A record crypto theft is a reminder to lock down your accounts
The FBI and Secret Service say a North Korean hacking group was behind last week's theft from the crypto exchange Binance, the largest crypto theft on record. The hackers are now moving the stolen coins through thousands of automated trades to hide them, and the feds are asking other exchanges to block the flagged wallets. Binance had to shut down for days to recover.
If one of the biggest companies in the business can get hit, your email and bank accounts are worth ten minutes this week. Turn on two-factor sign-in, preferably an authenticator app instead of text messages, and don't reuse passwords.
Source: The Record
Daikin moves its big commercial systems to R-32 refrigerant
Daikin launched a new line of large commercial air conditioning systems in Australia that runs on R-32 instead of the older R-410A. R-32 is mildly flammable, so the system comes with built-in leak detection, alarms and shut-off valves. It isn't sold in the US yet, but it shows where heating and cooling equipment is headed everywhere.
Newer home systems use these mildly flammable refrigerants too. That's normal and safe when the equipment is installed right, but refrigerant work is never a DIY job. If you notice ice on the lines or the system blowing warm air, shut it off and call for service.
Source: Australian Manufacturing
Apple's first touchscreen Mac ships this Friday
The new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro goes on sale November 6. The screen now takes touch, so you can swipe, pinch and drag, and the notch at the top is replaced by a smaller cutout. It keeps the HDMI port, the SD card slot and the headphone jack, and Apple says many existing apps work with touch right away.
If you're thinking about buying one, there's no rush on day one. Give it a few weeks for real-world reviews on battery life and how touch actually works in the apps you use.
Source: MacRumors
DJI Mini 5 Pro: great camera, but check the weight
A long-term review from Pilot Institute says the Mini 5 Pro's camera is the reason to buy it, with better low-light shots and true vertical video. The catch: some owners report their drones weigh a few grams over the 250-gram line, which means you'd need to register it with the FAA in the US. The reviewer also suggests staying out of strong winds even though it's rated for more.
Put your drone on a kitchen scale with the battery and any accessories attached. If it's over 250 grams, register it with the FAA before you fly, and always stay clear of airports.
Source: DroneXL
ChatGPT now limits paid accounts per device
OpenAI added limits to ChatGPT. If too many paid accounts get used on one phone, computer or payment card, you'll see a "Device limit reached" message, and logging out doesn't free up the spot. It applies to the personal paid plans, not the free plan or business accounts.
If your family shares one computer or one card for several paid ChatGPT accounts, you may run into this. Check which accounts you actually use and cancel the extras.
Source: The Decoder
Safety reminder from me
Cold nights are when furnaces, water heaters and space heaters work hardest. If you smell gas, leave the house first and call your gas company from outside. Never open up gas lines, refrigerant lines or your electrical panel yourself. For anything electrical inside the panel, call a qualified electrician. For heating trouble, I can help with a $79 diagnostic or a $79 tune-up.
