, what’s your take on a pop-up like this and Polymarket’s intentions—is it a move to legitimize or just a promotional strategy? And how does it align with these companies’ rapid growth and their effort to attract a wide audience?

Kate Knibbs: This event clearly appears to be a strategic effort to appeal to journalists based in DC. One observation Makena made encapsulates the current situation—the individuals in the Palantir hoodies. The week this bar launched, Polymarket announced a collaboration with Palantir, who will assist them in ensuring the integrity of their sports market by identifying insider traders and market manipulators. I inquired with Polymarket last week if they had additional agreements with Palantir while investigating the Iran bets that are stirring up a lot of attention. They stated Palantir is only involved with sports, which seemed peculiar. It indicates how rapidly they’re growing, but in a chaotic, rushed manner that doesn’t seem coherent. If you’re engaging Palantir, why not use them for geopolitical issues instead of March Madness? Truly wild times.

OpenAI Secures Tech Talk Show ‘TBPN’—and Benefits from Favorable Coverage

April 2, 2026sparta

OpenAI announced on Thursday that it has acquired the online business talk show *TBPN* for an undisclosed sum. This move comes in response to the challenges OpenAI has recently encountered regarding its public perception.

Since its launch in 2024, *TBPN* has garnered attention in Silicon Valley by offering a daily livestream centered on the tech sector, viewed as more favorable towards technology than conventional media. Hosts John Coogan and Jordi Hays provide up-to-the-minute news analysis, review trending social media content, and interview executives from companies like Meta, Salesforce, Palantir, and OpenAI. It has gained particular popularity among OpenAI staff and other AI researchers, many of whom are active users of the social media platform X.

The acquisition prompts inquiries into how a media startup fits with OpenAI’s core functions of promoting ChatGPT, Codex, and a forthcoming super app. In March, OpenAI’s applications CEO, Fidji Simo, indicated that the organization should discontinue side projects and concentrate on its main activities.

In a staff memo regarding the acquisition, Simo claimed that ordinary communication tactics do not apply to OpenAI. “We’re not a typical company,” she mentioned in the memo, which was released as a blog post. “We are initiating a significant technological transformation. With the objective of delivering AGI to the world comes the obligation to cultivate an environment for genuine, constructive discussions about the advancements AI induces—centered around users and developers.”

*TBPN* is a relatively small operation in comparison to OpenAI. The media entity reported $5 million in advertising revenue last year and anticipates over $30 million by 2026, as per The Wall Street Journal. The show is said to draw around 70,000 viewers per episode across various platforms. A source familiar with OpenAI noted that the company does not expect *TBPN* to be a financial contributor, but it supports OpenAI’s communication approach.

OpenAI has been facing increasing public scrutiny recently. Following a February deal with the Department of Defense, Anthropic’s Claude experienced a spike in downloads, becoming the top free app on Apple. OpenAI’s leadership is also tackling the growing QuitGPT movement, comprised of individuals vowing never to use OpenAI’s offerings. OpenAI president Greg Brockman cited the challenges posed by AI’s popularity as a significant reason for his increased political spending.

This acquisition situates OpenAI among recent efforts in Silicon Valley to manage news enterprises. Over the past decades, tech giants have acquired media outlets, including Jeff Bezos’s purchase of The Washington Post, Marc Benioff’s acquisition of Time magazine, and Robinhood’s takeover of the newsletter company MarketSnacks. Such acquisitions often raise immediate concerns about the independence of the outlets. Simo reassured employees that *TBPN* would retain its editorial freedom.

“My favorite tech show is *TBPN*. We want them to keep excelling in what they do best,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman posted on X. “I don’t expect them to be easier on us, [and I] will likely contribute to that with occasional whimsical choices.”

OpenAI affirmed that *TBPN* will maintain autonomy regarding its programming, guest selections, and editorial decisions, according to Simo’s memo. It also indicated that *TBPN* would report directly to OpenAI’s VP of global affairs, Chris Lehane. WIRED previously uncovered challenges faced by an economic research team under Lehane in addressing the adverse economic effects of AI.

Premier Lego Presents for Brick Artisans (2026): Intelligent Bricks, Video Games, and More

April 2, 2026sparta

Lego blocks are composed of plastic, and although they are neither biodegradable nor recyclable, they are produced to extremely accurate specifications. Even though they aren’t environmentally friendly, they retain their “clutch power” over the years, barring any damage. Many people, including my family, discovered a renewed enthusiasm for Lego during the Covid-19 pandemic. Constructing sets, such as small dinosaurs with your child, continues to be a treasured activity. If you and your family share a love for Lego, take a look at these gift suggestions. If that’s not the case, check out our alternative gift guides as Mother’s and Father’s Day nears.

