Cloudflare Outrage: What exactly happened? 

On Tuesday, a large number of websites worldwide crashed for a certain period of time. Shortly, users started getting a “500 Internal Server Error” message on their screens. Many users took to social media to cite their concerns and the disruption. It was later reported that they were able to use the websites after a brief. This was a massive global outrage caused due to an issue with the content delivery network Cloudflare that powers several popular websites. 

Cloudflare is a web performance and security company. It experienced a widespread outrage on 21 June that impacted multiple sites across the web. Since Cloudflare is a content delivery network (CDN) and server provider, the majority of the internet becomes unavailable to the end-user if any of its systems crash or have issues. This Cloudflare outrage has impacted people across various countries of the world.  

What did Cloudflare say? 

Addressing the global concern, Cloudflare said there was an issue with the content delivery system (CDN) that faced a critical issue. The incident affected all the data plan services in its network and resulted in the “internal server error” across websites. It further added that the network faced a “critical P0 incident” that caused the servers to malfunction. A P0 incident causes interruption while users are doing certain tasks.  

In a blog post, Cloudflare explained that the outrage was caused by a change that was a part of a project to increase resilience in its data centres. “Today, Cloudflare suffered an outage that affected traffic in 19 of our data centers. Unfortunately, these 19 locations handle a significant proportion of our global traffic. This outage was caused by a change that was part of a long-running project to increase resilience in our busiest locations. Depending on your location in the world, you may have been unable to access websites and services that rely on Cloudflare,” it elaborated.  

Moreover, Cloudflare clarified that this was an error and not the result of an attack or malicious activity. 

Who was the most impacted? 

Although various websites were impacted by the global Cloudflare outrage, certain websites were most affected, especially users of online brokerage firms such as Zerodha and Upstox, who struggled to place orders.  

Addressing the concern, Zerodha advised its users to switch to a different ISP and said that a different route may work. Meanwhile, Upstox advised: “Our CDN partner, Cloudflare, is currently experiencing issues in India, due to which some of our services may be temporarily inaccessible.”  

What is a CDN and a 500 internal server error? 

A Content Delivery Network or CDN is a network of servers spread across regions that distribute content from an original server to those throughout the world. It uses cached content in a server closer to the user for distributing content quickly.  

On the other hand, a 500 internal server error is one of the most common HTTPS errors, implying something is wrong with a website’s server. The error shows up when the server is experiencing some problem, however, the root cause remains unidentified as there could be multiple reasons for that. 

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Anwesha Mishra

Anwesha has been a creative writer for a while. Currently, on her pursuit of tech writing, she is diving into the realms of technology to produce better content on the forever-changing world of technology. In her free time, you’ll find her humming tunes of her favourite shows or reading a book.

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Mishaal Rahman, the senior technical editor at Esper, said in his analysis on Medium that Microsoft has corrected the issue in an update for the Microsoft Teams app. 

Initially, the bug was discovered by a user on Reddit when trying to call 911 from their Pixel 3. This, at that time, prompted an explanation from Google. The company clarified that the issue was triggered by an “unintended interaction” between the Teams app and the Android OS.  

Besides, the issues only affect users running their devices on Android 10 or later versions and aren’t signed into their installed Teams app. The company on their part has advised all Android 10 or above users to uninstall Teams anyway. 

If you are someone who doesn’t want to uninstall Teams, then you can simply fix this issue by updating your app as soon as you can.  

Rahman further noted that the 1416/1.0.0.2021194504 version will resolve the issue, which was building a duplicate PhoneAccount class in the Android OS. 

 The new updated version, according to Rahman, doesn’t create duplicate PhoneAccount instances. Additionally, it also clears previously-built instances when launched.  

Google has plans to issue an Android update on January 4th to help fix anything wrong on its own end. Updated the latest version of Microsoft Teams from the Google Play Store. 

Also read: Microsoft Testing Notepad on Windows 11 With Multi-Level Undo Feature

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The new Notepad sports a completely overhauled UI and features rounded corners, Mica material, and other tweaks. The design of the renewed notepad aligns with the visual design of Windows 11.  

Microsoft states that the changes aim to provide a “modern spin on the classic app” with improved functionality. 

The all-new Dark Mode is the highlight of this version of Notepad. This feature was added due to the ‘demand from the community’. This version can adapt to the system’s theme preference by default with the addition of the font options.  

Microsoft has also redesigned the notepad’s ‘find and replace‘ option for an improved workflow. The undo feature allowed users to go back only one step in previous versions. 

 Microsoft is also working on improving its Notepad’s performance when users open very large files. 

In the company’s Insider program, announced on 2014, they have allowed owners of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server licensee to gain access to pre-release builds of OS.  

Today, the program boasts millions of users who provide valuable feedback and engage with Microsoft engineers. Its platform features three channels – Dev, Beta, and Release Preview.  

Read Also: Instagram to Introduce Parental Control Features

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This will allow parents to keep track of how much time their teenager is spending on Instagram. They can even set time limits and will get notified if their child reports someone.   

