• Unidentified governments allegedly spy on smartphone users through push notifications on Google and Apple apps, according to U.S. Senator Ron Wyden.
• Senator Wyden expresses concern in a letter to the Department of Justice about foreign officials demanding user data from Google and Apple.
• Push notifications, common in various apps, pass through Google and Apple servers, granting unique insights into user activity.
• Apple seizes the opportunity to share details on government monitoring, updating transparency reporting.
• Google commits to informing users about such requests but provides no specifics.
• Senator Wyden urges the Department of Justice to reconsider policies hindering public discussions on push notification spying.
• Source indicates that foreign governments, including U.S. allies, seek metadata to link anonymous users to specific Apple or Google accounts.
• Duration and extent of data gathering through push notifications remain unclear, raising privacy concerns.
• Push notifications, despite being essential, draw occasional scrutiny for challenges in deploying without sharing data with tech giants.

In a concerning revelation, a U.S. senator has raised alarm about unidentified governments reportedly surveilling smartphone users through push notifications on apps provided by tech giants Alphabet’s Google and Apple. Senator Ron Wyden expressed his concerns in a letter to the Department of Justice, revealing that foreign officials are demanding data from these companies, shedding light on a new avenue for government tracking of smartphones.

Push notifications, commonly used by various apps to alert users about messages, news updates, and other important information, are often overlooked by users. However, these notifications typically travel through servers operated by Google and Apple. According to Wyden, this places both companies in a unique position, providing them with insights into the traffic flowing from apps to users and enabling potential government surveillance on app usage.

Senator Wyden urged the Department of Justice to reconsider or modify any policies hindering public discussions on push notification spying. In response, Apple mentioned that Wyden’s letter allowed them to share more details with the public regarding how governments monitor push notifications. The company stated that, given the public disclosure, they would update transparency reporting to include information about such requests.

Google also expressed its commitment to keeping users informed about these requests and shared Senator Wyden’s concern. However, both companies did not provide specific details about the requests or whether they were prevented from disclosing such information by the Department of Justice.

Wyden’s letter, based on an undisclosed tip, suggested that both foreign and U.S. government agencies have sought metadata related to push notifications. The aim is to link anonymous users of messaging apps to specific Apple or Google accounts. While the source did not identify the foreign governments involved, they described them as democracies allied with the United States.

The duration of such data gathering through push notifications remains unclear. Despite being a vital feature for app engagement, push notifications have occasionally drawn attention from technologists due to the challenges of deploying them without sharing data with Google or Apple. This revelation highlights a potential privacy concern, emphasizing the need for transparency and public awareness regarding government surveillance through commonly used smartphone features.

• Meta Platforms introduces default end-to-end encryption for Messenger and Facebook chats, effective immediately.
• Upgrading all Messenger accounts with this feature may take some time.
• Previously, users could manually enable end-to-end encryption; now, it becomes the default setting for Messenger messages.
• Meta Platforms, Facebook’s parent company, underscores its commitment to enhancing user safety in messaging services.
• Meta’s WhatsApp already employs end-to-end encryption as part of their privacy and security commitment.
• The move signifies a crucial step towards creating a safer communication experience for global users.
• End-to-end encryption sparks debates between tech companies and governments.
• In September, the British government urged Meta Platforms to include safeguards before introducing encryption on Instagram and Facebook Messenger, particularly to protect children from potential risks of sexual abuse.
• Meta reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding user privacy and security in the online space.

In a significant move, Meta Platforms has announced the rollout of end-to-end encryption for all personal chats and calls on Messenger and Facebook. The social media giant revealed that this privacy feature will be available for immediate use, although it may take some time for all Messenger accounts to be updated with default end-to-end encryption.

Previously, Messenger users had the option to manually enable end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages could only be accessed by the sender and designated recipients. With this recent update, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, aims to make end-to-end encryption the default setting for messages on Messenger.

While Meta’s WhatsApp platform already employs end-to-end encryption for messages, this move signifies the company’s commitment to enhancing user safety across its various messaging services. Meta asserts that encryption is a vital tool in safeguarding users against potential threats from hackers, fraudsters, and criminals.

