WELCOME TO THE DEVICE CASTING COUCH

Testing Powerline technology and providing some very basic understanding of how it works. This tech has always interested me, so I figured I'd try it out and share it with you all!

How to flash Libreboot to a Thinkpad T480 externally with a Raspberry Pi Pico. Here are the parts and tools I used: Raspberry Pi Pico Jumper wires Pomona 5250 SOIC-8 clip Screwdriver Opening tool Another computer to build and flash libreboot Kingston Fury RAM 2x32GB (KF432S20IBK2/64) Resources: Libreboot homepage: https://libreboot.org Libreboot T480 instructions: https://libreboot.org/docs/install/t480.html Libreboot SPI flashing: https://libreboot.org/docs/install/spi.html Like the music? Check out the original from myke_tuna! https://soundcloud.com/myketuna All the commands I ran in the video. Lenovo BIOS Update BIOS Settings: Disable - Thunderbolt Assist Disable - Secure Rollback Prevention Enable - Flash BIOS Updating by End Users Disable - Windows UEFI Firmware Update Disable - Secure boot Both - UEFI/Legacy boot Legacy First - UEFI/Legacy Boot Priority Yes - CSM Support Upgrade Lenovo BIOS wget https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/mobiles/n24ur39w.iso geteltorito -o t480_bios_update.img /T480/n24ur39w.iso dd if=t480_bios_update.img of=/dev/sdb bs=4M conv=fsync status=progress Install Git sudo apt install git Configure Git git config --global user.name "John Doe" git config --global user.email johndoe@example.com Build libreboot git clone https://codeberg.org/libreboot/lbmk cd lbmk export XBMK_THREADS=4 ./mk dependencies mint ./mk -b coreboot t480_vfsp_16mb Build flashprog ./mk -b flashprog Build pico-serprog wget https://mirrors.mit.edu/libreboot/stable/20241206/roms/libreboot-20241206rev9_serprog_pico.tar.xz tar -xvf libreboot-20241206rev9_serprog_pico.tar.xz Inject vendor files wget https://mirrors.mit.edu/libreboot/stable/20241206/roms/libreboot-20241206rev8_t480_vfsp_16mb.tar.xz ./mk inject libreboot-RELEASE_targetname.tar.xz Flash Thunderbolt flashprog -p serprog:dev=/dev/ttyACM0 -r ../../../t480tb1.bin flashprog -p serprog:dev=/dev/ttyACM0 -r ../../../t480tb2.bin sha512sum ../../../t480tb*.bin (MAKE SURE BOTH HASHES MATCH) flashprog -p serprog:dev=/dev/ttyACM0 -E dd if=/dev/zero of=null.bin bs=1M count=1 flashprog -p serprog:dev=/dev/ttyACM0 -w null.bin NOW, REMOVE the clip. Button it back up and turn the T480 on, with both the battery and the charger connected, plugging in the battery first. flashprog -p serprog:dev=/dev/ttyACM0 -w ../../vendorfiles/t480/tb.bin NOW, REMOVE the clip. Button it back up and turn the T480 on, with both the battery and the charger connected, plugging in the battery first. Flash libreboot external with pico cd ../.. tar -xvf libreboot-20241206rev8_t480_vfsp_16mb.tar.xz cd elf/flashprog sudo ./flashprog -p serprog:dev=/dev/ttyACM0 -r ../../../t480bios1.rom sudo ./flashprog -p serprog:dev=/dev/ttyACM0 -r ../../../t480bios2.rom sha512sum ../../../t480bios*.rom (MAKE SURE BOTH HASHES MATCH) sudo ./flashprog -p serprog:dev=/dev/ttyACM0 -w ../../bin/t480_vfsp_16mb/libreboot-20241206rev8_t480_vfsp_16mb_libgfxinit_corebootfb_usqwerty.rom CHAPTERS--------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 0:12 T480 Specifications 1:02 Lenovo BIOS Update 4:20 Build Libreboot utilities 4:56 Setup Pico for SPI flashing 7:50 Inject vendor files 8:54 Flash Thunderbolt Firmware 13:47 Flash Libreboot 16:33 Installing Upgrades 17:44 Outro

