The Rundown is reporting that Meta is introducing usernames to WhatsApp, allowing its 3 billion users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers. The feature, which will launch later this year, is similar to one offered by Telegram since 2014. Users can reserve unique handles, and Meta will implement a four-digit security key for additional protection. While this aims to enhance privacy, The Rundown notes concerns that usernames could facilitate scams if safeguards are not robust, as fake handles may appear trustworthy without a phone number for verification.
China's LineShine supercomputer, located at the National Supercomputing Center in Shenzhen, has been crowned the world's fastest, according to The Rundown. It surpassed the U.S.'s El Capitan by nearly 22% in the latest TOP500 rankings, achieving 2.198 exaflops. The LineShine operates on approximately 14 million Arm-based CPU cores, built and assembled using China's LingKun platform, notably without using Nvidia GPUs, which the U.S. has restricted China from purchasing. The Rundown highlights this as proof that China can advance its technology despite U.S. restrictions.
The Rundown also reports that Tata Electronics, a key manufacturing and supply chain partner for Apple, suffered a significant ransomware attack. Over 200,000 internal files were leaked on the dark web, including the supplier list for the iPhone 18 Pro, along with photos and videos of the device. The leaked information details components like chips, battery parts, and camera modules, which Apple typically keeps confidential. Tata Electronics, which also works with Tesla, is investigating the breach with a global consultant. The Rundown emphasizes that this incident underscores the supply chain security risks for Apple, even if the breach did not originate internally.
Additionally, The Rundown states that NASA is preparing an ambitious rescue mission for its 20-year-old Swift space telescope, scheduled for July 1. A robotic spacecraft built by Katalyst Space will fly to Swift, study it, and then use robotic arms to push it 150 miles higher into its original orbit. The telescope's orbit has been decaying faster than anticipated due to increased solar activity. The $30 million mission aims to extend Swift's operational life, as NASA's science chief, Nicky Fox, indicated the agency cannot afford a replacement. The Rundown suggests this mission tests a cost-effective alternative to replacing aging satellites.