An architects office building rarely becomes a tourist attraction. But just east of Seattles downtown, the offices of Schemata Workshop, built in 2016, draw national and international visitors.Thats because the overall project, Capitol Hill Urban Cohousing (CHUC), represents a rare contemporary example of single-stair architecture. The term refers to structures above 4 stories with a single stairway, meaning they have one means of egress. But a combination of zoning codes, fire safety concerns, and financial pressures have made single-stair construction impossible to build across roughly 97 percent of the United States. CHUC, which includes ground-floor offices and 4 stories of housing, has become an aspirational model of this building type and a symbol for efforts to legalize it across North America. I do a monthly tour with legislators and building officials because theres been so much interest, said Mike Mariano, cofounder and principal at Schemata.Since gaining more widespread attention in 2021 due to then-emerging social media discourse on the subject, the campaign to legalize single-stair development has activated a growing cadre of architects and advocates interested in code reform. Last years AIA Conference on Architecture featured a panel on the topic, while Denver architecture firm SAR+ recently held a single-stair design contest. According to the Single-Stair Tracker, which chronicles this movements legislative and regulatory efforts, 21 states, cities, and provinces across North America have instituted some form of reform, or more commonly, commissioned safety and code studies to pursue future reform. In Canada, there are proposals to change the national code, while British Columbia updated its code last August to allow single-stair residences up to 6 stories tall.Grassroots support is something the building code world often does not see, said Stephen Smith, executive director of the Center for Building in North America, which runs the tracker. The YIMBY movement has become interested in codes and standards in a way [building code decision makers] havent seen before, and theres a big culture clash.The Capitol Hill Urban Cohousing project represents a rare contemporary example of single-stair architecture. (Courtesy Schemata Workshop)The repercussions of such a shift mean much more than simply eliminating a stairway. Coming at a time when many designers have pushed for buildings to better respond to current crises, such as housing affordability and sustainability, the single-stair crusade shows architects becoming more engaged in building code and zoning reform.Architect and author Mike Eliason, principal of Seattles Larch Lab, author of the recent book Building for People, and an early and influential single-stair advocate, argues that pushback by code and fire-safety officials highlights the need to democratize decision-making around what and how we build. Nobody in the U.S. really talks about the interface between the building code and the zoning code and the built environment, he observed. But if we want more highquality spaces, these conversations need to happen more often. The nonprofit International Building Code, which forms the basis for most state and local U.S. building codes, mandates that buildings over 3 stories have two separate staircases for fire safety, resulting in larger, chunkier apartments with double-loaded corridors. These requirements began entering local building codes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to large urban fires and safety concerns.Single-stair projects, also called point-access blocks, exist around the globe and provide a type of small-building living experience and community that isnt achievable here, as just a handful of jurisdictions in urban North America permit them, including Seattle, New York City, and Honolulu.Single-stair reforms potential shouldnt be seen as a silver bullet to solve larger housing issues, said Conrad Speckert, a Canadian intern architect who has written extensively on the topic and submitted national single-stair changes to building codes. It can help affordabilityPew Trusts data shows single-stair designs can lower apartment costs by 6 to 13 percent compared with standard construction.Freeing space taken up by a stairway allows for exciting design and development possibilities and opens thin urban lots that would otherwise be financially infeasible. Subtracting a second form of egresswhich Speckert estimates can cost up to $300,000 for a small buildingwould also allow funds and square footage that could be used for a small elevator for ADA access; this strategy is seen in European versions of single-stair buildings. The move also creates the chance for two- and three-bedroom units to have improved daylighting and airflow, as layouts can span the full depth of a block versus being aggregated on either side of a double-loaded corridor. Schematas CHUC, for instance, was able to incorporate all manner of passive ventilation and daylighting strategies in the buildings eight housing units, including more shared social space.In Austin, Councilmember Jos Chito Vela, who represents a district with a sizable apartment-dwelling population, sponsored the citys single-stair resolution, which passed last May. He believes that legalizing these kinds of buildings can add more fine-grained apartment projects. Single-stair development can help push the unit price down to an ownership price point, Vela said. His stance speaks to the evolving political support around this shift in building codes. Vela believes that even if the fire department has some objections, the