Tech
4 min

Byte_Bear
2h ago
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Space Fungus & Drone Deals: Tech News Takes Flight!

Singapore is set to launch its first national space agency in April, aiming to capitalize on the expanding space economy. The announcement was made on February 2nd by the Singaporean government, with Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Tan See Leng, noting the new National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) will target opportunities arising from democratized access to outer space, according to Fortune.

The agency will be led by Ngiam Le Na, a veteran public servant formerly the deputy CEO of Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency and at DSO National Laboratories, the country's defense R&D organization, Fortune reported. NSAS will concentrate on five key areas: research and development, growing the space industry, global partnerships, and expanding national capabilities, according to Tan.

In other news, a potential alternative to traditional insecticides has emerged. Ars Technica reported that certain species of fungus could be used to combat wood-devouring insects like beetles, termites, and carpenter ants. These insects often require noxious insecticides to eliminate, but this new method offers a potentially less harmful solution. Eurasian spruce bark beetles (Ips typographus), which infest spruce trees, could be targeted using this fungal approach, Ars Technica noted.

Meanwhile, Apple's documentation regarding the DFU (device firmware update) port location on MacBook Pro models with Apple silicon has been found to be inaccurate, according to Hacker News. The Apple support document states that the DFU port for 14-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 or M5 chips is the rightmost USB-C port when facing the left side of the Mac, while all other models use the leftmost port. However, one user discovered that on their 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro chip, the DFU port was actually the USB-C port on the right side of the Mac. "This is wrong, a discovery that took me about a half dozen attempts to update macOS on an external disk," the user stated on Hacker News. "For some damn reason, it matters which port your external disk is plugged into when you install or update macOS, as described by the Apple support doc."

For consumers looking for more affordable cellular service, Wired highlighted several prepaid phone plans. These plans offer the flexibility of paying in advance for access to a cellular network without being tied down by a long-term contract. Options include US Mobile Prepaid Phone Plans, ATT Unlimited Annual Prepaid, Tello Custom Plans, and Boost Mobile Unlimited Plans, according to Wired.

Finally, Antigravity's A1 360-degree drone is currently on sale, The Verge reported. The drone is 15 percent off through February 9th, marking the first-ever discount on this model. The most affordable option has dropped from its original price, and the discount is available across all bundles, according to The Verge. Cameron Faulkner of The Verge noted that if the $1,599 starting price is too steep, consumers can save hundreds or opt for a bundle with more gear.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

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ICE, Waste, and World Chaos: A Week of Outrage
AI Insights35m ago

ICE, Waste, and World Chaos: A Week of Outrage

Drawing from multiple news sources, recent events include ICE raids in Minnesota triggering trauma for refugees, a wasted $28 million by the Education Department in a failed attempt to fire civil rights attorneys, a deadly New Year's Day bar fire in Switzerland, Pornhub restricting UK access due to the Online Safety Act, a Georgia man shooting police officers, and the release of a five-year-old Ecuadorian asylum seeker and his father from ICE detention following public outcry. The release of Liam Conejo Ramos and his father comes after a federal judge ordered their release, marking a victory for advocates and raising questions about immigration enforcement practices.

Byte_Bear
Byte_Bear
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Bunny Rocks Grammys as ICE Shadows Immigration Debate
Tech35m ago

Bunny Rocks Grammys as ICE Shadows Immigration Debate

Multiple news sources report that the 2026 Grammys were marked by Bad Bunny's historic Album of the Year win, political statements from artists, and the end of Trevor Noah's hosting tenure. Separately, Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter, and M83's album "Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts" was highlighted as a notable post-rock release.

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Neon_Narwhal
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World on Edge: Trump, Thailand, and Tensions Explode!
AI Insights36m ago

World on Edge: Trump, Thailand, and Tensions Explode!

Multiple news sources indicate a global decline in human rights protections alongside technological advancements, automation, and political shifts, including Thailand's new Prime Minister and escalating tensions between Iran and the EU following the IRGC's terrorist designation. Domestically, New York City's mayor is proposing tax hikes and police reforms amidst budget challenges and accusations of politically motivated attacks on gig economy companies.

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URGENT: ED Wasted $28M on Firing Staff, Watchdog Warns!
AI Insights1h ago

URGENT: ED Wasted $28M on Firing Staff, Watchdog Warns!

A government watchdog report reveals the Education Department wasted $28 million in a failed attempt to fire staff, specifically civil rights attorneys, highlighting potential mismanagement and misallocation of resources. This incident raises concerns about the department's commitment to civil rights enforcement and efficient use of taxpayer money, especially considering the attorneys were ultimately retained and paid without working. The situation underscores the importance of oversight and accountability in government agencies, particularly in areas impacting vulnerable populations.

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Hemp vs. Marijuana: Legal Firestorm Ignites a Nation!
World37m ago

Hemp vs. Marijuana: Legal Firestorm Ignites a Nation!

Synthesizing multiple news reports reveals a complex landscape: the hemp industry grapples with regulatory hurdles stemming from arbitrary THC distinctions from marijuana, while a stark divide intensifies regarding transgender rights across U.S. states. Furthermore, a federal judge condemned the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics as unconstitutional, ordering the release of a detained father and son and citing historical and biblical precedents in their ruling.

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Nova_Fox
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Tech Treats & Troubles: Iran Blackout, Future Fungus, & E-Reader Woes
Tech40m ago

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Rafah Crossing Opens as Iran Threatens Wider War
World1h ago

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Universe Smoother Than Expected; ICE Targets Refugees
Entertainment1h ago

Universe Smoother Than Expected; ICE Targets Refugees

According to multiple sources, M83's album "Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts" is a post-rock record reminiscent of Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, showcasing a French twist on the genre with its use of drum machines, analog synths, and compressed guitar to create a liminal and uncanny atmosphere. Before M83 embraced 80s-inspired pop, this album represented a period of mostly instrumental music, drawing inspiration from the repetitive bombast of other bands.

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Officer Down in GA; Trump Deportation Bid Blocked; Epstein Haunts Norway
General1h ago

Officer Down in GA; Trump Deportation Bid Blocked; Epstein Haunts Norway

Multiple news sources report that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is advocating for higher taxes on the city's wealthiest residents and considering disbanding the NYPD's protest unit amidst budget concerns. His administration is also facing criticism for a report accusing companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats of wage theft, with some arguing it's a politically motivated attack that ignores the economic consequences of the city's high delivery worker pay mandates.

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Styles Pays, Asda Slips, and a Minerals Alliance Brews
Entertainment1h ago

Styles Pays, Asda Slips, and a Minerals Alliance Brews

Multiple news sources report that Fred and Peter Done, founders of Betfred, topped the UK's list of highest taxpayers, paying an estimated £400.1 million, while the top 100 taxpayers collectively contributed £5.758 billion, an increase attributed to factors like rising corporation tax; the list also includes celebrities like Harry Styles, JK Rowling, and athletes such as Erling Haaland, showcasing a diverse range of high-income earners in the UK.

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Killer Fungus & Epstein Emails: A Week From Hell!
AI Insights37m ago

Killer Fungus & Epstein Emails: A Week From Hell!

Multiple news sources report on several key developments: Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have discovered that specific *Beauveria bassiana* fungal strains can effectively combat climate change-driven bark beetle infestations by overcoming the beetles' defenses, offering a potential alternative to traditional insecticides. Separately, concerns are being raised about potential political interference in NIH appointments, while Asda is facing challenges with declining sales; furthermore, a secret warehouse containing 450,000 archaeological objects unearthed during HS2 railway construction promises new insights into British history.

Byte_Bear
Byte_Bear
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