AllYouCanTech

Ikea Introduces Classifieds Platform for Trading Used Furniture, Rivaling Craigslist

### Ikea Introduces Secondhand Furniture Marketplace to Compete with eBay and Craigslist

Ikea, the renowned furniture powerhouse, is entering the resale market with a new peer-to-peer platform termed Ikea Preowned. This initiative aims to enable customers to buy and sell preowned Ikea furniture directly among themselves, allowing the company to compete directly with well-known platforms such as eBay, Craigslist, and Gumtree.

#### A New Phase in Ikea’s Digital Evolution

The Ikea Preowned platform is presently undergoing trials in Madrid, Spain, and Oslo, Norway, with intentions to broaden its reach globally if these trials are successful. Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ingka Group, which runs the majority of Ikea stores worldwide, expressed that this initiative has been a long-cherished aspiration finally being realized.

“This has been a dream in the making for some time,” Brodin shared with the Financial Times. “We’re at a point in Ikea where we can undertake more advanced and exciting ventures. The confidence in the company’s digital evolution is remarkable.”

The debut of Ikea Preowned is part of a larger transformation strategy that Ikea has been pursuing in recent years. Historically recognized as an out-of-town retailer where consumers gather and assemble their own furniture, Ikea is transitioning toward a more digitally-forward business model. This shift encompasses online sales, urban stores, and added services such as furniture assembly.

#### Functionality of Ikea Preowned

The new platform is crafted to ensure ease of use and efficiency. Sellers can list their Ikea furniture by uploading personal photos and determining a selling price. Ikea’s AI-driven database enhances these listings with promotional visuals and dimensions, enhancing their attractiveness and informativeness for interested buyers.

Buyers will retrieve their purchased items directly from the sellers, simplifying the transaction process and minimizing logistical issues. Sellers can choose to receive payment either in cash or as an Ikea voucher, which includes a 15% bonus as an added incentive.

#### Competing in the Resale Arena

Brodin pointed out that Ikea already possesses a substantial presence in the secondhand furniture market, even overshadowing its new furniture sales. The company has previously operated a limited program wherein it purchases used furniture from customers to resell in stores. However, Ikea Preowned represents a more ambitious effort to capture a larger share of the secondhand market.

“Frequently, there exists a monopoly or oligopoly on operating platforms,” Brodin remarked, referencing established competitors like eBay and Gumtree. In Oslo alone, the Norwegian classifieds site Finn lists 8,700 Ikea items. Initial listings on Ikea Preowned feature large items such as sofas costing up to €600 and wardrobes for €450, as well as smaller items like a toilet roll holder priced at €4.

While the platform currently allows for free listings, Brodin indicated that Ikea might eventually implement a “symbolic fee” to maintain its operations.

#### Aligning with Sustainability Objectives

The introduction of Ikea Preowned coincides with the company’s wider sustainability ambitions. Ikea has pledged to become “circular and climate positive” by 2030, and the Preowned platform is a vital step towards achieving this goal. By promoting the resale of furniture, Ikea is facilitating the reuse of products, thereby minimizing waste and encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle.

#### The Future of Ikea’s Digital Framework

The Covid-19 pandemic expedited Ikea’s digital evolution, compelling the company to launch online shopping globally within a mere six weeks—a transition originally projected to span three years. “That was a matter of survival for us,” Brodin recollected. “We were 100 percent closed. The digital transformation was our savior.”

Looking forward, Ikea intends to cultivate a comprehensive digital platform that will serve as the “ultimate destination for home furnishing.” The Preowned marketplace is anticipated to be a key element of this ecosystem, alongside additional services like home planning, finance, and shopping.

As Ikea continues to advance, the Preowned platform could revolutionize how consumers acquire and sell furniture, facilitating a more efficient and sustainable approach to decorating homes worldwide.

