Tribune Take: 10 stories that rocked the world of technology

Whether its the Fake news phenomenon, data leaks or Elon Musk's boring Tunnel, technology has been in the limelight

As 2018 comes to an end, stories from the world of technology have dominated headlines throughout the year. Whether its the Fake news phenomenon, data leaks, device launches or Elon Musk's boring Tunnel, technology has been in the limelight.

Here’s a look at the top 10 stories that snapped the tech world in 2018.

Careem admits to mass data leak



Prominent ride-hailing company Careem announced that the company suffered a data leak after a cyber-incident in January this year.



According to the released statement, information including “Customers’ name, email addresses, phone numbers and trip data” were breached during the attack that took place on January 14.

Dear Customers, we have identified a cyber incident that took place in January 2018 involving unauthorized access to the system we use to store data. Our wider security protocol keep passwords encrypted and credit card details on a separate system. pic.twitter.com/rkcpf671ct

— Careem (@careem) April 23, 2018

“There is no evidence that your password or credit card number have been compromised. Customers’ credit card information is kept on an external third-party PCP-compliant server. A PCP server uses highly secure protocols and is employed by international banks around the globe to protect financial information,” according to a statement.

The ride-hailing giant has clarified though that customers’ credit card information were not affected by the attack.

 

Samsung launches Galaxy S9



Samsung unveiled its flagship Galaxy S9 smartphone in February with an emphasis on visual applications for social media, hoping to attract tech-savvy young consumers.

There’s a new star in town. And it’s going to change the way you experience everything. Introducing the #GalaxyS9. Find out more. pic.twitter.com/uex92mKWxW

— Samsung Mobile (@SamsungMobile) February 25, 2018

The smartphone was launched at the mobile gadget fair in Barcelona, attracting thousands of reporters to see how the world’s biggest smartphone maker could innovate in a category in which the big players are technologically closer than ever.

 

Uber's self-driving comes under scrutiny



In March, a woman succumbed to her injuries after being hit by an Uber self-driving vehicle in Arizona. The accident marked the first fatality from a self-driving vehicle. It would derail efforts to fast-track the introduction of the new technology in the United States by over 6 months.

At the time of the accident, which occurred overnight, the car was in autonomous mode with a vehicle operator behind the wheel, Tempe police said.

Authorities in the US state of Pennsylvania have given Uber the green light to resume testing self-driving cars after putting a hold on it for almost nine months.

 

Facebook’s data scandal



Back in April, social media giant Facebook announced that personal data on as many as 87 million users was improperly shared with British political consultancy Cambridge Analytica which worked closely with Donald Trump’s 2016 election campaign.

The firm became embroiled in scandal in March when a former analyst, 28-year-old Canadian Christopher Wylie, revealed that the consultancy had used a Facebook personality prediction app to hijack up to 87 million Facebook users’ data.

The world’s biggest social network faces probes on both sides of the Atlantic over the controversy.

 

Alibaba's Jack Ma to step down in 2019



Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma announced on September 8 that he would step down as head of the pioneering Chinese e-commerce giant in one year.

Analysts said the early withdrawal of 54-year-old Ma, the charismatic face of a company that has revolutionised China's consumption market, will challenge Alibaba to carry on Ma’s vision amid rising competition.

Ma, who has expressed a desire to follow in the philanthropic footsteps of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, said he would remain on Alibaba’s board until 2020.

 

Pakistan to introduce 5G next year



The country has already been successfully experiencing 3G and 4G mobile broadband technology with an increase in the number of users every day.

Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui hinted at the introduction of 5G telecom services in Pakistan next year which he believed would attract massive foreign investment.

“The world is changing rapidly and to compete with other nations we need to adopt new technologies,” said Siddiqui.

 

Apple goes Max, unveils new iPhones



Apple unveiled three new iPhones in September in a bid to maintain its position in the premium smartphone segment, along with new features for its smartwatch that allows users to take their own electrocardiogram or detect a fall.

The new phones include more powerful processors and cameras, and a dual-SIM for its top-of-the-line devices.

“We are going to take iPhone X to the next level,” chief executive Tim Cook said at a media event at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.

 

Renowned scientist Stephen Hawking dies aged 76



Renowned British physicist Stephen Hawking, whose mental genius and physical disability made him a household name and inspiration across the globe died at age 76 back in March.

Hawking, whose 1988 book “A Brief History of Time” became an unlikely worldwide bestseller and cemented his superstar status, dedicated his life to unlocking the secrets of the Universe.

His genius and wit won over fans from far beyond the rarified world of astrophysics.

Elon Musk tweet that led to $20 million fine



The SEC in September charged Musk, 47, with misleading investors with tweets on August 7 that said he was considering taking Tesla private at $420 a share and had secured funding. The tweets had no basis in fact, and the ensuing market chaos hurt investors, regulators claimed.

Deleted my Tesla titles last week to see what would happen. I’m now the Nothing of Tesla. Seems fine so far.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 29, 2018

Tesla and Elon Musk have agreed to pay $20 million each to financial regulators and the billionaire will step down as the company’s chairman but remain as chief executive, under a settlement.



Along with that, Musk's dream of an underground tunnel started to bear fruit when he unveiled a low-cost 'boring'tunnel seen as a godsend for city traffic.

 

SpaceX launches 64 satellites at once



SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket in December, sending an unusual payload into space — 64 satellites at the same time, a US record.



The company headed by US tech billionaire Elon Musk marked another milestone in its bid to make rockets more re-usable with a blast-off using a recycled booster for the third time.

California-based SpaceX has landed more than 30 of these boosters back on Earth and has begun re-using them on subsequent missions.

In the past, companies have typically allowed rocket parts costing many millions of dollars to fall like junk into the ocean.

While there are more smartphone launches and more tech events to look forward to in 2019, we are hopeful the new year won't be marred with more controversies.