Updated April 2026: We’ve incorporated the Throne Room, included information on smart bricks, and updated links and prices.

FDA Greenlights Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 Tablet

April 1, 2026sparta

The US Food and Drug Administration granted approval on Wednesday for a new weight-loss medication named Foundayo, developed by Eli Lilly, the creator of the injection Zepbound for weight loss. This daily medication is categorized as GLP-1, alongside rivals Ozempic and Wegovy, which imitate a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar, digestion, and satiety.

This authorization marks the second GLP-1 weight-loss pill to hit the market. Back in December, Novo Nordisk received FDA clearance for a pill formulation of Wegovy, which was initially a weekly injection. In contrast to the Wegovy pill, which requires consumption on an empty stomach, Foundayo does not have any timing or dietary constraints associated with its intake.

In response to the strong demand for injectable GLP-1s, pharmaceutical firms are creating weight-loss pills to meet patient preferences and broaden the GLP-1 market. Pills are also simpler to manufacture, which could lead to more reliable patient access, alleviating the shortages that occurred from late 2022 to early 2025.

“Aside from supply and cost issues, a significant barrier to adoption has been patients’ hesitance to use injections,” states Ken Custer, an executive at Eli Lilly. “This could be due to the fear of needles or the notion that using an injection signals a more serious condition than they recognize. A pill could serve as a more approachable initial step for individuals embarking on their weight management journey.”

Similar to injectable GLP-1s, Foundayo begins with a low dosage to reduce the risk of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with a gradual uptick in amounts. Clinical trials revealed that the highest dosage of Foundayo resulted in an average weight decrease of 27 pounds, or 12.4% of total body weight, across 18 months. The placebo group experienced only a 2-pound loss. The active component, tirzepatide, which is present in Mounjaro and Zepbound injections, demonstrated more than a 20% weight reduction.

In the Wegovy pill study conducted by Novo Nordisk, participants achieved an average weight loss of 13.6% over a span of 16 months. Direct comparisons between Foundayo and the Wegovy pill have not been conducted. Eli Lilly’s research on patients transitioning from injectable GLP-1 medications to Foundayo indicated sustained weight loss. Those switching from the injectable Wegovy gained 2 pounds, while patients coming from Zepbound gained 11 pounds. The active ingredient, orforglipron, is also being explored for treating type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and various other conditions.

Foundayo is currently available via LillyDirect, with shipping commencing on April 6. It will soon be widely offered at pharmacies across the US and through telehealth services. The pill is part of a deal established in November 2025 with TrumpRx. The FDA evaluated Foundayo within 50 days under a pilot initiative aimed at speeding up the review of medications that align with national health priorities. Typically, the approval process spans six to ten months.

The Leading E-Readers of 2026: Kobo and Kindle

April 1, 2026sparta

Our Preferred E-Readers Compared

Noteworthy Mentions

Below are several e-readers that we appreciate, although not as much as our top selections.

Boox Go 7 ($250) and Boox Color Go 7 ($290): Boox provides a variety of e-paper tablets, including the previously mentioned Palma 2. For those looking for a larger device with an Android operating system, the Go 7 and Go Color 7 are solid picks. They come with page-turning buttons and a user-friendly square design. The Go 7 is in black-and-white, while the Go Color 7 features a color display for an additional $40. If color isn’t a requirement, the black-and-white model is a more budget-friendly option.

Boox Palma 2 for $316: This compact device has enhanced features including fingerprint recognition, a faster processor, and an updated version of Android. Adrienne So from WIRED enjoys using it with the Kindle app, although she considers it to be quite expensive. It’s currently out of stock, and we’re awaiting news on whether it will be replenished or replaced by an updated version.

Kindle Colorsoft Signature for $280 and Kindle Colorsoft ($250): The Kindle Colorsoft Signature represents Amazon’s first Kindle with a color display, featuring an oxide backplane for improved contrast. The screen resolution is capped at 150 ppi for color images, as opposed to 300 ppi for black-and-white, resulting in a reading experience that is slightly less crisp than the latest Paperwhite. It lacks some common features such as page-turn buttons and stylus compatibility. Although the color adds depth, we suggest waiting for a price drop. The more affordable Kindle Colorsoft ($250) offers less storage and misses certain features like auto-adjusting light.

Kindle Scribe (2nd Gen, 2024) for $400: This second-generation Kindle Scribe functions both as an e-reader and digital notebook within the Kindle ecosystem, featuring a 10.2-inch (300 ppi) display and adjustable warm light. It includes a Premium Pen with a soft-tipped eraser. Amazon has revealed plans for future color variants.

