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Ford and Google Map the TransAmerica Trail with Street View
Fast Overview
Ford and Google have utilized Street View technology to chart the TransAmerica Trail.
This trail extends over 5,900 miles of unpaved routes throughout the United States.
A Ford Bronco Badlands was employed to document the trail’s rugged features.
The new lightweight camera system from Google enabled the successful expedition.
This initiative promotes virtual exploration and route planning for adventurers.
Documenting the Indomitable: 5,900 Miles of Off-Road Exploration
The TransAmerica Trail represents a vast network of unpaved roads spanning over 5,900 miles across the U.S., celebrated by off-road enthusiasts. Historically challenging to map, this trail is now visible on Google Maps due to a partnership between Google and Ford. This effort allows individuals to explore the secluded landscape from the comfort of their homes.
Preferred Vehicle: Ford Bronco
For navigating such demanding terrain, the project utilized a Ford Bronco Badlands, acclaimed for its off-road performance. With Ford’s High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension System, the Bronco comfortably managed varying landscapes, from sandy areas to rocky trails, allowing the Google team to concentrate on obtaining high-quality images.
The expedition was backed by a support convoy featuring a Ford Ranger Lariat and an Expedition Tremor, tasked with transporting necessary equipment and supporting the team during a 32-day journey from Oregon to North Carolina.
Technical Details: Google’s New Street View Camera
Innovative Camera System
The camera utilized in this venture was compact and light, weighing less than 7 kilograms. This allowed for easy mounting on vehicles such as the Ford Bronco, adapting swiftly to the trail’s variable conditions.
Virtual Exploration
Adventurers can now explore the entire trail virtually, evaluating the difficulty of different sections and organizing their trips with improved precision and safety.
Enhanced Accessibility and Assurance
By integrating the TransAmerica Trail on Street View, Google has made this famed route more accessible, empowering drivers of all experience levels to plan their off-road adventures with assurance.
Conclusion
This collaboration between Google and Ford has transformed the remote and demanding TransAmerica Trail into an accessible feature on Google Maps, enabling users to discover and plan their journeys with unparalleled access and information.
Q: What is the TransAmerica Trail?
A: The TransAmerica Trail is a 5,900-mile network of unpaved roads throughout the U.S., favored by off-road fans.
Q: How did Ford and Google capture the trail?
A: They employed a Ford Bronco outfitted with Google’s new lightweight Street View camera system to record high-quality visuals of the trail.
Q: What advantages does having the TransAmerica Trail on Street View provide?
A: It allows users to virtually navigate the trail, plan trips more effectively, and evaluate the difficulty of different sections before setting off on their journey.
Q: What vehicles aided the expedition?
A: Besides the Ford Bronco, the expedition was supported by a Ford Ranger Lariat and an Expedition Tremor.
Q: What was the duration of the expedition?
A: The expedition spanned 32 days, traveling from Oregon to North Carolina.
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Tasmanian Government Agencies Cyber Attack
Quick Read
Tasmanian government agencies utilizing the VETtrak system have come under a cyber attack.
ReadyTech, the creator of the system, informed the ASX about the event.
A few documents with personal information have been exposed.
The Australian Federal Police have been made aware of the incident.
The Tasmanian government advises caution regarding possible fraud attempts.
Cyber Attack on VETtrak System
The government of Tasmania has recently verified the compromise of its VETtrak vocational student management system, vital to various state agencies. This platform, crucial for the Department for Education, Children and Young People, fire services, and health departments, was created by ReadyTech.
Incident Response and Notifications
ReadyTech alerted the ASX regarding the cyber event on October 17. At first, the Tasmanian government indicated there was no indication of sensitive student data being accessed. However, by October 24, ReadyTech confirmed the release of several documents containing personal data from the system.
The Australian Federal Police have been notified of the incident, and ReadyTech has cautioned against seeking out leaked data to prevent aiding cybercriminals.
Government and Public Response
The Tasmanian Department of Premier and Cabinet has cautioned that malicious individuals may take advantage of the stolen information for fraudulent purposes, urging the public to stay alert and report any unusual activities.
Summary
The cyber attack on Tasmania’s VETtrak system underscores the weaknesses in government digital frameworks. While immediate data leaks seem minimal, this situation highlights the urgency for strong cybersecurity protocols across public systems. Both ReadyTech and Tasmanian officials are proactively managing the breach, stressing the importance of public awareness and vigilance.
