By recognizing developers as creatives, tech CEOs can better address their unique needs and foster an environment that maximizes their potential.

PSNSonyThis article was published on 2/9 and republished on 2/10.PSN is back online after a 24 hour outage, almost to the minute, the longest since the nearly month-long downtime after a hack back in 2011. Now, Sony is announcing the compensation that players will get for their trouble.This was not a hack, according to Sony, but they have offered nothing like a detailed explanation saying only that this was an operational issue, without going into detail about what that means, exactly. I think players would like more than that, given the full day outage that we have not seen in a decade, but it remains to be seen if theyll ever elaborate.The compensation, meanwhile, is simply five additional days of PSN service. Presumably this means that if your monthly or yearly subscription was set to expire, you would get five more days of service before that happened. For players who do not plan on cancelling PSN any time soon, as clearly you really cant to play most games, its unclear how this benefits them in any significant way.Many may have been hoping for something like store credit, but that is not in the cards. With millions and millions of PSN subscribers, Im guessing Sony does not want to actually give out a dollar based on that alone, much less anything significantly more than that. As of 2024, PSN had 116 million daily active users. Give them even $5 to spend and well, thats over half a billion dollars. Still, five days of service seems pretty lame. For the 2011 outage, PlayStation offered players free games, albeit that was weeks of downtime, not a day.MORE FOR YOUPlayStation PlusSonyThe PSN outage caused a disruption for a number of games, many of which provided far more updates on service than Sony itself, and some have had to extend or postpone limited time events based on the full day outage that lasted half a weekend, a prime time to play. Again, a 24 hour outage is extremely unusual in the industry, and it was almost assumed it was a hack. But whatever this operational issue was, Sony had better fix it so this does not happen again.So, theres nothing to log in for, nothing to claim for compensation. Just those five extra days to be usedat some point, I guess. Not what many may have been hoping for, and they may get more compensation from the offline games themselves in some instances that what Sony is actually giving them here.Update (2/10): In the wake of Sonys barebones explanation that PSN was off for exactly 24 hours due to operational issues," some are still theorizing that this could in fact be a hack that Sony does not want to elaborate on, lest it raise questions about its security. I dont think this is the case, as say what you will about Sony, but hiding something like that is not something you can just do.A hack could result in access to sensitive information, including potentially customer information, where Sony would absolutely have to be up front about that happening. Other hacks other places have resulted in the personal data of employees themselves being taken, and that would also be broadcast, at the very least, internally, which would no doubt make its way to public knowledge.Secondly, Sony has indeed been up front about attacks on PSN from hackers or ransomware groups in the past. They would no doubt be up front about this rather than admitting to some sort of technical issue on their end. They would want to explain an outside attack, but they are less likely to say exactly what went wrong internally with PSN, even if that would be helpful to know.It is odd that Sony is giving nothing more than a two-word explanation about its most significant outage since 2014. Even a technical issue should result in some reassurance that its been fixed and will not happen again. Maybe such an explanation is still forthcoming.Follow me , and .Pick up my sci-fi novels the and

In a nutshell: The question of who will buy TikTok's US operations is still being debated, but it appears that Elon Musk one of the previous favorites and a person put forward by Donald Trump won't be adding another platform to his list of businesses. The world's richest person claims he is not interested in purchasing the app, adding that he usually builds companies "from scratch." The news has been welcomed by another potential buyer, Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast. It was reported in January that the Chinese government was considering selling TikTok's US assets to Musk. The DOGE leader has a good relationship with China, having praised the country on several occasions. The Tesla factory in Shanghai also nets him plenty of goodwill from officials.The fact that Donald Trump said he was open to the possibility of Musk or Oracle boss Larry Ellison buying TikTok was another hint that the app would be joining X in Musk's stable. However, it's been revealed that Musk said he isn't interested in the acquisition.On Saturday, comments Musk made were released online by The WELT Group, part of the German media company Axel Springer SE, which hosted an economic summit in late January attended by Musk."I have not put in a bid for TikTok," Musk said. "I'm not chomping at the bit to acquire TikTok, I do not acquire companies in general, it's quite rare," he added. "I usually build companies from scratch."Musk went on to explain that he does not use TikTok personally and is not familiar with its format. // Related StoriesMusk's statement that he does not acquire companies and builds them from scratch obviously raises questions about Twitter, now X, which he acquired in October 2022 for $44 billion.Musk compared buying Twitter to a potential TikTok purchase by saying he bought the former as a way to "preserve freedom of speech." He said he's not sure if the same logic could be applied to TikTok because the only reason behind an acquisition would be financial, in his opinion.In January, Musk wrote that he has been against the TikTok ban because it goes against freedom of speech. He also said that the current situation where TikTok is allowed to operate in America but X is not allowed to operate in China is unbalanced, and something needs to change.YouTube (and Amazon) star MrBeast is believed to be interested in buying TikTok as part of an investment group led by Jesse Tinsley, founder and CEO of Employer.com. He replied to a message about Musk confirming he wasn't going after the app with a single word: "Phew."TikTok's future in the United States remains uncertain. Trump has issued an executive order delaying its ban, which stems from the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, by 75 days, extending the deadline to April 4, 2025. However, the app remains absent from the US Apple and Google stores.

What just happened? It appears that an RTX 5090 Founders Edition has suffered a melting connector issue. But before this gets added to the lengthy list of why Blackwell is proving to be the most-unpopular Nvidia GPU generation in recent memory, there's a caveat: the incident occurred while a non-official power cable was being used. A Reddit user going by the name ivan6953 shared images of an RTX 5090 FE with a badly melted connector. Given that this was a prevalent problem with the RTX 4090 series, there have long been concerns that it could reappear in the $2,000 successor.Thankfully for Nvidia and anyone who somehow managed to get hold of a Blackwell flagship, the cable in question wasn't the same one that comes with the card. It was a Moddiy cable, which, according to the website, is an ATX 3.0 PCIe 5.0 16-pin to 16-pin model supporting up to 600W with a 12V-2X6 design.ivan6953 writes that he was playing Battlefield 5 with a power draw of 500W to 520W when he smelled something burning. Sensibly, he immediately turned off his PC to investigate.As shown in the images, the damage was quite extensive. The connectors are burnt on both sides of the cable, which is something we haven't often seen in the RTX 4090 meltgate incidents. There's also damage to the Asus ROG Loki PSU.The graphics card also suffered burn damage.Many of these melting cable incidents have occurred because the connectors were not fully inserted, but the Redditor insists that it was fully locked and clicked into place. He also notes that he had used the same cable and PSU for two years with his old RTX 4090 FE.It's noted that the official cable that comes with the RTX 5090 is longer and more flexible, while the connector on the GPU side is angled. The original 12VHPWR power cable that came with the RTX 4090 was stiff and bent too close to the connector, meaning it sometimes wasn't plugged in correctly, leading to the melting issues.Last week brought more reports about the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 potentially melting their cables. However, it turned out that the problem was affecting only the RTX 4090 and likely the result of user error.Blackwell may suffer from disappointing generational improvements, reports of bricking, prices way above MSRP, and almost non-existent stock levels, but at least Nvidia can say the cards aren't melting any of their supplied cables yet. // Related Storiesh/t: VideoCardz

According to OLED-info, a Chinese-based iPhone display provider has trouble with Apple over quality issues. The problems could affect the supply of future iPhones, including the upcoming iPhone SE 4.BOE, which supplies LTPS AMOLED displays for the iPhone 14, 15, and 16, has had many displays rejected by Apple, causing a substantial drop in shipments. Since the beginning of 2024, the Chinese company has shipped only between 7 and 8 million panels to Apple, whereas it had initially anticipated shipping around 40 million units during the same period.Recommended VideosAs a result, most of BOEs display orders are redirected to Samsung Display, although LG Display may still play a role in the supply chain. The latter primarily provides displays for the iPhone Pro series.Please enable Javascript to view this contentDespite recent developments, BOE and LG Display have been selected as the OLED suppliers for the iPhone SE 4, which we expect will be announced this week. This entry-level phone will feature a 6.1-inch AMOLED display, for which Apple reportedly pays $25 per unit.BOE started manufacturing iPhone displays for Apple with the launch of the iPhone 12 in 2020. Since then, the company has faced several challenges. It has reportedly experienced production issues and occasionally failed to meet Apples quality standard in temporary setbacks and reduced order volumes.The long-rumored iPhone SE 4 is expected to be the first to feature an in-house 5G chip. It is anticipated to come equipped with an A17 chip and an improved camera system and be the first iPhone SE model without a home button. Instead, it will offer Face ID like other iPhones on the market.Theres no word whether BOEs troubles will affect early supplies for the new iPhone.Besides the iPhone SE 4, this years iPhone lineup should include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and all-new iPhone 17 Air.Editors Recommendations

Its an all too familiar scene. Youre stuffing a bulky vacuum under the couch, tripping over cords and clutter, or using a mop that wont do the job. Meet the new Roborock Saros series, featuring the Saros 10 and Saros 10R, two new robotic vacuums designed to change the way you clean. They pack revolutionary AI technology, super-powerful suction, and advanced navigation to tackle pet hair to deep-set dirt with ease.Lets find out what makes the Saros 10 and Saros 10R game-changers in the world of smart cleaning.Saros 10R: The Ultra-Slim Navigation ExpertFor a home filled with furniture, cords, or unpredictable obstacles, the Saros 10R is the answer. At just a touch over 3-inches high, its the slimmest Roborock vacuum yet, designed to fit under low-clearance furniture while still delivering deep-cleaning power.What really sets the Saros 10R apart is its StarSight Autonomous System 2.0. This AI-driven system combines dual-transmitter 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology with an RGB camera to scan and map its environment in more detail than traditional LiDAR-based navigation. It recognizes as many as 108 different obstacles, including socks, loose cables, and pet waste! Combined with an impressive 19,000Pa of HyperForce suction, this vacuum is fully prepared to conquer any chaos in your home.Other standout features include:VertiBeam Lateral Obstacle Avoidance: this allows the detection of irregular surfaces to ensure it will not hit furniture and walls.Dual Anti-Tangle System: keeps hair and debris from wrapping around the brushes for easy maintenance.10-in-1 Multifunctional Dock: hot water mop washing? Yes, please. Auto-mop removal and self-emptying dustbin all make for a completely hands-free experience.Saros 10: The Deep-Cleaning PowerhouseFor those who want raw cleaning power, the Saros 10 is Roborocks most advanced deep-cleaning model yet. And it has HyperForce suction, making it one of the most powerful robotic vacuums available today!The Saros 10 has a new RetractSense Navigation System that adds a retractable LiDAR sensor for smart cleaning. This allows the Saros 10 to move under low furniture without losing spatial awareness thats like doing the limbo blindfolded while cleaning up spilled fruit punch. Combined with Reactive AI 3.0, a front-facing RGB camera and structured light for obstacle detection, this vacuum understands complex home layouts.Roborock didnt stop there and just like the Saros 10R, they packed this model with more industry-leading technology,The VibraRise 4.0 Mopping System has dual sonic vibration zones to scrub floors up to 4,000 times per minute for deep stain removal. It also flexes some serious agility with the AdaptiLift Chassis. Thats right, this vacuum has an adjustable height of up to 10mm enabling it to cross thresholds and transition between floor types.Which Model is Right for You?Choosing between the Saros 10 and Saros 10R really depends on your cleaning priorities.If you have a large home with heavy-duty cleaning demands, the Saros 10 is your best bet. Great suction power and an advanced mopping system make it ideal for tough dirt and large floor areas.Live in a space with lots of furniture, cables, and tricky corners? The Saros 10R will be your go-to. The ultra-thin design and precise navigation lets it reach spots that other vacuums cannot.Release Details & Limited-Time OfferBoth the Roborock Saros 10 and 10R will be available for purchase on February 10, 2025! Pick either model from February 10 to February 16 at a discounted price of $1,399.99 (down from $1,599.99), saving $200 (12.5% off).Ready to upgrade your cleaning routine? The Roborock Saros series gets you cutting-edge AI, powerful suction, and seamless automation all in one sleek package. Upgrade your home cleaning today!

Steve Davis is a force at DOGE, which has adopted Musks move-fast-and-break-things approach.