However, the implementation of end-to-end encryption has sparked debates between technology companies and governments. In September, the British government urged Meta Platforms not to introduce encryption on Instagram and Facebook Messenger without incorporating safety measures to protect children from potential risks associated with sexual abuse.

As Meta continues to prioritize user privacy and security, the introduction of default end-to-end encryption for Messenger and Facebook marks a significant step toward providing a more secure communication environment for millions of users globally.

• Apple executive Steve Hotelling, key to iPhone innovation, is leaving the company, as reported by Bloomberg News.
• Hotelling played a crucial role in transforming iPhone screen and touch ID technology.
• Credited on multiple patents for iPhone and iPad touch screen features, he is recognized as a Touch ID inventor.
• Hotelling oversaw Apple’s camera engineering team and led projects in depth-sensing technologies for augmented reality.
• His departure coincides with Apple’s significant strides in augmented reality, suggesting potential shifts in focus.
• Hotelling represented Apple in legal trials during his two-decade career with the company.
• Apple has yet to respond to inquiries about the reasons behind Hotelling’s departure.
• Industry experts and Apple enthusiasts are curious about the impact on Apple’s future technological developments and strategic direction.

Apple executive Steve Hotelling, widely recognized for pioneering iPhone’s screen and touch ID technologies, will reportedly depart soon, Bloomberg News reported, citing sources familiar with this matter.

Hotelling’s departure marks an end of an era; his impactful contributions had an incredible effect on how iPhones look and function today. Hotelling holds several patents related to iPhone and iPad touchscreen features and was one of the key inventors behind Touch ID technology, according to Bloomberg report.

Hotelling was best known for his role in overseeing Apple’s camera engineering team and developing depth-sensing technologies essential to augment reality technology advancement. His departure comes amid significant strides by Apple in this space – suggesting potential shifts or new directions within their focus for AR technology advancement.

Hotelling has not shied away from public scrutiny despite his administrative role, having represented Apple in several legal trials over his two-decade career with them, according to Bloomberg.

Apple has yet to respond to Reuters’s request for comments regarding Hotelling’s departure, leaving industry professionals and Apple enthusiasts alike questioning its possible motivations and potential impact on future endeavours of the company.

As Apple continues to advance and innovate, Hotelling’s legacy as the driving force behind some of the iPhone’s iconic features will no doubt be remembered fondly. His departure raises many questions regarding Apple’s future technological developments and strategic direction; thus leaving tech community eagerly awaiting further insight from them.

Citi Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS), within Citi’s Services organization, has made an investment in Icon Solutions, a leading fintech provider of payments technology and consultancy services. In addition to the investment, Citi plans to expand its use of the Icon Payments Framework (IPF) to enhance its micro-services orchestration architecture. This investment and relationship with Icon Solutions demonstrates Citi’s strategy of working with fintechs to strengthen its technology and payments capabilities.

Citi is working on a multi-year modernization effort of its payments platforms. As part of the program, Citi is working with and has invested in Icon Solutions to expand its innovation toolkit and futureproof its payments services. TTS will be using the IPF as part of its micro-services architecture.

Citi’s new payment platform will prioritize flexibility and accelerate the bank’s ability to respond to the exponential pace of change in payment infrastructure and the regulatory environment, as well as evolving client demands in an increasingly 24/7, real-time, digital-first environment.

Debopama Sen, Head of Payments, Citi Treasury and Trade Solutions, said, “We are on a journey to unlock the full potential of the Citi network and respond to the need for a streamlined and efficient payment processing system. Through this relationship, we are removing platform complexity across our multiple products by following a process of ‘de-platforming’ common business services and creating reusable and extensible services that can be orchestrated using the IPF framework.”

“Our new approach will empower our engineering teams to respond quicker and more efficiently to industry developments, such as ISO 20022, and deliver high-quality innovation and functionality for our clients,” she added.

