Techmeme Ride Home
Episode: Fri. 05/16 – Bribing Is The Oldest Form Of Hacking
Host: Brian McCullough
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Epic Games vs. Apple: Fortnite Offline Worldwide
Brian McCullough opens the episode by addressing the ongoing conflict between Epic Games and Apple. Epic's latest submission of Fortnite to the US App Store was rejected by Apple, leading to the game being taken offline globally until Apple lifts the ban. Epic Games announced via their official Fortnite X account:
"Apple blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the App Store or to the Epic Games store for iOS in the European Union." ([00:04])
This rejection not only affects the US but also impacts the European Union, where Fortnite was previously available through third-party stores like the Epic Games Store and Alt Store PAL. The removal follows Epic's resubmission efforts under its EU developer account, a necessity after their US account was terminated in 2020 due to violating Apple's in-app payment rules.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has been vocal about the situation, expressing frustration on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). He criticized Apple's app review process, stating it has been:
"...weaponized by senior management." ([Timestamp Not Specified])
Sweeney also highlighted concerns over the presence of unofficial Fortnite clones in the App Store, further escalating the tension between the two tech giants.
Coinbase Hacked Through Bribery
In a significant cybersecurity breach, Coinbase disclosed that hackers compromised a subset of its user data through bribing customer service representatives. The company revealed that:
"Hackers bribed enough Coinbase customer service representatives to achieve effectively on-demand access to Coinbase customer information since January." ([Approx. 05:30])
The breach exposed sensitive information, including names, addresses, emails, dates of birth, and banking details. Notably, login credentials and passwords remained secure. Despite the severity, Coinbase refused to pay the demanded $20 million ransom, stating their commitment to user security:
"We have no reason to believe that is true at all, but could not prove a negative." – Philip Martin, Coinbase Chief Security Officer ([Approx. 19:15])
Coinbase is anticipating remediation costs between $180 million to $400 million. Additionally, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has initiated a probe into whether Coinbase inaccurately reported its user figures, potentially indicating lapses in Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance.
Meta's Behemoth AI Model Faces Delays
Meta has announced the postponement of its ambitious Behemoth Large Language Model (LLM), initially slated for an April release. Due to challenges in enhancing its capabilities, the launch has been deferred to the fall or later. As noted:
"Company engineers are struggling to significantly improve the capabilities of its Behemoth large language model." ([Approx. 12:00])
The delay comes despite Meta's substantial investments in AI, aiming to rival leaders like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. Internal frustrations have surfaced, with senior executives attributing the setbacks to the team behind the Llama 4 models. Meta is contemplating major management changes within its AI division to address these issues.
Despite the delays, Meta continues to tout Behemoth's potential, asserting that it outperforms its competitors on certain benchmarks. However, internal training challenges have hindered its overall performance, preventing it from matching the latest frontier AI models.
Windsurf Launches New AI Coding Suite
Windsurf has unveiled SWE1, its inaugural family of software engineering AI models, positioning them against industry leaders like Claude 3.5, Sonnet GPT 4.1, and Gemini 2.5 Pro. According to TechCrunch:
"The startup claims its largest model matches Claude 3.5, Sonnet GPT 4.1, and Gemini 2.5 Pro on internal programming benchmarks." ([Approx. 14:30])
The SWE1 suite includes SWE1 Lite and SWE1 Mini, available to all users on Windsurf's platform, both free and paid. However, the flagship Swe1 model remains exclusive to paid subscribers. Windsurf emphasizes that their models are optimized not just for coding but the entire software engineering process, addressing limitations seen in current models that struggle with multi-surface interactions like terminals, IDEs, and the internet.
Nicholas Moy, Windsurf's Head of Research, stated:
"Coding is not software engineering. Our models are trained to handle incomplete states, long-running tasks, and multiple surfaces seamlessly." ([Approx. 17:45])
This launch signifies Windsurf's strategic move to develop proprietary AI models, diverging from the reliance on giants like OpenAI and Google, and aims to solidify their position in the Vibe coding space alongside startups like Cursor and Lovable.
Apple Rolls Out CarPlay Ultra in Select Vehicles
Apple has introduced CarPlay Ultra, the next-generation version of its in-car infotainment system. Initially available in Aston Martin models across North America, the rollout is set to expand shortly to other manufacturers including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis:
"CarPlay Ultra integrates vehicle controls with the CarPlay experience, including taking over display of the instrument cluster and gauges." ([Approx. 18:10])
9to5Mac reports that CarPlay Ultra offers advanced features such as:
- Instrument Cluster Integration: Digital speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge projections.
- Enhanced Media Controls: Seamless integration of media apps into the instrument cluster.
- Voice Commands: Control car features like radio and climate through Siri.
- Widget Projections: Display calendar, weather, and other glanceable information from the iPhone on the infotainment screen.
Despite the promising features, Apple has not provided a specific timeline for broader availability beyond Aston Martins. The company also showcased renders featuring Porsche vehicles, indicating ongoing collaborations with luxury automakers to enhance the CarPlay Ultra experience.
Weekend Read Suggestions
Infrared Wireless Charging
The episode highlights an innovative advancement in wireless charging technology. Infrared Wireless Charging allows devices to charge across a room without the need for physical contact or specialized charging pads. As detailed by The Verge:
"A wide charge transmitter in my ceiling has been shooting infrared lasers at a photovoltaic panel on the specially modified Alfred DB2S smart lock, keeping its battery hovering at 100%." ([Approx. 19:50])
This setup, albeit costly at around $1,250 and requiring installation modifications, showcases the potential for seamless power integration in smart homes. Users can maintain device functionality without the inconvenience of frequent battery replacements or wire management.
A24's Cinematic Dominance
A feature on A24, the film studio renowned for its indie successes, discusses its meteoric rise and significant influence in Hollywood. Dirt publication elaborates on A24's strategy to blend artistic integrity with mainstream appeal:
"A24 has become both a very telling kind of punching bag, absorbing any number of wider systemic issues and anxieties, and a hero single-handedly rescuing cinema from a swift death." ([Approx. 20:10])
From launching A24 Books to curating high-quality cinematic experiences, the studio has solidified its brand as a beacon of innovative storytelling. With substantial investments and strategic board appointments, A24 is poised to continue shaping the future of film amidst an industry dominated by blockbuster franchises and nostalgia-driven productions.
Conclusion
In this episode of Techmeme Ride Home, Brian McCullough navigates through major tech controversies and innovations, from the high-stakes battle between Epic Games and Apple, to the sophisticated yet rudimentary method of hacking through bribery at Coinbase. Meta's struggles with its Behemoth AI model and Windsurf's entry into proprietary AI coding solutions highlight the intense competition and rapid evolution within the tech industry. Additionally, Apple's latest venture into automotive infotainment with CarPlay Ultra signals a deeper integration of technology into everyday life. The weekend reads offer a glimpse into future technologies and the cultural impact of influential media companies like A24.
Note: Advertisements and promotional segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the informative content discussed in the episode.