Archive for December, 2014
WikiLeaks claims employee’s Google mail, metadata seized by US government [Updated]
Google alerted organization on Christmas Eve of served warrant. Continue reading →
YC-Backed Omniref Is Rap Genius For Code
While the open source movement has made getting up and running with a software project incredibly easy for those who know what to look for, the reality is that not every project can be updated to support the latest versions of the code they’re built on. Continue reading →
Lizard Squad now helping anyone copy its PlayStation and Xbox attacks
Nothing to see here
In Los Angeles, you spend a lot of time looking at the outside of things. From Los Feliz to West Hollywood, an embankment of multimillion-dollar residences rise up on the right of your peripheral vision as you drive west down Sunset Boulevard, each a constant hovering reminder that there will always be a level of material affluence that exceeds your own, whether or not you decide you care. Continue reading →
How Steve Jobs bailed out Restoration Hardware
UK police arrest Lizard Squad member
A self-professed member of the Lizard Squad was arrested this week by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit in England, according to documents obtained by two publications and a Thames Valley Police press release. Continue reading →
Top Gear – General Motors Hy-Wire
Samsung beats Apple to a 12-inch fanless laptop
Samsung’s produced some very impressive laptops from its Ativ Book 9 line, and for 2015 the company is putting forward a new ultrabook that could be its strongest answer to Apple’s MacBook Air yet. Continue reading →
The Rise and Fall of the Silk Road 2.0: A Look at Darknet Markets in 2014
Just over a year after the original Silk Road was shut down by the FBI, its successor met a similar fate in early November 2014. The arrest of alleged operator Blake Benthall, known as "Defcon," sent ripples through the darknet marketplace ecosystem, but as one market falls, others rise. By December, a new wave of marketplaces such as Evolution and Agora were vying for the top spot, each promising improved security and decentralization. The takedown highlighted the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and anonymous market operators, but also raised questions about the future of cryptocurrency-based commerce in the face of increasingly sophisticated tracking techniques. In this deep dive, we explore the technical underpinnings of these markets, the challenges of maintaining anonymity, and what the future may hold for the darknet economy.
While the original Silk Road relied on the Tor network and Bitcoin, newer markets have adopted additional layers of security, including multi-signature escrow and alternative cryptocurrencies like Darkcoin (now Dash) and Monero. But despite these efforts, the Bitcoin blockchain remains a potential weakness, as transaction analysis can sometimes link wallets to real-world identities. Law enforcement agencies have become adept at following the money, and the 2014 takedowns demonstrate that no market is impervious. However, the demand for illicit goods and services persists, and as long as there is demand, supply will find a way. The real question is whether the darknet economy will evolve into a more resilient, decentralized model, or whether it will remain a series of whack-a-mole targets for authorities.
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Google's Project Loon: Balloon-Powered Internet One Step Closer to Reality
Google's ambitious project to provide internet access to remote areas via high-altitude balloons took a significant step forward in 2014, with successful test flights in New Zealand, Brazil, and California. In December, the company announced that it had refined its balloon design to stay aloft for over 100 days, and that it was working with local telecommunications providers to integrate the technology. The goal of Project Loon is to create a network of balloons floating in the stratosphere, each acting as a cell tower in the sky, beaming internet connectivity to underserved regions. While the project is still in its experimental phase, the progress made in 2014 suggests that balloon-powered internet could become a viable complement to traditional terrestrial infrastructure, especially in disaster-stricken areas or developing nations where laying cables is impractical.
One of the key technical challenges is maintaining a stable connection as the balloons drift with wind currents. Google's solution involves using predictive algorithms to adjust the altitude of each balloon to ride favorable winds, effectively steering the network by moving up and down to different air layers. The company also improved the antenna design and power systems, reducing reliance on solar panels by implementing more efficient batteries. But beyond the technical hurdles, regulatory and political issues remain, as balloons crossing international borders raise questions about airspace rights and spectrum allocation. Nevertheless, Google's commitment to the project is clear, and 2015 may see larger-scale trials that could pave the way for commercial deployment.
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The Best Open Source Software Releases of 2014
As the year drew to a close, we looked back at the open source projects that made the biggest impact in 2014. From development tools to media servers, the open source community continued to innovate at a rapid pace. One standout was the release of Docker 1.0 in June, which brought containerization to the mainstream and revolutionized the way applications are deployed and scaled. Another notable release was the Linux kernel 3.16, which included improvements to power management and support for new hardware. On the web development front, Node.js continued its rapid iteration, with multiple releases throughout the year that brought much-needed stability and performance enhancements.
- Docker 1.0 – The container platform that changed software deployment.
- Linux kernel 3.16 – Improved power efficiency and hardware support.
- WordPress 4.0 – The popular CMS got a refreshed interface and better media handling.
- VLC media player 2.1.5 – A minor update with bug fixes and improved codec support.
- Node.js – Continued rapid iteration with multiple releases throughout the year, gaining stability.
These releases not only advanced their respective projects but also influenced the broader technology landscape, proving that open source remains a driving force for innovation. As we enter 2015, the momentum shows no signs of slowing, with projects like Kubernetes and React gaining traction.
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How the Internet Reacted to the Sony Hack: A Timeline of Events
In late November and early December 2014, the cyberattack on Sony Pictures Entertainment dominated headlines, and the internet was awash with speculation, leaked data dumps, and heated debates. The hack, attributed to a group calling itself the "Guardians of Peace," exposed sensitive internal emails, unreleased films, and personal information of employees. The incident escalated to geopolitical tensions, with the U.S. government officially blaming North Korea and the subsequent cancellation of the theatrical release of "The Interview." The online community responded in real time, with forums like Reddit and Twitter becoming hubs for discussion and analysis of the leaks.
One of the most significant aspects of the hack was the way it blurred the lines between cybersecurity, free speech, and international relations. Many in the tech community expressed concern over the precedent set by a state-sponsored attack on a private corporation, while others debated the ethics of downloading and disseminating the leaked materials. The incident also sparked a broader conversation about the security practices of major studios and the vulnerability of digital distribution. As December wore on, the story continued to evolve, with Sony eventually releasing "The Interview" through online platforms, a move that was both a concession to hackers and a bold experiment in digital distribution.
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The State of Virtual Reality: Oculus Rift DK2 and the Road Ahead
2014 was a pivotal year for virtual reality, with the release of the Oculus Rift Development Kit 2 (DK2) in July bringing the technology one step closer to consumer readiness. The DK2 introduced a higher-resolution display, positional tracking, and reduced motion blur, addressing many of the criticisms of the first development kit. By December, a thriving ecosystem of developers was creating content for the platform, from immersive games to virtual tourism experiences. While the consumer version of the Rift was still on the horizon, the progress made in 2014 convinced many skeptics that VR was more than a passing fad.
However, challenges remained, including the need for more powerful hardware to render VR content at high frame rates, and the ongoing quest for a truly comfortable and immersive user experience. Competing devices like Sony's Project Morpheus and Samsung's Gear VR also entered the scene, signaling a competitive market ahead. The year ended with a sense of anticipation, as the industry awaited the consumer launches expected in 2015 and 2016. Would VR finally break into the mainstream, or would it remain a niche for enthusiasts? The answer would depend on solving the remaining technical hurdles and delivering compelling content at an accessible price point.
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