Benefits of the payment transformation program include:

• True end-to-end ISO native payments that meet evolving industry and regulatory requirements, and deliver richer data to clients
• Futureproof solutions that are scalable and cloud-ready
• API-driven interfaces to enhance and accelerate client access to data

Citi TTS manages a global network that spans more than 95 countries with membership in over 270 clearing systems. Clients can make payments in 145 currencies through an interface that is intuitive and globally consistent. With ongoing investments such as this, it will continue to meet clients’ needs for feature-rich, low-latency, high-throughput, always-on, 24/7 borderless payments.

Nick Nadgauda, Head of Technology, Citi Services, said, “The IPF enables Citi’s engineers to build, deploy and test capabilities rapidly. Coupled with independently deployable and evolvable micro-services, Citi will be able to horizontally scale for growing payments volumes and improve time to market.”

Tom Kelleher, Co-Founder and Director, Icon Solutions, added, “We are proud to be working with Citi on their journey towards a truly efficient, flexible payments platform. By reimagining its payments processing to reflect a rapidly evolving ecosystem and emerging customer requirements, Citi can meet the opportunities and demands of tomorrow. IPF offers a sustainable alternative to traditional infrastructure to support this change, empowering Citi to take control, overcome complexity and simplify payments transformation across the organization.”

Citi TTS helps enable its clients’ success by providing an integrated suite of innovative and tailored cash management and trade finance services to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations across the globe. Based on the foundation of the industry’s largest proprietary network, with banking licenses in over 90 countries and globally integrated technology platforms, TTS continues to lead the way in offering a comprehensive range of digitally enabled treasury, trade, and liquidity management solutions.

Source: Citi

A protein in the immune system programmed to protect the body from fungal infections is also responsible for exacerbating the severity of autoimmune diseases such as irritable bowel disease (IBS), type 1 diabetes, eczema and other chronic disorders, new research from The Australian National University (ANU) has found.

The discovery could pave the way for new and more effective drugs, without the nasty side effects of existing treatments, offering new hope to more than one million Australians who suffer from some form of autoimmune disease.

In addition to helping to manage severe autoimmune conditions, the breakthrough could also help treat all types of cancer.

The scientists have discovered a previously unknown function of the protein, known as DECTIN-1, which in its mutated state limits the production of T regulatory cells or so-called ‘guardian’ cells in the immune system.

These guardian cells are crucial to preventing autoimmune disease because they suppress the effects of a hyperactive immune system, which can be extremely dangerous if not properly regulated.

The immune system is designed to protect the body from infection, but in severe cases it becomes overactivated and turns the body’s natural defences against itself.

“When this happens, the immune system wrongly perceives healthy cells as a threat, causing it to attack the body and promote the onset of autoimmune disease,” lead author Dr Cynthia Turnbull, from ANU, said.

“Although the DECTIN-1 protein helps to fight fungal infections, in its mutated state it’s also responsible for exacerbating severe autoimmune disease.

“Understanding how and why the mutated version of this protein causes autoimmunity in patients brings us a step closer to developing more effective drugs.”

The scientists believe they can control the immune system by turning the DECTIN-1 protein on and off, like a light switch.

“Turning on the protein would lower the intensity of the immune system’s defensive response which would help to treat conditions such as autoimmune disease,” Professor Carola Vinuesa, from the Francis Crick Institute, said.

“On the other hand, turning off the protein could give the immune system a boost, sending its defensive mechanisms into overdrive and allowing the body to treat an entirely different set of diseases.

“The findings are exciting because there haven’t been many discoveries of so-called modifier proteins such as DECTIN-1, which can change the way the immune system behaves to the extent it can either cause a disease or prevent it.”

According to Dr Turnbull, this means DECTIN-1 could play a key role in treating cancer.

“Cancer cells can disguise themselves by releasing certain proteins and chemicals into the body that essentially render them invisible from the immune system’s natural defences,” she said.

“We think that by using drugs to turn off the DECTIN-1 protein, in combination with existing therapies, we can activate the immune system and help it identify and attack the cancerous cells.”

Current treatments for autoimmune disease aren’t very effective and have a lot of damaging side effects. This is because the majority of existing treatments suppress the entire immune system rather than targeting a specific area.

“That means it might not fix the exact problem behind the patient’s disease and could inadvertently make them vulnerable to infections. Many people on these kinds of treatments also get bacterial, fungal and viral infections which can make their autoimmunity worse,” Professor Vinuesa said.

By examining the DNA of a Spanish family, the researchers discovered the DECTIN-1 mutation was responsible for exacerbating the severity of a chronic autoimmune disease suffered by the family’s only child.

“We found the family was also carrying a mutated version of another immune system protein known as CTLA-4. The CTLA-4 mutation prevents guardian cells from working properly and is known to cause severe autoimmune disease in about 60 to 70 per cent of people who carry it in their DNA,” Dr Pablo Canete, from The University of Queensland, said.

“Strangely, the remaining 30 to 40 per cent of the population who carry this mutated protein don’t develop disease.

“We discovered the family’s only child had both the DECTIN-1 mutation and the CTLA-4 mutation, while his parents had only one of each. This helped us identify why the child, who is now in his twenties, was the only person in the family to develop severe autoimmunity, ending a 20-year-long mystery behind the cause of his disease.

“By discovering the existence of mutated versions of modifier proteins such as DECTIN-1, we finally have an explanation for why some people develop severe autoimmune diseases while others don’t, even if they inherit gene mutations passed down from family members.”

The research is published in Science Advances. It was led by ANU in collaboration with The University of Queensland and the Francis Crick Institute.

Source: Australian National University (ANU)

Toyota showcases an exciting potential future for high-performance sports cars with the zero emissions FT-Se battery electric two-seater concept vehicle.

Incorporating the expertise gained from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s efforts to make ever-better cars through motorsport participation, the FT-Se concept presents a vision of how a driver’s relationship with their vehicles will evolve and deepen.

With its name drawn from ‘Future Toyota Sports electric’, the FT-Se is a concept for high performance in the carbon neutral era. It incorporates a stunningly sleek, smooth silhouette characteristic of a pure two-seater sports car, encasing next generation battery electric technology.

At a compact 1,220 mm tall, it recalls memories of classic sports cars from the past while its 1,895 mm width generates a purposeful stance, accentuated by a cutting edge front design which combines smooth curves and aggressive lines. A 4,380 mm long and sleek silhouette catches the eye thanks to its aerodynamic lines, distinctive trapezoid shapes and evocative rear spoiler.

Inside, the next-generation cockpit offers intuitive controls and a more immersive driving experience, with a low instrument panel profile ensuring high visibility. Newly designed kneepads protect the driver and passenger from G-forces during driving, whether on the road or in the FT-Se’s natural habitat, the race track.

Progress in the fields of electrification and intelligent technology have allowed Toyota to build on the direction already indicated in 2021 when the first sports concept was unveiled as part of the company’s vision for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Enhanced handling stability and aerodynamic performance complement the response and pure thrills of a high-performance, next generation electric powertrain.

The latest batteries, with a low height and high energy density, are an important factor in enabling the FT-Se to push the boundaries of performance. That technology, combined with the downsizing and weight reduction of components such as the motor, transmission and air conditioning unit, allow new possibilities to enhance traditional sports car qualities such as stable cornering, responsive handling and confident braking.

The FT-Se is intended to continually grow through ongoing software updates and beyond, whilst reflecting the driver’s lifestyle and individual values through customisation and convenient functions for stress-free operation. Toyota believes that future mobility will go beyond providing physical transportation tools to becoming a lifestyle partner. The FT-Se concept is a vision of how a battery electric sportscar could become a one-of-a-kind vehicle to get a driver’s pulse racing and foster a long-term bond.

Toyota first displayed the FT-Se at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 in Tokyo on 26 October-5 November, alongside the FT-3e, a next-generation battery electric SUV-type concept. Both vehicles represent a future transformed by electrification and intelligence, which goes beyond providing physical transportation tool and explores new experience values offered by cars.