Q&A
Q: What is the VETtrak system?
A: VETtrak serves as a vocational student management system employed by multiple Tasmanian government departments for overseeing educational and administrative data.
Q: Has any sensitive data been compromised?
A: According to the most recent updates, only a limited number of documents with personal information have been released.
Q: What actions are being taken to address the breach?
A: ReadyTech has notified the Australian Federal Police and is working alongside the Australian National Office of Cyber Security to mitigate the situation.
Q: What should the public do in response to this incident?
A: The public is advised to remain vigilant, watch for any suspicious activity, and report such occurrences to the relevant authorities.
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The NEO Humanoid Robot by 1X Technologies is now up for order, representing a significant advancement in domestic robotics.
Supported by OpenAI, the NEO is designed to take on household duties, allowing users to save precious time.
Offered for A$30,370 or through a subscription option at A$758 monthly.
Key features include interaction via voice commands, remote learning functionalities, and a robust AI-powered computing system.
Presenting the NEO Humanoid Robot: The Future of Home Assistance
1X Technologies, with backing from OpenAI, has launched the NEO Humanoid Robot, marking a major milestone in home robotics. This is not just a vision of the future; it’s a real product available at a tangible price. Tailored to manage everyday home tasks, the NEO aims to integrate seamlessly into contemporary households.
Capabilities and Learning: A Robot That Becomes Smarter Over Time
The NEO is designed to enhance its functionality as it is used. It features basic capabilities, enabling it to perform actions like retrieving items and controlling lights right out of the box. Its dual command interface, which includes voice activation and a smartphone application, facilitates both prompt and scheduled task handling.
1X Technologies implements a “human-in-the-loop” approach, where specialists can remotely instruct the NEO to learn new functions, continuously enriching its AI model with real-time data.
Technology and Build: Tailored for Home Life
With a height of 5’6” and a weight of just 66 lbs, the NEO is crafted for safety and functionality within lively home settings. Its soft 3D Lattice Polymer shell safeguards its intricate components while ensuring a gentle touch with both people and pets.
The robot is powered by the 1X Cortex, featuring NVIDIA Jetson Thor, which offers powerful AI processing and real-time visual functions.
Feature
Description
5’6” Height
Created to interact smoothly with human settings.
66 lbs Weight
Designed to be lightweight for safe and efficient navigation.
4 Hours Battery Life with Fast Charging
Self-docks and charges, guaranteeing uninterrupted functionality.
Cost and Availability
The NEO is positioned as a premium product priced at A$30,370 for outright ownership or available via a subscription model at A$758 monthly. Both options necessitate a deposit to confirm an order. This pricing mirrors the sophisticated technology and early adopter phase of the product.
Overview
The NEO Humanoid Robot from 1X Technologies represents a crucial point in consumer robotics, merging cutting-edge AI with practical, day-to-day uses. With its release, household robots are transitioning from a futuristic concept to a current reality.
Q: What tasks can the NEO Humanoid Robot handle?
A: The NEO is capable of performing basic household functions such as retrieving items, opening doors, and managing light switches, with its skills increasing as it learns.
Q: How does the NEO acquire new skills?
A: It utilizes a “human-in-the-loop” system where experts can remotely assist in guiding it, continuously feeding new information into its AI model for ongoing development.
Q: What are the pricing alternatives for the NEO?
A: Buyers can choose to purchase the NEO outright for A$30,370 or subscribe at A$758 per month, with both requiring a deposit for ordering.
Q: What is the battery duration for the NEO?
A: The NEO offers a battery life of 4 hours and includes automatic docking and rapid charging features.
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WiseTech Under Scrutiny: Founder Accused of Share Transactions
Brief Overview
Australian authorities have executed a search at WiseTech Global’s Sydney office regarding alleged share transactions.
Founder Richard White along with three staff members are currently being investigated.
Share prices have plummeted nearly 17% to reach a six-month low.
The investigation is a follow-up to Richard White’s contentious return as chairman.
Reports indicate that shares valued at over $200 million were sold during a blackout phase.
Authorities Conduct Search at WiseTech Global
Australia’s corporate watchdog, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), together with the Australian Federal Police, has carried out a search at WiseTech Global’s Sydney office. This operation forms part of an inquiry into suspected share trading actions by founder Richard White and three other staff members, prompting the company’s shares to plummet to a level not seen in over six months.
