A group of security researchers have claimed that they have discovered a way to unlock upgrades to Tesla vehicles that typically require additional payment. By manipulating the voltage of the car’s infotainment system, the researchers were able to inject their code and bypass the vehicle’s security measures. This allowed them to access personal data, including GPS tracking and call logs, as well as the car’s encryption key. The researchers believe that this could potentially enable the unlocking of paywalled features like Full Self-Driving, which currently requires an extra fee to use.
However, this is not the only issue plaguing Tesla at the moment. The company is also facing accusations of fraud. A recent expose by Reuters alleges that Tesla was overly generous in its range estimates for its electric vehicles and that it had secretly established a team to address range-related complaints. In response to this report, three Californians have filed a lawsuit against Tesla, accusing the company of false advertising. If successful, the lawsuit could cover every Tesla owner in the state, which is a significant concern considering that California has been a major market for the electric vehicle manufacturer.
In other news, ASUS’ ROG Ally, which was once considered the top competitor to Valve’s Steam Deck, may have already been surpassed. Ayaneo’s 2S, the latest contender in the PC gaming handheld market, has showcased a range of improvements that make it a strong alternative to the Steam Deck. Although it is more expensive than its competitors, the enhanced features make the Ayaneo 2S a compelling choice for gamers. A full review of the device can provide more detailed information on the improvements it offers.
Another noteworthy development is the upcoming release of Baldur’s Gate III on the PlayStation 5. However, the developers of the game, Larian Studios, have encountered difficulties in optimizing the game for both the powerful Series X and less powerful Series S consoles from Microsoft. As a result, Baldur’s Gate III will initially be exclusive to the PS5 until the developers can address these challenges. This highlights Microsoft’s commitment to ensuring feature parity across its consoles, even if it means delaying multi-platform releases.
The current state of Twitter, particularly with the controversy surrounding high-profile users, has led to increased interest in alternative platforms that are resistant to the influence of billionaires. Mastodon, a decentralized network of independent servers, has become a popular option for those seeking a more DIY-oriented social media experience. Even Threads, a platform developed by Meta, has pledged to leverage the federation of the fediverse. This shift towards decentralization raises important questions about the future of social media and the benefits of open protocols.
Nintendo has also enjoyed significant success recently, with its record-breaking first quarter profits attributed to the release of both The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The former became the first movie this year to surpass one billion dollars in revenue, while the latter has sold an impressive 18.5 million copies since its launch in May. These achievements demonstrate Nintendo’s ability to create compelling experiences that drive sales and generate significant revenue.
Finally, crowdfunding platform Patreon has resolved an issue that caused disruptions for creators. Many creators reported significant drops in income due to canceled payments and inaccessible funds. The problem stemmed from a billing address change to Dublin, which triggered a large number of transactions to be flagged as fraudulent. Patreon has been working with its payment processing partners to address the issue and expects to restore the affected patron accounts in the near future.
In conclusion, the discovery of a potential Tesla jailbreak, fraud accusations against the company, and the rise of alternative gaming handhelds are among the recent developments in the tech industry. Additionally, challenges faced by game developers in achieving cross-platform optimization, the push for decentralization in social media, Nintendo’s impressive sales figures, and the resolution of payment issues on Patreon are notable events that highlight the diverse and ever-evolving nature of the technology landscape.