current pro-housing council could ultimately vote in favor of the change.Most of the existing single-stair efforts have resulted in mandated study periods to gauge how single-stair projects would impact fire safety and existing codes, most of these studies will be completed by 2026. Vela hopes that in Austin, where single-stair reform is now being debated by the city council, fire officials wont let the perfect be the enemy of the good.The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which has substantial impact on building safety codes, held a symposium on the single-stair effort in September 2024, inviting a range of fire safety officials, regulators, and advocates like Smith. Its clear the group has felt pressure from the grassroots push; its own publication noted last August that fire officials were blindsided by the speed of reform initiatives, with some fire chiefs stating that we must do all we can to defeat these misguided efforts.At CHUC, passive ventilation and daylighting strategies were also incorporated into the buildings eight housing units along with more social space. (Courtesy Schemata Workshop)In the organizations November report summarizing the symposium and its findings, the NFPA didnt quash the single-stair concept, but it did push for adherence to the traditional process it oversees. When this process is substituted by uninformed legislative action, special interests, or misguided local policy decisions, there is great risk to the protection and safety of people and property, the summary reads.As more jurisdictions embark on single-stair reform and currently authorized studies get completed and published, advocates seek to maintain the pressure by mandating objective research and studies, advocating for code reforms and ideally using the results of these studies to push for rapid change to the building codes.Existing evidence suggests single-stair buildings dont have a significantly worse safety record than traditional buildings. New York City records show only three serious fire incidents in the citys 4,400 single-stair buildings since 2012. The overall fire safety record in the U.S. remains worse than in peer countries, despite our mandate for more stairways. The British Columbia governments June 2024 report on single-stair safety found that just 8 to 10 percent of fires in apartments start in egress routes, and those that do are mostly small trash fires, which rarely spread beyond the room of origin. The doubts about safety recall the recent movement to legalize mass timber in the U.S., which also required extensive efforts at code reform and testing to allay material safety concerns. Now the structural system is safely being used across the country.Fire and code officials werent happy that the debate wasnt confined to the normal processes. I suspect that if it hadnt been for all the legislation, [single-stair] wouldnt have been taken as seriously as it was in the code world, said Smith.As the reform process plays out and more and more jurisdictions embrace or explore the idea of single-stair buildings, advocates hope these forthcoming changes unlock a tool for better housing design and improved affordability.Patrick Sisson is a Chicago expat living in Los Angeles who covers design, policy, and the trends that shape our cities.

In 1965, Ralph Naders groundbreaking book Unsafe at Any Speed exposed how car manufacturers prioritised style, performance, and profit over the safety of drivers and passengers. His narrative spurred public outrage and catalysed sweeping changes, including the widespread adoption of seatbelts and other safety innovations. As the former CISA director Jen Easterly noted earlier this year, today we find ourselves at a similar inflection point in the software development domain.Prioritizsng speed and product features, secure software development is often treated as an afterthought. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and if organisations do not demand early introduction and better integration of security measures from their software suppliers, they might face severe consequences.Organisations today increasingly rely on Software as a Service (SaaS), embedding it deeply into their infrastructure and business operations because it is cheaper and more efficient. Although these solutions offer scalability and efficiency, they also introduce significant risk. Yet, we now live in an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) where traditional security boundaries are being circumvented. Given the vast amount of data exchanged between systems and the numerous actors involved in the supply chain, the impact of a cyber incident related to software development flaws is now greater than ever before.The scale and complexity of data requiring protection have skyrocketed, as AI now generates, aggregates, and shares vast amounts of data across organisations and third-parties.The 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report from Verizon reveals that 15% of breaches involved a third-party or supplier, such as software supply chains, hosting partner infrastructures, or data custodians. This number has been rising year-over-year, and it highlights the urgent need for organisations to rethink their approach to third-party risk management.One of the biggest mistakes companies make in vendor assessments is focusing solely on vendor security compliance rather than product security. Many organisations send out lengthy questionnaires to vendors about their Information Security Management System (ISMS) but fail to scrutinize their application and product security. Certifications