One of the advantages of cryptocurrency is that no company, central bank, or government is in control. Uh, right? That may not be true. Researchers for a report commissioned by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) found that there may be “unintended centralities” in these supposed decentralized systems. The power of cryptocurrency is concentrated with people or organizations with a large share of the pie. Almost like any other capitalist system? Gasping for breath. “Unintended centralities” was the term used as circumstances in which an entity holds sway over a supposedly decentralized system. This could allow them to tamper with proprietary information.
The report notes that three ISPs handle 60 percent of all Bitcoin traffic. The report said 21 percent of nodes are running an old, vulnerable version of the core Bitcoin client. Nothing wrong with some skepticism. Attackers can target these nodes and take over most of a blockchain network. Theoretically, at least. But there have been many cryptocurrency attacks in recent years. There are already practical examples: Read the report from CNBC on the lending platform Solid. It has had issues with one major account holder exerting influence over the entire forum. — Matt Smith
The greatest stories you may have missed
Amazon has also introduced a new robotic arm to its fulfillment centers.
Amazon
It’s an imposing name for Amazon’s first autonomous warehouse robot, but it still looks like an industrial Roomba. Proteus can only move through Amazon’s facilities while carrying carts full of packages. The company said the robot uses “advanced safety, perception,n, and navigation technology” to do its job without harming human workers.
The move comes as Microsoft is pushing for more responsible use of AI.
Microsoft will “retire” facial recognition technology that can infer emotions and attributes like age, gender, and hair. Microsoft said the AI raised privacy questions and provided a framework that created the potential for discrimination and other abuse. There was also no clear consensus on the definition of emotions.
Signify has also launched a new sunrise effect for Philips Hue lamps.
Philips
Signify (the company responsible for Hue lighting) has introduced several Philips Hue smart lighting products, including the first portable rechargeable lamp designed forbothr and outdoor use. The Philips Hue Go portable table lamp has a silicone gri so thato you can take it anywhere. It can last up to 48 hours on a single charge. The light will be available by the end of the summer for $160 in the US and £130 in the UK. The company has new sunrise lighting effects, brighter downlights, and a new floor lamp. Read on for all your smart lighting needs.
Plus our advice on how to choose one.
Engadget
Smart displays are the second-wave devices that have emerged from the success of the Amazon Echo, Google Home, and other smart speakers. Amazon and Google dominate the space, and we’ve just updated our guide to buying a smart screen, and we’ve got opinions! Adding visual and tactile components to what were once devices you could only bark orders at makes them more functional and intriguing.
It fully fueled the Space Launch System for the first time.
Wet dress rehearsals are tests that simulate a rocket launch without the rocket taking off. NASA ran into some issues during the Artemis 1 dampness rehearsal, but it was still a major milestone by the end of the tes; the agency could fully fuel all of the Space Launch System’s fuel tanks for the first time continue the launch countdown from the terminal. Our editorial team, independent of our parent company, has selected all products Engadget recommends. Some of our stories contain affiliate links. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy something through one of these links.
