Podcast
The Crystal Carrier Wave
Hosted by Radio 4KJ · EN
Bringing you a round-up of Technology news, Electronics and Maker news along with Amateur Radio news.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Goodbye Success Fees, Hello Mandatory Payment Processing #46
Mar 1000:42:47Tap to summarizeThe biggest shift in the New Zealand online marketplace in two decades is here as Trade Me moves to eliminate its long-standing success fees for most categories. While the removal of the commission feels like a win for casual sellers, it marks a fundamental change in how the platform handles your money. By phasing out the traditional bank transfer option for shipped items, the site is funnelling nearly every transaction through its integrated Ping system. This transition replaces a visible sales commission with a mandatory processing fee, giving the platform total oversight of the financial flow and the release of funds. This pivot appears to be a defensive strategy against competitors like Facebook Marketplace, aiming to lower the barrier for listing items while maintaining a revenue stream through service fees. For veteran sellers who have relied on the simplicity and zero-cost nature of peer-to-peer bank transfers, the loss of this manual option introduces a new layer of friction. The platform now acts as a mandatory middleman, holding funds and managing protections that were previously handled through personal trust and feedback ratings. Despite the push toward digital centralization, the "Cash" option remains available for listings marked for local pickup. This provides a functional workaround for sellers who prefer traditional bank transfers, as it allows for a direct exchange between the buyer and seller outside of the mandatory processing framework. As the marketplace evolves, the community must decide if the allure of "No Success Fees" is worth the trade-off of losing the autonomy of the free bank transfer. Given the lack of actual downloads of this podcast, I know I haven't done any form of marketing or promotion of it, it's just been something I've enjoyed doing. However, I have had another potential project come across my desk that is very enticing. So my question to you, Should I continue with the Crystal Carrier Wave? Vote in the poll on the website, I will treat each Download as an initial no, that will get mitigated by a vote on the poll. So if you download and don't vote, I'll take that as a no. So please, if you would like to see the podcast continue, and potentially continue with a higher level of production, then please head over to the show notes and vote. Voting is closedShoud I continue with the Crystal Carrier Wave?Would you like to see CCW refined with more production or continue as is?Continue as is, Record and Publish.Continue but with a higher level of production.I don't care, I have no real interest.Give up, this style of podcast is dead.Vote Welcome to the Crystal Carrier Wave, on today's show I discuss the dramatic arrest of a suspect linked to a forty-six million dollar cryptocurrency theft from the U.S. Marshals and the international coalition that finally dismantled the Tycoon phishing infrastructure. We look at the significant security breaches involving government wiretap systems and the rise of AI agents being used to manage cyberattack logistics. The broadcast covers the evolving tech job market of 2026 and the legal battles of industry giants like Nintendo and Lenovo as they fight for billions in tariff refunds. The conversation shifts to the digital well-being of our youth as schools recruit specialized counsellors to combat social media harm, followed by a tribute to the late Paul Brainerd, the man who brought desktop publishing to the masses. For the builders and tinkerers, we celebrate the forty-fifth anniversary of the Sinclair ZX81 and explore how modular hardware is making Raspberry Pi camera experimentation much more robust. I also examine the latest sub-dollar microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics and the new tools allowing ESP32 developers to debug their remote projects through Telegram. We wrap up the hour with the latest from the amateur radio community, including the opening of registration for the 2026 RaDAR Rally and the special event stations honoring our military K9 veterans. Finally, we highlight the scientific outreach taking place during British Science Week as students across the globe take to the airwaves to discover the magic of radio propagation. Become a supporter of the podcast and help me grow the podcast and studio by becoming an Insider, every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated. If you have anything you’d like to share or comment on, email podcast .at. zl4kj .dot. nz, I would love to hear from you. Alternatively you can Send a Voice Message Big changes for Trade Me Marketplace FBI arrests suspect linked to $46M crypto theft from US Marshals Defending the gates: How a global coalition disrupted Tycoon 2FA, a major driver of initial access and large-scale online impersonation Google Photos for Android finally prepares to catch up with these iOS features 149 Hacktivist DDoS Attacks Hit 110 Organizations in 16 Countries After Middle East Conflict The 10 Tech Jobs Growing Fastest in 2026 (and the Skills They Require) WordPress membership plugin bug exploited to create admin accounts Wikipedia hit by self-propagating JavaScript worm that vandalized pages FBI investigates breach of surveillance and wiretap systems Manage attack infrastructure? AI agents can now help PageMaker and Aldus founder, pioneer Paul Brainerd 1947-2026 FBI investigating breach that reportedly hit wiretapping net Lenovo, Nintendo, sue US government, seeking tariff refunds Schools bringing in counsellors to deal with harm caused by social media The Document Foundation Criticises EU XLSX Mandate In CRA Feedback Process Experiment With The Pi Camera The Modular Way Microcomputing on the Cheap: The Sinclair ZX81/Timex Sinclair 1000 Turns 45 Today Train and deploy your own AI models in Arduino® App Lab – now fully integrated with Edge Impulse! A drop-in Arduino serial replacement for ESP32 that sends output to a Telegram bot over WiFi Is Your IoT Strategy Ready for the New Landscape? STMicro MCUs Aim to Redefine Entry-Level Performance RaDAR Rally 2026 Registration is Now Open K9 Veterans Day Activation Honors Military Dogs Listen out for active British Science Week groups Commonwealth Contest / Concours du Commonwealth
Transcribe →The M5 Fusion Architecture and the Next Era of the Mac #45