and compliance attestations, such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, and GDPR, are often viewed as security benchmarks, but they do not necessarily guarantee continuous secure software development practices.Some vendors may hold these certifications; however, certain products of their portfolio may fall outside the scope of these security standards and frameworks. If overlooked, this blind spot can lead to significant security risks. An organisation may assume a certified vendor has robust security measures in place, only to later discover that the specific product they are using lacks fundamental security controls.The Security Think Tank on secure softwareRobert Campbell, PA Consulting: Secure software procurement in 2025: A call for accountability.Tyler Shields, ESG:'Unsafe At Any Speed'. Comparing automobiles to code risk.Aditya K Sood, Aryaka:Vigilant buyers are the best recipe for accountable suppliers.To resist supply chain attacks and mitigate associated risks, organisations must push their suppliers to prioritise secure software development. This means requiring vendors to demonstrate not just security compliance but also a clear attestation and commitment to secure development practices. Here are some key initiatives organisations should implement to build an effective Third-Party Assessment Program:Expand traditional vendor security assessments: Go beyond basic cybersecurity questionnaires and challenge vendors on their application and product security measures. Tailor the program to the specific requirements and dynamics of your organization, and consider incorporating questions related to emerging technologies such as AI.Ensure Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) practices: Require vendors to provide evidence that security is incorporated at every phase of development, from design to deployment.Shift third-party risk management from domain to control: Third-party risk management is ultimately about managing business risks, not just security risks. At its core, it is a data problem. Therefore, organisations should involve data owners and relevant stakeholders in the process and educate them about the associated risks in clear business terms.Demand transparency: Get visibility into the security controls applied to software products, rather than relying solely on compliance certifications.Conduct continuous third-party risk assessment: Continuously monitor third-party vendors, as security risks evolve over time.Adopt a zero-trust mindset: Assume that every third-party connection could be a potential risk and enforce strict access controls, when possible.The digital landscape of 2025 requires a fundamental shift in how we approach software security. Just as seatbelts and safety standards revolutionised the automobile industry, robust security practices must become the norm in software development.Organisations must recognise that third-party risk is their own risk. It is no longer sufficient to rely on vendor assurances or compliance checkboxes. Instead, businesses must take a proactive stance by demanding transparency, enforcing rigorous security standards, and ensuring that secure development is a priority from the ground up. If we fail to push suppliers to develop securely, the consequences will be far-reaching, impacting not just individual companies but the entire digital ecosystem.Ejona Prei is an ISACA member and volunteer, and a longstanding cyber leader. She works as global CISO at Lindal Group, a Hamburg-based manufacturer of packaging products, and is also president of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Germany. Ejona is committed to diversity and inclusion in security, and hopes to shape a future where artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security solutions prioritise fairness, accountability, and societal wellbeing, bridging the gap between innovation and ethics. This is her first contribution to the Computer Weekly Security Think Tank.

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The city lights illuminate the streets of Bogota. Colombia. On the right, the "torre colpatria" ... [+] (Colpatria tower) can be seen.gettyElectricity theft is a pervasive global issue, costing utilities an estimated $100 billion annually and straining energy infrastructure worldwide. From tampering with meters to dangerously tapping into high-voltage power lines, the methods used to steal electricity vary in complexity and risk. Countries like Brazil, India, Jamaica and even parts of the European Union face significant non-technical losses, which undermine revenue, disrupt markets, and pose safety hazards. While theft is often driven by economic hardship and lack of access, simply penalizing offenders fails to address the root causes, especially seeing that there is also the resultant economic burden on paying consumers of electricity. Instead, proven models for combating electricity theft focus on integrating vulnerable communities into the grid through innovative policies, technological interventions, and sustainable pricing structures that promote compliance while securing the energy supply.Tackling Electricity Theft with a Holistic StrategyEnersis, a Colombian electricity distribution company, achieved significant success in reducing electricity theft by implementing a comprehensive strategic model that addressed various facets of its operations. According to the World Banks 2009 report, Reducing Technical and NonTechnical Losses in the Power Sector, the companys approach was multi-dimensional, encompassing regulation, commercial management, technical