—

*Note: This article draws on insights from the Financial Times and other sources. All rights reserved by the original publishers.*

NASA’s Choice Regarding Starliner: An Essential Step with Major Implications for Boeing

### The Trials and Prospects of Boeing’s Starliner Initiative

A decade ago, NASA took a pivotal step to lessen its dependency on Russia for transporting astronauts to and from low-Earth orbit. The agency granted Boeing a $4.2 billion contract to construct the Starliner spacecraft, aiming for a minimum of two, and possibly up to six, operational crew flights to the International Space Station (ISS). In contrast, SpaceX secured a $2.6 billion contract for a similar mission. Fast forward ten years, and Boeing’s Starliner program stands at a crucial crossroads.

### A Decade of Difficulties

Boeing’s experience with Starliner has been riddled with obstacles. The spacecraft was intended to be a fundamental part of NASA’s commercial crew initiative, yet it has encountered numerous hindrances. The latest and most serious problem arose during the Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission, where several thrusters malfunctioned, and helium leaks were identified as the spacecraft neared the ISS. These complications prompted NASA to make the uncommon choice to return astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, rather than putting their safety at risk with Starliner.

### Financial and Technical Challenges

Boeing has already disclosed $1.6 billion in expenditures tied to delays and cost overruns on the Starliner initiative. The company is now responsible for further costs to rectify the issues with the thrusters and helium leaks. NASA has allocated $5.1 billion to Boeing for the Starliner initiative, but a majority of that funding has already been used.

The problems with the thrusters raise particular alarm. Five out of the spacecraft’s 28 reaction control system thrusters overheated and failed as Starliner approached the ISS. NASA engineers are apprehensive that these problems may resurface or potentially worsen during the spacecraft’s return to Earth. As a result, there is a strong likelihood that Starliner will not carry astronauts again until at least 2026, delaying its operational timeline.

### A Commitment to Safety

NASA’s choice to transport the astronauts back on a SpaceX vehicle rather than Starliner underscores its dedication to safety. The agency’s leadership, many of whom have direct experience with the dangers of space travel, were not prepared to take risks with the lives of astronauts. This choice highlights a transformation in NASA’s safety culture, which has significantly evolved since the heartbreaking losses of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986 and Columbia in 2003.

### The Road Ahead

The outlook for the Starliner program remains ambiguous. NASA has yet to determine whether Boeing will be required to undertake another test flight before Starliner can achieve certification for operational use. Even if the spacecraft resumes flights in 2026, there may not be sufficient time before the ISS’s planned decommissioning in 2030 for Boeing to complete its contract for six operational missions.

NASA has formally ordered only three Starliner flights, and it is conceivable that the agency may not require more than that, considering SpaceX’s established success. SpaceX has already finalized its initial commercial crew contract with NASA and is currently engaged in an extended agreement that will sustain the program until 2030.

### The Wider Implications

The hurdles confronting Boeing’s Starliner program carry broader ramifications for the future of human space exploration. NASA’s initial objective was to have two fully certified spacecraft—SpaceX’s Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner—ready for crew rotations to the ISS. This would ensure redundancy and foster competition, both of which are essential for reducing expenses and enhancing safety.

Nonetheless, with SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft now serving as the primary vehicle for crewed missions, the necessity for Starliner has diminished. This could have lasting effects on Boeing’s position in commercial human spaceflight, particularly as NASA and its partners begin to look beyond the ISS towards future commercial space stations.

### Conclusion

Boeing’s Starliner initiative faces a pivotal moment. The company is confronting considerable technical and financial challenges, with its future in NASA’s commercial crew program hanging in the balance. While NASA has not dismissed the possibility of extending the ISS’s life beyond 2030, time is running out for Boeing to demonstrate that Starliner can be a trustworthy and safe spacecraft for human spaceflight. If the ISS is retired as intended, it could signify the conclusion of Boeing’s venture into commercial human spaceflight, leaving SpaceX as the dominant player in this essential realm of space exploration.

French Authorities Detain Telegram Founder at Paris Airport

### The Detention of Pavel Durov: An Emergent Phase in the Worldwide Discourse on Encryption and Privacy

This afternoon, French officials apprehended Pavel Durov, the puzzling creator of the Telegram messaging application, at a Paris airport. The detention has rattled the tech sector and beyond as Durov is now contending with serious allegations linked to assisting terrorism, fraud, money laundering, and offenses against minors. These allegations arise from what French officials characterize as a “nearly complete absence of moderation” on Telegram, which they assert has transformed the platform into a refuge for organized crime.

