SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Grounded After Second Stage Anomaly

SpaceX has temporarily grounded its Falcon 9 rocket following an issue with the vehicle's second stage during a recent mission. While the mission successfully delivered a Dragon capsule carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to orbit, the rocket’s second stage did not re-enter the ocean in the expected location.

In a statement, SpaceX said, “We will resume launching once we better understand the root cause.” This marks the third time in three months that Falcon 9 has experienced issues during its missions.

The Crew-9 mission, which launched on Saturday, safely delivered Hague and Gorbunov to the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday evening. However, during the deorbit burn, where the second stage’s Merlin Vacuum engine is fired to ensure debris re-enters the atmosphere over a controlled area, an anomaly occurred. This deorbit burn is critical for ensuring any rocket debris falls safely into a predetermined area of the ocean.

This is not the first recent issue for Falcon 9. In July, a routine Starlink launch saw a liquid oxygen leak, leading to the loss of 20 satellites. A month later, a booster failed to land properly on a drone ship, resulting in its destruction. Despite these anomalies, SpaceX resumed launches relatively quickly, with minimal delays.

However, this latest issue could affect some high-priority missions. Two major upcoming launches include the European Space Agency’s Hera mission to study asteroids on October 7 and NASA’s Europa Clipper mission on October 10. Both have strict launch windows closing at the end of the month. Additionally, a Falcon 9 mission set to launch 20 internet satellites for Eutelsat OneWeb was delayed as a result of this latest anomaly.

As SpaceX investigates the cause of this issue, further updates on mission schedules are expected soon.

Get the USB-C Apple Pencil at Its Lowest Price Ahead of Prime Day

As we approach the October Prime Day, great deals are emerging, with some products hitting record-low prices. One standout bargain is the USB-C Apple Pencil, now available for just $69—$10 off its usual price, matching the lowest price seen to date.

Released last year as Apple’s most budget-friendly stylus, this model is even more affordable with this discount. However, Apple has long faced challenges in clearly communicating which version of the Apple Pencil is compatible with different iPad models.

For clarity, here are the iPads compatible with the USB-C Apple Pencil:

• iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (all models)
• iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
• iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
• iPad Air (4th generation and later)
• iPad (10th generation)
• iPad mini (6th generation)

Also Read - Prime day deals

While the USB-C version of the Apple Pencil is convenient with its USB-C charging, it does lack some advanced features found in the Apple Pencil Pro and second-gen Apple Pencil. This model doesn't support magnetic charging, pressure sensitivity, or the double-tap feature. However, it does offer pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity—great for everyday use.

Now is the perfect time to grab this deal before Prime Day, as the USB-C Apple Pencil combines affordability with essential features. Get yours for $69 on Amazon before the deal ends!

Widespread Verizon Mobile Outages Reported Across the U.S.

On Monday, Verizon mobile customers across the U.S. experienced significant service outages. Reports of disrupted mobile service began surfacing at around 9:30 AM ET, with thousands of users raising concerns on Downdetector, a platform that tracks service interruptions. The number of outage reports surged, peaking at nearly 105,000 at 11:20 AM, and still remained high at approximately 59,000 by 12:52 PM.

Many Verizon users reported being unable to make or receive calls or send text messages. iPhone users, in particular, mentioned seeing the "SOS" signal instead of the usual connection bars, a sign indicating limited or no service. Despite this, iPhone users were still able to make emergency calls using alternative networks.

The issue appeared to impact a large portion of the country, with Downdetector's heatmap highlighting New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and parts of the East Coast and Midwest as the most affected regions. By 1:10 PM ET, reports were also surfacing on the West Coast, especially in Los Angeles, where the outage was intensifying.

Verizon acknowledged the issue, stating, "Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to solve the issue." As of now, the cause of the outage remains unclear. The company is actively working on restoring service for affected customers.

Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available regarding the Verizon mobile service disruptions.

Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14”, 9th Gen): A New Era of AI-Powered Creativity

Lenovo has introduced the Yoga Pro 7 (14”, 9th Gen), a powerful addition to its Yoga lineup, featuring an AI-driven AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor. This latest device is designed to meet the needs of creators and professionals, enhancing productivity and creativity through advanced AI capabilities.

Key Features of the Yoga Pro 7

The Yoga Pro 7 supports the Lenovo Creator Zone, an innovative AI-powered software suite that allows users to generate and edit images effortlessly. This suite includes:

• Text-to-Image: Create images from written descriptions.
• Sketch-to-Image: Combine sketches with text for visual representations.
• Image-to-Image: Modify existing images based on reference images and descriptions.

Additionally, the device incorporates Lenovo X Power Software for faster previews and exports, along with X Power Hardware Boost for consistent performance.

Sleek Design and Battery Life

Despite its powerful features, the Yoga Pro 7 maintains a slim profile, measuring 25.5 x 226.49 x 15.6 mm and weighing 1.54 kg. It is powered by a 73Whr battery, promising a full day of work or school on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for users on the go.

Impressive Display and Performance

The standout feature of the Yoga Pro 7 is its 14.5-inch 2.8K PureSight Pro OLED Display, which boasts a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. With a 120Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 aspect ratio, the display ensures stunning visuals and color accuracy, covering 100% Adobe RGB, sRGB, and P3 color gamut with a Delta E<1 rating.

Enhanced Specifications

In terms of performance, the Yoga Pro 7 is equipped with:

• AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor with 10 cores and 20 threads.
• 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM at 6400 MHz.
• 1TB PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSD for swift data transfer.

Its integrated AMD RDNA 3 880M graphics provides sufficient power for video editing, 3D modeling, and game development.

Connectivity Options

The Yoga Pro 7 features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast wireless connections. It offers a range of ports for external devices, including:

• Two USB Type-C full-function ports (one supporting USB 4.0 Gen 1, PD 3.0, and DP 1.4).
• An HDMI 2.1 port that supports up to 4K at 60Hz.
• A USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (Always-On) port.
• An audio combo jack for headphones or speakers.

Availability and Pricing

The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14”, 9th Gen) is expected to be available in the EMEA region starting September 2024, with a price tag of €1,699.

Conclusion

The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14”, 9th Gen) combines powerful hardware with innovative AI capabilities, making it a compelling choice for creatives and professionals. With its advanced features, sleek design, and robust performance, this laptop is poised to elevate productivity and creativity in any workspace.

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Microsoft’s Windows 11 Recall Feature Set for November Release on CoPilot+ PCs

Microsoft has announced an update on the Windows 11 Recall feature, which has been under scrutiny due to privacy concerns. Initially introduced with controversy, Recall is now expected to launch on CoPilot+ laptops in November. The feature promises enhanced security measures, addressing previous concerns.

Key Security Enhancements for Recall

The Recall feature allows users to leverage AI-powered search on their Windows 11 PCs by capturing regular screenshots, or "snapshots," of their activity. However, to calm concerns, Microsoft has ensured that Recall will be opt-in rather than enabled by default. Users will need to manually activate the feature during the setup process for CoPilot+ PCs. If left off, no snapshots will be taken or stored.

Microsoft's David Weston, VP of Enterprise and OS Security, explained that all sensitive data processed by Recall will now be stored in a Virtualization-based Security Enclave (VBS Enclave). This secure environment is isolated from the rest of the Windows 11 system, providing added protection. Windows Hello authentication will also be required, ensuring only authorized users can access the snapshots.

Privacy and Encryption at the Core

In addition to the VBS Enclave, all data captured by Recall will be fully encrypted. Microsoft has emphasized that the information will remain stored locally on the user’s device and will not be sent to the cloud—a major step in addressing security concerns. Even Microsoft will not have access to this data.

The feature will also include filters to prevent screenshots from capturing sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Additionally, users will have the option to exclude specific apps or websites from being recorded, ensuring greater control over what Recall can and cannot capture.

Opt-in, Enhanced Control, and Privacy Features

An icon in the taskbar will notify users when a Recall snapshot is taken, offering the ability to pause the screenshot feature at any time. Private browsing sessions, such as Chrome’s Incognito mode, are exempt from being recorded by Recall, at least in supported browsers.

Launch Timeline and What to Expect

The revamped Recall feature will begin testing with Windows Insiders in October, ahead of its November release for CoPilot+ laptops. However, the feature will still be in a preview stage, meaning it may undergo further adjustments based on user feedback. Microsoft’s intention is to roll out a more secure and user-friendly version of Recall, ensuring it can be used without risking sensitive data.

Final Thoughts: A Promising but Cautious Return

While Microsoft has significantly overhauled Recall’s privacy and security framework, users remain cautious due to its initial issues. With encryption, user authentication, and localized data storage now in place, Microsoft aims to alleviate concerns and ensure Recall is a valuable tool for those who opt to use it. As the feature rolls out, the real test will be how it performs in practice and whether any additional security flaws emerge during the Windows Insiders testing phase.

