sparta – Page 37 – Techin' Geek

A French Navy officer unintentionally disclosed the position of an aircraft carrier by recording his activity on Strava.

March 20, 2026sparta

An officer of the French Navy took a jog on the deck of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and shared his exercise on Strava, unintentionally exposing the position of the nuclear-powered vessel as it makes its way to the Middle East.

As first reported by the French publication Le Monde, this incident is not unique — the widely used fitness tracking platform has previously been a source of privacy concerns.

By default, the social fitness app’s accounts are public, revealing your route every time you record a workout. Strava data has been used in the past to identify military installations globally. In 2024, Le Monde found out the location of French President Emmanuel Macron by exploring the Strava profiles of his bodyguards, who posted public workout information while accompanying him.

An anonymized graphic from Le Monde illustrating the run in questionImage Credits:Le Monde (opens in a new window)

Macron had already publicly disclosed the deployment of the carrier, so its navigation through the Mediterranean was known. However, the French military remains endangered when an officer reveals its exact position. A spokesperson for the French Armed Forces mentioned to Le Monde that the officer’s actions “do not adhere to current protocols,” which “sailors are routinely informed of.”

Strava did not provide a response to TechCrunch’s request for comment prior to publication, but this serves as a reminder for everyone; even if you’re not a military member, it’s advisable to set your Strava account to private.

The Initial AirPods Max: Discount of $100

March 19, 2026sparta

Apple has recently launched the AirPods Max 2, but the enhancements haven’t particularly wowed us, especially considering that the original version has undergone only minor alterations in the last five years. If the newest model doesn’t catch your interest, you might want to grab the original AirPods Max with USB-C at Best Buy for just $450, reflecting a $100 reduction. This offer could make the newer version seem redundant.

Even after being available for some time, the AirPods Max still rank among our favorites for noise-canceling over-ear headphones, perfect for iOS users looking to step up from basic earbuds. They boast a solid build with stylish aluminum ear cups, a distinctive design, and an array of vibrant color choices. While they are somewhat heavier, they excel in both luxury and comfort, with a conveniently located multifunction volume knob on the right ear.

Their audio performance is as impressive as their striking appearance. Since their introduction in 2020, our reviewer Parker Hall stated they are “the best noise-canceling headphones I have ever tested,” praising their exceptional noise cancellation and transparency modes, easy setup, and extensive feature range. Even when put side by side with labels like Sony and Bose, they are recognized for their clarity, intricate sound, and powerful bass. They also provide high-resolution wireless audio—a feature that’s uncommon in headphones.

Nonetheless, there are some drawbacks. The battery life, though sufficient for a lengthy flight at around 20 hours, falls short compared to some rivals. Furthermore, users who aren’t on iOS or macOS will experience a limited selection of features and should consider other recommended headsets. However, for iPhone users ready to make a purchase, Best Buy has various colors on sale, including Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Starlight.

Meta Is Shutting Down Horizon Worlds on Meta Quest

March 17, 2026sparta

Meta has revealed the closure of its virtual reality platform, Horizon Worlds. An email sent to users indicated that the social VR universe will cease operations on Quest VR headsets, with Horizon Worlds being taken off the Quest store on March 31. By June 15, the VR environments will be fully discontinued, shifting the service to a mobile-only platform. This move comes after substantial reductions to Meta’s Reality Labs division earlier this year, which experienced a 10% decrease in VR department personnel.

Horizon Worlds was Meta’s bold initiative to create the metaverse, inspired by Neal Stephenson’s “Snow Crash.” The project was pivotal to Meta’s rebranding from Facebook to concentrate on virtual reality pursuits. However, Horizon Worlds encountered backlash and tepid popularity, evident in the reactions to its termination on the r/oculus subreddit. It was frequently ridiculed for its initial flaws, such as avatars without legs and their “blank-eyed” look, spawning viral memes featuring CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s avatar.

At first, Horizon Worlds mainly attracted younger users, resulting in an inconsistent user base, despite Meta’s significant financial backing and initiatives, including virtual concerts with famous artists like Imagine Dragons and Coldplay. Still, Meta’s platform was less favored than alternatives like VRChat, which cultivated communities through virtual parties and events.

