
Google's $32 billion deal for Wiz gets antitrust review, Bloomberg News reports
June 13 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department antitrust enforcers are reviewing whether Google's (GOOGL.O), opens new tab planned acquisition of cybersecurity company Wiz would illegally limit competition in the marketplace, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The deal, valued at about $32 billion, is Alphabet's largest acquisition to date. It will integrate Wiz into Google's cloud unit, enhancing the company's cybersecurity solutions to help businesses mitigate critical risks.
Google, DOJ and Wiz did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

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Geeky Gadgets
16 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Finding the Best Solana Wallet: A Guide to Secure Solana Storage
Navigating the world of cryptocurrencies can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to choosing the right Solana wallet. With a plethora of options available, users must ensure they select a secure option that aligns with their digital asset needs. Understanding Solana wallets Solana wallets are essential tools for anyone looking to buy, store, swap, send, or receive Solana-based assets. These wallets allow users not only to hold Solana securely but also to interact seamlessly with web3 apps. The decentralized nature of these wallets offers users privacy and control over their funds, unlike traditional banking systems. When evaluating Solana wallets, one must consider features such as security protocols, user interface, and additional functionalities like staking and NFT support. Solana's architecture inherently supports high-speed transactions and low fees, making it a preferred choice among crypto enthusiasts who need an efficient system to handle their assets, including using a Solana wallet. The importance of crypto security and self-custody Cryptocurrency security hinges on the principle of self-custody. Unlike keeping money in a bank, where an institution holds custody, with cryptocurrencies such as Solana, the responsibility lies with the owner. This means holding private keys securely is fundamental to prevent potential theft or loss of funds. Hardware solutions have emerged as a popular choice due to their enhanced security measures. These devices store private keys offline, minimizing exposure to online threats. While termed as highly secure, owners must follow best practices in usage to maintain their assets' safety. Ledger, for example, is known for its robust security features, providing an excellent means to safeguard Solana-based assets. How self-custody impacts user experience With the rise of decentralized applications, maintaining full control over assets has potentially never been more important. Self-custody empowers individuals to participate actively in the crypto economy, fostering true ownership. It requires individuals to act responsibly, ensuring private keys are managed judiciously. The independence this setup offers makes it an attractive option for tech-savvy investors seeking autonomy over their digital wealth. Moreover, the ability to engage directly with staking opportunities exemplifies the freedom that self-custody brings. By managing personal assets, individuals can stake Solana tokens within their wallets to earn passive income through network participation—a compelling reason to consider Solana wallets as a strategic investment tool. Exploring different types of Solana wallets Selecting the most suitable Solana wallet involves understanding the nuances of each type. Below is an overview of the common categories: Hardware wallets: Known for exceptional security, these devices safely store private keys offline. Ideal for those prioritizing protection against hacks and malware. Known for exceptional security, these devices safely store private keys offline. Ideal for those prioritizing protection against hacks and malware. Software wallets: Offering flexibility with mobile and desktop versions, these wallets bring convenience and versatility, enabling users to connect easily with dApps and manage assets on-the-go. Offering flexibility with mobile and desktop versions, these wallets bring convenience and versatility, enabling users to connect easily with dApps and manage assets on-the-go. Web wallets: Accessible via internet browsers, these wallets provide straightforward access without requiring installation. However, they may present higher risks compared to hardware alternatives. Leveraging hardware solutions: A closer look at Ledger Among the myriad of choices, Ledger stands out as a leading provider of hardware wallets. Recognized for its durable design and intuitive interface, Ledger caters to those seriously committed to securing their Solana-based assets. Its advanced security features include a unique operating system and a secure chip, specifically engineered to protect against emerging cyber threats. Through Ledger Live, users gain access to a comprehensive dashboard for tracking their portfolio, participating in staking, and engaging with other web3 apps. Its broad compatibility with DEFI projects further enhances its appeal, positioning it as a smart choice for long-term Solana asset management. Secure Your Solana with Confidence and Control As Solana continues to power fast, low-cost blockchain transactions, choosing the right wallet becomes key to maximizing both security and usability. Whether you're managing NFTs, staking tokens, or diving into DeFi, embracing a self-custodial solution like Ledger offers unmatched protection and complete ownership of your digital assets. By taking control of your private keys and leveraging trusted tools, you set yourself up for a secure and empowered journey through the Solana ecosystem. Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.