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X (Formerly Twitter) Nearing Return to Brazil After Legal Dispute

Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, could soon resume operations in Brazil after months of legal conflict. Brazil's Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes ruled that the Elon Musk-owned company may "immediately return to its activities in national territory" if it agrees to pay an additional 10 million reais (approximately $1.9 million).

This new fine comes on top of the 18.3 million reais (about $3.4 million) that X was already fined. Brazil had previously frozen the accounts of both X and Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink to enforce the fine. To move forward, Judge Moraes also stated that Starlink must drop its appeal against these payments.

Legal Battle Over Election Misinformation

The platform has been embroiled in a legal struggle with the Brazilian Supreme Court for much of 2023. Judge Moraes had ordered certain accounts to be blocked for allegedly spreading election misinformation. Musk publicly criticized Moraes, stating that he "should resign or be impeached." Following these tensions, X ceased operations in Brazil and was banned from the country at the end of August.

This ban opened the door for competing social media services, like Bluesky, to gain traction in Brazil, as users sought alternatives.

X's Compliance and Return to Brazil

Recently, X signaled a shift in strategy by agreeing to comply with the court’s demands. The company has begun to block the targeted accounts, pay fines, and appoint a legal representative in Brazil. Despite these efforts, Moraes imposed the additional fine after X allegedly circumvented the ban earlier in September, when its services unexpectedly resumed in the country. The resumption was reportedly due to X switching to Cloudflare infrastructure, which allowed users to access the platform.

In a post on its Global Government Affairs account, X appeared to acknowledge the situation, stating that the company "recognizes and respects the sovereignty of the countries in which we operate." The statement also emphasized that providing access to Brazilian users "is essential to a thriving democracy."

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Sudan Startup Ecosystem Fights to Survive Amid Civil War

Sudan’s ongoing civil war has left the country in turmoil, with over 20,000 deaths and millions displaced. Yet, amidst the chaos, some parts of Sudan remain relatively stable, allowing pockets of economic activity to persist. One such area is Port Sudan and Kassala, where a startup incubator, Savannah Innovation Labs, has resumed operations after a six-month pause. This demonstrates the resilience of Sudan's entrepreneurial spirit even in times of conflict.

Savannah Innovation Labs: Building Startups Amid War

Founded by Yousif Yahya in 2018, Savannah Innovation Labs focuses on fostering tech innovation and startups in Sudan. The incubator had to temporarily shut down when the war broke out in April 2023, with staff fleeing the capital for safety. Despite the grim circumstances, Yahya relocated to Cairo, Egypt, where he continued to run the incubator, resuming operations in eastern Sudan.

The incubator's flagship program, We-Rise bootcamp, supported by the European Union and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, aims to foster local entrepreneurship. Over 300 businesses participated, with the top 100 finalists receiving grant funding between €2,500 and €7,500, enabling them to pursue their ventures despite the ongoing war.

Expanding Beyond Borders: A Focus on Talent Development

Yahya believes that talent is the key to Sudan's tech transformation. Savannah has expanded its network beyond Sudan, establishing connections in Uganda, Kenya, and Egypt to bring together members of Sudan's startup community who have fled the conflict. The goal remains to nurture the talent that will drive Sudan’s future entrepreneurial ecosystem, even in the face of adversity.

Before the war, Savannah had helped university students gain experience with tech companies, giving them a taste of startup culture. Yahya is adamant that developing local talent is critical for long-term success, as these individuals will go on to build businesses that can thrive in a post-war Sudan.

A Vision for Post-War Sudan: Emerging Markets and Venture Capital

Yahya envisions Sudan becoming a ripe market for venture capital after the war. The conflict has severely impacted large family-owned businesses, leaving room for a new generation of entrepreneurs to step in. He predicts that these young leaders will establish funds and advisory firms in sectors traditionally dominated by their families, creating a vibrant venture capital scene.

Yahya also looks to other conflict-torn regions, like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as potential untapped markets for innovation. Despite the risks, he believes these regions hold tremendous potential for tech startups, given their large populations and unmet needs.

A New Dawn for Sudan's Startup Ecosystem

Sudan’s startup ecosystem is still in its early stages, but with the efforts of Savannah Innovation Labs, 249Startups, and Impact Hub, there is hope for the future. The lifting of some sanctions in 2017 had previously given the ecosystem a boost, and Yahya remains optimistic that, post-war, Sudan will emerge as a vibrant hub for startups and venture capital.

As the country grapples with its future, entrepreneurs like Yahya are already laying the groundwork for Sudan’s next chapter, one that includes a thriving startup ecosystem ready to tackle the challenges of rebuilding a war-torn nation.

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