Kindle Scribe (3rd Gen, 2025) for $500: The newest Kindle Scribe with a color option and design updates, featuring uniform bezels, launched in December 2025. It introduces new functionalities like AI summaries, which contribute to the higher price. The previous 2nd Gen model continues to be the preferred choice for those desiring a Kindle e-reader that also acts as a digital notebook.

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft for $630: This version adds color to the Kindle Scribe and was released late last year with new features at a premium price. It stands out as costly compared to other devices. If you are committed to Kindle and looking for a vibrant notebook and e-reader combo, this would be your option.

Nook GlowLight 4 Plus for $200: As the only waterproof Nook with the largest display at 7.8 inches and 32 GB of storage, it provides physical page-turn buttons and a headphone jack for audiobooks. It performs slower than Kindle, and while the library selection is broad, it doesn’t match the appeal of Kindle Unlimited. Acquiring a book from the library on a Nook can be tedious.

Nook 9-inch Lenovo Tablet for $150: Perfect for accessing color-rich content, this budget-friendly tablet comes with the Nook app pre-installed, but it compromises on E Ink screens. It’s not designed for heavy tasks but is suitable for focused reading with notifications disabled.

Babbel Promo Code: Enjoy Up to 65% Off in April 2026

April 1, 2026sparta

Over the last decade, I have embarked on a journey to achieve fluency in Spanish. Being in the company of multilingual individuals throughout my adult years, I frequently feel as though I am perpetually playing catch-up. Like many others, I’ve tried to be consistent with language apps such as Duolingo, which aims to gamify language acquisition, but often results in the guilt-inducing green bird icon nagging me to practice each time I look at my phone.

Babbel aims to authentically educate individuals in language through real conversations and grammar, using established teaching techniques and speech recognition technology. Every lesson is concise, lasting between 10 and 15 minutes, and is developed by a group of more than 150 linguists. Rather than repeating basic phrases in ad-filled games, take charge of your language learning experience this year and make it a reality. No more justifications—we have a Babbel promotional code and a Babbel coupon to assist you in reaching your objectives. By the time your next vacation arrives, you might find yourself fluent (or at least able to confidently order a chopped cheese at the bodega).

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Robotaxi Service Interruption Leaves Passengers Stuck on China’s Roadways

April 1, 2026sparta

An unidentified technical issue led to several robotaxis operated by the Chinese technology company Baidu to become immobilized in traffic on Tuesday, leaving some passengers stranded for more than an hour. In Wuhan, where Baidu has rolled out many Apollo Go autonomous taxis, users on Chinese social media reported observing the vehicles malfunctioning and halting. Images and videos capture the stationary Baidu cars on congested roadways, frequently in the fast lane.

A university student in Wuhan mentioned being trapped with friends in a Baidu robotaxi for roughly 90 minutes. The vehicle malfunctioned and stopped several times before halting at an intersection. The screen in the car instructed passengers to stay seated and wait for a company representative, but after 30 minutes, they were unable to connect with customer support. After another hour of waiting, the passengers chose to exit the vehicle on their own.

Other riders also voiced their frustrations on social media regarding the inability to reach customer support. One user shared that she attempted all available help options on the app, but the phone line was inoperative, and the SOS button was not an option. She ultimately forced the door open and stepped out as traffic came to a standstill behind her robotaxi.

Baidu has yet to provide a statement. Police in Wuhan indicated that the problem might be linked to a system failure, though the situation is currently being investigated. No injuries have been reported, and it is said that passengers managed to leave the vehicles. The total number of affected robotaxis remains uncertain.

A dash cam recording depicts a vehicle going around 16 Apollo Go units that were parked on the road for over 90 minutes, with the driver narrowly avoiding them. In a separate event, a man alleged that he crashed into a halted Baidu vehicle after the car ahead of him swerved to dodge it. His orange SUV was documented with significant damage after being towed away.

Artemis II Liftoff Countdown: Observation Information and Timetable

March 31, 2026sparta

After a series of delays, rocket maintenance, and a program overhaul to resume lunar exploration, the Artemis II mission is poised for launch. If all goes as planned, four astronauts will kick off NASA’s new lunar program on Wednesday, more than 50 years after the Apollo era.

The Artemis II team won’t touchdown on the moon; that milestone will be reached with Artemis IV. Their spacecraft will traverse 6,000 to 9,000 kilometers above the moon’s far side, orbit it, and make the return journey. This mission intends to showcase NASA’s ability to safely transport humans to the moon.