As Meta redirects its attention to AI and products like Ray-Ban smart glasses, it has notably curtailed investments in its metaverse initiatives, including offerings like Supernatural Fitness. Mike Proulx from Forrester noted that this shift was anticipated and emphasized the challenges of constructing a mass social platform dependent on specific hardware that lacks broad user adoption.

Sonos Over-Ear Headphones: Get $100 off

March 17, 2026sparta

If your residence is equipped with Sonos devices, you may want to consider acquiring a pair of over-ear headphones that effortlessly connect to your speakers. Sonos provides such a pair, the Ace, currently listed at $299 on Amazon, nearly matching its lowest historical price.

These headphones not only work with your Sonos configuration via Bluetooth but also perform excellently on their own. Renowned for a clear, flat sound profile, the Ace manages tracks with prominent bass lines and delivers impressive detail with dynamic audio. Weighing in at only 11 ounces, they rank among the most comfortable, offering a suitable clamping force that alleviates pressure from your head, making them perfect if comfort is essential.

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) rivals the top options available, effectively controlling low-frequency noises. The transparency mode provides clear conversations, eliminating the sensation of speaking through a tin can. Although they lack some convenience features, they do offer multipoint pairing, and you can adjust settings through the Sonos app.

The Sonos Ace comes in several colors, but the black version is currently priced at $300. The white variant is available for $365, slightly higher, depending on your color preference. If the Sonos Ace doesn’t catch your interest, our detailed guide to the best headphones, evaluated by audio specialists, presents additional choices.

File Your Taxes Today With TurboTax Full Service Before Costs Go Up

March 17, 2026sparta

Tax Day is scheduled for April 15 this year, allowing you under a month to file without incurring penalties or requiring an extension. The longer you wait, the higher the cost of using a tax service, and if you’re like me with intricate taxes, you may have delayed. Take this as your reminder to file immediately. TurboTax has a promotion for combined federal and state filing at $150 for Expert Full Service for new clients, valid until March 18.

TurboTax provides three options: DIY, where you file with step-by-step guidance; Expert Assist, where professionals aid and review your submission; and Expert Full Service, where a local specialist finalizes your taxes. Fees vary based on your tax scenario, with Expert Full Service starting at $89 to $129, plus $59 for each additional state. For those facing complicated taxes, this fixed fee arrangement can yield savings.

Small business owners or individuals with intricate taxes might find Expert Full Service a valuable option, particularly for S Corporations and partnerships. TurboTax pairs you with a tax specialist experienced in your sector to enhance deductions. You can opt to manage your taxes online or in person, and the expert will finish, sign, and submit your taxes. The $150 charge is only incurred after the filing.

This promotion is valid only if TurboTax did not file your taxes last year. The ultimate cost will depend on the complexity of your situation, with states billed separately. To take advantage of this offer, begin filing using TurboTax Expert Full Service or choose “prefer to hand off to an expert” when prompted. If eligible (i.e., you didn’t engage a TurboTax expert for a 2024 personal tax return), your discount will automatically apply at checkout if you file by March 18, 11:59 pm ET.

If you’re not sure which service is suitable for you, refer to the guide on How to Pay Your Taxes Online or this year’s Best Tax Services guide. If you’re contemplating TurboTax but uncertain about the right tier for you, I sampled TurboTax’s DIY service and discovered various TurboTax coupons, which might help save money when submitting your taxes.

John Solly: The DOGE Agent Charged with Scheming to Shift Social Security Information to His New Position

March 13, 2026sparta

John Solly, a software developer and previous member of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is allegedly reported to have informed colleagues that he had kept critical Social Security Administration (SSA) data on a USB drive with plans to present it to his new employer, as per sources. Since October, Solly has held the position of chief technology officer for Leidos’ health IT sector, which possesses substantial contracts with SSA. Solly’s online footprint has been erased this week. Through his legal representation, Solly refutes any accusations of misconduct. Leidos has found no proof that supports the whistleblower’s allegations. Solly was a member of a 12-person DOGE team at SSA, contributing to various projects. A report, not specifying Solly or Leidos, was submitted to the SSA’s Inspector General, claiming that a former DOGE employee had taken SSA data to possibly use at a private-sector firm, anticipating clemency for any illegal acts. Solly asserts that he did not partake in the alleged conduct. Leidos stands as a prominent SSA contractor, continuing to gain substantial contracts despite cuts under DOGE’s initiatives.