Instagram announced these controls as a package of new features that are designed to make the platform a safer place.  

Although Mosseri says that the platform has been working on these safety features for “a long time,” however it is suspected that their announcement comes in the wake of damaging revelations about Meta-owned social networks.  

Most notably, Frances Haugen, a whistleblower, leaked some internal documents which revealed that Instagram was aware that its platform makes body image issues worse for its female followers teenage audience.   

Mosseri is even due to testify in front of a Senate committee this week where he will be questioned about the impact of Instagram on its young audience.  

Instagram says that it’s also developing an educational hub for parents alongside the new parental controls. This will offer them tips and tutorials about children’s social media use.  

Instagram is rolling out the “Take a Break” feature, in the more immediate future, which the company started testing last month. This opt-in feature will prompt users to put the app down once they’ve been scrolling for a set amount of time. The company will launch this feature in the US, UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, and Australia today.  

Other new safety features for teenagers include changes to Instagram tagging permissions, due to roll out by early next year.   

Mosseri’s post details all the safety features in their earlier development stages. The service will explore plans to “nudge” people away from topics they’ve been dwelling on.   

In October, after the announcement of this feature alongside Take a Break, Nick Clegg, Meta’s vice president of global affairs, said that it would kick in for “content which may not be conducive to [a user’s] wellbeing.”   

We still don’t have any indication as to when the feature might be launched. The platform is also exploring stricter control settings for recommended content in Explore. This aims to limit their exposure to “potentially harmful or sensitive content or accounts.”  

“Meta is attempting to shift attention from their mistakes by rolling out parental guides, use timers and content control features that consumer should have had all along,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), told The New York Times. “But my colleagues and I see right through what they are doing.”  

Read Also : Clearview AI Gets Closer to US Patent for Facial Recognition

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Reportedly, the company was sent a “notice of allowance”, meaning after the payment of required administration fees the company will have its patent, by the US Patent and Trademark Office. 

The company has built its facial recognition database by leveraging images across social media (and the internet). This has practically landed the company steeped in controversy.  

The patent application has details the use of a “web crawler”, noting that “online photos associated with a person’s account may help to create additional records of facial recognition data points,” to acquire images. 

However, critics have argued that the company’s facial recognition is a privacy violation. They have even said that it may have negative impact on minorities. Reportedly, the tech is less accurate when identifying people of color, leading to potential false arrests. 

Last year, American Civil Liberties Union sued them for Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act violation. In November, the Australian government ordered them to clear its citizen database, while European agencies filed complaints.  

Clearview AI has failed to get Big Tech on its good side.

Last year, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube had all sent desist letters demanding the company to stop scraping images from their platforms, as it violates site’s policies. 

Read Also : Google Might be Making its First In-house Smartwatch Due in 2022

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We have seen Google try its hand on smartphones (the Pixel line) for years under which has since extended to other accessories but its own smartwatch is unheard of, despite its companion wearable platform. 

One might say that the new Galaxy Watch 4 is still more of a Samsung wearable than a Google one. The codenamed of the watch is “Rohan.” Currently it is being worked upon by Google’s Pixel group separately from Fitbit. 

According to Insider’s report, the upcoming watch might not actually be called a “Pixel Watch” yet. The watch will serve the same role as the Pixel phones do for Android, for instance both hardware and consumers partners of what Google’s software is truly capable of with the right hardware.  

The device will be more expensive than a Fitbit and directly compete with the Apple Watch. Reportedly, the watch will have basic fitness tracking features, with Google working on a debuting Fitbit integration into Wear OS. 

Currently, the company is in the middle of reinvention of its smartwatch platform unlike the earlier versions of Wear OS. They developed Wear OS 3 as a partnership with Samsung by merging the Tizen platform into Google. But, till date, Wear OS 3 has only launched on Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4, which is heavily customized version of their new OS. 

Read Also : Alexa Can Now Detect Bleeping Appliances & Running Water

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Once users set up Alexa Routines, Alexa will detect sounds of water running or an appliance beeping send them notifications. Now, the devices powered by Alexa can recognize different sounds such as snoring, glass shattering, dogs barking, babies crying, and smoke alarms. 

Amazon revealed the latest sound detection capabilities in its November roundup.  

Amazon is looking forward integrate Alexa into lives and they have promised support for custom sounds. According to the company, custom sounds will trigger smart home actions. 

Besides, the company also stated that it has made the Occupancy Routines feature available on Echo devices.

This feature sees if your home is occupied using Ultrasound Motion Detection and then performs certain actions. For example, turning the lights on when a motion is detected. 

For Amazon Pharmacy customers, you can now ask Alexa to refill your prescriptions by saying, “Alexa, refill my medications.” AI assistant will be able to track and provide you updates on medications delivery. 

Last month, Amazon added a Conversation Mode to its third-gen Echo Show 10 to allow you to have more natural conversations with Alexa. Alexa Conversation Mode is now available in the US. If you want to enable this feature, just say “Alexa, join the conversation.” 