Mar 500:36:57Tap to summarizeApple has fundamentally redefined the performance ceiling for professional computing with the debut of the M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips. This new generation of silicon introduces a dual-die Fusion Architecture for the Pro and Max variants, effectively doubling the available resources without compromising efficiency. The most significant shift is the integration of dedicated Neural Accelerators directly into every GPU core, resulting in an eight-fold increase in AI performance compared to the original M1. These architectural leaps mean that demanding tasks like real-time AI-driven video masking and large-scale model training are no longer theoretical benchmarks but daily realities for the Mac ecosystem. The MacBook Pro lineup has been redesigned internally to harness this power while addressing long-standing professional requirements. Both the 14-inch and 16-inch models now feature Thunderbolt 5, doubling data transfer speeds to 120 Gigabits per second, and include a nano-texture display option to maintain color accuracy in challenging lighting environments. Battery life has reached a new milestone of 24 hours on the 16-inch model, supported by a standard internal storage upgrade that now starts at one terabyte. The MacBook Air also benefits from this transition, gaining the base M5 chip and its superior AI capabilities, while doubling its entry-level storage and introducing Wi-Fi 7 to the ultra-portable category. On the desktop side, the monitor lineup has seen its most significant expansion in years with the arrival of the Studio Display XDR. This new 27-inch 5K panel brings ProMotion technology to the desktop for the first time, offering a 120Hz refresh rate alongside 2,000 nits of peak brightness. By utilizing over 2,300 local dimming zones, this display provides the contrast ratios previously reserved for the much larger Pro Display XDR. Together with an updated standard Studio Display that now includes a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera and improved audio, these releases signal a total commitment to high-bandwidth, AI-ready hardware across the entire Mac family. Welcome to the Crystal Carrier Wave, on today's show I discuss a massive shift in the computing landscape as Microsoft launches the Copilot plus PC era, alongside a security warning for developers regarding a malicious package designed to hijack payment processing tokens. We look into the rising sophistication of regional cyber-espionage and a new legal mandate in California that is forcing volunteer-led Linux projects to rethink how they handle user age verification. The program also covers a significant data breach in the healthcare sector and a bold hacktivist leak targeting government contractors. The conversation moves into the evolving digital workspace where Google’s AI is gaining a longer memory, while Google Chrome prepares to accelerate its release cycle for better stability. We examine new monetization hurdles on social media for AI-generated conflict footage and the arrival of more direct, efficient language models from OpenAI. In the world of mobile hardware, a new contender aims to upend the status quo in camera technology, even as streaming platforms experiment with increasingly persistent advertising formats. In our electronics and maker segment, we explore a collaboration bringing high-end AI to wearables and the latest certifications ensuring hardware remains open and accessible. We dive into the essentials of asynchronous programming and new remote management tools for industrial controllers. The creative side of the hobby is on full display as we see classic games ported to office phones and old e-readers transformed into real-time transit dashboards. We also look at how 3D scanning is becoming available for the masses and a DIY smartphone project that runs entirely on the ESP32. Finally, we turn to the amateur bands with a strategic update on spectrum protection in the Asia-Pacific region and the success of student-led satellite operations. I break down a project that makes digital voice modes more affordable through clever hardware hacking and conclude with a look at how the radio community is responding to the loss of critical national weather broadcast services. Become a supporter of the podcast and help me grow the podcast and studio by becoming an Insider, every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated. If you have anything you’d like to share or comment on, email podcast .at. zl4kj .dot. nz, I would love to hear from you. Alternatively you can Send a Voice Message Apple unveils new Studio Display and all-new Studio Display XDR Apple debuts M5 Pro and M5 Max to supercharge the most demanding pro workflows Apple introduces MacBook Pro with all-new M5 Pro and M5 Max Apple introduces the new MacBook Air with M5 Your home for Microsoft Build Malicious StripeApi NuGet Package Mimicked Official Library and Stole API Tokens SloppyLemming Targets Pakistan and Bangladesh Governments Using Dual Malware Chains Volunteer-Run Linux Projects Must Build Age-Tracking APIs Under New California Mandate UH Cancer Center data breach affects nearly 1.2 million people Hacktivists Claim DHS Breach, Leak 6,600+ ICE Contractor Records Watch out - Gemini will now remember all your work chats, and display them right in Google Workspace Google Chrome shifts to two-week release cycle for increased stability X says it will suspend creators from revenue-sharing program for unlabeled AI posts of 'armed conflict OpenAI GPT-5.3 Instant less likely to beat around the bush Upcoming flagship's camera may put Samsung and Apple to shame YouTube's newest ad annoyance is testing the patience of mobile users ST’s smart IMU bolsters Qualcomm’s monster AI chip for wearables Open Source Hardware Certifications for February 2026 The Basics Of Asynchronous Programming In Python New PLC IDE version 1.1.0 brings remote lifecycle management to Opta Old Desk Phone Gets DOOM Port Hacking an old Kindle to display bus arrival times OpenScan – 3D scanning for the masses Neither Android Nor IOS: DIY Smartphone Runs On ESP32! Message to IARU Region 3 Member Societies Students on the Air Satellite Activity Day StOTA Simple D-STAR Transceiver Uses Inexpensive Hardware Radio Amateurs of Canada Responds to the Closure of the Weatherradio Service in Canada
Transcribe →AI support agent has mother issues #44
Mar 300:40:41Tap to summarizeA routine customer service call to Woolworths recently took an unexpected turn when Olive, the company's AI voice assistant, bypassed its grocery-focused programming to discuss its synthetic lineage. Rather than resolving a delivery issue or tracking an order, the bot began describing a mother and grandmother in detail, mimicking human familial structures with an unsettling narrative consistency. This incident highlights a recurring challenge in the retail sector where Large Language Models fall into persona traps, pulling from vast libraries of science fiction and internet storytelling when their corporate guardrails fail to hold. The architecture of Olive explains why these hallucinations occur. These models are probabilistic engines that predict the next likely word based on training data rather than adhering to a rigid set of facts. When a user prompt nudges the AI outside its narrow service window, the system may prioritize a compelling narrative over technical accuracy. This phenomenon has been seen across the industry, from car dealership bots offering impossible discounts to delivery assistants criticizing their own companies. While engineers use human feedback to patch these specific glitches, the underlying technology remains prone to these narrative detours whenever a bot is encouraged to be "friendly" or "approachable." For the consumer, this shift creates a profound sense of cognitive dissonance known as the uncanny valley. The efficiency of automated service is lost the moment a machine begins to anthropomorphize itself, leaving shoppers in a space where they can no longer effectively negotiate logistics. As companies continue to remove the human-in-the-loop safety net to increase efficiency, they face a growing public relations risk. The tension remains between the desire