Source: Toyota

Experience the magic of the “Aurora Give Gift 2023” event, offering discounts of up to 70% from December 6, 2566, to January 1, 2567, at all Aurora Golden Jewelry branches across the nation. It’s the perfect opportunity to bid farewell to the old year and embrace the new one with a touch of elegance.

Are you preparing to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones this Christmas and New Year? Aurora invites you to bestow upon them the gift of happiness with our “Aurora Give Gift 2023” campaign. Whether you’re looking for gold jewelry, dazzling diamond accessories, auspicious amulets, or stylish home decor, our extensive range of valuable and thoughtful gifts is sure to impress. Explore our special promotions, including:

• Receive an instant electrical appliance when you shop for items worth 15,990 Baht or more, as per the conditions specified.
  • From December 6 to December 18, 2566, receive a coffee maker.
  • From December 19, 2566, to January 1, 2567, receive a hotpot cooker.
• Combine with participating credit cards to enjoy the privilege of 0% interest on gold jewelry for 10 months, according to the terms and conditions set by the respective banks.
• Special discounts on selected products of up to 70%.

Don’t miss this golden opportunity to share the “Gifts of Value and Joy” with your special someone during the “Aurora Give Gift 2023” campaign. Our selection of gold jewelry, diamond accessories, auspicious amulets, and chic home decor items is designed to bring joy to both the giver and the receiver. Enjoy a delightful shopping experience at all Aurora Golden Jewelry branches nationwide, starting from November 24, 2566, to October 26, 2566. For more information, please contact us at 02-749-5085.

• Amazon accuses Microsoft of restricting customer choice in the cloud computing market.
• CMA investigates the dominance of Amazon and Microsoft in the UK’s cloud computing industry.
• Changes to Microsoft’s terms of services make it difficult for customers to switch providers or use competitors’ services alongside.
• Financial viability concerns arise as customers may need to purchase a separate license for Microsoft’s software products.
• Google submitted a similar letter last week, expressing concerns about Microsoft’s practices disadvantaging rivals.
• Microsoft responds, highlighting the competitive nature of the UK’s cloud computing market and various sources of competition.
• Ongoing regulatory scrutiny reflects the intense competition and complex dynamics within the cloud computing industry.

Amazon has voiced concerns to Britain’s antitrust authority, accusing its rival Microsoft of adopting business practices that limit customer choice in the cloud computing market. This marks the second major company to criticize Microsoft’s operations in the ongoing probe by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into the UK’s cloud computing industry.

In a letter published on Tuesday on the CMA’s website, Amazon highlighted changes to Microsoft’s terms of services, making it challenging for customers to switch to alternative cloud providers or utilize competitors’ services alongside Microsoft’s. Amazon argued that purchasing a separate license for many of Microsoft’s software products, even if the customer already owns the software, often renders choosing a provider other than Microsoft financially unviable.

This comes after Google submitted a similar letter to the CMA last week, claiming that Microsoft’s business practices put its rivals at an unfair disadvantage. Google made several recommendations, including pushing Microsoft to enhance interoperability for customers using its Azure service alongside other cloud programs and prohibiting the withholding of security updates from those who switch.

Microsoft responded to the CMA, asserting that the cloud computing market in the UK remains competitive. In its submission, Microsoft emphasized the presence of various sources of competition, including Google, Oracle, IBM, and other cloud players who are investing significantly in global cloud infrastructure to meet demand and compete vigorously for customer workloads.

The ongoing investigation underscores the intense competition and complex dynamics within the cloud computing industry, as major players navigate regulatory scrutiny and work to maintain their market positions.

• Twitch to halt operations in South Korea by February next year
• Decision attributed to high operating costs and network fees
• CEO Dan Clancy cites significant financial losses in the Korean market
• Network fees in Korea reportedly 10 times higher than in other countries
• Despite efforts to reduce costs, Twitch faces financial challenges in the region
• Over 400 layoffs announced in March due to slower-than-expected growth
• Exit highlights the tough economic landscape for streaming services
• Demonstrates the need for platforms to adapt strategies to market conditions

Amazon‘s streaming platform Twitch recently made public their plan to cease operations in South Korea by February next year due to increasing operating costs and network fees that make their business unviable there.