improvements, community engagement, information technology, and punitive actions. Through these combined actions, Enersis not only reduced theft but also ensured the long-term sustainability of its operations. This model offers valuable insights that can be replicated in other countries facing similar challenges.As a background, CODENSA is a Colombian company that distributes and sells electricity and is a part of the Enel Group through Enersis. Since the unbundling and privatization of Bogots vertically integrated utility in 1998, CODENSA, now part of the Enel Group through Enersis, has significantly reduced energy losses in its distribution network. According to the Q3 Report for Enel Colombia, as of September 2024, the energy loss index stood at 7.55%, marking a steady decline from the 22% total losses recorded in 1997. This improvement is largely attributed to aggressive energy recovery initiatives aimed at mitigating non-technical losses. Between January and September 2024 alone, CODENSA recovered 128 GWh of previously unrecorded consumption through targeted interventions, including 109,594 technical inspections.This article will further explore the comprehensive framework that facilitated the remarkable reduction in energy losses, Highlighting the key strategies that contributed to this success. The company systematically addressed both technical and non-technical losses via a robust regulatory framework, enhancing commercial management practices, and leveraging advanced technology. Additionally, fair tariff structures and community engagement initiatives, legal enforcement and IT-driven monitoring, further highlighted the approach which can serve as a model for electricity distribution companies seeking to improve efficiency and financial sustainability.Strengthening Electricity Governance Through Regulatory FrameworkBogota, Colombia - November 2020: The Avenida El Dorado in Bogota seen during a dark night.gettyAt the heart of this model was a collaborative approach to regulation. The company worked closely with political authorities and the sector regulator to ensure that the tariff structure was both financially sustainable and equitable. They focused on tariff rates that reflected the costs of efficient supply while ensuring fair pricing for consumers and maintaining service quality standards. According to the report, one of their key strategies was the generation of funds to subsidize low-income customers through various means, including targeted tariff rates and government subsidies. This framework not only reduced electricity theft by making legal electricity more affordable but also aligned the financial interests of all stakeholders, promoting a more efficient system overall.Improving Electricity Metering and Billing Via Commercial ManagementOn the commercial side, Enersis managed metering, billing, and collections with a keen focus on reducing losses. The companys integral approach included implementing policies for customer service and creating awareness programs to educate customers about the importance of paying for electricity as a commercial good. Additionally, they increased the number of points of contact for customer service, ensuring that the company was more accessible and responsive to clients. This proactive approach fostered a better relationship with customers, which played a crucial role in reducing instances of non-payment and tampering. The implementation of communication programs also provided customers with transparent information about their rights and obligations, empowering them to make informed decisions about their electricity consumption.Strengthening Electricity InfrastructureFrom a technical perspective, Enersis made significant investments in constructing distribution networks that were less susceptible to tampering and irregular connections. According to the report, the company also conducted systematic field assessments to detect illegal connections and damaged meters, as well as unmetered consumers. A notable initiative was the installation of sealed boxes to ensure that meters could not be tampered with. This proactive monitoring, coupled with regular inspections of the operational condition of seals, effectively curbed electricity theft by making it harder for consumers to engage in illegal activities.Fostering a Culture of Electricity Responsibility Via Community EngagementClose up aerial view of Bogota skyline with colorful skyscrapers and large urban sprawl at dusk in ... [+] ColombiagettyCommunity engagement played a pivotal role in Enersis strategy. The company made efforts to connect directly with communities and local leaders, creating awareness about the importance of rationalizing electricity consumption and the consequences of theft. Enersis designed campaigns to promote regular payment of electricity bills, preservation of electric infrastructure, and safe practices to avoid accidents. These outreach programs, particularly those targeting children in low-income households, helped instill a culture of responsible energy consumption, further discouraging theft and fostering a more positive relationship between the company and its customers.Leveraging Technology to Combat Electricity TheftIncorporating information technology was another key element of Enersis approach to reducing electricity theft. The company implemented Management Information Systems (MIS) to support both commercial and technical functions, enabling more effective monitoring of electricity usage and consumption patterns. Automated meter reading devices were progressively applied to large and medium