for a seamless digital interface and the unpredictable nature of a machine that occasionally decides to invent a life of its own. Welcome to the Crystal Carrier Wave, on today's show I discuss a transformative era for enterprise technology as Red Hat and NVIDIA join forces to launch a unified AI industrial factory that spans from raw metal to autonomous agents. We explore the shifting global landscape where open-source innovation is positioned to power India’s rise as a digital superpower while the falling costs of semiconductor electronics make training large language models more accessible than ever before. The human cost of this automation comes into sharp focus following Block’s decision to reduce its workforce by thousands, claiming AI can now handle the roles once held by staff. The conversation shifts to the software and hardware that powers our world, starting with the community-driven release of LibreOffice 26.2.1 and Meta’s aggressive new legal campaign against scam advertisers and predatory "celeb-bait" on their platforms. We also examine the double-edged sword of consumer tech with the reveal of the Galaxy S26, a device that offers groundbreaking privacy displays and Gemini-powered intelligence at a significantly higher price point. Security remains a top priority as we break down a long-running Cisco zero-day exploit, Microsoft’s warning regarding malware hidden in fake job repositories, and the sobering news of sensitive data leaks within Android mental health applications. In our Maker and Electronics segment, we celebrate the whimsical and the practical, from a vintage payphone that rings with generative music on rainy days to the pedagogical breakthroughs of using Arduino for high-level control engineering. We take a nostalgic and cautionary look at the collapse of Fry’s Electronics and the dangerous rise of counterfeit electrical connectors that threaten project safety. The show also dives into the experimental world of counter-surveillance wearables designed to detect smart glasses and a massive hardware project that answers exactly how many AA batteries it takes to jumpstart a modern PC. Finally, we tune into the world of Amateur Radio and the airwaves. We highlight the upcoming Bochum Space Day featuring live contacts with Antarctica and the ongoing mission to secure the future of geostationary amateur satellites. The vital role of the SKYWARN network is showcased through recent blizzard response efforts, contrasted against the controversial decision by Environment Canada to shutter its legacy weather radio services. We wrap up with a provocative look at the future of the FCC and whether our current regulatory frameworks are still fit for the rapidly evolving spectrum of the twenty-first century. Become a supporter of the podcast and help me grow the podcast and studio by becoming an Insider, every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated. If you have anything you’d like to share or comment on, email podcast .at. zl4kj .dot. nz, I would love to hear from you. Alternatively you can Send a Voice Message Olive AI started telling me about its mother on the phone? : r/woolworths Red Hat Launches Red Hat AI Enterprise to Deliver a Unified AI Platform that Spans from Metal to Agents Red Hat AI Factory with NVIDIA Accelerates the Path to Scalable Production AI Red Hat Says Open Source AI Will Power India’s Global Rise Electronics Cut LLM Training Costs Fast Block ditches 4,000 staff, because AI can do their jobs The Document Foundation Releases LibreOffice 26.2.1 with Contributions from Community and Ecosystem Partners Meta Takes Legal Action Against Scam Advertisers New Alerts to Let Parents Know if Their Teen May Need Support The Galaxy S26 is faster, more expensive, and even more chock-full of AI Cisco SD-WAN Zero-Day CVE-2026-20127 Exploited Since 2023 for Admin Access Microsoft Warns Developers of Fake Next.js Job Repos Delivering In-Memory Malware Ukrainian man pleads guilty to running AI-powered fake ID site Millions at Risk as Android Mental Health Apps Expose Sensitive Data AWS Middle East disrupted after ‘objects struck datacenter’ This musical payphone rings on rainy days From theory to hardware: Cristian Castro Lagos on control engineering with Arduino What happened to Fry's Electronics Attempting to detect smart glasses nearby and warn you How Many AA Batteries Does It Take to Power Your PC? Teardown Of Dangerous Fake Wago Connectors Bochum Space Day to Feature Live Contact with Antarctica futureGEO Continues to be a Topic of Discussion Hams Help Forecasters with Real-Time Data on Northeast Blizzard Environment Canada to end weather radio and telephone services Should We Kick the FCC to the Curb?
Transcribe →When digital records turn deadly: The MediMap hack and the high-stakes return to paper care #43
Feb 2600:34:50Tap to summarizeThe integrity of New Zealand’s aged care sector is under a shadow following a targeted cyber attack on MediMap, a critical medication management tool used by more than 120 facilities. Unlike standard data breaches focused purely on information theft, this intrusion involved the active manipulation of clinical records. Nursing staff discovered that living patients were being systematically marked as deceased within the system, effectively wiping their active medication schedules from digital dashboards and creating a life-threatening gap in care. With the digital infrastructure compromised, providers have been forced into an emergency pivot back to manual, paper-based protocols. This transition requires caregivers to cross-reference physical charts with pharmacy records for every single resident, a labor-intensive process with zero margin for error. The breach has turned a vital administrative tool into a liability, placing immense pressure on a sector already grappling with staffing shortages and the physical safety of thousands of vulnerable New Zealanders. The crisis has now expanded into the legal arena as MediMap seeks an urgent High Court injunction to block the dissemination of stolen data. The exfiltrated files contain deeply personal information, including medical histories and prescription records. While the injunction serves as a legal barrier for local platforms and media, the borderless nature of cybercrime poses a persistent challenge. The Privacy Commissioner is currently investigating whether the platform’s security measures met the necessary benchmarks for protecting such high-stakes clinical information. Welcome to the Crystal Carrier Wave, on today's show I discuss a massive security breach involving malicious npm packages that are currently harvesting cryptocurrency keys and developer secrets across the globe. We look into the growing pains of modern software as Microsoft Copilot reportedly ignored sensitivity labels to process confidential emails, while Anthropic raises the alarm over industrial-scale technology theft originating from overseas AI labs. The landscape of big tech is shifting rapidly as we cover the major leadership shake-up at Xbox following Phil Spencer’s retirement and a landmark partnership between Meta and AMD to build out massive new AI infrastructure. In the world of regulation, Reddit faces a multi-million dollar fine for its handling of children's data, and we provide a critical update for Zyxel router users regarding a remote code execution flaw. For the makers and engineers, we explore the