TLDR 2019-05-20

Spotify will begin public tests of their voice-controlled smart assistant for cars, a device that will help the company learn how people consume audio while they are driving. The ‘Car Thing’ will be available to some premium users for free. It plugs into the car’s 12-volt outlet and connects to devices via Bluetooth. Users activate the device by saying ‘Hey, Spotify’. There are currently no intentions to launch the device more broadly to the public, and the device is only being tested with select people. Spotify states that its focus is on becoming the world’s best audio platform, not on creating hardware.

New details about Google’s new Pixel 4 have been leaked on Jon Prosser’s YouTube channel. Prosser has previously leaked accurate details on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, as well as confirming the existence of the Pixel 3a before it was announced. The Pixel 4 will apparently use capacitive touch areas on the sides of the aluminum handset, suggesting that an extended version of Google's existing Active Edge technology will be used. It will also feature a punch-hole front camera, either an optical or ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, and a new dual-lens camera setup.

Victor Vescovo, a retired US Navy officer, made a record-setting solo dive to the bottom of the ‘Eastern Pool’ of the Challenger deep, reaching a depth of 10,928 meters. A world record was set for the longest time spent at the bottom of the ocean by an individual after Vescovo spent four hours exploring the basin. It took around 3.5 hours to reach the bottom of the ocean, and about 3.5 hours to return to the surface. The goal of the mission was to test a submersible that was built to withstand multiple dives to any depths. During the mission, the submersible transversed over 110 vertical kilometers.

A German startup, Lilium, has created a prototype of its all-electric five-seater aircraft that will be part of the air-taxi service it aims to launch by 2025. The prototype had its first test flight earlier this month, demonstrating its ability to lift off from the ground vertically and land safely. There was no demonstration of its forward flight capabilities. A 3 minute video is available showing the test flight. Many companies are now racing to develop flying taxis. One main problem facing the industry is managing weight capacities on aircraft. Lilium claims to have an industry-leading payload ratio, which will make a huge difference in determining the company’s success.

This repository contains a list of hardware gadgets for Red Team hackers, pentesters, and security researchers. More than a hundred tools are listed, classified into eight categories. All tools are available for purchase online.

Gitfolio makes it easy to create a portfolio website and a blog for GitHub users. Users can customize every aspect of the page to their requirements. A demonstration of the portfolio website and blog are available.

Google has recently faced many employee protests in its offices across the globe, with employees disagreeing with the company’s handling of sexual harassment within the business. While working at the tech giant may seem like a dream, many employees are starting to see issues with the company’s growing power and reach. Employees previously were able to suggest changes for the company, but the power structure has changed and more decisions are now made ‘from the top’. After the initial protests, many employees believed they experienced retaliation by the company. Employees continue to rally against Google in order to bring about a change in the company’s culture.

This seven second video demonstrates a facial recognition app that converts facial expressions into emojis. In the video, a man is seen making several facial expressions with the corresponding emoji displayed below. A link to the web app is available.