Chapters: Meta Bots 00:25 DeepSeek 07:40 Win10 vs. Win11 11:10 Dell Dropping XPS 15:53 Neflix Prices 16:18 Nvidia 50 Series GPU 16:35 Nvidia Won't Support Old GPUs 19:08 Beefier Raspberry Pi 20:16 EU Power Grid At Risk 21:49 Apple Admits to Illegal Spying 23:33 FreeDesktop in Trouble 26:50 Juniper Vulnerability 27:45 Tencent AI Video Model 30:03 Sources: Nvidia GPU https://www.phoronix.com/review/nvidia-rtx5080-rtx5090-linux https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5080-review-more-like-a-4080-super-super/ https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/review-nvidias-geforce-rtx-5090-is-the-first-gpu-that-can-beat-the-rtx-4090/ https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/nvidia-winding-down-support-for-older-gpus-including-the-legendary-750-ti-and-1060/ NVIDIA Discontinuing Older GPUs https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/nvidia-winding-down-support-for-older-gpus-including-the-legendary-750-ti-and-1060/ Netflix Raises Prices https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/new-netflix-price-hikes-increase-subscription-fees-by-up-to-2-50-a-month/ Raspberry Pi 16GB https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/new-120-16gb-raspberry-pi-5-is-for-the-people-who-use-it-like-an-everyday-pc/ Dell XPS https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/the-end-of-an-era-dell-will-no-longer-make-xps-computers/ Uncensored Video AI From Tencent https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/12/a-new-uncensored-ai-video-model-may-spark-a-new-ai-hobbyist-movement/ Deepseek R1 https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/01/china-is-catching-up-with-americas-best-reasoning-ai-models/ https://thehackernews.com/2025/01/italy-bans-chinese-deepseek-ai-over.html https://thehackernews.com/2025/01/deepseek-ai-database-exposed-over-1.html https://thehackernews.com/2025/01/top-rated-chinese-ai-app-deepseek.html Hackers Target European Power Grid https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/01/could-hackers-use-new-attack-to-take-down-european-power-grid/ FreeDesktop.org https://www.phoronix.com/news/2025-XOrg-FreeDesktop-Cloud Magic Packet https://thehackernews.com/2025/01/custom-backdoor-exploiting-magic-packet.html https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/01/backdoor-infecting-vpns-used-magic-packets-for-stealth-and-security/ Meta Bots https://www.404media.co/metas-ai-profiles-are-indistinguishable-from-terrible-spam-that-took-over-facebook/ https://www.404media.co/zuckerberg-the-ai-slop-will-continue-until-morale-improves/ Win10 vs. Win11 https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/02/windows_10_grows/ Apple Admits to Spying on Users https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/01/apple-agrees-to-pay-95m-delete-private-conversations-siri-recorded/?comments-page=1#comments https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/jul/26/apple-contractors-regularly-hear-confidential-details-on-siri-recordings Like the bumper Music? Check out the artist here! https://www.looperman.com/users/tracks/4730025 Our Other Platforms/Websites! https://linktr.ee/DeviceCastingCouch

How to build and flash Libreboot to a Dell 3050 Micro both internally or externally. Resources: Libreboot homepage: https://libreboot.org Libreboot Dell3050Micro: https://libreboot.org/docs/install/dell3050.html Libreboot lbmk manual: https://libreboot.org/docs/maintain/ Libreboot SPI Flashing: https://libreboot.org/docs/install/spi.html Like the music? Check out more music from WoodyJ! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZKlv7rWb7EoYyYMO-wshig CHAPTERS--------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 0:08 Overview 1:14 Prep for internal flashing 2:40 Building Libreboot 4:56 Internal flashing 7:11 Pico firmware build and install 9:30 External flashing 13:05 Closing thoughts 13:48 Outro

