JHVEPhoto - stock.adobe.comNewsNew componentry extends NetApp ASA and E-series block storageOne-time king of the filers adds anti-ransomware to its more recent block storage families, while also adding in an extra FAS array, all on the back of upgraded componentsByAntony Adshead,Storage EditorPublished: 11 Feb 2025 13:00 NetApp has added new models to its all-flash ASA block storage family, inserted a new FAS hybrid flash filer (the FAS50), introduced new E-series HPC-oriented SANs (the EF300C and EF600C) and expanded ransomware detection, plus recovery guarantees to the block storage range.The new ASA A20, A30 and A50 are largely the result of component upgrades in CPU, PCIe and memory. They occupy the range at entry level and mid-range in the ASA block storage family, and complement the existing A70, A90 and A1K while replacing the A250 and A400.The A20 scales from 15TB (terabytes) to 734TB raw capacity with 3.2PB (petabytes) possible with data reduction and up to 19PB possible when clustered. Those figures are 68TB to 1.8PB raw for the A50, with up to 48PB effective capacity in a cluster.NetApps ASA series (All-SAN Array) is itsflash block storage offering in hardware form for on-premise deployments with the ability to add cloud capacity. ASA is effectively NetApps AFF all-flash array family withNAS functionalityturned off.All the new A series arrays are 2U in form factor. Theres somewhat of an overlap in terms of capacities between the A50 and the existing A70, but the latter comes in a 4U form factor to allow for greater connectivity options, said NetApp chief technologist Grant Caley.The [existing] higher spec arrays take cards that provide more I/O options. On the lower spec modular systems, it is integrated.According to NetApp, the A20 is 72% quicker than the existing A150, while the A30 and A50 come in as 109% and 171% more rapid than the A250 and A400 they supersede. The A150 and A250 were introduced in May 2023, and had capacities of 0.5PB and 1.1PB respectively.The upgrade to the ASA products comes a little after NetApp did similarly for its AFF all-flash file storage-oriented products. That delay is just down to the time it takes, said Caley. There are only so many engineers in the day, he said. And AFF is the platform thats popular with customers.Elsewhere, NetApp has effected similar component upgrades to its E-series models, with a new EF300C and EF600C. E-series arrived when NetApp bought Engenio in 2011. They run the SanTricity OS and were spinning disk only, with flash added later as NetApp adapted them for its first foray into flash storage in 2013.Theyre still hybrid flash which means they can also have HDDs but the new models can now use high-density QLC flash drives in 30TB and 60TB capacities.I call it simple SAN, said Caley. There are just snapshots and replication in a very high density array with massive throughput for HPC-type use cases.And were seeing something of an upsurge in HDD popularity as flash costs have risen, mostly for secondary and lower performance workloads.There is also a new entrant in the FAS range. This is the successor to the long-established NetApp filer range and is still hybrid flash. The new FAS50 slots in between the 2820 and the FAS70 and offers between 100TB and 10.6PB of raw capacity in a high availability system and up to 127PB in a cluster.Meanwhile, later this year, NetApp will release NetApp OnTap Autonomous Ransomware Protection with artificial intelligence (ARP/AI) for block. These include a repackaging for block storage of NetApps ransomware guarantees as Ransomware Detection Program, in which the company promises to help the customer recover free of charge initially if its ransomware detection fails to spot the intrusion.NetApp is confident it wont come to this, and points to its ransomware detection and recovery functionality. This comes in the form of machine learning-based anomaly detection that spots unusual patterns involving data encryption, as well as anomalous user activity.As with previous iterations, when the AI spots anomalous activity it triggers an immediate snapshot to which the customer can recover.Finally, in BlueXP NetApps hybrid cloud storage management platform customers will now also be able to simulate ransomware attacks and their recovery process.Read more about NetApp storageNetApp boosts AFF, StorageGrid and E-series hardware with 60TB drives. Bigger drives, new CPUs and controller hardware add to upgrades to NetApp arrays that started in September, while the supplier undergoes transition to data management as a key focus.NetApp maintains push to data management for AI. From data storage to intelligent data infrastructure thats the plan from NetApp, which has announced data curation for artificial intelligence as well as additions to its ASA and FAS storage arrays.In The Current Issue:Digging into the CMAs provisional take on AWS and Microsofts hold on UK cloud marketInterview: Digital tech fuels AutoTraders drive into the futureDownload Current IssueYour three point plan for Safer Internet Day When IT Meets Politics"Just throw more bandwidth at it" - Yeah right... Some people never learn! Networks GenerationView All Blogs

ZDNET's key takeaways The Privacy Hero 2, a $199 router available on FlashRouters, supports NordVPN and Surfshark alongside various VPN protocols. It comes with one year of access to Privacy Hero Wireguard VPN and, with a current promotion, one year of NordVPN. The company should improve the build quality and be more generous with the Ethernet cable's length. View now at Flashrouters Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are excellent tools for improving online privacy and security. Most people sign up with a VPN provider and then install their accompanying native applications on their PCs, tablets, and smartphones.However, there's another option: installing a VPN on your router. This method provides blanket coverage for any device connected to the router's Wi-Fi, allowing you to circumvent connection number restrictions and saving you the legwork of installing a VPN app on every device you want to protect.Also: How to use Tor to privately browse the web - it's easier than you thinkIt's not always a quick task, though. Many routers on the market support third-party VPNs, but you may need reasonable technical knowledge and be willing to tamper with internal settings to make everything work.Alternatively, some VPN providers offer VPN-ready hardware; one such model is the subject of this review. The Privacy Hero 2, a $180 router available on FlashRouters, supports NordVPN and Surfshark (both owned by Nord Security) alongside a range of VPN protocols. It comes with one year of access to Privacy Hero Wireguard VPN and, with a current promotion, one year of NordVPN.Let's dive into this VPN-ready router's build, installation, benefits, and disadvantages. How's the build quality?Once you unbox the Privacy Hero 2, you're met with a lightweight, compact router. It's lighter than most routers I've tried or reviewed (except for travel routers) and has a plastic feel. The build quality is acceptable for a $180 router, although I felt I had to handle it carefully. Charlie Osborne/ZDNETThe Privacy Hero 2 comes with an A/C power supply, Ethernet cable, and installation guide. The size of the four external antennae seemed odd, probably because they were somewhat bulky compared to the router's tiny body. Overall, the build is reasonable, and my only real complaint is the short length of the Ethernet cable.Installation processI've tested a variety of Wi-Fi routers -- traditional, mesh, and VPN-supporting -- over the years and found that installation complexity varies. The Privacy Hero 2 was very easy to set up. The router comes with a booklet and online installation guides, including a short video that helps users with the hardware side of the installation. After I plugged the router in, it took about 10 minutes to update.Once the router is ready, you must sign up for a free Privacy Hero account, which gives you web access to the router's dashboard. You will see this message once the installation is complete. Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ZDNETThe next step is creating your Wi-Fi network. There are two options:You can set the network name to the same name and password as your existing network, so you won't have to reconnect your devices individually to the new one. This option requires you to turn off your ISP's router Wi-Fi signal.Alternatively, you can create a new network name. As I intend to retire my aging TP-Link model that has served as an IoT device hub until now, this was the option I chose -- with the name Privacy Hero.You can explore the Privacy Hero dashboard now that you're set up. I like the layout; it's clean, simple, and fuss-free. You can see the status of your new router on the Home screen as well as change its name or timezone. Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ZDNET Under the Wi-Fi tab, you can check that your new networks are operating properly, or disable them if you wish. Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ZDNETI'll focus on the VPN tab, as these are the main settings you'd most likely want to change. You will see various options: VPN, VPN Kill Switch, Malware & Phishing, and Ad Blocking.Also:You need a router-based VPN in 2025. Here's why and how to set one upIf you click the first tab, you can choose between different VPN services. In this review, we'll useNordVPN. Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ZDNETThis part was the most awkward part of the installation process. The router comes with a free year of NordVPN service, so you must go to the account tab, find your voucher, validate it on NordVPN, create your account, and then generate an access token.Once you have the access token, you must submit it in the Privacy Hero dashboard. Due to timeout failures, my token was not accepted until after three attempts.NordVPN then launched on the router with a UK server as default. If you want to change your country, click on the connection and change the server yourself. Visit NordVPN's OpenVPN configuration file list and copy and paste the server name you want to connect to. Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ZDNETEnsure you have also enabled the Kill Switch, Malware & Phishing, and Ad Blocking options. The kill switch will protect your privacy if your internet connection suddenly drops by stopping the router from leveraging your standard, unencrypted ISP connection. The other settings will reduce your exposure to tracking and cyber threats.Let's start streamingMy favorite feature is under the Streaming tab. Dubbed "Relocation," it enables you to select the country connection through which your VPN will attempt to route your traffic without constantly changing your setup.Also: NordVPN vs. Surfshark: Which VPN is right for you?If a streaming service is available in only one country -- for example, BBC iPlayer in the UK -- it won't be shown, as the organization will automatically direct your traffic via a UK relocation connection. If, however, a service is available in multiple countries, you have options. Netflix, for example, can be set to the UK, Canada, or the US.You will still need an active subscription; some streaming services require a subscription from your target country.Testing streaming servicesI spent over an hour testing various connections and configuring the router to my liking. That's not to say you need to spend the same amount of time doing so, as the router is about as "out of the box" as possible.NordVPN worked from the start, and I experienced no connection issues with my Samsung smartphone, Samsung TV, or Apple MacBook Pro. However, setting up streaming services was more challenging. Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ZDNETI spent several hours testing which geo-blocked streaming libraries I could access through my new Wi-Fi connection. I tested the Privacy Hero 2 with Disney+, Netflix, and the anime streaming service Crunchyroll.Also: TunnelBear VPN review: An affordable, easy-to-use VPN with a few notable pitfallsMy first test was accessing my home UK libraries, which I could do without a problem. I then enabled Privacy Hero 2's relocation feature for the aforementioned streaming platforms while keeping the initial connection on a UK server, where I faced several challenges. At first, I had no success -- only my UK library was available. I powered down the TV, Sky satellite TV box, ISP-issued router, and Privacy Hero 2 and waited for everything to reboot.I then tried to access US streaming service libraries on Disney+, Netflix, and Crunchyroll. Despite the relocation options, this didn't work directly through the Samsung TV's Tizen hub when the UK was set as the central server. However, it worked for Netflix and Disney+ when I tested three US-based servers instead with relocation enabled.Accessing these libraries through a third-party app, in this case, Sky, worked best on my TV for Netflix and Disney+. When I chose this route, it didn't matter what country my initial connection was set to.Also: The best live TV streaming services of 2025: Expert testedWhen I tested Netflix and Disney+ on my laptop, I could access US libraries without issues. (I received a login email from Netflix confirming that an account was being used in the US; the relocation function was working correctly.) Unfortunately, Crunchyroll did not work on my smart TV, but I could access its US library on my laptop. Screenshot by Charlie Osborne/ZDNETI also attempted to access Canadian libraries and had similar levels of success. Accessing different geo-blocked libraries for testing purposes was more successful than I expected, although you may have to try different configurations.Lastly, I performed a speed test while connected to Privacy Hero 2 compared to my typical ISP router connection. I experienced a download speed loss of around 16% and an upload speed loss of 6.6%. For a VPN, I can't complain. About those ads...While a VPN's streaming capabilities are pretty popular, another feature many VPN providers offer is ad blocking.Ad blocking can be as much of a cat-and-mouse game as streaming services blocking VPN IP addresses. YouTube, for example, has declared war on third-party ad blockers and is attempting to stop viewers from being able to bypass or skip ad breaks.I didn't expect much, considering that most of the time, when I use a VPN and watch a YouTube video, there's very little difference in how many ads are displayed vs. when I use a standard Wi-Fi connection. However, I was pleasantly surprised at my final router and server setup results.I tested my setup using a cooking channel I'm subscribed to; while I love its content, the frequency of commercial interruptions makes it almost unwatchable.Also:Is your live TV streaming service still worth it? I reassessed the options for us bothOn a standard laptop connection, while connected to the default UK VPN server, the first ad on videos and a handful of ads were displayed, but fewer than usual. I compared watching the same YouTube video on my smart TV with Privacy Hero 2, with the same results. I then decided to try changing the router's initial server to a country where YouTube doesn't monetize ads. Lo and behold, all of the ad breaks within the video were disabled.I use an ancient MacBook Air to watch YouTube or to listen to audiobooks at night, and there's nothing worse than an ad break startling you awake. To ensure this wasn't a fluke, I changed this laptop's Wi-Fi connection to Privacy Hero 2, and the result was the same: no ads.There is a caveat: Speeds were impacted, so depending on what server you select and the speed of your initial broadband connection, you might be trading buffering for an ad-free experience.ZDNET's buying adviceRegarding the physical design of the Privacy Hero 2, the company should improve the build quality and be more generous with the Ethernet cable's length. However, installation is easy and user-friendly. This VPN router is the best I've tried to date, and it will be a long-term fixture in my household.I have previously installed VPNs on third-party, supporting routers, but the Privacy Hero 2 is far less complicated to set up and requires very little technical knowledge. The dashboard is easy to navigate and keeps technical jargon to a minimum.Also: Best TVs of CES 2025: Samsung, LG, and other new models that made our jaws dropIf you want to change the initial server connection, you'll need to work out the OpenVPN configuration file names. I would like to see NordVPN provide a streamlined list of servers that identifies which server belongs to which country. A dropdown list right in the dashboard would be useful. My favorite feature is the streaming location option. While many streaming channels are currently limited to the UK, US, and Canada (something I would like to see expanded where possible), toggling between them without finding servers yourself is highly convenient.If you want to try out the Privacy Hero 2, you can buy it from Flashrouters for $180. You'll receive a free one-year NordVPN subscription with your purchase.SpecificationsVPN protocols: WireguardWi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 6 - Wireless AXWireless speed: 3000MbpsWi-Fi bands: Dual BandEthernet port: Type 4 GigabitAntenna type: 4 ExternalProcessor: MediaTekProcessor speed: 1.3GHzRAM: 512 MB / 128 MBPower supply: 100-240VAlong with Wireguard, this router also supportsNordLynx, which combines Wireguard with NordVPN security features. Why use a VPN to stream? VPNs can be used to watch your favorite content on platforms, including Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix.Setting a VPN to your home region while you're traveling, for example, may allow you to access your favorite shows in your standard library. However, some users also use VPNs to try and access films and TV shows only available in other countries. You do this by setting your VPN to a server in the target country.I tried to access streaming libraries locked to the US and Canada via Privacy Hero 2 routing below for testing purposes only. You should keep in mind that accessing libraries outside of your home region is a legally gray area and may break your streaming service provider's terms and conditions. Furthermore, stopping these activities is a constant cat-and-mouse game between VPN providers and content platforms, and so a method that worked last week may not work tomorrow. Show more Featured reviews

Here's what you're getting with iOS 18.3.1 - and why you might want to update ASAP.

The issue of intellectual property in computer generated artworksgettyA few months ago, a multinational marketing firm launched a campaign with AI-generated visuals and wording. The results were impressive: eye-catching images, compelling messaging, and a quick turnaround. However, when a rival reused the campaign's AI-generated parts, the firm's legal team identified an issue: the work lacked copyright protection, making enforcement practically impossible.This situation is no longer hypothetical. The United States Copyright Office's recent report, Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, Part 2: Copyrightability, indicates that copyright law is struggling to keep up with AI-generated content. Businesses that rely on AI-driven creative processes, as well as those developing AI technologies, must address a crucial question: Who owns what?Findings from the Copyright Office ReportThe Copyright Offices latest report offers a detailed analysis of AI-generated works and copyrightability. Key takeaways include:No Copyright Without Human Authorship: The report reinforces that AI-generated works cannot receive copyright protection unless a human provides significant creative input. This aligns with the Thaler v. Perlmutter ruling, which denied copyright registration for AI-generated art.Case-by-Case Assessment: The Office emphasizes that determining copyrightability requires evaluating the extent of human involvement in AI-generated works.Global Implications: The report acknowledges international differences, noting that some jurisdictions (such as China) may offer limited protection for AI-generated works, while the U.S. remains firmly committed to the human authorship requirement.Business Considerations: The findings highlight the need for businesses to assess their reliance on AI for creative processes and ensure compliance with copyright laws.The Copyright Offices Stance: No Human, No CopyrightThe Copyright Offices position is clear: copyright law only protects works with human authorship. Copyright has never stretched so far as to protect works generated by new forms of technology operating absent any guiding human hand, the Office stated, citing Thaler v. Perlmutter (2023). In this case, a court denied copyright registration for an AI-generated artwork with no human intervention.This ruling means that businesses leveraging AI for creative output may lack traditional intellectual property (IP) protections. If competitors copy or modify AI-generated marketing materials, product designs, or branding, legal recourse is limited.After considering the extensive public comments and the current state of technological development, our conclusions turn on the centrality of human creativity to copyright, says Shira Perlmutter, register of copyrights and director of the USCO. Where that creativity is expressed through the use of AI systems, it continues to enjoy protection. Extending protection to material whose expressive elements are determined by a machine, however, would undermine rather than further the constitutional goals of copyright.The Business Implications: Risks and OpportunitiesFor businesses, the legal and regulatory ambiguity surrounding AI-generated content creates both risks and opportunities.Companies using AI-generated branding or marketing assets may struggle to prevent unauthorized use. Traditional trademarks may offer some protection, but copyright safeguards are weak if AI is the sole creator. Therefore, AI-powered content strategieswhether in publishing, advertising, or product developmentmust account for copyright limitations.On the flip side, companies looking to license AI-generated content may find themselves unable to assert exclusive rights. This implies that businesses may freely use AI-generated content created by competitors, opening new competitive strategies. However, ethical and reputational considerations come into play.Moreover, this lack of clarity affects start-ups as well, not just established businesses. "To the extent the U.S. wants to foster the development of AI businesses, the laws around the use of copyrighted works in training AI models need to be sufficiently clear that even an early-stage startup can predictably determine whether their business model will run afoul of copyright laws," commented David Siegel, partner at Grellas Shah LLP, "We are not even close to that point."Global Landscape: Diverging Approaches to AI CopyrightThe U.S. is not alone in grappling with AI copyrightability. The European Union takes a similar approach, stating that AI-generated content is only eligible for copyright if the human input in the creative process was significant. China, on the other hand, has begun recognizing AI-generated works under specific conditions, granting copyright protection when human input is deemed substantial.The United Kingdom stands out with its unique stance: existing law grants copyright to works generated by a computer in circumstances such that there is no human author of the work. However, this protection is limited in duration (50 years instead of the standard 70) and remains legally untested in AI-driven contexts.For businesses operating internationally, these discrepancies mean that an AI-generated work might be protected in one jurisdiction but not in another, complicating global intellectual property strategies.Human Intervention: The Key to Copyright ProtectionTo navigate these legal gray areas, businesses must ensure that human authorship plays a meaningful role in AI-assisted content. The Copyright Office provides some guidance:Selection and Arrangement: If a human selects, arranges, or edits AI-generated content in a way that demonstrates creativity, that portion of the work may be copyrightable.Hybrid Works: If an AI-generated element is incorporated into a broader human-created work, copyright protection applies to the human contributions.Disclosure Requirements: The Copyright Office now requires applicants to disclose AI-generated elements in copyright applications, distinguishing between human and machine contributions.Ten Alternative IP Protections for AI-Generated ContentSince legal protection for AI-generated content remains limited, businesses can explore alternative intellectual property strategies, including:Trade Secrets. If AI-generated content involves proprietary data, unique methodologies, or confidential processes, it may qualify for trade secret protection. Keeping such information undisclosed can prevent competitors from copying and using it.Contractual Agreements. Licensing agreements, terms of service, and other contractual arrangements can define ownership and usage rights for AI-generated content, ensuring businesses maintain control over its distribution and commercialization.Database Rights. In jurisdictions like the EU, AI-generated datasets and structured compilations may qualify for database rights, protecting substantial investments in data collection, organization, and management.Copyright with Human Oversight. If human intervention plays a meaningful role in shaping AI-generated content, copyright protection may apply, granting exclusive rights to the individual who contributed creative input.Patents. AI-driven innovations in design, software, or process automation may be patentable, offering stronger protection than copyright and ensuring exclusivity for AI-generated technological advancements.Digital Watermarking & Attribution. Using digital watermarks, blockchain verification, or provenance tracking can help establish authenticity and authorship for AI-generated content, discouraging unauthorized use.Creative Commons & Open Licenses. Applying open licenses, such as Creative Commons, allows creators to define permissible uses for AI-generated content while still retaining some level of control and attribution.Collective Rights Management. Organizations and industry groups can establish collective rights management frameworks for AI-generated content, allowing creators to register and license their works while ensuring fair compensation and protection.AI-Specific Legal Frameworks. Emerging legal frameworks in certain jurisdictions are beginning to recognize AI-generated works, potentially offering new protections tailored specifically to machine-created content.Human-Only Content. Restricting content creation and licensing to human authors, ensures clear ownership and eligibility for traditional IP protections like copyright, trademarks, and patents, avoiding legal uncertainties surrounding AI-generated works. Even content inspired by AI may meet this criteria.Leveraging these alternative IP protections, businesses can better safeguard their AI-generated assets, ensuring they maintain a competitive edge while navigating the murky and evolving legal landscape surrounding AI and intellectual property.The Future of AI and Copyright LawWhile the Copyright Offices current stance emphasizes human authorship, ongoing legal and policy discussions could lead to new frameworks. Some commentators argue for a sui generis righta specialized intellectual property category for AI-generated works. Others propose corporate ownership models, where businesses that develop and train AI models hold exclusive rights to their outputs.Nizel Adams, CEO and principal engineer at AI consultancy Nizel Corp, highlights the complexity of the issue: "The problem with AI-generated content is that users don't know exactly where the AI is sourcing things from and which parts of the content it creates are from scratch or just pulled from another piece of copyrighted content, or even another person's AI-generated artwork on the platform."For now, businesses should stay informed and proactive. AI-generated content may lack traditional copyright protection, but with strategic legal structuring, companies can still safeguard their intellectual assets. As AI continues to reshape industries and economies, those who adapt their IP strategies accordingly can maintain a competitive edge.

As companies transition from startup to scale-up, growth brings opportunities and challenges.

What just happened? Google Maps has officially changed the name of Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America for users in the United States. The move follows President Donald Trump's proclamation on Sunday that decreed the renaming and the subsequent name change by the federal Board on Geographic Names. Trump's proclamation was signed aboard Air Force One as he traveled from Palm Beach to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX. Executive Order 14172, which officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America, was signed on January 20, 2025. Titled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness," the order instructed the Secretary of the Interior to formalize the name change within 30 days.Trump also declared February 9 "Gulf of America Day" and urged Americans to commemorate the day with ceremonies, programs, and activities celebrating the region's contribution to the American economy.According to Google, the name change on Maps is part of the company's long-standing policy of adhering to official government names for locations and other geographical features. However, to comply with different policies in various countries, Google Maps will show the former name to people in Mexico, while users in the rest of the world will be shown both names.Alongside the Gulf of Mexico, another well-known natural landmark will also see a name change following Trump's executive order. Google confirmed last month that the country's highest peak, Denali, will revert to its former name of Mount McKinley on Maps. The mountain was renamed Denali in 2015 by President Obama to honor the region's native population, which has referred to the mountain range by that name for centuries.The Denali name change faced objections from some groups, who claimed it was an attempt to rewrite history. Trump's executive order highlighted those grievances and claimed that President Obama's decision to change the name was "an affront to President McKinley's life, his achievements, and his sacrifice." // Related StoriesFollowing the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, several federal agencies have started incorporating the new name. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the US Coast Guard are two such agencies that have already issued notices to notify their employees and partners about the change. The former is in the process of "updating our data and charts to show a name change from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and a name change from Denali to Mount McKinley," while the latter has started using the new name in its public notices and other official communications.

Facepalm: A Cybertruck owner has discovered what happens when you activate Tesla's latest Full Self-Driving system and fail to pay attention: the vehicle crashed into a pole after hitting a curb. Thankfully, the person behind the wheel was fine, and he blames himself for the incident. Jonathan Challinger, a Florida-based software developer who works for Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, posted a photo of his Cybertruck looking a lot worse than the pole it collided with.Challinger explained that he was running the latest FSD v13.2.4 software while traveling in a right lane. The Cybertruck failed to merge out of the lane, which was coming to an end, even though there was no one on the left. The vehicle made no attempt to slow down or turn until it had already hit the curb, sending it into a pole.Despite narrowly avoiding what could have been serious injuries, Challinger remains a committed Tesla fan he even thanked the company for having "the best passive safety in the world" that enabled him to walk away without a scratch."I don't expect it to be infallible but I definitely didn't have utility pole in my face while driving slowly on an empty road on my bingo card," Challinger said in another post. // Related StoriesThe owner is also taking full responsibility, calling it a big fail on his part for failing to pay attention. Challinger noted that he hasn't heard of any accidents on FSD V13.Challinger also tagged the @Tesla_AI account asking how he could ensure the company received the data from the incident, noting that the service center and others had been less than responsive. He added that he has the dashcam footage and wants to get it out there as a PSA, "but I'm hesitant because I don't want the attention and I don't want to give the bears/haters any material."Tesla enthusiast Troy Teslike notes that although the pole is in an unusual position, he believes that the incident shows three issues with FSD: its difficulty seeing road markings at night, its failure to save some road markings in digital maps, and its unreliable detection of certain solid objects due to the use of vision-only FSD.Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that there would be unsupervised FSD in Texas and California this year. This crash suggests otherwise.Tesla's owner's manual states that a vehicle's cabin camera monitors continued driver attentiveness when Full Self-Driving is engaged. FSD displays a series of escalating warnings if the driver repeatedly ignores prompts to apply slight force to the steering wheel or to pay attention. If these are also ignored, FSD is disabled for the rest of the drive.If the driver still does not resume manual steering, FSD sounds a continuous chime, turns on the warning flashers, and slows the vehicle to a complete stop.