NBC News
36 minutes ago
- NBC News
Why Waymo cars became sitting ducks during the LA protests
Engineers working on self-driving technology have given a lot of thought to difficult questions over the years, including how to keep pedestrians safe and how to avoid collisions with other vehicles. But last weekend's protests in Los Angeles threw a spotlight on one of the thorny problems that remain for autonomous vehicles: what to do about arson, vandalism or other physical attacks. Five vehicles owned by Google's self-driving spinoff Waymo were set ablaze last Sunday during protests against the Trump administration's immigration policies. Images and video of the flaming cars quickly went viral, illustrating for a global audience how vulnerable robotaxis can be in volatile situations. For all their advanced technology, including expensive cameras and sensors, the cars seemed to be defenseless. Waymo says the five cars were in downtown Los Angeles to serve passengers when they were attacked. There were no drivers to plead for mercy, and with crowds surrounding the vehicles, there was no escape path that didn't include threatening pedestrians — something Waymo vehicles are programmed not to do. 'They're very much sitting ducks,' said Jeff Fong, who has worked at tech companies including Lyft and Postmates and now writes a newsletter about cities and technology. And it wasn't the first time Waymo was a victim of arson. Last year, a Waymo in San Francisco's Chinatown was set on fire during Lunar New Year celebrations. Police later charged a juvenile with starting the blaze, saying they had thrown a lit firework into the vehicle. Waymos have been vandalized in other ways, too, including having their tires slashed, their windshields smashed, their doors torn off and their exteriors defaced with spray-paint. Local prosecutors have charged individuals in at least some cases. Part of what makes robotaxis vulnerable is their caution. While it's impossible to know if a human driver behind the steering wheel could have deterred or escaped vandalism in any specific case involving a robotaxi, driverless vehicles are generally designed to stay put if there's any risk that they'd hit a person while moving. 'There's been so much effort into making sure they can't hurt human beings,' Fong said. 'That's the problem Waymo has been solving for, rightfully so, but when you have the problem where a human wants to do harm, these cars have no countermeasures.' Autonomous technology companies, including Waymo, appear to be largely at a loss for ideas on how to deter vandalism over the long term. Their cameras may be a partial deterrent — Waymo says each of its cars has 29 cameras — and the company has cooperated with police to help find vandalism suspects after the fact. But Waymo's collection of street data through its cameras and sensors is also one of the sources of anger against the company and other startups like it. Some Uber and Lyft drivers have said that vandalism incidents bolster the importance of human drivers as a deterrent. A spokesperson for Waymo said that in response to the protests in Los Angeles and elsewhere, it was temporarily adjusting its service area. Waymo declined to make anyone available for an interview about the problems of arson and vandalism and how the company plans to deal with such incidents in the long term. The vandalism problem is mostly limited for now to Waymo, which is the biggest self-driving car company. It has about 1,500 vehicles operating in four regions, with additional cities scheduled to come online this year. But the market is set to become more competitive soon, with Tesla saying it plans to launch a robotaxi service this month in Austin, Texas, and Amazon-backed Zoox planning a service in Las Vegas and San Francisco. Representatives for Tesla and Zoox did not respond to requests for comment about how they plan to avoid incidents like last Sunday's attack on Waymo vehicles. The problem has been gnawing at robotaxi fans on message boards on Reddit. In one thread in January, users tossed around ideas like having dedicated security on motorcycles nearby or equipping Waymo vehicles with pepper spray. Adam Millard-Ball, director of the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies, said that robotaxis are a symbolic target for some street demonstrators. 'They're attacked not because they're autonomous cars but because they're a symbol of inequality in cities and a symbol of the power of large technology companies,' he said. He noted that electric scooters are also sometimes targets. He also said it's hard to imagine what the companies, police or city officials could do to eliminate the threat entirely. 'I don't think any country in the world has eliminated vandalism in public spaces,' he said. The incidents are problematic for Waymo on multiple levels: not only the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicles, but also the reputational risk when images and videos spread widely online. There's also the possible danger to passengers. And although no passengers were harmed in either arson incident, some passengers have been delayed or reported feeling threatened when the cars they were riding in were vandalized from the outside. Last year, a San Francisco woman posted a video online after she said two men targeted her while riding in a Waymo. Then there's the lost business from what Waymo calls 'temporary service adjustments.' In Los Angeles and San Francisco this past week, Waymo stopped serving certain areas that are part of its normal service area. People using the company's app in recent days were greeted with a message, alluding to the street protests: 'Pickup times and routing may be affected by local events. Thank you for your patience.' In San Francisco, that meant Waymo refused to take customers through or to several neighborhoods, including parts of the Financial District, the Civic Center area near City Hall and the sprawling South of Market neighborhood. Waymo also limited service to the Mission District, a historically working-class and Latino neighborhood that's also home now to many tech workers and a vibrant nightlife