Intel GPUs | Calling ChatGPT | FBI Says: "Use Signal!" | And More! - S01E35 Chapters: Intro/Intel GPU 00:14 CUDA 03:06 Chrome Extensions Hacked 04:47 Calling ChatGPT 06:57 Salt Typhoon Hack 10:03 Proton Drive 12:59 Death of Blu-Ray Players 14:33 India Blocks CloudFlare/VPNs 19:47 Sources: Intel GPUs https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/intel-rumored-to-launch-a-24gb-battlemage-gpu-for-professionals-in-2025-double-the-vram-capacity-of-its-alchemist-counterpart-targeted-at-ai-workloads https://www.techradar.com/computing/gpu/intel-arc-b580-review Compromised Chrome Extensions https://therecord.media/hackers-target-vpn-ai-extensions-google-chrome-malicious-updates https://therecord.media/cyberhaven-hack-google-chrome-extension https://www.extensiontotal.com/cyberhaven-incident-live FBI/CISA Recommends Using Signal https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/joint-statement-fbi-and-cisa-peoples-republic-china-prc-targeting-commercial-telecommunications https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/12/us-recommends-encrypted-messaging-as-chinese-hackers-linger-in-telecom-networks/ Calling ChatGPT https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/openai-launches-free-phone-hotline-to-let-anyone-call-chatgpt/ https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/certain-names-make-chatgpt-grind-to-a-halt-and-we-know-why/ Salt Typhoon Breach https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/atandt-and-verizon-say-networks-secure-after-salt-typhoon-breach/ https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/10/salt-typhoon-hack-shows-theres-no-security-backdoor-thats-only-good-guys Cloudflare/VPNs Banned in India https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/02/cloudflares-vpn-app-among-half-dozen-pulled-from-indian-app-stores/ CUDA Support Expanding https://www.phoronix.com/news/ZLUDA-v4-Released Blu-Ray Drives Slowing Down Production https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/the-optical-disc-onslaught-continues-with-lg-quitting-blu-ray-players/ Bumper Music Generously Provided by: https://www.looperman.com/users/tracks/4730025 Our Other Platforms/Websites! https://linktr.ee/DeviceCastingCouch

Thanks again for allowing us to reach this milestone. This isn't our full time job, and we do this out of an interest and passion for technology, so your support is very much appreciated!

In this video I troubleshoot and repair a Tripp-Lite B020-016-17 KVM rack console. Links: Manual I used: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/183449/Tripp-Lite-B020-008.html#product-B020-016-17 If you like the music be sure to check out ONLYUSEmeCURRY: https://www.youtube.com/user/ONLYUSEmeCURRY CHAPTERS--------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 0:27 eBay 1:07 Diagnosing the PSU 1:53 Finding replacement PSU 2:44 Testing new PSU 3:24 Clearing log-in info 4:01 Measuring 5V amps 4:56 Cleaning up install 7:38 Looking at KVM menu 8:35 Power consumption 9:11 Overview 9:55 Outro