Nvidias RTX 5090 is facing early concerns as reports of melting 16-pin power connectors have emerged, evoking memories of the infamous RTX 4090 connector failures. Two separate incidents have surfaced, both pointing to potential issues with the GPUs power delivery system, despite Nvidias efforts to prevent such problems with its updated 12V-26 connector standard.According to The Verge, the first reported incident involved an RTX 5090 user on Reddit who noticed a burning smell while playing Battlefield 5, leading them to inspect their system. Upon closer examination, they discovered that their power cable had melted on both endswhere it connected to the graphics card and where it plugged into the power supply unit (PSU).Recommended Videos Its worth mentioning that they were using an unofficial third party cable from Moddiy, instead of the one provided with the GPU. The manufacturer has claimed that it follows the updated 12V-26 design, complies with ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 standards, and supports up to 600W. Additionally, the user stated that they had been using the same power cable for over two years with their RTX 4090 FE without any issues. They also ensured that the cable was securely connected, confirming it clicked into place.Whats interesting here is that Nvidia has already moved to the updated 12V-26 connector standard, which was supposed to reduce the risk of overheating and ensure better contact between the pins. However, backward compatibility with older 12VHPWR cables may be contributing to continued failures, as not all third-party cables may fully adhere to the revised specifications.The second incident comes from Spanish YouTuber Toro Tocho who went through a similar experience with burnt connectors on both the GPU and PSU ends using an RTX 5090 Founders Edition. The affected user was using an FSP Hydro Ti PRO 1000W PSU along with a standard 16-pin PCIe 5.0 cable bundled with the power supply.Both incidents suggest that power connector issues are still a concern, despite Nvidias revisions. The first case hints at compatibility risks with third-party cables, while the second case highlights potential high power draw beyond expected limits. Nvidia has yet to issue an official statement, leaving users to double-check their power connections and monitor their hardware for signs of overheating. Whether these are isolated incidents or the start of a wider problem remains to be seen, but for now, RTX 5090 owners might want to keep a fire extinguisher nearbyjust in case.Editors Recommendations

Despite launching in a bit more than a month, the Pixel 9a holds little mystery after a slew of different leaks. We already knew the potential colors were Porcelain, Obsidian, Peony, and Iris, but we hadnt actually gotten a good look at them until today. Android Authority shared images from a confidential source that show four cases for the Pixel 9a, presumably in the same colors the phone will arrive in.The case colors line up with the suspected phone colors, although the specific marketing name for each isnt finalized. Still, its not hard to guess Peony is pink, Obsidian is black, Iris is purple, and Porcelain is white.Recommended VideosThe leaks dont reveal any surprises about the phones design, either. The Pixel 9a has the same basic design as the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup, though there are a few minor differences; for example, the camera bar doesnt jut out from the phone like it does in the Pixel 9.Android AuthorityThere isnt a confirmed launch date for the phone, although rumors suggest its likely to be released in March of this year. The Pixel 9a is expected to start around $499 and go up from there depending on the configuration. It could also come with an impressive 5,100mAh battery, which would give it greater capacity than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.Please enable Javascript to view this contentEverything weve seen of the Pixel 9a suggests it will be a budget-friendly mid-range phone. It has impressive specs, even if they arent quite on the level of a flagship, and the lower price makes it an easy entry point for anyone that wants to enter the Google Pixel ecosystem.Editors Recommendations

The U.S. was at odds with dozens of countries pushing for a common set of principles for multilateral artificial-intelligence governance at a Paris summit.