Once this goal is achieved, NASA will gear up for upcoming lunar landings in the following years, with the objective of setting up initial lunar bases and ensuring a long-term human presence on the moon.

When and Where to Watch the Artemis II Launch:

The new launch window opens on Wednesday, April 1, at 6:24 pm EDT and remains open for two hours, permitting liftoff anytime from 6:24 pm to 8:24 pm EDT, contingent on conditions. Should there be any delays, NASA has an additional five days to make an attempt, with April 6 marking the final day of this launch window. If that fails, the next opportunity will be on April 30.

NASA will stream the event live on its YouTube channel, beginning at 7:45 am with coverage of tank operations, while the official broadcast will start at 12:50 pm and will continue through liftoff. A press briefing is scheduled to occur two hours after the launch.

Mission Details:

The astronauts will be launched on a NASA SLS rocket, traveling in the Orion spacecraft, comparable in size to a large van. They will spend two days orbiting Earth testing onboard systems before preparing to set course for the moon. By the fifth or sixth day, the capsule is expected to enter the moon’s gravitational influence and dock with its orbit.

The most critical phase will occur when the spacecraft is positioned “behind” the moon; during this period, the crew will lose contact with Earth for about 50 minutes due to the moon’s interference. They will need to capture images and data during this time, employing advanced technology that surpasses what was available in the Apollo era.

Upon their return, the capsule will utilize the Earth-moon gravity field to save fuel and make its way home. NASA anticipates that the crew will approach Earth by the tenth day.

Your Images Might Be Disclosing Your Location. Here’s How to Stop That

March 29, 2026sparta

Capture an image with any digital camera or smartphone, and it’s not only the pixels that are recorded. The photo also contains metadata, referred to as EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) data, which reveals information about when it was captured, the device utilized, and the camera configurations. If your smartphone or camera is equipped with a GPS chip and monitors your location, this is also subtly embedded in the photograph. This can aid in reminiscing about memories captured in specific places but may not be suitable if you intend to share images while keeping your home address confidential. It’s important to reflect on the metadata linked to any photograph you distribute beyond your private use, and eliminate location data if needed.

How to Inspect Photo Metadata

Photo metadata can offer various benefits, including location tagging. Google Photos and Apple Photos facilitate the organization of your library based on the locations where images were captured. Attempt to search for a location in these applications to observe the outcomes. You can access photo metadata in multiple ways. In Google Photos for Android, select an image, tap the three dots in the upper right corner, and pick About. If there’s location information, it will be displayed on a map. In Google Photos on the web, open an image and click the info icon in the upper right to see the metadata. On iOS, use Apple Photos by opening an image and tapping the info icon at the bottom. If location details are present, they will show on a map. In Apple Photos on the web, double-click an image to open it, and the info icon is located at the top right.

This data can be accessed on Windows and macOS, though it shows GPS coordinates rather than a map. In Windows, right-click on an image in File Explorer, select Properties, and go to the Details tab. On macOS, right-click an image in Finder, choose Get Info, and GPS coordinates will be displayed in the dialog if they are available.

A School District’s Effort to Educate Waymos to Halt for School Buses Did Not Succeed

March 29, 2026sparta

The claimed advantage of autonomous vehicle technology lies in the ability of each car to learn from the errors of others. As detailed on Waymo’s website: “The Waymo Driver benefits from the shared experiences collected across our fleet, including earlier hardware versions.”

Nevertheless, in Austin, Waymo’s vehicles struggled for several months to appropriately stop for school buses while picking up and dropping off students. An official from the Austin Independent School District (AISD) asserted that in at least 19 instances, the vehicles “illegally and dangerously” bypassed the district’s school buses while red lights were flashing and stop arms were extended, failing to make complete stops as mandated by law.

In early December, Waymo even launched a federal recall concerning these incidents, acknowledging at least 12 of these to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which oversees road safety. Federal paperwork indicates that the self-driving vehicle company’s engineers had “created software modifications to rectify the behavior” weeks earlier.

However, even after the recall, reports of school bus violations continued, as noted by school officials and a report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent federal safety organization that is also looking into the issue.

Communications via email and text between school officials and Waymo, acquired by WIRED through a public records request, highlight the measures taken by the Austin public school district and Waymo to address the problem. AISD held a half-day “data collection” event in a school parking lot in mid-December, as the records indicate, where several staff members set up school buses and stop-arm signals for the self-driving company to collect data on the vehicles and their flashing lights.

By mid-January, one month later, the school district reported at least four additional instances of school buses being passed in Austin.