### Ars Technica’s Top Stories of 2024: A Year in Reflection
As 2024 concludes, Ars Technica reviews the most intriguing stories that caught the interest of its audience. From revolutionary strides in technology and space ventures to corporate disputes and cybersecurity hurdles, this year has been remarkably dynamic. Here’s a summary of the key stories that shaped 2024.
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### **20. NASA’s Pivotal Safety Choice**
NASA tackled one of its most critical safety dilemmas in decades when Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, carrying astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, faced propulsion troubles. The mission, originally scheduled for a week, stretched to six months as NASA ensured the astronauts’ secure return. This event spotlighted NASA’s advancing safety culture since the *Challenger* tragedy and the intricacies of human space activity.
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### **19. macOS 15 Sequoia: The AI-Powered Upgrade**
Apple unveiled macOS 15 Sequoia, nicknamed “the AI version,” featuring enhancements like sophisticated window tiling and subtle yet significant app updates. Although its AI features were postponed until version 15.1, the update received acclaim for its backward compatibility and intuitive enhancements, marking it as a leading operating system launch of the year.
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### **18. The xz Utils Backdoor Alert**
A potential disaster from a supply chain attack on the widely-used open-source compression tool xz Utils sent alarm bells ringing across the tech landscape. Malicious code aimed at encrypted SSH connections was intercepted in time, preventing extensive harm. This event highlighted the increasing sophistication of supply chain threats and the necessity for proactive software security measures.
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### **17. Active Shielding Against Space Radiation**
Cosmic radiation poses a major challenge for extended space missions. This year, scientists revisited the idea of active shielding, examining magnetic fields and electrostatic barriers as viable options. With promising results from small-scale prototypes, the vision of safer interplanetary voyages is becoming more attainable.
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### **16. Enhanced Garage Door Automation with Ratgdo**
Ars Technica’s Lee Hutchinson detailed his experience automating his garage door using a Ratgdo board. This compact Wi-Fi-enabled gadget provided a straightforward, dependable solution for home automation fans, demonstrating that even everyday chores can gain from a sprinkle of technological innovation.
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### **15. Boston Dynamics’ Electrified Atlas Robot**
Boston Dynamics introduced an updated version of its Atlas robot, now powered by electric energy rather than hydraulics. This transformation allowed for unmatched agility and versatility, positioning the robot as a potential revolutionary tool in manufacturing and beyond.
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### **14. Apple Silicon’s Unfixable Flaw**
Researchers identified a flaw in Apple’s silicon chips that could extract encryption keys without requiring root access. Named “GoFetch,” this exploit utilized the chips’ memory-dependent prefetcher, raising alarms about the security of contemporary processors and the compromises inherent in performance enhancements.
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### **13. Air Canada’s Chatbot Incident**
Air Canada encountered criticism after its chatbot relayed incorrect refund policies to a grieving client. When the airline declined to honor the chatbot’s commitments, the dispute escalated to small claims court, where the customer won. This situation underscored the risks of depending on AI for customer service without appropriate supervision.
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### **12. HP’s Unexpected Advancement**
HP, frequently admonished for its stringent printer restrictions, astonished users with a genuinely beneficial feature that streamlined print operations. This uncommon initiative received accolades from customers, sharply contrasting the company’s past DRM disputes.
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### **11. Ingenuity’s Groundbreaking Legacy**
NASA’s Mars helicopter *Ingenuity* wrapped up its final flight this year, leaving a legacy of innovation. Constructed using off-the-shelf components, *Ingenuity* demonstrated the viability of powered flight on other planets, facilitating future aerial exploration, including potential missions to Titan.
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### **10. An Unpleasant Scent in the ISS**
A Russian cargo craft docking at the International Space Station introduced an unforeseen issue: a noxious smell. Although the odor was ultimately eliminated from the air, the incident served as a reminder of the distinct challenges associated with living in space.
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### **9. Affordable Mini PCs vs. Raspberry Pi 5**
Andrew Cunningham evaluated the feasibility of sub-$200 mini PCs as alternatives to the Raspberry Pi 5. His findings illuminated both the advantages and drawbacks of these budget-friendly devices, providing critical insights for those in search of economical computing options.
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### **8. Glassdoor’s Identity Dilemma**
Glassdoor experienced a user exodus after linking real identities to previously anonymous profiles. This action, associated with its acquisition of the Fishbowl app, raised issues regarding privacy and trust, leading many users to terminate their accounts.
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### **7. Tesla’s Chaotic Year**
Tesla’s supremacy in the EV sector faced obstacles from Chinese rivals, safety challenges, and shrinking profit margins. Analysts provided insights