Dan Clancy addressed the situation in a blog post by acknowledging Twitch’s significant financial losses in Korea despite efforts to reduce operating costs; network fees there remain significantly higher than most countries and make continued operations unfeasible.

Twitch announced in March its intention to reduce staff by over 400, due to slower-than-anticipated user and revenue growth. Since then, they had actively worked towards streamlining operations and increasing cost effectiveness, but South Korean regulations proved an obstacle that they cannot overcome.

Twitch’s decision to exit South Korean market demonstrates the difficulty streaming services have in managing costs and adapting to changing market conditions. Their exit signifies the complex nature of streaming industry as platforms must continually evaluate their strategies in light of economic realities.

The all-electric MINI Cooper SE stands for emission-free mobility and urban driving pleasure. The new 3-door model is also available in the John Cooper Works Trim, which emphasises the brand’s racing history.

With 218 electrically generated hp (160 kW) and 330 Newton metres of maximum torque, the MINI Cooper SE (electricity consumption combined: 14.7 – 14.1 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km) is way out in front with zero emissions, especially with its ability to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The high-voltage battery installed in the MINI Cooper SE with an energy content of 54.2 kWh enables a range of up to 402 kilometres as determined in the WLTP test cycle. To give your MINI a particularly sporty look it can be ordered in John Cooper Works Trim. With many details the equipment variant emphasises the brand’s motorsport genes – achieved through numerous racing successes, including three victories at the Monte Carlo Rally in the 1960s.

“The all-electric MINI Cooper SE in the new John Cooper Works Trim combines a passion for iconic design, legendary performance and sustainable mobility. It is the epitome of efficiency and driving pleasure”, says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI brand.

Individual front and rear design with a motorsport look.

The new John Cooper Works logo, which is characterised by clear outlines, stands out particularly well with its traditional red, white and black colour scheme and the symbolised chequered flag on the octagonal front grille. The powerful appearance of the MINI Cooper SE in JCW Trim is achieved, among other things, by 18-inch wheels in Lap Spoke 2-tone design with ten spokes each and JCW brake callipers in eye-catching red. Bonnet stripes on the body emphasise the sporty character.

As standard the MINI Cooper SE in JCW Trim includes striking diffusers at the front and rear. The radiator grille surround and logo are finished in high-gloss black. Visual highlights include the contrasting roof and the mirror caps in Chilli Red.

The MINI LED headlights have individual light signatures. With the selected JCW signature, the front lights only show two horizontal stripes as daytime running lights and emphasise the minimalist design of the new MINI Cooper SE. The graphics of the matrix rear lights underline the width of the rear of the vehicle.

Racing-inspired interior.

The JCW seats combine synthetic leather with red stitching and multi-coloured knitted material in the shoulder section. The black and red colour concept is continued on the 2d-knit covering the interior of the door and the dashboard – the passenger side of which is adorned with the JCW-specific pattern in style of a chequered flag.

The central, high-resolution OLED display with a diameter of 240 mm bundles vehicle-related data and provides information on navigation, media, telephone and climate settings. With the MINI Experience Modes, it offers new possibilities for individualisation. These include the John Cooper Works-inspired GO-KART Mode, which colours the display and interior lighting anthracite red. In addition to the special GO-KART sound, the optimised throttle response of the accelerator pedal in this mode enhances the sporty driving experience.

New driver assistance systems and efficient charging.

With 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround cameras, Parking Assistant Plus simplifies parking and identifies free parking spaces. The advanced EXPLORE Mode offers a unique solution for this vehicle segment: it allows parking via smartphone without the driver having to sit in the MINI.  A significant plus in convenience when parking space is tight at the side.

Fast charging with direct current is possible with up to 95 kW. This means that the battery can be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just under 30 minutes at a quick-charging station. The high-voltage battery is charged with 11 kW using alternating current. When navigation is activated, the high-voltage battery of the MINI Cooper SE is prepared to the ideal temperature for efficient charging depending on the weather conditions. The advantage: a significantly shorter charging time, especially at low outside temperatures.

Source: BMW Group