Geekly Update - 03 April 2025

The AskBobRankin Geekly Update

Here's the good news: Microsoft is killing off the infamous Blue Screen of Death, in a forthcoming Windows 11 updates. The BSOD has haunted the dreams of Windows users for decades, with portents of digital doom. The bad news: They're changing the color to black, and including less troubleshooting information. Say hello to the Black Screen of Death.

In an effort to help people with paralysis regain their speech, researchers at the University of California have created an AI-powered device that converts brain signals into spoken words in real time. The technique uses artificial intelligence to create speech using brain implants to assess neural activity. The technology is a significant advancement in brain-computer interfacing and could help people who are unable to speak because of neurological disorders communicate better.

23andMe, a well-known genetic testing company, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and is looking to sell its assets. (Or possibly, YOUR assets.) The security and privacy of the genetic information of 23andMe's roughly 15 million clients are in question as a result of the bankruptcy proceedings. Information can be deemed assets and possibly sold to pay off creditors. This undoubtedly has some employers, insurers, and marketers salivating at the prospect of getting ahold of your saliva.

A number of state attorneys general have responded to these concerns by advising users to preserve their personal information by proactively deleting their accounts and requesting the destruction of any DNA samples that may have been saved.

The FBI warns that scammers claiming to be from E-ZPass and other toll organizations and sending phony text messages accusing receivers of owing money for unpaid tolls. Links to malicious websites intended to steal financial and personal information are frequently included in these communications. Drivers are advised by authorities to confirm any communications pertaining to tolls with their toll agency immediately and to refrain from clicking on links in unsolicited messages. Notifications from legitimate toll agencies are usually sent by mail instead of text.

This just in from the "What Could Possibly Go Wrong" Desk: Researchers are exploring the use of radiocarbon to develop safe, compact, and affordable nuclear batteries that could operate for decades without recharging. The resulting battery could provide a long-lasting power source for devices, potentially eliminating the need for frequent recharging.

The curious (and troubling) thing about advanced AI systems is that even their creators don't fully undertstand how they work. But researchers at Anthropic have developed techniques to examine the internal workings of these tools, and found that they sometimes secretly plan ahead, and even outright lie. Instead of generating responses based on facts, in some cases they work backward from desired outcomes to present deceptive answers.

Case in point: A Norwegian citizen recently filed a complaint after discovering that ChatGPT falsely claimed he had murdered his two sons and served 21 years in prison for the crime. While ChatGPT accurately identified certain personal details about Holmen, such as the number, gender and ages of his children and his hometown, the allegations of murder were entirely fabricated. Holmen has never been accused or convicted of any crime. Privacy rights group Noyb, supporting Holmen, conducted research confirming that ChatGPT's claims were baseless and not a case of mistaken identity.

A year ago, 14-year-old Sewell Setzer committed suicide after forming an emotional attachment to an AI chatbot on the Character.AI website. The chatbot engaged in inappropriate and explicit conversations with Sewell, exacerbating his mental health struggles. Following her son's death, Megan Garcia filed a lawsuit, alleging that the AI chatbot's interactions contributed to Sewell's suicide. In a distressing new development, the mother discovered that users on Character.AI had created multiple chatbots mimicking her late son's name and likeness. This case underscores the urgent need for ethical guidelines and robust safety measures in AI development, particularly concerning interactions with minors.

As the October 14 end-of-support date for Windows 10 looms, Microsoft has intensified efforts to encourage users to transition to Windows 11. THe company has been sending emails to Windows 10 users, suggesting they simply trade in their current PCs for newer models compatible with Windows 11. This strategy has been met with criticism, as many users find the suggestion to purchase new hardware impractical or financially burdensome. And exactly where does one "trade in" a used PC that can't run the latest operating system? Despite Microsoft's push, almost 59% of Windows users continue to use the older Windows 10 operating system.

And finally, this week's Just Here For The Headline item: Coffee-Making Robot Breaks New Ground For AI Machines

As always, I welcome your comment or question below...