TechTarget and Informa Techs Digital Business Combine.TechTarget and InformaTechTarget and Informa Techs Digital Business Combine.Together, we power an unparalleled network of 220+ online properties covering 10,000+ granular topics, serving an audience of 50+ million professionals with original, objective content from trusted sources. We help you gain critical insights and make more informed decisions across your business priorities.How Will International Politics Complicate US Access to AI?How Will International Politics Complicate US Access to AI?Are trade wars, the hunger for chipmaking materials from overseas, and the emergence of DeepSeek shaking up AI availability?Joao-Pierre S. Ruth, Senior EditorFebruary 10, 2025Sometimes "The Cost of AI" rests in the hands of political players.International politics can throw disruptive curves into companies plans and ambitions to leverage AI to remain competitive. The extent of such disruptions -- or the negotiations to avoid them -- could vary in influence based on how organizations respond.Attempts by the United States to limit Chinas access to chips produced in Asia that support AI made the arrival of DeepSeek, a seemingly lower-cost alternative to OpenAI, feel like a gamechanger. It rattled some market assumptions about pricier hardware and pointed to the potential to use alternative sources of technology to drive AI plans forward.Could global needs for AI create strange bedfellows comparable to agreements seen in the pursuit of fossil fuels? Does a path forward exist for companies stymied by politics that risk narrowing access to international resources for AI technology?Ian Cohen, CEO of Lokker; Ted Krantz, CEO of Interos; Sahil Agarwal, co-founder and CEO of Enkrypt AI; and David Brauchler, technical director and head of AI and ML security for NCC Group, discussed those and other questions in this episode of DOS Wont Hunt.Has DeepSeek changed the game in terms of materials and AI needs? Or does DeepSeek still need to be proven out before the rules of the game are rewritten?Related:Is there any sense of communication between public and private sectors to try to mitigate potential issues with international access to materials and technology for AI?Does everyone need the top tier chips and materials to support their AI efforts? Are there AI needs/functions that are NOT beholden to access to the harder to obtain chips, hardware?Listen to the full podcast here.About the AuthorJoao-Pierre S. RuthSenior EditorJoao-Pierre S. Ruth covers tech policy, including ethics, privacy, legislation, and risk; fintech; code strategy; and cloud & edge computing for InformationWeek. He has been a journalist for more than 25 years, reporting on business and technology first in New Jersey, then covering the New York tech startup community, and later as a freelancer for such outlets as TheStreet, Investopedia, and Street Fight.See more from Joao-Pierre S. RuthNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also LikeWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore Reports

Illustration of the volcanic exoplanet L 98-59 bNASAs Goddard Space Flight CenterAn alien world with a seemingly sulphur-filled atmosphere may be the most volcanic planet astronomers have ever spotted.We have never directly detected volcanic activity outside our solar system, in part because current telescopes arent powerful enough to take images of exoplanets surfaces. We might be able to spot alien volcanoes by measuring the gases they pump into a planets atmosphere, but this is also at the very limit of what current telescopes can do there have been tantalising hints of atmospheres on rocky

1 The Trump administration is slashing billions in biomedical research funding The change, effective immediately, is sending shockwaves through academia. Expect lawsuits. (STAT$)+Scientists are also increasingly alarmed about the fact that federal health data is disappearing. (Undark)+A prominent US scientific society is facing a backlash from members after removing references to diversity on its website.(Nature)2 Computing experts are seriously alarmed by DOGEs behaviorThe systems theyre tinkering with are immense, they are complex, and they are critical. (The Atlantic$)+Elon Musk, DOGE, and the Evil Housekeeper Problem.(MIT Technology Review)+A federal judge blocked DOGE from accessing Treasury records. (AP)+Secrecy is becoming one of DOGEs defining traits. (NBC)3 OpenAIs agent can spend your money without your consentAll the reviews of Operator seem to indicate its been launched way before its ready. (WP$)+ Anthropics chief scientist on 4 ways agents will be even better in 2025.(MIT Technology Review)4 Theres a growing measles outbreak in one of Texas least vaccinated countiesThe saddest thing about this is how totally avoidable it is. (Ars Technica)+To tackle vaccine hesitancy, first we should measure it.(MIT Technology Review)5 The US Transportation Department suspended its EV charger program Tesla is one of its biggest beneficiaries, so Musk cant be too thrilled about this. (Insider$)6 DeepMinds AI can tackle math problems on a par with top human solversAlphaGeometry 2 can reportedly surpass the average gold medallist in the International Mathematical Olympiad. (Nature)+Its a major step forward from even just one year ago.(MIT Technology Review)7 What DeepSeeks success tells us about Chinas AI talentIts top researchers are just as educated as in the US. But they operate under huge constraints. (NYT$)+How China stands to benefit from the USs retreat from soft power.(New Yorker$)8 Location-sharing is increasingly a deal-breaker in relationshipsBut is it really reducing peoples anxiety? Or is it fuelling it? (WSJ$)9 Heres an idea for how to make the Vision Pro even less appealing Add crocs! (The Verge)10 Inside the fraught US-Soviet hunt for extraterrestrial lifeNow thats a frontier of the Cold War you dont hear as much about. (New Yorker$)Quote of the day Red states have universities too. An anonymous Trump official worries to theWashington Postabout blowback after the sudden withdrawal of National Institutes of Health research funding.