Last but not least, the Echo Show 15, an Alexa-powered wall-mountable 15.6-inch smart display, is now up for pre-orders starting at $250. You can buy a compatible stand accessory that works in both landscape and portrait orientation.  

Read Also : Apple is Working on New Wireless Charger Similar to AirPower

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The first one is AWS FleetWise, a new product that simplifies the collection and retrieval of sensor and telemetry data for automakers from their vehicle fleets. The other one is AWS Automotive, an industry-specific initiative that aims to integrate the company’s multiple products under one umbrella, similar to AWS for Industrial.  

Sensor data collection isn’t necessarily a new thing but FleetWise has promised to provide an end-to-end solution to offer flexibility. This can be because they want to smartly filter data right on the car to reduce the amount of data, or to pull in data from specific sensors.   

AWS’ general manager for AWS Automotive, Mike Tzamaloukas said that the manufacturer has to first describe the vehicle model and its sensors, no matter what data is utilized, in FleetWise.   

Once the manufacturer has provided the data, the company will provide them with the source code to interact with FleetWise. The automaker even develops this code and modifies it as per their need. It can also be built into the vehicle gateway.   

“The possibilities with data collection campaigns are endless and we are pushing the envelope in that data collection campaigns are not just time-based, are not just event-based, but it’s intelligent data filtering across your entire fleet,” Tzamaloukas explained.   

“That’s where we hope to give the automakers the ability to pull in the terabytes of data generated from all kinds of different cars out there, but at a much higher signal-to-noise ratio.”  

FleetWise will be available in 2022, says Tzamaloukas, and the cars will be available for purchase around 2024. Most of this data might stay at the backends, but they could make some data available to drivers in the form of detailed vehicle health reports.  

As for AWS for Automotive, AWS’ Dean Phillips, said, “We’re pretty excited about AWS for Automotive because it helps clarify for our customers the different solutions that we have from AWS.”   

These solutions range from cutting-edge autonomous mobility services, supply chain tracking and digital customer engagement solutions, and product engineering support that automakers can adapt as needed.  

Read Also: AWS Teams With Be the Official Cloud Infrastructure Provider of the NHL

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In a press release, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said that they decided after the investigation found an acquisition could harm competition and that its concerns “can only be addressed by Facebook selling Giphy in its entirety to an approved buyer.”  

The acquisition, according to CMA, could deny or limit other platforms’ access to Giphy GIFs and drive more traffic to Facebook and Instagram. This will potentially require other platforms to provide more data to access the GIFs.   

Finally, Giphy’s advertising services, which were shuttered due to the merger, could have competed with Meta’s.  

“The tie-up between Facebook and Giphy has already removed a potential challenger in the display advertising market,” said Stuart McIntosh, the chair of the independent inquiry group, referring to Meta.   

Adding, “Without action, it will also allow Facebook to increase its significant market power in social media even further, through controlling competitors’ access to Giphy GIFs. By requiring Facebook to sell Giphy, we are protecting millions of social media users and promoting competition and innovation in digital advertising,”   

Meta this is the first time the CMA has attempted to unwind an acquisition by a tech giant, the UK regulator’s decision sets precedent for tech purchases.  

While groundbreaking, the decision is not a complete surprise after the CMA’s preliminary findings report from August.  

Previously, Meta has disputed the competition concerns, suggesting that there was no chance of Giphy’s business becoming a competitor.   

In response, the company had argued that Giphy had “no meaningful audience of its own.”   

Meta said, when it announced the acquisition, that it provides 50 percent of all Giphy’s traffic. The company also said, “developers and API partners will continue to have the same access to Giphy’s APIs.”  

Read Also : Facebook Delays its Plans to Get Default End-to-End Encryption to Address Safety Concerns

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AirPower was aQi charger with a mat-look, capable of charging a minimum of three Apple devices.  

Last year, with MagSafe, the company unveiled its new take on wireless charging tech with the Apple iPhone 12 series.  

In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared the latest development by writing:   

“I also believe Apple is working on short and long-distance wireless charging devices and that it imagines a future where all of Apple’s major devices can charge each other. Imagine an iPad charging an iPhone and then that iPhone charging AirPods or an Apple Watch.”   

Details of the new wireless charger remain a mystery, as does its launch date. However, this isn’t the first time the company has been working on a new wireless charger. Months before MagSafe launch, in March 2020, Jon Prosser, YouTuber, and tipster, claimed that “AirPower isn’t dead” and indicated that the company was working on the project internally.   

He also added that Apple “has not given up yet” and is re-attempting to “engineer the coils” for effective heat displacement.   

However, his information turned out to be fake, and his prototype image turned out to be a clone device not designed by Apple.  

Some reports are suggesting that the company might bring reverse charging on iPhones. This will allow users to charge Apple AirPods and Watches by placing them on their iPhones.   

However, to make this work, all Apple phones would require a bigger battery which is currently only used in the ‘Pro Max’ models. Bigger batteries will also either increase the thickness or weight of the device. 

Read Also: Highlights of Announced at Apple’s ‘Unleashed’ Event

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