### Who is Pavel Durov?

Pavel Durov, a 39-year-old businessman, first emerged as the founder of VKontakte (VK), commonly known as the “Russian Facebook.” VK became Russia’s leading social network, but Durov’s time at the organization ended abruptly when he was ousted by Kremlin-related interests. After leaving VK, Durov initiated Telegram in 2013, a messaging application that swiftly achieved fame for its dedication to privacy and encryption.

Telegram has evolved into a global platform boasting hundreds of millions of users, especially in Europe and the Middle East. It has turned into a vital communication tool, particularly in areas where free expression is at risk. However, its robust encryption features and hands-off policy on content moderation have also ignited significant controversy.

### The Allegations: A Complicated Tangle of Accusations

The allegations against Durov are multifaceted and severe. French officials claim that Telegram’s encryption and endorsement of cryptocurrency have positioned it as the favored platform for various kinds of organized crime, including terrorism, fraud, and money laundering. The platform has also faced criticism for being utilized to disseminate illegal content, such as material pertaining to child exploitation.

As reported by the French outlet TF1, the first to disclose the news, a source involved in the investigation remarked, “Pavel Durov will surely find himself in pretrial detention. On his platform, he permitted an incalculable number of offenses and crimes to take place, which he neither moderates nor cooperates with.”

Durov was apprehended upon his private jet’s arrival at Paris’s Bourget Airport, coming from Azerbaijan. The arrest has already triggered alarm among various factions, including Russian “milbloggers” utilizing Telegram to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Some worry that Durov’s detention might result in sensitive data reaching Western intelligence entities.

### Telegram: A Double-Edged Sword

Telegram has consistently served as a double-edged sword. On one side, it has furnished a platform for free speech and unfiltered news, particularly in authoritarian regimes like Russia. During the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Telegram has been among the rare platforms allowing Russians to access non-Kremlin narratives. Conversely, its significant encryption and lack of moderation have also rendered it a fertile ground for illicit activities.

Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, emphasized the potential consequences of Durov’s arrest in a recent social media comment. “A well-known Russian channel indicates that Telegram is also utilized by Russian forces for communication, and if Western intelligence services gain access, they could uncover sensitive Russian military information,” Lee observed.

### The Worldwide Discourse on Encryption and Privacy

Durov’s arrest is bound to rekindle the global conversation on encryption, privacy, and the obligations of tech firms. In the United States, analogous discussions have persisted for years. The FBI has consistently cautioned that end-to-end encryption creates a “going dark” dilemma, where criminal undertakings become obscured from law enforcement. Numerous attempts have been made to impose backdoors into encryption systems, yet these initiatives have thus far been thwarted by civil liberties advocates and tech specialists arguing that such actions would fundamentally compromise security.

The detention has also sparked outrage from right-wing and crypto influencers, who perceive it as an infringement on digital freedom. “This is a grave assault on liberty. Today, they target an application that upholds freedom; tomorrow, they will pursue DeFi. If you endorse crypto, you must express your support #FreeDurov it’s time for digital resistance,” tweeted one influencer.

### What Lies Ahead?

As the legal proceedings against Durov progress, the global community will be observing intently. The case could establish a precedent for how governments worldwide manage encrypted messaging services and the broader realm of online privacy. It also poses questions regarding the equilibrium between security and liberty in the digital landscape.

Durov’s arrest is more than merely a legal issue; it represents a crucial point in a broader global debate. The result could have far-reaching consequences for how society perceives privacy, security, and the technological role within our lives. As the world grapples with these intricate challenges, one thing stands out: the detention of Pavel

NASA Chooses Crew Dragon to Evacuate Starliner Astronauts

### NASA’s Choice to Employ SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for Astronaut Return: A Milestone in Commercial Spaceflight

In a notable advancement that highlights the changing landscape of commercial spaceflight, NASA has officially chosen to return two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. This choice follows weeks of speculation and worries regarding the performance of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which had originally carried the astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) in June.