scene. Thousands of people attended an anti-Trump protest in the Mission on Monday night, and the effects on Waymo reverberated for days: A post on X with an example of rerouting around the Mission went viral Wednesday, getting 1.2 million views. Searches of the Waymo app by NBC News showed the service continuing to refuse service to parts of the Mission throughout the week, including during relatively quiet morning hours and on Friday. The app labeled certain destinations as 'unreachable.' A Waymo spokesperson said: 'We're taking these heightened measures now out of an abundance of caution.' They said the situation was temporary and subject to change quickly in response to conditions on the ground. Waymo hasn't published a map of which areas are restricted. Mass anti-Trump protests advocating for 'No Kings' are scheduled for Saturday nationwide, providing another potential disruption for robotaxis. Though the service restrictions may be temporary, they struck some people as discriminatory against poorer neighborhoods, with some social media users on X calling the practice ' redlining ' on the part of Waymo. The term refers to the decades-long practice of refusing home loans to predominantly Black neighborhoods. In contrast, ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft, which use human drivers, still offered rides to the Mission in recent days, according to NBC News searches of their apps. San Francisco's Municipal Transportation Agency rerouted some buses during the height of anti-Trump administration protests but then resumed regular service. There have been no arrests for the attacks on Waymo vehicles in Los Angeles last Sunday. On Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said it was taking the lead in investigating the Waymo attacks, making them the subject of a federal investigation. 'The cause of these fires is quite obvious,' ATF Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cooper of the Los Angeles Field Division said in a statement. 'The task at hand now is to determine who is responsible. ATF's National Response Team is going to be a tremendous asset, and we look forward to the results of their efforts to hold the responsible parties accountable,' he said.


Auto Blog
37 minutes ago
- Auto Blog
Chevy Just Confirmed The Gas Blazer's Lifeline
GM Investing In Diversification As you'll read elsewhere on this site, General Motors recently earmarked around $4 billion to upgrade three of its factories (in Kansas, Tennessee, and Michigan). The major takeaway is that the affordable Bolt EV will enter production this year, and another 'affordable EV' will follow in 2027. But GM isn't only focusing on keeping electric cars affordable, because it's also looking at how to make existing products more popular. The Blazer EV recently lost its RWD configuration due to low market demand, but rear-drive may be about to return with a gas engine instead. We're dreaming, of course, and wishing that Chevy decides to make it like the K5 Blazer and not the current model. But why would it? The current configuration of the gas-powered Blazer is arguably more popular than the EV, though GM is now the #2 brand in U.S. EV sales with 62,000 sold this year through May. Perhaps a hybrid is the right way forward, but GM didn't get that specific. 0:06 / 0:09 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More GM's Gas Blazer To Be Revitalized In 2027 The Blazer was a gas-powered SUV of various descriptions for most of its life, but then it went electric as well. By maintaining combustion with a badge that was always associated with it, Chevy could sell the gas-powered model alongside and with the exact same stunning styling as the Blazer EV, giving customers the same sort of choice that BMW i7 and 7 Series buyers have. So will it continue with the same recipe, or will it try to steal sales from its old indirect but more off-road-focused rival, the Bronco? Doubtful. Yes, the gas-powered Blazer was expected to be killed off this year, at least according to GM Authority, and after trailing the Subaru Outback, Kia Sorento, and Hyundai Santa Fe in Q1 2025 (despite beating the Mitsubishi Outlander), it seemed plausible. However, this announcement only suggests a continuation of the segment contender; we can't see GM investing in a whole new direction for the platform in such uncertain times. GM's announcement says only that it will add production of a gas-powered Blazer SUV to its Spring Hill factory in Tennessee in 2027. Whether that's early or late in 2027 is also a mystery, but given how long plant upgrades can take, not to mention other potential stumbling blocks like supply chain delays, workforce shortages, and more, we might expect it toward the end of that year. On the other hand, the fact that Chevy is talking about it means the beginning of a long teaser campaign, and that suggests strong confidence in this plant upgrade schedule. Regardless of when the new Blazer arrives, the current one appeared back in 2019, so we hope Chevy can meet its own deadline without any hiccups. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. GM Spending $1 Billion On Combustion Engines Alone Although there are plenty of electric options popping up from GM's brands – the Cadillac Escalade IQ, GMC Hummer EV, and Chevrolet Silverado EV come to mind – the automaker hasn't survived 116 years by putting all its eggs in one basket. GM is catering for those who appreciate the serenity, ease of operation, and advancement of EVs (and as they continually improve, that number will surely grow). But for those who aren't quite ready to take a risk on lean infrastructure, recharging times that are not yet as quick as refueling, and potentially poor resale values, it's investing $1 billion to keep building on its internal combustion foundation. With one side of the company developing 1,064 horsepower from little more than fuel, spark, and compression, and the other side promising two affordable new EVs in the next couple of years, a gas-powered Blazer fits beautifully into the middle. Bravo, GM. We're watching closely. Source: Chevrolet About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile