The Great Tech Blog Heist: How a Shady Agency is Plagiarizing the Past

It’s a dark day for tech journalism. A notorious agency, Web Orange Limited, has been caught red-handed in a brazen attempt to revive several beloved tech blogs, including TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog) and iLounge, by plagiarizing their archives and passing off the content as new.

The masterminds behind this scheme are using AI-powered content generation to create an eerie resemblance to the original articles, complete with stolen author names and fake profiles. The company’s modus operandi involves scooping up dormant domains, stripping them of their original content, and then flooding the sites with AI-generated articles and author profiles.

The latest victim is TUAW, which was shut down by AOL in 2015 but has been revived by Web Orange Limited. The new TUAW features articles written by former authors, including Christina Warren, who hasn’t worked at the blog since 2009. Warren has taken to Twitter to express her outrage, claiming that the new TUAW is using AI-generated content and stolen author profiles.

But TUAW is not alone. iLounge, another long-running tech blog, has also fallen victim to Web Orange Limited’s plagiarism racket. The site’s authors, including Samantha Wiley and Lucy Bennett, have had their profiles and articles stolen and repurposed by the agency.

The mastermind behind this operation is reportedly Haider Ali Khan, a entrepreneur and investor who has connections to several shady companies. Khan’s personal website, which has since been scrubbed of all mentions of him, listed him as the CEO of Web Orange Limited.

The situation is a stark reminder of the dangers of AI-generated content and the importance of fact-checking in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve, it’s up to us to hold accountable those who would seek to exploit it for personal gain.

The Verge has reached out to Web Orange Limited, Haider Ali Khan, and the affected authors for comment. This article will be updated if any responses are received.

Source link

APPLE ISSUES NASTY WARNING TO SELECT iPhone USERS: "Youse Are Being Targeted for Dirty Work"

In its latest exercise in paranoia, Apple is spreading fear and uncertainty among unsuspecting iPhone users, warning them they are being targeted by "mercenary spyware attacks" in a deliberate campaign to compromise their devices. This time around, the tech giant claims that 98 countries are involved in the sinister plot, but wisely (or cowardly) decides to keep mum about the identities of the culprits.

"Hey, It’s Not Me, I’m Just the Messenger… of your Impending Doom"

Apple’s hasty warning, cloaked in a veil of secrecy, insidiously informs users: "You are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID — so, yeah, you’re officially compromised." The company also took the liberty of psychologizing its users, bluntly stating: "This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. Good luck finding the motive, pal!"

Meanwhile, reports from India suggest that multiple journalists and politicians have received similar death sentences from Apple, eerily similar to the warnings sent earlier in the year. The timing can’t be a coincidence, as Amnesty International just discovered the presence of Pegasus spyware on the iPhones of some prominent Indian journalists. Coincidentally (or not), India recently forced Apple to spill the beans about these "state-sponsored warnings"… or did they?

Apple’s Shift to "Mercenary" a Desperate Attempt to Downplay Their Own Failures

Fancy new terminology aside, the message remains the same: Apple thinks they’re doing us a solid by spying on our every move while silently judging us for having too many enemies. Just a year ago, they boldly (or shamelessly) bragged about detecting "state-sponsored attacks", but nowadays, they’re coyly dodging responsibility by labeling it "mercenary spyware". Can’t fool us, Tim!

Apple’s "In-Depth" Investigation Results: "We’re Not Allowed to Tell You Anything"

By and large, Apple’s "security protocols" are shrouded in an air of mystery, as they claim only their internal "threat-intelligence" informs their decision-making. In their never-ending quest to keep our private lives private, the corporate leviathan refuses to share specific details about these "mercenary attacks", lest they unintentionally aid the bad guys.

Join the conversation: Would you believe Apple’s warnings, or does the company’s secrecy beggar all trust?

Source link

The Wordle Obsession: A Disease Spreading Across the Globe

Oh, you’re still here? Congratulations, you’ve fallen victim to the Wordle epidemic. You’re probably wondering how you ended up here, wasting your precious time on a trivial game. But let’s be real, you’re hooked. And who can blame you? The thrill of solving a 5-letter word, the rush of adrenaline as you get closer to the solution, it’s all so… addictive.

But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Thousands of people around the world are also obsessed with Wordle, just like you. They’re all equally guilty of wasting their time on this mindless game. And you know what? We’re all in this together.

The Origin of the Disease

Wordle was created by a genius named Josh Wardle, who must have been bored out of his mind to come up with this idea. Or maybe he’s just a sadist who enjoys watching people waste their time. Either way, he’s a mastermind. And now, Wordle has taken over the world.

The Symptoms

You know the symptoms. You wake up in the middle of the night, your mind racing with words. You see 5-letter words everywhere. You can’t focus on your work or school because all you can think about is solving the next Wordle. You’ve become a slave to the game, and you can’t escape.

The Cure

But don’t worry, there is hope. You can try to resist the urge to play Wordle, but let’s be real, you’ll probably fail. The game is too addictive, too tantalizing. You’ll keep coming back for more, even though you know it’s a waste of your time.

So, go ahead. Give in to your addiction. Play Wordle, and see how far you can get. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Today’s Wordle Answer

If you must know, today’s Wordle answer is… CAMEO. But don’t worry, you can still play along and try to solve it yourself. Or, you know, you can just give up and admit that you’re addicted to the game. Your choice.

Source link

“Redbox, the once-mighty DVD rental empire, is about to go up in flames – and it’s a well-deserved inferno. The company’s bankruptcy proceedings just took a devastating turn, with a judge overseeing the case granting a request to convert from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7. That means the end is near for the 1,000 remaining employees, who will be left to fend for themselves in a brutal economy. And don’t even get me started on the 24,000 disc kiosks that have been draining our wallets for years. They’re about to become a relic of the past, a symbol of a bygone era when people actually paid to rent movies.

According to insiders, Judge Thomas Horan made the decision after discovering that Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Redbox’s parent company, has been operating on fumes for years. And to make matters worse, there’s evidence of possible misappropriation of funds held in trust for employees. Talk about a kick in the teeth.

But don’t worry, the company’s executives won’t be feeling the pinch. They’ll likely walk away with a fat severance package, while the little guys are left to struggle. It’s the classic tale of corporate greed and incompetence, with the victims being the very people who made Redbox successful in the first place.

And what about the brands Redbox has managed over the years, like Crackle and Screen Media? Well, it looks like they’re going down the tubes too. But hey, who needs original content when you can just rehash old movies and TV shows?

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment has declined to comment, probably because they’re too busy counting their ill-gotten gains. But rest assured, this is a company that will go down in history as a symbol of failed innovation and poor leadership. Redbox, we hardly knew ye – and we won’t miss ye at all.”

The Rise of the VFX Overlords: Beeble AI’s Quest for Filmmaking Domination

The once-mighty film industry is on the brink of collapse, suffocated by the crushing weight of Hollywood’s VFX behemoths. But fear not, for a new challenger has emerged to shake the foundations of the industry: Beeble AI, a South Korean startup that’s about to disrupt the status quo with its revolutionary virtual lighting solutions.

Founded by a team of AI research and machine learning veterans, Beeble AI has secured a whopping $4.75 million in seed funding, valuing the company at a staggering $25 million. And with this cash injection, they’re poised to unleash a new era of filmmaking that will leave the competition in the dust.

At the heart of Beeble AI’s technology is its groundbreaking AI model, which can automatically digitize 2D footage of an actor’s performance into a physically accurate 3D representation. This means that creators can manipulate lighting, environments, and camera angles with ease, without the need for expensive and cumbersome LED walls or green screens.

But don’t just take our word for it. Beeble AI’s CEO, Hoon Kim, claims that their technology can create cinematic shots in a living room using just an iPhone. And with their SwitchLight mobile app, which has already attracted 3 million downloads, they’re well on their way to democratizing the filmmaking process.

But what about the big players, you ask? Well, Beeble AI isn’t afraid to take on the likes of Disney+ and their behemoth virtual production studios. In fact, Kim has already mentioned that his company is in talks with short-form video streaming app ReelShort, which specializes in serialized dramas.

And with their new capital, Beeble AI plans to expand its business to a virtual production studio platform, further developing its AI model and hiring staff. It’s a bold move, but one that could pay off in a big way.

So, what does the future hold for Beeble AI? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the company is on a mission to disrupt the film industry and create a new era of filmmaking that’s more accessible, more affordable, and more exciting than ever before.

The Battle for the Soul of Filmmaking Has Begun

In the immortal words of the great philosopher, Darth Vader: "The power of the VFX is strong with this one."

Source link

The Dark Side of Teenagers’ Obsession with Anonymous Apps

In a shocking turn of events, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has slapped down a notorious anonymous messaging app, NGL, for its reckless disregard for the safety and well-being of its teenage users. But is this just the tip of the iceberg?

NGL, short for "Not Gonna Lie," promised its users a platform to share unfiltered opinions and confessions without fear of judgment. But behind the scenes, the app was raking in millions of dollars by exploiting its users’ vulnerabilities. The FTC alleges that NGL charged users recurrently without obtaining proper consent, deceived users with fake messages, and even marketed the app to kids despite knowing that similar services had harmed users.

But here’s the kicker: NGL’s executives thought it was hilarious to laugh at customers who felt they’d been scammed. In a text message thread, the company’s Product Lead wrote "Lol suckers," referring to customers who felt they’d been duped. This is not just a case of corporate greed; it’s a perfect storm of exploitation, deception, and callousness.

The FTC’s order banning NGL from offering its app to teens under 18 is a welcome step, but it’s only a Band-Aid on a much deeper problem. Anonymous apps like NGL are a symptom of a larger issue: our society’s obsession with social media and our willingness to sacrifice our children’s well-being for the sake of convenience and entertainment.

The Real Cost of "Free" Apps

NGL’s app was marketed as "free," but the real cost was the toll it took on its users’ mental health. The app’s AI content moderation failed to screen out bullying and harassment, leaving users vulnerable to abuse and trauma. And when customers complained, NGL’s executives laughed at them, thinking it was a joke.

But it’s not just NGL that’s guilty of exploiting its users. Many anonymous apps promise their users a sense of anonymity and freedom, but in reality, they’re just preying on their vulnerabilities. These apps are designed to be addictive, with algorithms that manipulate users into sharing more and more personal information.

The FTC’s Order: A Wake-Up Call

The FTC’s order against NGL is a wake-up call for the tech industry. It’s a reminder that our children’s well-being is not just a secondary concern, but a top priority. It’s time for the tech industry to take responsibility for the harm it’s causing and to prioritize transparency, accountability, and user safety.

But it’s not just the tech industry that needs to take responsibility. As parents and caregivers, we need to be aware of the apps our children are using and to educate them about the risks and consequences of online behavior. We need to have open and honest conversations with our children about the importance of online safety and the dangers of exploitation.

The Future of Anonymous Apps

The FTC’s order against NGL is a significant blow to the anonymous app industry, but it’s not the end of the story. Other anonymous apps are still out there, preying on our children’s vulnerabilities. It’s time for us to take action and to demand better from the tech industry.

We need to hold companies accountable for the harm they’re causing and to prioritize user safety and well-being. We need to educate our children about the risks and consequences of online behavior and to empower them to make informed decisions about the apps they use.

The future of anonymous apps is uncertain, but one thing is clear: it’s time for us to take a stand and to demand better from the tech industry.

Source link