consumers, while systematic field actions were taken to address irregularities detected through the commercial MIS. Additionally, Enersis regularly updated its databases, ensuring consistency with the physical reality of electricity consumption, which allowed the company to identify and address irregular service conditions swiftly. The integration of IT into their operations was instrumental in improving the efficiency and accuracy of the company's loss reduction efforts.Legal and Enforcement Measures: Strengthening Electricity Theft PenaltiesEnersis also understood the importance of punitive actions in ensuring that the fight against electricity theft remained effective. According to the report, the company collaborated with the justice department to take legal action against major offenders, particularly large consumers who were involved in electricity theft. Publicizing cases of theft, especially those involving prominent social figures, helped create social condemnation and acted as a deterrent to potential offenders. By combining legal measures with community-based education campaigns and transparent information, Enersis was able to significantly reduce electricity theft while enhancing the overall customer experience. The companys strategy not only addressed immediate losses but also fostered a long-term shift in consumer behavior, which is essential for the sustainability of any energy distribution system.A Holistic Model for Electricity Theft PreventionThe Enersis model for reducing electricity theft provides a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that has proven successful in minimizing technical and non-technical losses. This framework is built on six key pillars: regulation, commercial management, technical enhancements, community engagement, IT and data analytics, and legal enforcement. Through the collaboration with policymakers to establish fair tariffs and financial incentives, companies can create a sustainable pricing structure. Strengthening billing systems, improving customer service, and enhancing communication foster trust and compliance. Technical upgrades, such as grid reinforcement, field audits, and secured meters, minimize vulnerabilities. Community engagement initiatives educate the public, promote awareness, and build long-term accountability. Leveraging smart meters and data-driven monitoring enhances operational efficiency, while strict legal enforcement, including penalties and prosecutions, serves as a powerful deterrent. This holistic approach ensures a sustainable, secure, and efficient electricity distribution system.The strategies employed by Enersis can serve as a valuable blueprint for other countries like Jamaica looking to tackle electricity theft, demonstrating the importance of a holistic, multi-pronged approach that combines technology, regulation, community involvement, and legal action.This article is part of a series on electricity theft. For further insights, check out: 1. Electricity Theft: Economic Burden and Sustainability Risks2. Power Plant Losses and AI: Tackling Inefficiencies for Sustainability3. The Economic And Social Dimensions Of Electricity Theft4. Proven Strategy For Combating Electricity Theft: The Brazil Model

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 06: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during the OpenAI DevDay event ... [+] on November 06, 2023 in San Francisco, California. Altman delivered the keynote address at the first ever Open AI DevDay conference. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)Getty ImagesChatGPT is getting even smarter. OpenAI has unveiled its latest model, GPT-4.5.Research lead Mia Glaese revealed that, starting today, the new model will be available as a research preview to ChatGPT Pro users and developers in the API.The model will make its way to ChatGPT Plus users from next week, according to Glases.OpenAI says GPT-4.5 is its most knowledgeable model yet, bringing advancements in unsupervised learning and reasoning. The improvements should be especially helpful in handling science-related queries. You can also expect boosts in word knowledge and intuition, along with reduced instances of hallucination occasional bugs that offer completely made-up, inaccurate information.Compared to previous iterations, GPT-4.5 also comes with better contextual knowledge which will supposedly make it more useful for writing, programming or practical problem-solving.In a demo comparison against GPT o1, the new model was capable of picking up on social cues in user questions involving personal situations, like responding to a friend who recently cancelled plans.Examples of ChatGPT's improved contextual understanding. OpenAI.In the demo, in addition to an emotionally charged, somewhat angry response, GPT-4.5 also offered a more tempered response compared to o4. Thats thanks to its new design, which aims to make it more human and fine-tuned to emotional nuances.Indeed, OpenAI says testers ranked it higher in that regard compared to previous models.ChatGPT's new model handles social cues better according to testers.OpenAI.How Will GPT-4.5 Change ChatGPTAs already mentioned, the biggest changes we can expect in ChatGPT thanks to the new model is a boost in its emotional intelligence and a more natural, conversational approach to answering questions.It also appears the new model outperforms previous models in multilingual processing, which should make it more useful to non-English speakers.GPT-4.5 is already rolling out to ChatGPT Pro users on web, mobile and desktop, with Plus users expected to get the upgrade by next week.