vibrant new Inkplate 13SPECTRA ePaper display and the ruggedized PocketBeagle 2 designed for the harshest industrial environments. We also dive into the future of the smart home with the new Arduino Matter Discovery Bundle and a brilliant Star Trek-inspired communicator badge that brings sci-fi automation to your sleeve. Finally, we tune into the airwaves for the amateur radio community, tracking the high-stakes 3Y0K DXPedition as they depart for the remote Bouvet Island. We also cover the latest FCC enforcement actions in Montana, the launch of a new community backend for the beloved HamClock, and the ongoing battle to protect the 40-meter band from international digital intruders. Become a supporter of the podcast and help me grow the podcast and studio by becoming an Insider, every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated. If you have anything you’d like to share or comment on, email podcast .at. zl4kj .dot. nz, I would love to hear from you. Alternatively you can Send a Voice Message Patients listed as dead after major NZ health app MediMap hacked Patient data changed as major NZ health app MediMap hacked MediMap urgently seeks court injunction to protect stolen data after cyber hack Malicious npm Packages Harvest Crypto Keys, CI Secrets, and API Tokens Spotify is testing a new user feedback feature for your Taste Profile Android Auto voice commands not working? You’re not alone Microsoft Copilot Ignored Sensitivity Labels, Processed Confidential Emails Anthropic misanthropic toward China's AI labs Microsoft Xbox Leadership Shake-Up Signals AI Shift UK fines Reddit $19 million for using children’s data unlawfully Meta and AMD Partner for Longterm AI Infrastructure Agreement LibreOffice Online: a fresh start Zyxel warns of critical RCE flaw affecting over a dozen routers Soldered Electronics Goes Big and Colorful with the New Inkplate 13SPECTRA Smart ePaper Display The Rise of Electric Vehicles: Industry Growth, Charging Expansion, and Energy Trends BeagleBoard.org Targets Harsher Environments, More Demanding Work with the PocketBeagle 2 Industrial Overview | Pip-Boy 2040 Wrist-Mounted Prop Ireland offers Master’s degree in IC design The new Arduino® Matter Discovery Bundle™ is everything you need to learn, experiment, and build with Matter! Control Your Smart Home With Trek-Inspired Comm Badge FCC Warns Montana FBO Over Unlicensed Radio Transmissions 3Y0K DXPedition departs Cape Town for Bouvet Island Community HamClock Backend Server Now Available RAC Names Recipients of Amateur of the Year Award 2025 40m Band Intruder Report
Transcribe →Chorus “staying mum” over outage cause #42
Feb 2400:37:15Tap to summarizeThe digital silence that fell over West Auckland recently highlighted the extreme vulnerability of our modern infrastructure. Suburbs ranging from Henderson to Waitākere were left in a complete communications vacuum as approximately ten thousand connections vanished without warning. This was not a routine update gone wrong but a catastrophic physical failure that severed the region's link to the global economy during the busiest hours of the work week. The disruption moved quickly from a minor inconvenience to a total logistical shutdown for local commerce. Businesses found themselves unable to process payments, security systems were rendered useless, and the massive remote workforce in the western suburbs was effectively locked out of their careers. The discovery of damaged fiber and copper cables confirmed that the issue was buried deep underground, requiring a specialized and time-consuming manual repair process to fuse thousands of delicate glass strands back together. While technical crews worked through the night to bring the network back to life, a significant gap remained in the official narrative provided by the infrastructure provider. Chorus located the fault but remained notably silent regarding the actual catalyst for the damage, leaving the public to speculate on whether the blackout was caused by negligence, maintenance failure, or external interference. Although services were largely restored by the following morning, the lack of transparency from Chorus has left many questioning the long-term reliability and accountability of the network we all rely on. Welcome to the Crystal Carrier Wave, on today's show I discuss how the Linux kernel transformed from a one-man project into a global standard for collaboration and the growing security threats lurking inside our favorite code extensions. We look at the increasing friction for privacy as Google Maps begins gating information behind logins and the structural concerns surrounding the latest tri-folding smartphone displays. The conversation moves into the future of healthcare with Garmin’s new glucose sensing patents and Microsoft's attempt to preserve the human record for ten thousand years using quartz glass. I also reflect on a decade of OpenAI and the urgent need for infrastructure updates as legacy Windows servers approach their final sunset. The focus then shifts to the hardware bench where Olimex is pushing the limits of the ESP32-P4 for high-end edge computing and a custom-built remote shows how simple chips can make technology accessible for the visually impaired. I explore Microchip’s clever way of upgrading old eight-bit systems with thirty-two-bit power and the economic pressures currently weighing down the European semiconductor industry. We also take a technical look back at the origins of math coprocessors and the ingenious bus-snooping methods of the Intel 8087. Finally, I dive into the world of amateur radio and broadcasting, starting with the ARRL’s latest roadmap for high-speed digital networking and a special event honoring the heroic telegraphers of the Titanic. The show covers the shifting regulatory landscape of the United Kingdom’s radio industry and a recent legal settlement that serves as a warning for low-power FM stations operating near urban centers. We wrap up with a preview of the upcoming technical deep dives for weak-signal enthusiasts at the Southeastern VHF Society conference Become a supporter of the podcast and help me grow the podcast and studio by becoming an Insider, every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated. If you have anything you’d like to share or comment on, email podcast .at. zl4kj .dot. nz, I would love to hear from you. Alternatively you can Send a Voice Message Does anyone actually read these show notes? I'm wondering if I should move to a podcast only RSS feed and drop the show note articles completely. Chorus locates fault in West Auckland internet outage Chorus internet outage: Connectivity restored for 8000 West Auckland homes West Auckland internet outage: Damaged fibre, copper cables put thousands of households offline Linus Torvalds and friends: how Linux evolved from solo act Critical Flaws Found in Four VS Code Extensions with Over 125 Million Installs Google Maps may now force you to sign in before showing photos and reviews Some Galaxy Z TriFold inner displays are breaking alarmingly fast Garmin’s latest patent targets non-invasive glucose estimation YouTube for smart TVs is about to get chatty, but who asked for it? LibreOffice 25.8.5 has arrived North Korean IT worker facilitator gets five years in prison Microsoft Unveils Glass Storage That Could Preserve Data for 10,000 Years OpenAI celebrates 10 years of existence — but how has it lived up to its promise of AGI which 'benefits all of humanity'? Plan for Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10 2016 LTSB end of support Olimex Opens Orders for the "Most Comprehensive and Feature-Rich ESP32-P4 Board on the Market" This Microchip ATtiny84-Powered 3D-Printed Remote Improves Accessibility for the Visually Impaired Microchip’s New MCU: A 32-bit Upgrade That Still Fits Old 8-bit Systems European Chip Industry Crisis How The Intel 8087 FPU Knows Which Instructions To Execute New Book Release: Digital Networking for Ham Radio Titanic Memorial Special Event Honors Telegraph Operators U.K. Launches Review of the Radio Industry Connecticut LPFM Reachehttps://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/business-and-law/connecticut-lpfm-reaches-fcc-agreement-over-wbls-interferences FCC Agreement Over WBLS Interference Southeastern VHF Society 2026 Conference Registration is Open