Effect on WiseTech Shares
Following the search, WiseTech’s stock experienced a severe decline, dropping nearly 17% to $73.69, marking its lowest value in over six months. This drastic fall illustrates the market’s response to the ongoing inquiry and the gravity of the allegations.
Allegation Details
The claims against Richard White and his colleagues concern improper trading of WiseTech shares from late 2024 until early 2025. Reports suggest that White may have disposed of shares worth over $200 million during a blackout period, neglecting to inform the market as mandated.
Context and Governance Issues
WiseTech has been under observation since February, when ASIC initiated preliminary investigations following a mass departure of executives and White’s unanticipated return as chairman. The company has encountered ongoing governance difficulties, contributing to a 40% decrease in share value this year.
Conclusion
The search at WiseTech Global highlights serious accusations against founder Richard White and others, with possible implications for the company’s governance and market position. As inquiries progress, WiseTech is under considerable pressure to tackle these challenges and re-establish shareholder trust.
FAQ
Q: Why was WiseTech Global searched?
A: The search is part of an investigation into supposed improper share transactions by founder Richard White and three employees.
Q: What has been the impact of the search on WiseTech’s stock price?
A: WiseTech’s shares have fallen nearly 17%, hitting their lowest level in over six months.
Q: What specific accusations have been made against Richard White?
A: Accusations include selling over $200 million worth of shares during a blackout period without notifying the market.
Q: What other challenges does WiseTech face?
A: WiseTech is addressing wider corporate governance issues and a 40% decline in share value this year.
Q: What has been Richard White’s recent involvement with WiseTech?
A: Richard White returned as chairman after a mass executive departure, raising further governance concerns.
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F5 Security Incident: Effects on Government Worries and Revenue
Quick Summary
F5 has adjusted its annual revenue forecast downwards after a security incident.
The incident involved hackers likely supported by a state, reportedly from China, breaching F5’s systems.
There were potential risks to US and UK government systems, leading to federal alerts.
Several BIG-IP clients were affected, requiring prompt system updates.
F5 expects short-term sales interruptions but has not seen an immediate impact on demand.
Annual revenue growth is expected to be between zero and four percent.
Details of the Security Incident
F5 has recently reported a security breach that has affected its anticipated yearly revenue, which is now below Wall Street forecasts. The breach comprised long-lasting access to the company’s systems, including the compromise of source code for a crucial cybersecurity product.
Allegations of State-Sponsored Hacking
The breach has been linked to state-sponsored hackers, allegedly from China, according to sources familiar with the investigation. This has raised concerns among US officials, who have verified that federal government networks were potential targets, prompting urgent security warnings.
Effects on BIG-IP Users
The security event primarily impacted users of F5’s BIG-IP systems. CEO Francois Locoh-Donou noted that these clients had to swiftly upgrade to the latest software versions. A limited number of users experienced data exfiltration, although the information was reported to be non-sensitive.
Financial Outlook and Market Effects
F5 forecasts a full-year revenue growth between zero and four percent, falling short of the 4.8 percent growth expected by analysts. The revenue projection for the first quarter, estimated to be between US$730 million and US$780 million, also comes in below expectations due to potential disruptions, including a US government shutdown.
Conclusion
The recent security breach at F5 carries significant consequences, not just for the company but also for its customers and potentially affected governmental systems. Although immediate demand impacts have not been observed, the incident has raised concerns regarding systemic vulnerabilities and the necessity for improved cybersecurity protocols. The financial impacts are expected to be realized in the first half of the fiscal year, with aspirations for stabilization by the end of the year.
Questions & Answers
Q: What caused the security breach at F5?
A: The breach was allegedly initiated by state-supported hackers from China who accessed F5’s systems, including the source code for a vital cybersecurity service.
Q: How have clients been affected by the incident?
A: Users of F5’s BIG-IP systems were required to upgrade their software swiftly, and some encountered limited data exfiltration, although the data was not deemed sensitive.
Q: What impact will the breach have on F5’s financial situation?
A: F5 expects revenue growth between zero and four percent, which is lower than analysts’ predictions, with anticipated disruptions occurring in the first half of the fiscal year.
Q: What role do government systems play in this breach?
A: The breach triggered concerns due to the possible risks to US and UK government systems, resulting in federal alerts and swift measures.
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