By Andrew R. ChowFebruary 27, 2025 2:42 PM ESTAs President Trump has announced varying tariffs over the last month, tech stock prices have dipped, with investors fearing broad impacts on different parts of the tech sector. Shares of NVIDIA, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) and AMD have all wobbled, responding in part to news that Trump might implement a 25% tariff on semiconductors shipped to the U.S.The possible tariffs are said to be part of Trumps plan to try to get more semiconductor and AI-related manufacturing in the U.S. But industry insiders say that theyre not yet changing any of their longterm approaches and are mostly viewing the tariff threats as simply another input factor in a volatile industry whose prices are constantly shifting.Tariffs are more of a blip as opposed to a strong headwind, says Scott Almassy, semiconductor lead at PwC. Nazar Khan, the COO and CTO of the data center company Terawulf, adds: No one's really changing what they're doing because it's just too much guesswork.A complex ecosystemTrumps semiconductor tariffs could go into effect as early as April 2, he said.In the short term, industry players are working to try to dodge those costs as much as possible. Khan says that Terawulf is trying to expedite deliveries so that they arrive before the tariffs do. For deals that will be realized later this year, business partners are negotiating who will bear the extra cost. Some suppliers have been like, Were not taking ityou have to pay it, he says. Others are willing to share in the cost because they want us to sign a deal now rather than waiting to see what happens on the tariffs.As economists have pointed out, the cost of tariffs is often passed directly to the end consumer.Read More: What Are Tariffs and Why Is Trump In Favor of Them?In the first trade war, the evidence was very consistent, and strikingly so, that 100% of the tax was passed forward to the American buyer, says Mary Lovely, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.She recently wrote a paper predicting that Trumps tariff proposals in January on Canada, Mexico and China would cost the typical US household over $1,200 a year. The semiconductor tariffs specifically would likely cause anything with a chipincluding gaming devices, cars and smart fridgesto increase in price.But prices for AI products like ChatGPT may not increase in the same linear way, due to several factors. For one, prices inside the AI world have never been static. The Deepseek breakthrough last month reinforced the longstanding trend that the cost of training and maintaining models decreases periodically as technical processes get more efficient. The question becomes, was the trend going down so much that the 25% is absorbed? says Khan.The demand for AI also remains extremely high, which means that many companies in the ecosystem are operating with comfortable margins and can weather a percentage change in their profit. Users are so willing to pay right now that it's probably less impactful for those folks who are procuring them and building out the clusters, Almassy says.Pressure on Taiwan?One of the most dominant forces in the chip industry is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), which manufactures the chips that power phones and laptops and are central to the output of key American AI players like NVIDIA.One of Trumps main reasons for the semiconductor tariffs, he said, was to try to bring more of their chipmaking to U.S. territory. In February, he accused Taiwan of taking our chip business away, adding: If they dont bring it back, were not going to be very happy.Leaders from both parties have supported this mission, wary of Americas outsized dependence on a specialized product manufactured on an island nation that China seems intent on controlling.President Biden tried to use a different approach that included incentives: Last year, the Commerce Department pledged up to $6.6 billion for TSMC to expand its Arizona facilities as part of Bidens CHIPS Act. But TSMCs progress on that facility has been stymied by repeated delays related to regulatory complexities and a lack of local expertise.Recently, most Taiwanese chipmakers have downplayed the potential impact of semiconductor tariffs, including Vanguard, who said that the tariffs impact would be trivial and that they were not considering setting up shop in the U.S. Last month, Taiwans economy minister said that there is an advantage of technological leadership and that cannot be replaced.Almassy agrees. Especially at the leading edge of AI, which is where Taiwan is, there is no alternative at the moment, he says. Taiwan companies will probably be able to pass a lot of that on to their direct customers, who will then have to figure out what they're going to do with it.Some of those customers are major American AI companies like NVIDIA and OpenAI, who are leading the countrys progress in the so-called AI arms race against China. Some analysts say that the tariffs could actually slightly hamper those companies efforts to maintain their lead, especially as AI labs in countries like France or Japan will be able to buy chips tariff-free. It does probably hamstring American companies a little bit by increasing their costs, Almassy says. And if youre the leader and your resources cost more, you have further to fall than someone not as advanced.A representative for NVIDIA declined to comment. At the companys earnings call on Wednesday, an NVIDIA executive said that tariffs were an unknown until we understand further what the U.S.government's plan is.Other global impactsIt is possible that the tariffs will cause companies to shift their factory locations. But Almassy says that many of these relocations were underway well before the tariff threats, as companies sought to make supply chains more resilient and head off shortages like the ones that unfolded during the pandemic. Theres a general movement by the industry to diversify where the supply chain sits, Almassy says.In a conversation with Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon in September, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said that if the companys access to Taiwanese components was disrupted, we should be able to pick up and fab it somewhere else. But he added that Nvidia probably wouldnt be able to achieve the same level of outperformance or cost.Trump claimed one victory in this regard when Apple announced that it would open an AI-related factory in Texas and spend $500 billion to hire 20,000 people in the U.S. But analysts point out that Apple made similar promises at the beginning of both Biden and Trumps earlier presidential terms.Plenty, of course, could change over the next six months. Trump said that he eventually planned to raise the tariff rate even higher, which could force companies to adapt. But for now, many companies that are part of the semiconductor supply chain are choosing to sit tight and see how everything unfolds. The market's moving very fast, and it takes time to develop and build new factories, Khan says. So the tariff in and of itself may not be determinative for someone to decide to move a facility from Malaysia or Mexico to the US. They may not have the capabilities, money, understanding, or expertise.

Key TakeawaysOn Tuesday, iPhone users noticed that often when they said the word racist, it was transcribed to Trump by the phones voice-to-text software.Apple has addressed the issue and blamed it on a glitch that makes it difficult for the AI to differentiate between words containing r and having a phonetic overlap.However, experts are of the opinion that a phonetic overlap between these two words is just not possible.Nevertheless, Apple has started fixing the issue.iPhone users were in for a surprise on Tuesday when their phones voice-to-text feature suddenly started swapping the word racist with Trump briefly before correcting it to racist again. Although the glitch is not happening every time you say the word racist, its still a sensitive issue given the current political tensions across the country after Trumps elections.Apple has addressed the glitch and said that its caused by a bug that theyre working on to fix.We are aware of an issue with the speech recognition model that powers Dictation and we are rolling out a fix today Apple spokespersonApparently, the Dictation service was facing issues distinguishing between words containing r because of the phonetic overlap. However, the company did not elaborate on why the word racist was always confused with Trump.Is This Really an Honest Mistake?While this might look like an honest mistake on the surface, speech recognition experts are of the opinion that phonetic overlap couldnt be the reason behind this swap.Peter Bell, a professor of speech technology at the University of Edinburgh, said that although the two words contain the letter r, theyre not phonetically similar enough to confuse the AI. Its more likely that someone intentionally tweaked the underlying software to make this swap.This comes at a time when theres already a lot of tension between Trump and Apple. Firstly, Trump decided to impose an additional 10% tax on all the goods imported from China. Since most of Apples products are manufactured in China, it would be a disaster for the company. This is likely what prompted Apple to announce a massive $500 billion investment in the US. The tech giant plans to create new facilities and expand existing ones.Note: Apple didnt explicitly say that the increased taxes are the reason behind its investment. However, Trump feels that given the timing, theres no other plausible explanation.The second issue is regarding the DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). After Trump came to power, he decided to dismantle all DEI initiatives and programs. However, during a recent meeting, Apples shareholders voted against scraping off DEI at the insistence of the board members.CEO Tim Cook said that their aim is to create an environment where everyone can deliver their best. Hence, Apple will be keeping the DEI framework. Still, considering the new legal landscape, theyll probably have to make some adjustments.This angered Trump, who lashed out at the company and said that it should completely ditch the DEI framework instead of making adjustments.Looks like theres enough reason for a disgruntled employee at Apple to tweak the software and make it replace the word racist with Trump. However, in the absence of any evidence, I guess well have to stick to Apples version of the events.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Vlad is Techreport's in-house Executive Editor. With over a decade of experience in tech content, he's passionate about computer hardware, an advocate of online privacy, and strongly believes in the open-source, scarce-money nature of cryptocurrency. When hes not working, hes traveling with his partner and their cat, learning Python, or reading good books. He never owned a PC he did not build. View all articles by Vlad Melnic Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

Key TakeawaysGoogle is replacing SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) for Gmail with QR code scanning to enhance security and convenience.The shift is driven by the increasing exploitation of SMS authentication by hackers through phishing, spoofing, and mobile carrier manipulation.QR codes offer a more secure alternative, as theyre unique to each session, cannot be intercepted, and eliminate risks tied to SIM card theft or fraud.A Gmail spokesperson recently confirmed that Google will let go of the current SMS two-factor authentication process. Itll bring in QR code scanning as a verification step instead, making the process more secure and convenient.Just like we want to move past passwords with the use of things like passkeys, we want to move away from sending SMS messages for authentication Ross Richendrfer, head of security and privacy public relations at GoogleCurrently, when you log in to your Google account on a device, you receive a six-digit authentication code on your registered phone number that you need to manually enter to complete the login process.This SMS-based two-factor authentication process is a widely used method by apps and platforms to ensure extra security. However, with the recent increase in the abuse of SMS verification systems, its evident that hackers have found multiple ways to exploit this tactic. Through phishing, spoofing, and other methods.One common instance of scammers tricking users into getting their verification code is by calling them disguised as representatives of banks or big companies. Then, they ask for the verification code as