Archives for March 7, 2020

Robot learns to set the dinner table by watching humans

by

You could one day teach a robot just by performing a task yourself.

To date, teaching a robot to perform a task has usually involved either direct coding, trial-and-error tests or handholding the machine. Soon, though, you might just have to perform that task like you would any other day. MIT scientists have developed a system, Planning with Uncertain Specifications (PUnS), that helps bots learn complicated tasks when they’d otherwise stumble, such as setting the dinner table. Instead of the usual method where the robot receives rewards for performing the right actions, PUnS has the bot hold “beliefs” over a variety of specifications and use a language (linear temporal logic) that lets it reason about what it has to do right now and in the future.

To nudge the robot toward the right outcome, the team set criteria that helps the robot satisfy its overall beliefs. The criteria can satisfy the formulas with the highest probability, the greatest number of formulas or even those with the least chance of failure. A designer could optimize a robot for safety if it’s working with hazardous materials, or consistent quality if it’s a factory model.

MIT’s system is much more effective than traditional approaches in early testing. A PUnS-based robot only made six mistakes in 20,000 attempts at setting the table, even when the researchers threw in complications like hiding a fork — the automaton just finished the rest of the tasks and came back to the fork when it popped up. In that way, it demonstrated a human-like ability to set a clear overall goal and improvise.

The developers ultimately want the system to not only learn by watching, but react to feedback. You could give it verbal corrections or a critique of its performance, for instance. That will involve much more work, but it hints at a future where your household robots could adapt to new duties by watching you set an example.

FCC could require phone companies to authenticate calls

by

The proposed rules are another attempt to combat robocalls.

Today, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai proposed new rules that would require phone companies to adopt the STIR/SHAKEN protocol, an increasingly popular method for caller ID authentication. The rules are meant to combat robocalls, specifically those that spoof phone numbers, and the FCC is expected to vote on them later this month.

Under the STIR/SHAKEN protocol, carriers verify that a call is legitimate (not coming from a spoofed number) before it reaches the recipient. In 2018, Pai urged carriers to implement the protocol by 2019. AT&T, Comcast, T-Mobile and Verizon (Engadget’s parent company) have all implemented the tech in one way or another, but robocalls are still a major nuisance. According to the FCC, US consumers receive as many as 350,000 unwanted calls every three minutes.

“It’s clear that FCC action is needed to spur across-the-board deployment of this important technology,” Pai said in a statement. “There is no silver bullet when it comes to eradicating robocalls, but this is a critical shot at the target.”

The FCC has also empowered carriers to block robocalls be default, and several carriers and 50 state attorneys general are working on agreement to implement call-blocking tech, make anti-robocall tools free to consumers and label calls as legitimate or spam.

Verizon owns Engadget’s parent company, Verizon Media. Rest assured, Verizon has no control over our coverage. Engadget remains editorially independent.

Canada’s first 5G network goes live in four cities

by

Rogers intends to charge extra for 5G in 2021, however.

You no longer need to head to the US if you want a taste of 5G in North America. After starting its rollout in January, Rogers has switched on Canada’s first live 5G network in the downtown cores of Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. You’ll unsurprisingly have to pick up one of Samsung’s Galaxy S20 phones and subscribe to an unlimited data plan if you want to try the service right away, but Rogers’ use of the 2.5GHz mid-range band suggests you’ll have an easier time finding speedier service than you would with high-band 5G on networks like Verizon (Engadget’s parent company) in the US. It’s closer to AT&T and Sprint in that regard.

You can expect 20 more markets to get 5G this year, Rogers said. At the same time, it’l start using low-band 600MHz access that should both widen coverage and help you stay connected to 5G indoors. It’ll eventually start using 3.5GHz service as well as spectrum sharing that lets it use LTE airwaves for 5G.

There is a gotcha, however: 5G will eventually carry a premium. Rogers is only offering 5G at no extra charge until March 6th, 2021. You’ll have to pay a $15 surcharge after that. While this practice isn’t completely unheard of (Verizon has talked about charging a premium, but waived it for early adopters), it’s not likely to please Canadians who are already complaining about paying high prices for cell service compared to other countries.

The decision to charge a premium might even lead to a political confrontation. Canada’s Innovation, Science and Industry Minister Navdeep Bains recently warned that the country’s big three carriers (Rogers, Bell and Telus) will have to cut the prices of mid-range plans by 25 percent as part of a larger bid to reduce phone costs. While that won’t affect Rogers’ 5G (at least not at first), it’s not likely to please politicians and regulators trying to make wireless data more affordable.

Researchers discover that Intel chips have an unfixable security flaw

by

The chips are vulnerable during boot-up, so they can’t be patched with a firmware update.

Security researchers have discovered another flaw in recent Intel chips that, while difficult to exploit, is completely unpatchable. The vulnerability is within Intel’s Converged Security and Management Engine (CSME), a part of the chip that controls system boot-up, power levels, firmware and, most critically, cryptographic functions. Security specialists Positive Technologies have found that a tiny gap in security in that module that could allow attackers to inject malicious code and, eventually, commandeer your PC.

The vulnerability is another in a string of Intel chip flaws that have damaged the chipmaker’s reputation of late. In 2018, Intel faced heavy criticism over the Meltdown and Spectre flaws in Intel chips that could have allowed attackers to steal data.

CSME, which has its own 486-based CPU, RAM and boot ROM, is the first thing that runs when you boot up your computer. One of the first things it does is protect its own memory, but before that happens, there’s a brief moment when it’s vulnerable. If hackers have local or physical access to a machine, they might be able to fire off a DMA transfer to that RAM, overwriting it and hijacking code execution.

Since the ROM vulnerability allows seizing control of code execution before the hardware key generation mechanism in the SKS is locked, and the ROM vulnerability cannot be fixed, we believe that extracting this key is only a matter of time. When this happens, utter chaos will reign. Hardware IDs will be forged, digital content will be extracted, and data from encrypted hard disks will be decrypted.

Since the boot code and RAM are hard coded into Intel’s CPUs, they can’t be patched or reset without replacing the silicon. That makes it impossible for Intel or computer makers to mitigate, let alone completely fix, the vulnerability.

The CSME’s security functions allow the operating system and apps to securely store file encryption keys using a master “chipset key.” If an attacker could access that key by executing malicious code, they could gain access to core parts of the operating system along with apps, and potentially do serious damage.

“This [chipset] key is not platform-specific. A single key is used for an entire generation of Intel chipsets,” explains Mark Ermolov from Positive Technologies. “And since… the ROM vulnerability cannot be fixed, we believe that extracting this key is only a matter of time. When this happens, utter chaos will reign. Hardware IDs will be forged, digital content will be extracted, and data from encrypted hard disks will be decrypted.”

That sounds dramatic, but exploiting the vulnerability would require major technological know-how, specialized equipment and physical access to a machine. Once hackers were inside a system, though, they could feasibly gain persistent remote access.

The vulnerability applies to machines with Intel chips built over the last five years or so. Intel said that it was notified of the vulnerabilities and released mitigations in May 2019 to be incorporated into firmware updates for motherboards and computer systems.

The chip giant told Ars Technica on background that those updates “should” mitigate local attacks. However, physical attacks (where attackers have possession of a targeted computer) might still be possible if attackers can roll back BIOS versions. As such, Intel said in a support document that “end users should maintain physical possession of their platforms.’

AK Steel Holding Corporation (AKS) and Steel Dynamics Inc. (STLD)

by

RENAISSANCE TECHNOLOGIES LLC bought a fresh place in AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE:AKS). The institutional investor bought 3.1 million shares of the stock in a transaction took place on 12/31/2019. In another most recent transaction, which held on 12/31/2019, BLACKROCK FUND ADVISORS bought approximately 2.2 million shares of AK Steel Holding Corporation In a separate transaction which took place on 12/31/2019, the institutional investor, UBS SECURITIES LLC bought 2.1 million shares of the company’s stock. The total Institutional investors and hedge funds own 59.70% of the company’s stock.

In the most recent purchasing and selling session, AK Steel Holding Corporation (AKS)’s share price decreased by -5.24 percent to ratify at $2.17. A sum of 6470881 shares traded at recent session and its average exchanging volume remained at 7.38M shares. The 52-week price high and low points are important variables to concentrate on when assessing the current and prospective worth of a stock. AK Steel Holding Corporation (AKS) shares are taking a pay cut of -39.55% from the high point of 52 weeks and flying high of 30.72% from the low figure of 52 weeks.

AK Steel Holding Corporation (AKS) shares reached a high of $2.25 and dropped to a low of $2.12 until finishing in the latest session at $2.24. Traders and investors may also choose to study the ATR or Average True Range when concentrating on technical inventory assessment. Currently at 0.15 is the 14-day ATR for AK Steel Holding Corporation (AKS). The highest level of 52-weeks price has $3.59 and $1.66 for 52 weeks lowest level. After the recent changes in the price, the firm captured the enterprise value of $3.25B, with the price to earnings ratio of 62.00. The liquidity ratios which the firm has won as a quick ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 1.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 13.00.

Having a look at past record, we’re going to look at various forwards or backwards shifting developments regarding AKS. The firm’s shares fell -4.41 percent in the past five business days and shrunk -26.69 percent in the past thirty business days. In the previous quarter, the stock fell -27.91 percent at some point. The output of the stock decreased 0.00 percent within the six-month closing period, while general annual output lost -22.22 percent. The company’s performance is now negative at -34.04% from the beginning of the calendar year.

According to WSJ, AK Steel Holding Corporation (AKS) obtained an estimated Hold proposal from the 9 brokerage firms currently keeping a deep eye on the stock performance as compares to its rivals. 0 equity research analysts rated the shares with a selling strategy, 9 gave a hold approach, 0 gave a purchase tip, 0 gave the firm a overweight advice and 0 put the stock under the underweight category. The average price goal of one year between several banks and credit unions that last year discussed the stock is $3.11.

Steel Dynamics Inc. (STLD) shares on Thursday’s trading session, dropped -6.22 percent to see the stock exchange hands at $25.65 per unit. Lets a quick look at company’s past reported and future predictions of growth using the EPS Growth. EPS growth is a percentage change in standardized earnings per share over the trailing-twelve-month period to the current year-end. The company posted a value of $3.03 as earning-per-share over the last full year, while a chance, will post $2.46 for the coming year. The current EPS Growth rate for the company during the year is -43.20% and predicted to reach at -6.10% for the coming year. In-depth, if we analyze for the long-term EPS Growth, the out-come was 35.50% for the past five years.

The last trading period has seen Steel Dynamics Inc. (STLD) move -32.68% and 2.50% from the stock’s 52-week high and 52-week low prices respectively. The daily trading volume for Steel Dynamics Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD) over the last session is 2.61 million shares. STLD has attracted considerable attention from traders and investors, a scenario that has seen its volume jump 22.65% compared to the previous one.

Investors focus on the profitability proportions of the company that how the company performs at profitability side. Return on equity ratio or ROE is a significant indicator for prospective investors as they would like to see just how effectively a business is using their cash to produce net earnings. As a return on equity, Steel Dynamics Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD) produces 16.60%. Because it would be easy and highly flexible, ROI measurement is among the most popular investment ratios. Executives could use it to evaluate the levels of performance on acquisitions of capital equipment whereas investors can determine that how the stock investment is better. The ROI entry for STLD’s scenario is at 11.60%. Another main metric of a profitability ratio is the return on assets ratio or ROA that analyses how effectively a business can handle its assets to generate earnings over a duration of time. Steel Dynamics Inc. (STLD) generated 8.40% ROA for the trading twelve-month.

Volatility is just a proportion of the anticipated day by day value extend—the range where an informal investor works. Greater instability implies more noteworthy benefit or misfortune. After an ongoing check, Steel Dynamics Inc. (STLD) stock is found to be 4.98% volatile for the week, while 3.62% volatility is recorded for the month. The outstanding shares have been calculated 217.56M. Based on a recent bid, its distance from 20 days simple moving average is -10.20%, and its distance from 50 days simple moving average is -17.29% while it has a distance of -15.15% from the 200 days simple moving average.

The Williams Percent Range or Williams %R is a well-known specialized pointer made by Larry Williams to help recognize overbought and oversold circumstances. Steel Dynamics Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD)’s Williams Percent Range or Williams %R at the time of writing to be seated at 93.06% for 9-Day. It is also calculated for different time spans. Currently for this organization, Williams %R is stood at 93.24% for 14-Day, 94.26% for 20-Day, 96.88% for 50-Day and to be seated 97.12% for 100-Day. Relative Strength Index, or RSI(14), which is a technical analysis gauge, also used to measure momentum on a scale of zero to 100 for overbought and oversold. In the case of Steel Dynamics Inc., the RSI reading has hit 29.22 for 14-Day.

GasLog Ltd. (GLOG) and NRG Energy Inc. (NRG)

by

CIBC PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISORS, IN bought a fresh place in GasLog Ltd. (NYSE:GLOG). The institutional investor bought 634.7 thousand shares of the stock in a transaction took place on 12/31/2019. In another most recent transaction, which held on 12/31/2019, POINT72 ASSET MANAGEMENT LP bought approximately 359.6 thousand shares of GasLog Ltd. In a separate transaction which took place on 12/31/2019, the institutional investor, JPMORGAN SECURITIES LLC (INVESTM bought 355.9 thousand shares of the company’s stock. The total Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.30% of the company’s stock.

In the most recent purchasing and selling session, GasLog Ltd. (GLOG)’s share price decreased by -8.47 percent to ratify at $4.86. A sum of 1084636 shares traded at recent session and its average exchanging volume remained at 871.82K shares. The 52-week price high and low points are important variables to concentrate on when assessing the current and prospective worth of a stock. GasLog Ltd. (GLOG) shares are taking a pay cut of -72.09% from the high point of 52 weeks and flying high of -7.43% from the low figure of 52 weeks.

GasLog Ltd. (GLOG) shares reached a high of $5.18 and dropped to a low of $4.76 until finishing in the latest session at $5.18. Traders and investors may also choose to study the ATR or Average True Range when concentrating on technical inventory assessment. Currently at 0.46 is the 14-day ATR for GasLog Ltd. (GLOG). The highest level of 52-weeks price has $17.41 and $5.25 for 52 weeks lowest level. After the recent changes in the price, the firm captured the enterprise value of $4.48B. The liquidity ratios which the firm has won as a quick ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.87.

Having a look at past record, we’re going to look at various forwards or backwards shifting developments regarding GLOG. The firm’s shares fell -14.74 percent in the past five business days and shrunk -25.00 percent in the past thirty business days. In the previous quarter, the stock fell -44.45 percent at some point. The output of the stock decreased -58.51 percent within the six-month closing period, while general annual output lost -69.00 percent. The company’s performance is now negative at -50.36% from the beginning of the calendar year.

According to WSJ, GasLog Ltd. (GLOG) obtained an estimated Overweight proposal from the 11 brokerage firms currently keeping a deep eye on the stock performance as compares to its rivals. 1 equity research analysts rated the shares with a selling strategy, 2 gave a hold approach, 8 gave a purchase tip, 0 gave the firm a overweight advice and 0 put the stock under the underweight category. The average price goal of one year between several banks and credit unions that last year discussed the stock is $12.73.

NRG Energy Inc. (NRG) shares on Thursday’s trading session, dropped -3.10 percent to see the stock exchange hands at $34.35 per unit. Lets a quick look at company’s past reported and future predictions of growth using the EPS Growth. EPS growth is a percentage change in standardized earnings per share over the trailing-twelve-month period to the current year-end. The company posted a value of $2.02 as earning-per-share over the last full year, while a chance, will post $4.20 for the coming year. The current EPS Growth rate for the company during the year is 140.80% and predicted to reach at 0.50% for the coming year. In-depth, if we analyze for the long-term EPS Growth, the out-come was 26.40% for the past five years and the scenario is totally different as the current prediction is 31.70% for the next five year.

The last trading period has seen NRG Energy Inc. (NRG) move -21.32% and 7.68% from the stock’s 52-week high and 52-week low prices respectively. The daily trading volume for NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE:NRG) over the last session is 3.46 million shares. NRG has attracted considerable attention from traders and investors, a scenario that has seen its volume jump 35.68% compared to the previous one.

Investors focus on the profitability proportions of the company that how the company performs at profitability side. Return on equity ratio or ROE is a significant indicator for prospective investors as they would like to see just how effectively a business is using their cash to produce net earnings. As a return on equity, NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE:NRG) produces -69.70%. Because it would be easy and highly flexible, ROI measurement is among the most popular investment ratios. Executives could use it to evaluate the levels of performance on acquisitions of capital equipment whereas investors can determine that how the stock investment is better. The ROI entry for NRG’s scenario is at 17.30%. Another main metric of a profitability ratio is the return on assets ratio or ROA that analyses how effectively a business can handle its assets to generate earnings over a duration of time. NRG Energy Inc. (NRG) generated 10.70% ROA for the trading twelve-month.

Volatility is just a proportion of the anticipated day by day value extend—the range where an informal investor works. Greater instability implies more noteworthy benefit or misfortune. After an ongoing check, NRG Energy Inc. (NRG) stock is found to be 4.87% volatile for the week, while 3.05% volatility is recorded for the month. The outstanding shares have been calculated 261.37M. Based on a recent bid, its distance from 20 days simple moving average is -8.08%, and its distance from 50 days simple moving average is -9.20% while it has a distance of -8.02% from the 200 days simple moving average.

The Williams Percent Range or Williams %R is a well-known specialized pointer made by Larry Williams to help recognize overbought and oversold circumstances. NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE:NRG)’s Williams Percent Range or Williams %R at the time of writing to be seated at 65.64% for 9-Day. It is also calculated for different time spans. Currently for this organization, Williams %R is stood at 70.66% for 14-Day, 70.66% for 20-Day, 72.16% for 50-Day and to be seated 75.20% for 100-Day. Relative Strength Index, or RSI(14), which is a technical analysis gauge, also used to measure momentum on a scale of zero to 100 for overbought and oversold. In the case of NRG Energy Inc., the RSI reading has hit 39.09 for 14-Day.