Tech Times Weekly Wrap: Mexico's Cloud Seeding, Android 14's SMS via Satellite, and Kevin Mitnick's Passing

Another week means another set of new top stories, which include Mexico's cloud seeding project amid intense heatwave and drought.

Google is also significantly advancing mobile communication technology through satellite SMS support in Android 14. Last week also marked the death of one of the best-known hackers in the world, Kevin Mitnick.

Mexico's Cloud Seeding Project: An Answer to Heatwave and Drought

The Mexican government has attempted new strategies to address water scarcity by boosting rains in the wake of a historic heatwave and months of persistent drought.

The most recent phase of its cloud seeding project happened earlier this month, and the country recently celebrated its success. A report from the Mexican government claimed that the cloud seeding project has a success rate of 98 percent.

Mexico conducted as many as 72 flights in six states, and rainfall was recorded in an impressive 71 instances. The results indicated that the project has successfully contributed to refilling aquifers and water bodies.

However, some experts, including leading cloud physicists at Mexico's National Autonomous University (UNAM), remain skeptical, saying there is no evidence that this cloud seeding can reliably increase precipitation.

Google's Android 14 With SMS Via Satellite

Apple started the rumors about SMS via Satellite, and other companies soon followed suit. The recent one joining the initiative is Google, with its Android 14 promising a new service allowing satellite connectivity for texting.

Google's initiative is just right around the corner, as the final release of Android 14 is expected in two to three weeks. Based on a tweet by the Pixel #TeamPixel, Android 14 is expected to introduce support for satellite SMS, and it will become available first on compatible Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones.

It means that those still not yet part of the integration would have to wait for Google to allow this feature to be available. The full scope of satellite support in smartphones remains uncertain, so it will be interesting to see how Android 14 will leverage this feature.

RIP Kevin Mitnick

From being one of the most notorious and sought-after hackers in the United States, Kevin Mitnick became a person who campaigns for internet and cybersecurity protection, as well as dedicating his life to helping the public.

Mitnick is America's earliest hacker who only did it for the thrill, and recently, he passed away after losing a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mitnick got the world's attention for his crime spree during the 1990s, involving stealing thousands of data files and credit card numbers from computers across the country. He was convicted of five years in prison in 1995 for hacking and wire fraud charges.

However, Mitnick eventually changed. What's more impressive about Mitnick's career is that he helped create companies and continued his aspirations to fight against cybercrime until his untimely death last July 16. Rest in peace, Kevin Mitnick.