How ‘Handala’ Emerged as the Symbol of Iran’s Cyber Counteractions

March 12, 2026sparta

In the wake of the extensive airstrike operations conducted by the United States and Israel over Iran in late February, the cybersecurity sector anticipated retaliatory cyber offensives targeting Western entities. Tuesday night saw such an incident unfold in the US: a data breach at the medical technology company Stryker, believed to have ties to Iran, disabled tens of thousands of computers and disrupted global operations. The Iranian hacking collective Handala took responsibility for the breach.

A pronouncement on Handala’s website characterized the cyber operation as a reaction to the American Tomahawk missile assault that claimed the lives of 165 civilians at a girl’s educational institution in Iran and the ongoing hacking actions of the US and Israel. This pronouncement marks the beginning of a new phase in cyber warfare.

Once relatively unknown, Handala—named after a character created by Palestinian artist Naji al-Ali—is regarded by cybersecurity analysts, particularly in Israel, as a façade for Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence. Renowned for its data-deletion and hack-and-leak strategies, its targets have included the Albanian government and Israeli organizations.

In light of escalating existential threats, Iranian hackers, chiefly Handala, are encouraged to use every intended tool and network access against the US and Israel, stated Sergey Shykevich from the cybersecurity firm Check Point. Shykevich identifies Handala as the most active and prominent group in this vengeful campaign.

While hacking collectives often inflate their achievements, Handala has claimed numerous victims, predominantly in Israel, throughout the recent hostilities. Merging chaotic hacktivist tactics with governmental capabilities, the group acts as a primary cyber-retaliation entity for Iran, according to Justin Moore from Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42.

Despite the chaos it generates, Handala’s operational coherence is doubtful, according to Rafe Pilling from Sophos’ X-Ops team. The group attempts swift access and infliction of damage in reaction to airstrikes that reportedly impact Iran’s cyber capabilities. Currently, Handala seems to be exploiting any available opportunity without an evident strategic framework.

Apple’s Newest MacBook Air and Pro Variants Showcase Advanced Chips, Expanded Storage, and Elevated Prices

March 3, 2026sparta

Alongside its affordable iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air announced on Monday, Apple has unveiled updates for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and its infrequently updated desktop display line. It seems Apple is reserving its anticipated new entry-level MacBook for an in-person event in New York City on Wednesday, but today’s announcements are likely to please those looking to upgrade.

The MacBook Air now features the newest M5 chip. This is a somewhat minor enhancement but aligns it with Apple’s latest processor that was introduced in the MacBook Pro last autumn. There are no other major hardware changes—it now comes with 512 GB of base storage utilizing “faster SSD technology”—but buyers can still opt for a 13- or 15-inch display.

This laptop also includes Apple’s N1 wireless chip, supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, in line with the latest connectivity standards. It retains the standard 16 GB of RAM, though there’s a regrettable $100 price hike due to the extra storage. The starting prices are now $1,099 for the 13-inch variant and $1,299 for the 15-inch variant. Apple announces that pre-orders will commence on Wednesday, with sales starting on March 11.

More significantly, Apple is broadening the M5 chip family with the M5 Pro and M5 Max, now available in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro. As with previous generations of Apple silicon, the “Pro” and “Max” versions deliver markedly improved multicore CPU and graphics performance.

The M5 Pro and M5 Max can be configured with up to 18 CPU cores (12 performance cores and 6 “super” cores), a boost from 16 on the M4 Max. The M5 Pro can be upgraded to include up to 20 GPU cores, while the M5 Max can go up to 40 GPU cores. Apple claims a 30 percent enhancement in multithreaded CPU performance for the M5 Pro compared to the M4 Pro. The M5 Max CPU upgrade is a bit more modest—just 15 percent higher than the M4 Max, according to Apple.