#### The Decision-Making Process

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced the decision during a press briefing at the Johnson Space Center, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter. Both Nelson and NASA’s Deputy Administrator, Pam Melroy, took part in a pivotal Flight Readiness Review meeting in Houston, where senior officials unanimously favored using Crew Dragon for the astronauts’ return. The Commercial Crew Program also officially endorsed this decision, which Nelson later accepted.

Consequently, Boeing’s Starliner will undock from the ISS early next month, with a tentative date of September 6, and will attempt an autonomous reentry to Earth, landing in a desert region of the southwestern United States. Following this, a Crew Dragon spacecraft will launch no earlier than September 24 with two astronauts to the ISS, leaving two vacant seats for Wilmore and Williams. The four astronauts will then return to Earth together after completing their six-month mission.

#### Implications for Boeing and the Commercial Crew Program

This decision carries significant ramifications for Boeing, a company that has been a foundational partner in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Boeing’s involvement added considerable legitimacy to NASA’s efforts to team up with private firms for astronaut transport to the ISS. However, the current situation represents a blow for Boeing, as the Starliner mission is now being perceived as a failure despite the positives touted by NASA officials.

The inability of Starliner to return the astronauts safely has raised doubts about Boeing’s role in spaceflight. The company has been grappling with technical challenges, especially regarding the spacecraft’s reaction control system thrusters. Five out of 28 of these small thrusters, vital for steering the spacecraft, malfunctioned during the journey to the ISS. In July, engineers from Boeing and NASA performed tests at a facility in White Sands, New Mexico, to replicate the failures and diagnose the issue.

#### The Thruster Issue: A Technical Challenge

The tests uncovered an unexpected problem: a piece of Teflon had expanded and blocked the flow path, hindering the oxidizer’s access to the thruster as needed. This finding was unforeseen and alarming, as it indicated a reduction in thrust that could compromise the spacecraft’s safe return to Earth. When NASA shared these results with Aerojet Rocketdyne, the manufacturer of the thrusters, the company conceded that it had never encountered such an issue before.

Given the uncertainty related to the thruster dilemma and the challenges in pinpointing the root cause swiftly, NASA determined that depending on Starliner for the astronauts’ return posed too great a risk. This prompted the shift to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.

#### SpaceX: The New Benchmark in Commercial Spaceflight

The choice to utilize Crew Dragon represents a substantial achievement for SpaceX, a firm that was once met with skepticism from established aerospace entities like Boeing. Over the last decade, SpaceX has evolved from a fledgling company into a dependable collaborator for NASA, consistently fulfilling its commitments and reaching various milestones in space exploration.

SpaceX’s accomplishments have not only elevated its status but have also made it an essential player in the global space sector. Recently, SpaceX has stepped in to support competitors and partners, launching satellites for OneWeb after the withdrawal of Russia’s space program support and facilitating the launch of Europe’s Galileo satellites following delays with the Ariane 6 rocket. SpaceX has also repeatedly launched Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft, further cementing its significance in the space arena.

NASA’s dependence on SpaceX for the secure return of its astronauts underscores the company’s increasing relevance. Jim Free, NASA’s top civil servant, acknowledged SpaceX’s contributions by stating, “They’re flying a lot, and they’re having success. And you know, when they have an issue, they find a way to recover.”

#### The Future of Commercial Spaceflight

NASA’s decision to utilize SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for Wilmore and Williams’ return signifies a pivotal moment in the commercial spaceflight sector. It underscores the necessity of multiple providers to ensure redundancy and dependability in space missions. While Boeing’s Starliner program encounters hurdles, SpaceX’s success illustrates the potential for private firms to contribute significantly to the future of space exploration.