💬 Show Notes In this tech-packed episode of The Device Casting Couch, Ryan and John return from a hiatus with a treasure trove of topics, from the groundbreaking to the downright concerning. They kick off with a deep dive into the promise of portable nuclear batteries, exploring BetaVolt Technologies' claim of a 50-year charge from a hand-held device. But is it safe, or is it too good to be true? Next, they shift gears to Apple's tug-of-war with the EU over web apps and browser engines, dissecting the tech giant's resistance to change and the broader implications for user choice and competition. The duo also touches on a myriad of quickfire stories, from Express VPN's DNS leak debacle to the DOJ's secret mission against Russian malware in routers. They even debunk the viral myth of toothbrushes turned DDoS attackers and share their skepticism about the utility of "smart" everything in our homes. But it's not all breaches and botnets; they pay tribute to David Mills, the inventor of the network time protocol, who recently passed away. His legacy of synchronizing the digital world is a poignant reminder of the Internet's collaborative roots. So, whether you're tech-curious or a seasoned pro, tune in for a whirlwind update on the latest in tech, served with a side of critical insight and a sprinkle of humor. Don't miss this episode of The Device Casting Couch—where tech gets real, and nothing is off-limits. Sources: Nuclear Battery: https://www.techradar.com/phones/a-tiny-radioactive-battery-could-keep-your-phone-running-for-50-years https://citylabs.net/nuclear-batteries/ https://www.androidauthority.com/nuclear-phone-battery-in-development-3402297/ DOJ Removes Russian Malware: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/02/doj-turns-tables-on-russian-hackers-uses-their-malware-to-wipe-out-botnet/ https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/fbi-disrupts-russian-moobot-botnet-infecting-ubiquiti-routers/ Apple Disables Web Apps: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/02/apple-disables-iphone-web-apps-in-eu-says-its-too-hard-to-comply-with-rules/ https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/02/google-and-mozilla-dont-like-apples-new-ios-browser-rules/ Mozilla Layoffs/to Build AI into Firefox: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/02/mozilla-lays-off-60-people-wants-to-build-ai-into-firefox/ YouTube TV Now 4th Biggest Cable Provider: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/02/youtube-tv-is-the-uss-4th-biggest-cable-tv-provider-with-8-million-subs/ Plex Now Offers Movie Rentals: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/02/plex-where-people-typically-avoid-hollywood-fees-now-offers-movie-rentals/ Prime Video Cuts High-End Audio Without Ads: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/02/prime-video-cuts-dolby-vision-atmos-support-from-ad-tier-and-didnt-tell-subs/ Hulu/Disney+ Cracks Down On Password Sharing: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/02/hulu-disney-password-crackdown-kills-account-sharing-on-march-14/ YouTuber Cracks Bitlocker with $10 Raspberry Pi: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/02/raspberry-pi-bitlocker-hack-is-a-new-spin-on-a-years-old-well-documented-exploit/ https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/youtuber-breaks-bitlocker-encryption-in-less-than-43-seconds-with-sub-dollar10-raspberry-pi-pico https://hackaday.com/2024/02/06/beating-bitlocker-in-43-seconds/ Google No Longer Backs Up The Internet: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/02/google-search-kills-off-cached-webpages/ Pixel 8 Pro Can Read Body Temps: https://arstechnica.com/google/2024/01/pixel-8-pro-finally-gets-forehead-scanning-body-temperature-feature/ Fake Toothbrush DdoS Story: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/no-3-million-electric-toothbrushes-were-not-used-in-a-ddos-attack/ Firefox and Chrome Set To Fight Over Ad-Blocking: https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/10/23131029/mozilla-ad-blocking-firefox-google-chrome-privacy-manifest-v3-web-request Linux Distro That Has Windows Feel: https://www.zdnet.com/article/ready-to-ditch-windows-for-linux-this-is-the-ideal-distro-for-you/ Express VPN Leaks DNS Requests: https://www.howtogeek.com/expressvpn-disables-split-tunneling-while-it-patches-a-dns-leak/ https://www.pcmag.com/news/expressvpn-removes-split-tunneling-feature-for-leaking-dns-requests Our Other Platforms/Websites! 📋 Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:55 Nuclear Batteries? 11:09 Apple vs. EU 15:42 Mozilla cuts & AI 21:02 So. Many. Ads. 24:56 YouTube TV 35:48 Google backing up the Internet 50:38 DOJ vs. Russian Malware 55:55 Express VPN Leaks 58:56 3 million toothbrushes were hacked 01:05:06 Breaking Bitlocker 01:10:21 Plex is offering rentals now 01:12:09 RIP David Mills

This is an overview of my ThinkPeguin TPE-R1300 router running LibreCMC. It is an awesome FOSS travel router but might not be for everyone. ThinkPeguin TPE-R1300: https://www.thinkpenguin.com/gnu-linux/free-software-wireless-n-mini-vpn-router-v3-tpe-r1300 ThinkPeguin documentation: https://www.thinkpenguin.com/gnu-linux/networking LibreCMC: https://librecmc.org/ OpenWRT USB tethering: https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/network/wan/smartphone.usb.tethering GL-inet documentation: https://docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/2/hardware/ar300m/ TTL Mangle Rule: iptables -t mangle -I POSTROUTING -o eth1 -j TTL --ttl-set 65 Like the music? Check out the original from WoodyJ! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZKlv7rWb7EoYyYMO-wshig CHAPTERS--------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 0:10 Specifications 0:35 Outside look 0:59 Teardown 2:25 Size measurements 2:44 Repeater mode/WISP 3:35 TTL Mangle 4:27 Smartphone USB Tethering 5:31 VPN documentation 5:46 Unbrick router 7:09 Conclusion 8:26 Outro