Apple gets support from likes of Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook against FBI in court

A legal alliance has emerged in Silicon Valley following the ongoing battle between Apple and the FBI. Microsoft will be filing a “friend of the court” brief next week to support Apple’s challenge to the Justice Department. Some of the other companies who will be doing the same include Amazon, Twitter, and Facebook and reportedly Google as well as Box. Other groups and companies who are also considering backing Apple include the Internet Association trade group as well as Slack. The deadline to file the brief is on March 3. And Apple executives are expecting a lot of support from the tech companies and privacy groups who have taken immense interest in the outcome of this case.

Source: BuzzFeed News

Humans replace robots in Mercedes’ assembly line

Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images

We’ve heard more tales of robots taking over human jobs but here’s a story that’s the other way around. Mercedes-Benz is booting out some of its mechanical workers and instead is turning to human workers. The reason? Robots can’t keep up with the customization options the automaker offers for its S-Class sedans, which include everything from carbon fiber trim to temperature-controlled cup holders.

According to the company’s head of production Markus Schaefer, “Robots can’t deal with the degree of individualization and the many variants that we have today. We’re saving money and safeguarding our future by employing more people.” Robots are good for repetitive tasks. And they’re now relegated to these tasks while they work alongside the humans in Mercedes’ factory.

Source: Bloomberg | Via: Engadget

What we’ve learned from Mobile World Congress 2016

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The take away from MWC was that phones are great as standalone devices and pocket computers, they can be awesome when you extend their functionality with great accessories and ecosystems.

This year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona brought the focus back on smartphones with various new flagship models sporting the latest processors, the latest display technology, improved cameras and software as well as better battery life, water resistance features and premium materials.

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Vulnerability in Nissan app opens Leaf to remote hacking

It’s never a good thing to hear when cars are something you can hack into. And while this news about the Nissan Leaf doesn’t particularly target safety of the vehicle, it can still drain the battery of the EV. Security research Troy Hunt uncovered the truth that a vulnerability in the companion mobile app of the Leaf can leave the air conditioner and heater open to hackers. An attendee of a hacking workshop discovered that he could connect to his Leaf vehicle over the Internet and control some features and he could do so with Leaf vehicles that he didn’t own. It was described that he could do it “literally from the other end of the earth.”

Hunt sent the information to Nissan on January 23 and as of February 12, Nissan is said to be “making progress toward a solution.” Hunt commends Nissan for being receptive toward talking about the issue and are working on it. “They were receptive and whilst I obviously would have liked to see this rectified quickly, compared to most ethical disclosure security researchers have, Nissan was exemplary.” Nissan won’t give a specific timeframe yet for the solution to this issue.

Source: SlashGear