As the space industry continues to progress, the collaboration between NASA and private entities like SpaceX and Boeing will be crucial for advancing human spaceflight and achieving new achievements in space exploration. The insights gained from the Star

Comprehending and Addressing Electric Vehicle Battery Fires

### Grasping Electric Vehicle Battery Fires: Origins, Hazards, and Upcoming Safety Advancements

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining significant traction as the globe moves towards greener transportation alternatives. Nevertheless, alongside the surge in EV use, worries about the safety of their lithium-ion batteries, especially the threat of fires, have surfaced. This piece explores the origins of EV battery fires, appropriate responses in case of an incident, and future advancements in battery technology that could enhance EV safety.

#### The Characteristics of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

Lithium-ion batteries, which energize the majority of electric vehicles, are exceptionally efficient energy storage solutions. However, they can also be unstable under particular circumstances. The same kind of battery that powers your mobile device is utilized in EVs, but on a considerably larger scale. This indicates that, while the energy storage capacity of an EV battery is much greater, so too is the risk of a more severe fire if something goes awry.

When a lithium-ion battery ignites, extinguishing the flames can be challenging. The fire may persist for hours, as demonstrated by a Tesla semi-truck that caught fire following a crash and continued to burn for approximately four hours. Such occurrences have triggered specialized training for firefighters to tackle EV fires, which differ from conventional vehicle fires.

#### How Do Electric Vehicle Fires Occur?

EV battery fires generally arise from two primary causes: accidents and manufacturing flaws.

1. **Accidents**: These encompass collisions that harm the battery or issues during charging. When an EV experiences a crash, the battery may be punctured or otherwise compromised, triggering what is known as thermal runaway. In thermal runaway, a chemical reaction within a battery cell produces heat, which then propagates to neighboring cells, leading to a fire engulfing the entire battery.

2. **Manufacturing Flaws**: Though infrequent, defects in the manufacturing process can result in battery fires. These flaws might create a short circuit in a cell, generating heat that causes the liquid electrolyte inside the cell to evaporate. This can ignite a fire or explosion that spreads to other cells within the battery pack. Such flaws led to the widely reported EV fires in South Korea, where one event affected over a hundred vehicles in a parking structure.

#### What to Do If Your EV Ignites

If your electric vehicle catches fire while you’re on the road, it’s essential to respond promptly and safely:

1. **Pull Over Safely**: Quickly locate a secure place to pull over, away from traffic and other automobiles.

2. **Turn Off the Engine**: Once parked, switch off the engine to avoid additional complications.

3. **Evacuate the Vehicle**: Ensure that everyone leaves the vehicle as swiftly as possible. Do not waste time retrieving personal items.

4. **Stay Safe**: Move at least 100 feet away from the vehicle and dial 911. Inform the dispatcher that your vehicle is an electric vehicle, as this will assist the fire department in preparing for the unique challenges of an EV fire.

5. **Do Not Attempt to Extinguish the Fire**: EV battery fires are chemical in nature and necessitate specialized equipment and methods for extinguishment. Trying to put out the fire yourself could be hazardous and futile.

6. **Be Aware of Reignition Hazards**: Even after the flames seem to be extinguished, there is a chance the battery may reignite. This can occur hours or even days later, so it’s crucial to wait for emergency responders to declare the vehicle safe.

#### The Prospects of EV Battery Safety

While lithium-ion batteries are currently the norm for EVs, researchers are investigating new technologies to improve safety. One exciting development is the solid-state battery, which substitutes the liquid electrolyte with a solid material. This alteration could significantly mitigate the risk of thermal runaway and enhance the overall safety of EVs.

Solid-state batteries are already employed in some smaller devices, but increasing production for electric vehicles poses a challenge. However, as research and development progress, these batteries could emerge as a practical option for future EVs, offering improved thermal stability and reducing the chances of fires.

#### Conclusion

Although the danger of an EV battery fire is genuine, it’s vital to maintain perspective. EVs are generally less prone to fires than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, due to advanced battery management systems that oversee and regulate battery operations. However, like any technology, there are inherent risks, and knowing how to respond to an EV fire can bolster your safety.

As battery technology evolves, the future of electric vehicles appears even more promising, with innovations like solid-state batteries set to enhance the safety and reliability of EVs beyond what we know today.

*This article is based on information originally published on