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  • Chrome's VPN Hazard πŸ“‘, Amazon's Ad Shift πŸ“±, and Veteran's Coding Advice πŸ–₯️

Chrome's VPN Hazard πŸ“‘, Amazon's Ad Shift πŸ“±, and Veteran's Coding Advice πŸ–₯️

12/27/2023

Tech News πŸ“‘ 

Three malicious VPN extensions in the Chrome Web Store, discovered by ReasonLabs, infected 1.5 million devices before Google's intervention. These extensions, disguised as legitimate VPNs, distributed through game torrents, hijacked browsers, manipulated web requests, and stole sensitive user data, highlighting the ongoing battle against malware in popular platforms.

Starting January 29th, Amazon Prime Video will begin showing ads, marking a significant shift in its service model. Users can opt for an ad-free experience at an additional cost, reflecting the broader industry trend towards ad-supported streaming amidst rising content investments.

Trending StartupsπŸ“±

Inbox Zero offers an open-source email app aimed at decluttering and managing emails efficiently. With features like newsletter management, AI automation, and email analytics, it promises a streamlined, more organized inbox experience, catering to both personal and professional needs.

TransferChain introduces a Swiss-based, end-to-end encrypted distributed cloud service, leveraging blockchain for enhanced privacy and security. Aimed at both business and personal use, it offers a robust solution for secure data storage and transfer in an increasingly digital world.

AI πŸ€– 

Microsoft has launched a dedicated Copilot app for Android, offering a ChatGPT-like experience with chatbot capabilities, image generation, and text drafting. This move signifies Microsoft's commitment to expanding its AI offerings and providing accessible, advanced AI tools to a wider audience.

2023 has seen a surge in generative AI, with companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon leading the charge. This article ranks the top 10 AI companies by market capitalization, highlighting their contributions and innovations in a rapidly evolving industry.

Coding & Development πŸ–₯️  

The article outlines strategies for running successful hackathons in 2024, focusing on generating GitHub activity and trending status. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement, effective planning, and leveraging hackathons for exponential growth and visibility in the tech community.

Reflecting on 20 years of programming experience, the author shares personal milestones and offers profound advice to aspiring programmers. The insights cover career growth, embracing early opportunities, and the importance of understanding the business side of technology.

Miscellaneous πŸŒ€οΈ  

The Invisible Calendar is an e-paper smart display that syncs with your Google account to show your digital calendar. It offers a minimalist design, API for custom applications, and aims to provide a convenient, glanceable way to stay on top of your schedule without the distractions of traditional screens.

Microsoft has acquired 407 acres of land, including a pumpkin farm in Wisconsin, for $76 million. The purchase, significantly above the land's valuation, is part of Microsoft's plan to build a data center campus in the area, marking a strategic investment in infrastructure and a notable shift from the land's previous agricultural use.

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