Thanks to higher memory bandwidth, a more efficient Neural Engine, and improved GPU architecture, Apple asserts that both the M5 Pro and M5 Max provide “over 4X the peak CPU compute for AI” compared to the last generation and deliver 20 percent better GPU performance.

The new MacBook Pros maintain the same hardware configuration that has remained unchanged since 2021—identical port options, Mini-LED display, speakers, and webcam. Even the reported 24-hour battery life remains stable with the M4 models, launched in late 2024. Notably, Bloomberg reported last week that Apple plans to introduce a more significant update for the MacBook Pro this year, expected to reveal the M6 chip, an OLED touchscreen, and a sleeker design.

L.L.Bean Promo Codes and Deals: Enjoy Discounts of Up to 75% on Camping Equipment

March 3, 2026sparta

L.L. Bean is renowned among outdoor aficionados, providing a range of products from outerwear and equipment to casual lifestyle items. Established in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean in Maine, the company continues to operate from that location, routinely introducing both timeless and contemporary essentials for nature enthusiasts. Consider the Bean Boots, for instance: L.L. Bean’s signature product that has come to represent the brand. These legendary shoes are suitable for hiking paths and rainy urban environments, remaining faithful to the initial design. If you aim to adopt the rugged Mainer lifestyle or cultivate a warm cabin vibe at home, there are plenty of L.L. Bean promo codes available.

Get 10% Off Your First Order With an L.L.Bean Promo Code
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Take Up to 75% Off Outdoor Gear in the L.L.Bean Sale Section
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This sale presents new offers twice daily at 6 AM and 2 PM Eastern time. While stock is limited, substantial discounts akin to Black Friday promotions are accessible.

The daily markdown sale showcases a fresh discount from 6 AM until midnight Eastern time, mainly concentrated on items such as backpacks, blankets, and footwear.

Score Free Shipping on Orders Over $75
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Military, First Responders, Medical Workers, and Students Can Save an Additional 10%
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Earn 20% Off With the L.L.Bean Mastercard
For loyal L.L. Bean enthusiasts, applying for an L.L. Bean Mastercard can provide a 20% discount upon approval, along with free shipping on all orders with no minimum requirement.

Conflict in Iran Drives Up Oil Prices; Trump to Affect Future Rates

March 2, 2026sparta

Oil prices soared on Monday following the United States and Israel’s assault on Iran over the weekend, with forecasts indicating that prices might surpass $100 a barrel. Increasing assaults on regional oil and gas facilities, coupled with blocked traffic in a crucial shipping lane, have experts asserting that the actions of the White House and responses from Iran and other oil producers will be pivotal in shaping future prices.

Brent crude prices surged to almost $80 a barrel—a 13 percent increase since Friday—when markets opened on Sunday evening. Tyson Slocum from Public Citizen highlights that the potential risks of the US’s confrontational approach toward Iran had already been integrated into market values, averting an even steeper rise. Nonetheless, the chaotic US reaction post-attack on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, has added more unpredictability.

Iran governs the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping corridor. One-fifth of the globe’s oil transits through this route. OPEC nations depend greatly on it to sell their oil. Rory Johnston, a Canadian oil market analyst, mentions that OPEC would typically boost production during a crisis, but its supplies are situated on the opposite side of the conflict zone, limiting its capacity to respond.

Throughout the weekend, while Iran conveyed mixed signals regarding the formal closure of the strait, traffic significantly diminished. Insurance costs for vessels navigating through the strait have surged, and several ships have faced attacks. Johnston characterizes the scenario as a “voluntary closure.”

The likelihood of worsened outcomes persists if regional tensions escalate. In 2019, drone assaults on Saudi oil installations increased oil prices by 15 percent. Similarly, recent drone strikes compelled Saudi Arabia to shutter a refinery, and Qatar’s LNG production was interrupted, triggering a rise in European gas prices. Should these assaults persist, prices may skyrocket.

Clayton Seigle from the Center for Strategic and International Studies cautions that growing Iranian desperation might lead to leveraging energy as a bargaining chip. Should Gulf trade be abandoned or significant oil infrastructure be compromised, prices reaching triple digits could make a comeback.