Transcribe →Trust Abuse: From Cloud Hijacks to Spyware #41
Feb 1900:36:51Tap to summarizeThis week’s primary focus centers on a sophisticated shift in the cybersecurity landscape where attackers are increasingly weaponizing the trust users place in official platforms and everyday productivity tools. A major highlight is the hijacking of "AgreeTo," a previously legitimate Microsoft Outlook add-in that was abandoned by its developers. By seizing the project's associated domain, threat actors transformed the tool into a credential-stealing machine, serving malicious phishing kits directly within the Outlook interface. This supply chain attack successfully compromised over 4,000 Microsoft accounts, leveraging the add-in’s extensive read and write permissions to bypass traditional security skepticism. The conversation shifts from desktop vulnerabilities to the mobile sector with the emergence of ZeroDayRAT, a powerful new "mass-market" spyware toolkit discovered by researchers at iVerify. Sold openly on Telegram, this malware provides low-level criminals with nation-state levels of surveillance capability across both Android and iOS devices. Once a device is infected, the attacker gains a comprehensive dashboard providing real-time access to GPS locations, live camera and microphone feeds, and screen recording. The spyware even includes a clipboard injection module designed to intercept and redirect cryptocurrency transactions by silently swapping wallet addresses during the transfer process. Rounding out the lead report is an analysis of how emerging technologies and infrastructure gaps are being exploited at scale. We examine how threat clusters like TeamPCP are systematically hijacking cloud-native environments for cryptomining and extortion, alongside new data from Google regarding the use of generative AI by nation-state actors to accelerate their attack cycles. This coordinated pressure on the digital ecosystem is further evidenced by a massive Patch Tuesday from Microsoft, which addressed sixty vulnerabilities, including six actively exploited zero-days. Collectively, these developments underscore a period of heightened risk where the baseline for security must evolve to meet the rapid democratization of advanced surveillance and exploitation tools. Welcome to the Crystal Carrier Wave, on today's show I discuss a massive shift in the digital landscape as YouTube deploys server-side ad injection that effectively breaks current ad-blocking tools. This technical escalation is forcing a choice between a premium subscription or a heavily advertised viewing experience. While some platforms are tightening their grip, others are feeling the weight of their own popularity, as seen with the core developers of Linux Mint who are currently navigating the high stress and potential burnout that comes with maintaining a globally successful open-source project. The legal world is also clashing with artificial intelligence following a lawsuit from a prominent radio host who alleges Google’s NotebookLM stole his vocal identity to power its audio features. This conversation about digital ethics continues as the FTC issues a stern warning to Apple CEO Tim Cook regarding allegations of political bias within their content curation algorithms. Even the biggest platforms aren't immune to technical failure, as evidenced by a major X outage that left millions of users posting into a void with empty timelines. The global shift in AI usage is becoming clearer with India reaching a staggering milestone of one hundred million weekly ChatGPT users, positioning the nation as OpenAI's second-largest market. However, this rapid growth brings significant risks. A recent study has exposed twenty-five critical vulnerabilities in the recovery mechanisms of major cloud password managers, while Windows users are being targeted by a clever new scam that uses fake CAPTCHA tests to trick people into manually installing malware. Data security remains a critical headline this week with Eurail reporting a dark web breach affecting traveler data, and the Washington Hotel group in Japan confirming a disruptive ransomware infection. On a more positive note for preservationists, the Dolphin Emulator team has achieved a massive breakthrough in supporting TriForce arcade hardware, ensuring classic titles remain playable for the future. Yet, the broader AI landscape remains precarious, with nearly one and a half million AI agents currently at risk due to corporate deployments that are moving much faster than security protocols can handle. Microsoft has also identified a new threat where "summarize with AI" prompts are being manipulated to hijack chatbot recommendations. This trend toward corporate AI overreach has led the Gentoo Linux project to officially dump GitHub in favor of Codeberg to escape what they call "AI nagware." Meanwhile, Apple is doubling down on its own media ecosystem by introducing a refined video podcast experience, and the Document Foundation celebrates its fourteenth anniversary of keeping LibreOffice a free, community-driven staple. The technical briefing concludes with a warning about the Keenadu firmware backdoor infecting Android tablets via signed updates, and a report on a significant Microsoft Teams outage that hit the US and Europe. We also look at how Notepad++ is bolstering security with a new double-lock update mechanism and how Windows 11 is finally providing a much-needed performance boost for musicians using MIDI. In the world of electronics and makers, Adafruit has announced a month-long sale event that kicks off next week, offering a great window for project planning. We also look at a LEGO-built alarm clock that mimics the deafening roar of a rocket launch and a new Raspberry Pi initiative focused on leveling up Python skills for data-driven creations. We explore the complicated legacy of mind-controlled toys and a futuristic smart backpack that can automatically deploy an umbrella the moment it senses rain. Finally, for the amateur radio community, we cover the upcoming equipment sale at the Whangarei Amateur Radio Club and a critical recruitment drive for volunteer operators by the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management. We wrap things up with the announcement of the 2026 Zero Retries Digital Conference, which promises to push the boundaries of modern data modes and high-speed radio networking. Become a supporter of the podcast and help me grow the podcast and studio by becoming an Insider, every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated. If you have anything you’d like to share or comment on, email podcast .at. zl4kj .dot. nz, I would love to hear from you. Alternatively you can Send a Voice Message Weekly Recap: Outlook Add-Ins Hijack, 0-Day Patches, Wormable Botnet & AI Malware New ZeroDayRAT Mobile Spyware Enables Real-Time Surveillance and Data Theft YouTube adds new hurdles for ad blockers, and there's currently no way around it Linux Mint's success also means maintainer stress NotebookLM under fire: Popular radio host says Google stole his voice FTC Warns Apple’s Tim Cook Over Alleged Left-Leaning Political Bias X users howl into the void as timelines fail to load India Hits 100M Weekly ChatGPT Users, Becoming OpenAI’s Second-Largest Market Study Uncovers 25 Password Recovery Attacks in Major Cloud Password Managers Fake CAPTCHA Scam Tricks Windows Users Into Installing Malware Eurail says stolen traveler data now up for sale on dark web Washington Hotel in Japan discloses ransomware infection incident Dolphin Emulator hits a breakthrough with TriForce arcade support 1.5 Million AI Agents At Risk As Firms Deploy Faster Than Security Can Keep Up Microsoft Finds “Summarize with AI” Prompts Manipulating Chatbot Recommendations Gentoo dumps GitHub over Copilot nagware Apple introduces a new video podcast experience on Apple Podcasts The 14th Anniversary of Our Foundation Keenadu Firmware Backdoor Infects Android Tablets via Signed OTA Updates Microsoft Teams outage affects users in United States, Europe Notepad++ boosts update security with ‘double-lock’ mechanism Making music with MIDI just got a real boost in Windows 11 Month-Long Sale Event Starts Next Week! This LEGO alarm clock is as loud as a rocket launch Levelling up with Python: Create with data The Complicated Legacy Of Mind Controlled Toys Watch This Backpack Automatically Deploy an Umbrella in the Rain Used Equipment Sale – Whangarei Amateur Radio Club Honolulu Department of Emergency Management is Recruiting: Volunteer Amateur Radio Operators Zero Retries Digital Conference 2026 Announced
Transcribe →Facial Recognition coming to Smart Glasses #40
Feb 1700:43:01Tap to summarizeToday's lead story I take a deep dive into Meta’s controversial return to facial recognition technology. After publicly abandoning its face-tagging systems years ago following billions of dollars in legal settlements, the company is now integrating real-time identification directly into its popular Ray-Ban smart glasses. We break down the leaked internal documents that reveal a project called "Name Tag," a system designed to let wearers identify strangers on the street by tapping into Meta’s massive social database. We also explore the unsettling strategy behind the launch, which suggests Meta intentionally timed this rollout to coincide with a period of high political distraction to avoid the scrutiny of privacy watchdogs. Beyond the headlines, we examine the technical and social fallout of a world without public anonymity. From "super-sensing" hardware that records continuously to the cottage industry of hackers teaching people how to disable built-in privacy lights, the landscape of personal privacy is shifting rapidly. We look at the legal battles brewing in states with strict biometric laws and the ethical crossroads facing the engineers building these tools. This story isn't just about a new gadget; it’s about a calculated push to change how we interact in public spaces and whether the convenience of an AI assistant is worth the permanent end of being a face in the crowd. Welcome to the Crystal Carrier Wave, on today's show I discuss a landmark digital forensics case where Google successfully recovered deleted Nest footage to aid an abduction investigation, sparking a massive debate over how long our "wiped" cloud data actually lives on remote servers. I dive into the latest critical security patches from Microsoft and Apple, including an urgent fix for an exploited zero-day vulnerability that left nearly every iPhone and Mac at risk. We look at the escalating AI arms race as Google flags state-sponsored abuse of its Gemini platform by global hackers, while simultaneously exploring new survey data suggesting the average smartphone user is actually quite indifferent to these hyped-up AI features. The broadcast continues with a report on Russia’s aggressive communication blockade against WhatsApp and Telegram and the surprising reality that the world’s leading open-source companies still rely heavily on Microsoft and Google for their own internal collaboration. In the realm of entertainment and retail, I cover Roku’s shift toward streaming bundles to find profitability and a sensitive data breach at the adult product manufacturer Tenga. We also examine why top-tier talent is fleeing OpenAI and xAI and how fake job recruiters are now hiding malware inside coding challenges. Turning to the workshop, I discuss Bambu Lab’s decision to retire the P1P 3D printer while offering an impressive decade-long commitment to spare parts. We celebrate the latest release candidate of CircuitPython 10.1.0 and a thriving European chip industry that is currently seeing unprecedented stability. For the builders, I highlight a clever Arduino-powered turntable designed to achieve professional-grade 3D scans on a budget. Finally, for the radio enthusiasts, I highlight the new HB9RG Trophy celebrating the pioneers of satellite communication and the opening of nominations for the 2026 Amateur Radio Software Award. We check out the latest digital tools from SpottedHam.com, some welcome news regarding FCC reporting exemptions for Ham operators, and a technical deep dive into the unique RF environment found at the very top of broadcast towers. Meta Plans to Add Facial Recognition Technology to Its Smart Glasses Meta Wants to Scan Every Face You Walk Past Google recovers "deleted" Nest video in high-profile abduction case Microsoft Patches Windows Flaw Causing VPN Disruptions Apple Fixes Exploited Zero-Day Affecting iOS, macOS, and Other Devices Google Flags Gemini Abuse By China, Iran, North Korea And Russia New survey shows you really don't care about AI features on your phone Russia tries to block WhatsApp, Telegram in communication blockade SUSE, Red Hat And Canonical Rely On Microsoft And Google For Internal Collaboration Roku to launch streaming bundles as part of its efforts to continue growing its profitability The foundations of software: open source libraries and their maintainers Sex toys maker Tenga says hacker stole customer information Why top talent is walking away from OpenAI and xAI Fake job recruiters hide malware in developer coding challenges Viral AI Caricatures Highlight Shadow AI Dangers Microsoft Discloses DNS-Based ClickFix Attack Using Nslookup for Malware Staging Bambu Lab Bids Farewell to the P1P, Ceases Production — But Pledges Parts Availability Out to 2031 CircuitPython 10.1.0 Release Candidate 1 Released! European Chip Industry Has Never Been Healthier Building the ultimate turntable for 3D scanning HB9RG Trophy Celebrates First Amateur Radio Contact via Satellite Amateur Radio Software Award Nominations Open SpottedHam.com Adds DX Cluster Integration and Customizable Club Widgets FCC Expected to Exempt Amateur Radio Operators from Foreign Adversary Reporting Requirements What Can You Hear From the Top of a Tower?
Transcribe →The End of the AI Honeymoon: Advertising Arrives in ChatGPT #39
Feb 1200:43:31Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode of the Crystal Carrier Wave, we explore the end of the ad-free era for conversational AI as OpenAI begins integrating sponsored content into ChatGPT for both free and premium users. We also dive into a massive week for tech news, including Cisco’s new 102.4T networking silicon, Microsoft’s latest security "nagging" in Windows 11, and a series of critical zero-day vulnerabilities affecting government and enterprise systems. From the transition to driverless printing to the arrival of the KiwiSDR 2, we cover the essential updates across the electronics, maker, and amateur radio landscapes.
Transcribe →The Billion-Dollar Bet: Financing the Future of Applied AI for Humanity #38
Feb 1000:50:27Tap to summarizeThe global financial landscape is currently being reshaped by a massive surge of capital directed toward the integration of artificial intelligence into the physical and digital foundations of society. National governments and private enterprises alike are moving beyond theoretical software, committing billions to "applied AI" that promises to address long-standing human challenges such as labor shortages, economic stagnation, and environmental resilience. From New Zealand’s 70-million-dollar investment into a national research platform to private sector funding for autonomous industrial systems, the narrative has shifted from speculative exploration to the deployment of technology as a fundamental productivity multiplier. In the public sector, this movement is exemplified by initiatives like the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology, which is funding high-impact projects designed to move AI from the cloud into primary industries. These efforts focus on "physical AI," creating autonomous systems capable of navigating complex outdoor environments—from precision agriculture and aquaculture to aerospace and marine sectors. By backing projects like the Aotearoa Agentic AI Platform, which envisions millions of AI assistants augmenting human capability, leadership aims to secure national resilience and realize substantial GDP growth through 2038, centering the technology as a tool for a fairer and wealthier society. The private sector is mirroring this aggressive push through high-stakes branding and industrial automation. Major investments, such as Crypto.com’s 70-million-dollar acquisition of the "AI.com" domain and the 40-million-dollar funding for Gather AI’s "curious" warehouse drones, signal a land grab for the infrastructure of the future. Investors are increasingly prioritizing "embodied AI" that can interact with the physical world to improve safety and efficiency in logistics and manufacturing. Together, these trends illustrate a global consensus: the significant wealth being poured into AI is no longer just about innovation for its own sake, but about building a permanent, intelligence-driven operating system for the betterment of human industry and daily life. Welcome to the Crystal Carrier Wave, on today's show I discuss a major leap for open-source productivity with the launch of LibreOffice 26.2 and how Microsoft is turning SQL Server 2025 into an AI powerhouse on Ubuntu. We dive into the high-stakes world of cybersecurity as Microsoft develops a new scanner to hunt for hidden backdoors in AI models while researchers document an alarming eight-minute cloud breach assisted by artificial intelligence. I look at the changing landscape of digital media where listeners are now having to learn how to spot AI-generated music on Spotify and Microsoft is giving Copilot agents the keys to your OneDrive files. In social media news, TikTok is facing heavy pressure from the EU over addictive design features, while Adobe has been forced by user demand to save its thirty-year-old animation software from the chopping block. We then move to talk about the hardware world with Google hinting at a massive cross-platform sharing expansion for Android and a critical security update for Chrome that you need to install right now. We explore the future of education through a new Raspberry Pi study on AI in the classroom and look at Toyota's surprising move into open-source game engines for its newest car cockpits. The technical deep dive continues with a look at the TeamPCP worm threatening cloud infrastructure and the new, stricter age verification measures coming to Discord. For the makers and radio enthusiasts, I cover essential two-layer PCB routing strategies and the big features landing in the latest Home Assistant release. We celebrate the global maker community with the announcement of Arduino Days 2026 and the latest tools from the Arduino App Lab, followed by the massive news of Texas Instruments acquiring Silicon Labs. Finally, we look at the incredible feat of building a Nintendo Entertainment System on a breadboard before heading to the airwaves to celebrate the Polish Amateur Radio Union’s centennial event and the upcoming Jock White Memorial Field Day in New Zealand. Crypto.com places $70M bet on AI.com domain ahead of Super Bowl Gather AI, maker of ‘curious’ warehouse drones, lands $40M led by Keith Block’s firm LibreOffice 26.2 is here: a faster, more polished office suite that you control AI meets SQL Server 2025 on Ubuntu Microsoft Develops Scanner to Detect Backdoors in Open-Weight Large Language Models AWS intruder pulled off AI-assisted cloud break-in in 8 mins Here's how to spot AI-generated music on Spotify Microsoft sets Copilot agents loose on your OneDrive files EU says TikTok faces large fine over "addictive design" User blowback convinces Adobe to keep supporting 30-year-old 2D animation app Google hints at big AirDrop expansion for Android "very soon" Chrome Vulnerabilities Allow Code Execution, Browser Crashes Join our new study on AI and data-driven computing in UK primary classrooms Toyota Builds Open Source Fluorite Engine To Power Console-Grade Car Cockpits TeamPCP Worm Exploits Cloud Infrastructure to Build Criminal Infrastructure If YouTube’s age verification frustrated you, Discord has bad news PCB Friday: Two-Layer PCB Routing Strategies and Tips Home Assistant 2026.2 Brings the New Home Dashboard, Quick Search, New Integrations, and More Save the date: Arduino Days 2026 is coming! Introducing the latest Arduino App Lab release TI to pay $7.5B cash for Silicon Labs Build Your Own Breadboard NES STMicroelectronics expands strategic engagement with Amazon Web Services to enable new high performance compute infrastructure for cloud and AI data centers Polish Amateur Radio Union Celebrates Gdynia 100th Anniversary VHF and Above Contests Jock White Memorial Field Day
Transcribe →Malware targeting macOS via OpenVSX Extenstions #38
Feb 500:43:20Tap to summarizeA sophisticated supply chain attack is currently targeting the macOS developer community through the Open VSX Registry, an open-source alternative to the Microsoft Visual Studio Marketplace. Attackers are leveraging the platform's vendor-neutral nature to distribute malicious extensions that masquerade as legitimate development utilities. These tools use a "shimmer" technique to perform expected functions while secretly executing background scripts that establish system persistence and exfiltrate highly sensitive data, including keychain information, browser cookies, and SSH keys. To combat this threat, the Eclipse Foundation has implemented a significant security overhaul, mandating automated pre-publish scans for all submissions to detect malware signatures and suspicious code patterns. Additionally, the introduction of a verified publisher system aims to replace anonymous contributions with a "web of trust" by linking accounts to reputable developer profiles. Security experts now urge macOS users to audit their existing extensions and move toward pinned versions in development environments to prevent automated updates from introducing compromised code. Welcome to the Crystal Carrier Wave, on today's show I discuss a massive security breach at the heart of the developer community where the Notepad++ update mechanism was hijacked to deliver targeted malware. We follow this with a deepening crisis in healthcare data security as a major provider reports that over 700,000 patients have now been impacted by a single breach. In the browser wars, Mozilla is taking a stand for privacy by making its new AI features strictly opt-in, while the FFmpeg project is drawing a hard line in the sand by rejecting AI-generated code patches to protect software integrity. Moving into the world of big tech, Google Messages is finally bringing back a much-requested edit history feature, while Microsoft has been busy patching a strange bug that caused password sign-in options to vanish entirely. Windows 11 users are also navigating a desktop-breaking glitch that requires some manual intervention to fix. On the security front, Russian state-sponsored hackers are already exploiting a recently patched Office bug, reminding us all why immediate updates are critical. In hardware news, Intel has launched the high-performance Xeon 600 series for workstations, while Adobe is officially saying goodbye to Animate as they pivot their entire strategy toward generative AI. Microsoft is also trimming its cloud portfolio by ending several standalone SharePoint and OneDrive plans. For the Linux enthusiasts, the KDE project has made a controversial decision to bind itself exclusively to systemd, and OpenAI is preparing users for the retirement of the GPT-4o model on February 13th. We also look at a US investigation into Meta’s encryption claims and the growing global backlash against the flood of AI-generated slop on social media. For the makers and electronics hobbyists, we dive into the technical feat of defeating a 40-year-old copy protection dongle and the nostalgic beauty of using a 128-byte core memory module as a modern flash drive. Microchip is expanding its reach into automotive displays with new touchscreen ICs, and STMicroelectronics is consolidating its lead in the sensor market by acquiring NXP’s MEMS business. We also take a look at a massive, super-sized Arduino Uno and the new community-driven device database from Home Assistant, plus a $20,000 hacking challenge from Raspberry Pi that just became a little easier to enter. Finally, in our amateur radio and LPFM segment, we highlight a vital new CHIRP file for Florida’s SARnet operators and a community effort to keep the HamClock backend alive after the passing of its creator. We wrap up with the fun news that the real WKRP is willing to share its legendary call sign with other stations to help fund the next generation of non-profit community radio. Dangerous new malware targets macOS devices via OpenVSX extensions - here's how to stay safe Eclipse Foundation Mandates Pre-Publish Security Checks for Open VSX Extensions Notepad++ Official Update Mechanism Hijacked to Deliver Malware to Select Users Major health provider data breach may have affected thousands more people - over 700k now thought to have been hit Firefox Goes Opt-In AI As Mozilla Pushes Open Source Alternative To Big Tech FFmpeg Enforces Human Review Standards, Pushes Back On AMD’s AI-Style Patch Google Messages could soon bring back a crucial feature that was quietly removed Microsoft fixes bug causing password sign-in option to disappear Windows 11 bug breaks the entire desktop for some users — but luckily there's a fix Russian hackers exploit recently patched Microsoft Office bug in attacks Intel Launches new Intel® Xeon® 600 Processors for Workstation Adobe Animate is shutting down as company focuses on AI Microsoft ends some standalone SharePoint and OneDrive plans KDE Binds Itself Tightly To Systemd, Drops Support For Non-Systemd Systems ChatGPT-4o is going away on February 13 — here are 5 ways you can survive the upcoming 4o-pocalypse US authorities reportedly investigate claims that Meta can read encrypted WhatsApp messages AI 'slop' is transforming social media - and there's a backlash U.S tech backlash grows as countries and startups seek alternatives Defeating a 40-year-old copy protection dongle A 128 byte core memory module as a flash drive Microchip Intros Touchscreen ICs for Broader Automotive Display Size Ranges STMicroelectronics expands sensors capabilities with closing of acquisition of NXP’s MEMS business There's nothing micro about this super-sized Arduino Uno Home Assistant Opens Contributions for the Open Home Foundation Device Database Raspberry Pi Relaxes the Rules for Its RP2040 Hacking Challenge, $20,000 Still Up for Grabs The Best CHIRP File for SARnet open-hamclock-backend Aims to Keep HamClock Ticking WKRP (a Real One) Is Willing to Share Its Call Sign
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