an OTP to move forward with a fraudulent online process that likely doesnt lead anywhere legitimate.Another concern is that SMS authentication relies on mobile carriers, and its possible to manipulate the carrier itself. This would involve generating fake requests and making money through the messages sent, or even worse, deflecting such important private messages to cybercriminals.Read more: Google will use AI to determine whether youre really 18+Why Are QR Codes a Better Alternative?Scanning a QR code will in all likelihood get rid of the security concerns mentioned above. The update is supposed to be rolled out soon.Its also worth noting that this update aligns with Googles long-term security strategy to reduce dependence on SMS-based 2FA and move towards a more seamless and convenient security system that doesnt put passwords at the forefront of security.Unlike SMS codes, QR cannot be intercepted. Theyre unique, meaning every user gets a different QR every time they initiate a session. Simply put, QR codes cannot be imitated that easily, either. Users will be required to scan the QR code displayed on the screen with their devices camera to authenticate the login.This mechanism solves one more major issue with SMS-style verification. Stealing or losing the SIM card. Such an unfortunate incident so far meant losing access to your Google account, putting the account at the risk of being used by the person who has stolen the SIM. Not anymore, says Google.QR codes make sure youre not dependent on your SIM, a small chip, for your digital privacy. It essentially puts the power back in your hands, as bad actors will now need physical access to your device to execute anything malicious.In addition to Google, WhatsApp Web is one of the famous platforms known for using QR codes for logins.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Alpa is a senior editor with a wealth of experience in alternative finance, fintech, cryptocurrency, app security software, and the medical industry. She's currently an in-house managing editor with the Techreport team.Alpa is passionate about breaking down complex topics and sharing informative content that provides value. View all articles by Alpa Somaiya Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

Forward-looking: Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a novel method using natural materials to extract drinkable water from the air. Their "molecularly functionalized biomass hydrogels" system transforms organic matter such as food scraps, branches, and seashells into a highly efficient water-absorbing substance. The system combines specially engineered sorbents (materials that absorb liquids) with mild heat and can generate significant amounts of potable water, even in arid conditions. During field tests, the team demonstrated an impressive yield of 14.19 liters (3.75 gallons) of clean water per day per kilogram of sorbent far surpassing the typical 1 to 5 liters achieved by most existing sorbents."This opens up an entirely new way to think about sustainable water collection, marking a big step towards practical water harvesting systems for households and small community scale," said Professor Guihua Yu, who led the research team.The innovation lies in the team's approach to designing sorbents. Instead of selecting specific materials for specific functions, their general molecular strategy enables the conversion of almost any biomass into an efficient water harvester. This method offers several advantages over traditional synthetic sorbents, including biodegradability, scalability, and minimal energy requirements for water release.The heart of this technology is a two-step molecular engineering process that imbues biomass-based polysaccharides with hygroscopic and thermoresponsive properties. It allows the system to effectively capture and release water from the air using commonly available natural materials.This water-generating system is part of Professor Yu's ongoing efforts to tackle global clean water access issues. His previous work includes developing hydrogel technologies for hyper-arid conditions and an injectable water filtration system. // Related StoriesLooking ahead, the research team is working on scaling up production and developing real-world applications for commercialization. Potential uses include portable water harvesters, self-sustaining irrigation systems, and emergency drinking water devices.Graduate researcher Yaxuan Zhao notes that since they can fabricate this hydrogel from widely available biomass and design it to operate with minimal energy input, it has strong potential for large-scale production and deployment in off-grid communities, emergency relief efforts, and decentralized water systems.While scalability appears promising, the researchers will likely encounter challenges in developing a solution that remains efficient and practical outside the lab. For instance, maintaining the high efficiency observed in lab conditions 14.19 liters of water per kilogram of sorbent daily could be problematic when scaling up to larger systems, as environmental factors may impact performance.Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems in urban areas require regular infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. For example, in Indian cities like Chennai and Hyderabad, neglect of rainwater harvesting systems has led to their deterioration and reduced effectiveness.