FCC Gigabit Rollback, Office 2024 vs 365, 30TB Drives, Ransomware Wipeout, Tesla FSD Refund
News and Updates:
The Republican-led FCC is moving to kill its 1Gbps broadband speed goal, arguing that such benchmarks unfairly disadvantage satellite and fixed wireless services like Starlink and T-Mobile Home Internet. Chair Brendan Carr says the current 100/25 Mbps standard is more "technologically neutral," though critics warn the move could hinder fiber rollout and inflate broadband availability stats.
Microsoft Office 2024 is now available as a one-time $149 purchase with no feature updates, while Microsoft 365 remains a subscription service ($70–$100/year) offering cloud storage, constant updates, mobile access, and AI tools. Office 2024 suits offline users or regulated industries, while 365 is better for collaboration, flexibility, and long-term value.
A single weak password allowed hackers to take down 158-year-old UK transport firm KNP. Ransomware gang Akira encrypted all company data and demanded a multi-million-pound ransom. Without backups or sufficient protection, KNP collapsed, laying off 700 workers. UK officials say ransomware incidents are rising rapidly, with 35–40 attacks per week and growing concern over underreporting and ransom payments.
Tesla was forced to refund a customer $10,000 after an arbitrator ruled the company failed to deliver its Full Self-Driving (FSD) package. The buyer couldn’t access FSD due to eligibility restrictions and noted that the software didn’t perform as promised. Tesla provided a poorly prepared witness in arbitration and had to cover both the refund and $8,000 in arbitration fees. The decision highlights ongoing doubts about Tesla’s ability to fulfill its long-standing autonomous driving claims.
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22:06
Vibe Coding Boom, Age Verification Backlash, Data Privacy Fears, Delta’s AI Fare Targeting, Spotify’s Dead Artist Scandal
News and Updates:
“Vibe coding” is redefining software development by letting AI handle most coding tasks — even architecture — through natural-language prompts. Tools like Windsurf, Replit, and Microsoft Copilot let pros and hobbyists alike generate entire apps, but the code still needs close review. Google recently acquired Windsurf’s CEO for $2.4B, highlighting AI’s growing role in dev workflows.
The UK and 24 U.S. states now require age verification (via government ID or face scans) for access to adult content. Critics argue these laws do little to protect children and instead threaten user privacy by collecting sensitive personal data — data often stored insecurely and vulnerable to leaks.
Users can mitigate risks by using burner accounts, VPNs, and privacy tools — though laws are evolving, and enforcement may increase. Experts say the laws are easy to bypass and are more likely to harm privacy than improve online safety for kids.
Delta is phasing out fixed ticket prices in favor of AI-driven personalized fares, which could eventually target individuals based on their data. Only 3% of fares currently use the system, but Delta expects that to rise to 20% by year’s end. Privacy experts warn this “surveillance pricing” could lead to unfair, exploitative practices — especially for lower-income travelers.
Music fans were stunned to find AI-generated songs appearing on Spotify under deceased artists’ names like Blaze Foley and Guy Clark. The platform removed the tracks after backlash, admitting they violated deceptive content policies — but there’s still no label to indicate whether music is AI-generated.
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AI, AGI, ASI, Where are we now, how soon before the next levels of AI?
AI, AGI, ASI, Where are we now, how soon before the next levels of AI?
Guest:
Don Monistere, CEO of General Informatics
Alexander Adams, CEO, Vigilus
Kyle McCleary, Graduate Computer Science Student at LSU
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A Reunion of AI experts to look for the next few years!
A Reunion of AI experts to look for the next few years!
Guest:
Don Monistere, CEO of General Informatics
Justin Obney – Founder, Obney.AI
Alexander Adams, CEO, Vigilus
Kyle McCleary, Graduate Computer Science Student at LSU
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22:10
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22:10
A Reunion of AI experts to look back on the past 2 years of Artificial Intelligence
A Reunion of AI experts to look back on the past 2 years of Artificial Intelligence
Guest:
Don Monistere, CEO of General Informatics
Justin Obney – Founder, Obney.AI
Alexander Adams, CEO, Vigilus
Kyle McCleary, Graduate Computer Science Student at LSU
We started Tech Gumbo in Nov 2014 as a conversational show of news, information & updates about the past, present & future of all things technology in a topical, interesting and digestible way.
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