Technology

Drake’s Flying iPhone

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From Studio Wibbly..

Putting legal ethics aside for a moment regarding how OpenAI trained its models on Ghibli and manga content, you must admit that the results are rather impressive and demonstrate how far generative AI has progressed.

When it comes to training AI on public and copyrighted content, we’ve effectively allowed search engines, since the early days of the internet’s consumerisation (circa 1993), to crawl websites and index (including copyrighted) content for users to find information. Without this, achieving the level of accessible information we enjoy today would have been extremely challenging. Personally, I wouldn’t have learned nearly as much as I know now without platforms like AltaVista back in the day—and later Google and Microsoft Bing.

There have been attempts to make search engines pay for collecting extensive snippets of information, and these efforts are ongoing. However, I struggle to see how this could work without diminishing the utility of finding information. One viable approach is monetisation through partial indexing—allowing enough content to be searchable while placing full access behind paywalls. Platforms such as Medium and Substack are increasingly adopting this model, and search engines are beginning to support such content better. It’s entirely possible that AI could follow suit (if it hasn’t already), though AI models can also be trained offline.

Let us not forget examples like Napster and LimeWire—applications that enabled illegal music file sharing and were immensely popular. What followed? The emergence of services like Rhapsody, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Even Napster transitioned into a legal streaming service for a time. These solutions transformed an industry plagued by piracy into one generating revenue for creators (albeit with complications). AI is still in its infancy—akin to Napster’s early stage.

Regardless of these debates, AI is here to stay whether we like it or not. I suspect existing search engines will eventually evolve into fully AI-driven systems with reasoning capabilities to enhance relevance.

On a lighter note, OpenAI’s latest model is remarkably adept at generating comic strips. Mild spoilers for the Apple TV show Severance follow: I found the Muppet-themed comic amusing because the system steadfastly refused to use prompts like “Kermit” or “Fozzie” but rendered results when I used “generic frog puppet” or “fuzzy bear puppet” instead. It clearly understood my intent. Interestingly, Star Wars posed challenges I couldn’t yet resolve, whereas Star Trek worked seamlessly.

With a bonus – “kind” of fixed the Muppets one. Still looks a bit odd, but it’s A.I., I can’t leave it notes.

The weird and wacky world of phone scams..

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I keep my phone set to Do Not Disturb during workdays because, well, I’m at work and it’s not at all convenient to receive personal phone calls where there are few places and opportunities to take them. There are a few people in my contacts that can bypass this (for emergencies), but otherwise everything has to be an email or a voicemail until I can deal with things either late(r) in the evening or at the weekend.

I was checking notifications that had been silenced during a small break and discovered this transcription in voicemail from a UK mobile phone number (which was identified as coming from Vodafone):

So I downloaded the audio, ran the Chinese portion through a transcription service and ran the transcription text through Google Translate and got this:

So I’ve blocked the number, reported it via TrueCaller (which can now identify calls in real time – I’m no longer using EE’s spam blocking service as its too limiting in terms of being able to provide feedback – needs a UI via the EE app or website that allows customers to manage blacklists, whitelists and reported numbers).

I’m getting more spam and potential phishing calls lately (along with O2 trying to get hold of me despite me telling them by email that they can either reply to me via email or get me BEFORE 9am – more complaints are going to be winging their way – they haven’t learned anything from the Communications Ombudsman). The strangest one – apart from this one – is a caller from Atlanta, Georgia and a few calls from New York. If I do try to answer it, the line drops. I can only suspect dodgy things are going on…

Death Stranding 2: Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside

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Auteur and one-time visitor to my place of employment, Hideo Kojima, has finally confirmed the release date of the much anticipated sequel to Death Stranding, Death Stranding 2: One the Beach. And it looks insane. Available exclusively on the PS5, it’ll be released on the 26th June this year.

It will also eventually be released on the PC – and the Mac – but for the time being it’ll only be available as an exclusive title for the Playstation 5. It’s still powered by Guerilla’s Decima game engine, but there looks to be have been some significant improvements which look absolutely gorgeous – some of the landscapes are significantly impressive.

The game also introduces the likeness (e.g. 3D scan of the person, but performance and voiced by an actor) of film directors George “Mad Max” Miller as a one-handed ship’s captain, and Fatih Akin as some kind of living/sentient, stop-motion animated doll. Norman Reedus returns as Sam, as does Léa Seydoux, and the likeness of director Nicolas Winding Refn as Heartman (who also turned up with Kojima at our offices).

This, along with Grand Theft Auto VI, is my most anticipated game of 2025. But from a storytelling perspective, this is the granddaddy of them all. The first game drew me into a surreal world whereby humanity faces an extinction event and that there are links between the worlds of life and death. It has been the only computer game to make me openly weep when its time to say goodbye to one of the characters – the storytelling, music and performances as well as the gameplay truly provide a unique and wonderful experience that transcends film and television. And speaking of music, I’m delighted that Woodkid is mainly responsible for the soundtrack this time. Woodkid is an ex-VFX artist turned musician and I’ve been a fan for his for a long time. So very much pumped for that.

If Kojima has done it again – and I truly hope that he has – this is going to be the game of year for me even with GTA VI nipping at its heels.

Technicolor/MPC in near total collapse?

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Cartoon Brew: Technicolor, Owner Of Mikros Animation, MPC, And The Mill, On Brink Of Total Collapse

Update: Technicolor and its companies in the UK have now gone into administration, with 440 job losses

If so, it’d take out pretty much all of MPC, The Mill and many other studios that Technicolor acquired over the years. Having worked at MPC between 2001 and 2008, where the company changed hands between Carlton Communications and Technicolor, it was a generally good period. But after a couple of years, I remember that Technicolor filed for Chapter 11 protection and their troubles really didn’t get much better ten years later.

I decided to plug in this query into Perplexity AI’s Deep Research model and here’s what it had to say – and I love the quote “Global head of underpants”. Again, the output here is verbatim from Perplexity. Make of it as you will – its sources are quoted at the bottom.

If you want to read more about the “workforce retention” – I’d suggest a visit to Reddit’s VFX subreddit. My own experience getting back into VFX a few years ago involved interviewing directly at Technicolor (not at MPC), and it was an absolute shitshow from start to finish. This was a company, to me, that couldn’t organise a piss-up at a brewery or even at any of the local pubs in Soho of which there are plenty.

The Challenges Faced by Thomson/Technicolor Following the Acquisition of MPC

The acquisition of The Moving Picture Company (MPC) by Thomson (later rebranded as Technicolor) in 2004 marked a strategic expansion into visual effects (VFX) and post-production services. However, the integration of MPC into Technicolor’s portfolio exposed systemic issues that culminated in severe financial and operational challenges, ultimately leading to the company’s near-collapse in February 2025. This report examines the multifaceted problems that emerged post-acquisition, including financial mismanagement, labor inefficiencies, cultural integration failures, and external market pressures.

Financial Instability and Restructuring Failures

Overleveraging and Unsustainable Debt

Thomson’s acquisition of MPC for £53 million ($102 million) in 2004 was part of a broader strategy to dominate the VFX and post-production markets[3]. However, the financial burden of integrating MPC into Technicolor’s existing structure strained the company’s resources. By 2022, Technicolor Creative Studios (TCS), the division housing MPC, reported plummeting profitability, with EBITDA forecasts slashed from €120–130 million to €45–65 million due to mounting debts and operational inefficiencies[2]. The 2020 Chapter 15 bankruptcy filing further highlighted liquidity crises exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted film production and delayed revenue streams[5][13].

Failed Restructuring and Investor Reluctance

Despite repeated restructuring efforts—including the 2022 spin-off of TCS as an independent entity—Technicolor struggled to attract long-term investors. The company’s reliance on short-term financial injections from private equity firms like Farallon Capital and Pimco failed to address underlying structural issues[8][13]. By 2025, Technicolor admitted it had exhausted all options, stating, “Despite exhaustive efforts—including restructuring initiatives, discussions with potential investors, and exploring acquisition opportunities—we have been unable to secure a viable path forward”[1][6].

Operational Inefficiencies and Labor Challenges

High Attrition and Talent Drain

MPC’s integration into Technicolor was marred by chronic underinvestment in workforce retention. Technicolor reported attrition rates exceeding 30% in 2022, driven by low wages, excessive overtime, and a toxic workplace culture[2][16]. Employees frequently cited mismanagement, with one Reddit user noting, “Everyone I know who’s been around Technicolor hated it and wouldn’t work for them again”[2]. The lack of competitive compensation led to a talent exodus, leaving MPC unable to meet project deadlines or maintain quality standards[2][14].

Inefficient Bidding Model and Profit Erosion

Technicolor’s reliance on underbidding competitors to secure blockbuster contracts created a “race to the bottom” in pricing[16]. For example, MPC’s work on Disney’s The Lion King (2019) and Mufasa: The Lion King (2025) involved thousands of VFX shots bid at unsustainable rates[1][16]. This model, compounded by fixed-fee contracts, ensured projects rarely turned a profit. As one insider noted, “MPC was notorious for taking on work that was guaranteed to lose money just to keep the lights on”[16].

Cultural and Integration Failures

Clash of Corporate and Creative Cultures

The merger of MPC’s artist-driven ethos with Technicolor’s corporate hierarchy led to friction. Employees criticized the proliferation of redundant managerial roles, such as “global head of underpants,” which diverted resources from frontline creatives[2][16]. The 2022 merger of MPC Advertising with The Mill—intended to streamline operations—instead diluted brand identity and alienated clients who valued specialized studios[10][16].

Inadequate Post-Acquisition Support

Technicolor’s failure to integrate MPC’s UK and global operations into a cohesive framework resulted in siloed teams and duplicated workflows. For instance, MPC’s London and Los Angeles studios operated independently, leading to inconsistent quality control and communication breakdowns[3][10]. The lack of centralized oversight was particularly damaging during the 2023 writers’ strike, which exposed Technicolor’s inability to pivot resources across divisions[6][13].

External Market Pressures

Impact of Industry Disruptions

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent Hollywood strikes (2023) exacerbated Technicolor’s financial woes. Production halts led to a 40% drop in revenue, while the shift to streaming platforms reduced demand for theatrical VFX work[6][13]. Technicolor’s reliance on traditional film studios left it ill-prepared for the streaming era, with one analyst noting, “The company remained too focused on mainstream filmmaking while reliable revenue shifted to streaming”[9].

Competition and Technological Shifts

The rise of AI-driven VFX tools and boutique studios further eroded MPC’s market share. Smaller firms like Framestore and DNEG adopted agile workflows and competitive pricing, while Technicolor lagged in technological innovation[14][16]. A former employee remarked, “Executives were oblivious to AI’s impact, even as Marvel’s demand for human-driven VFX declined”[16].

Conclusion: A Legacy of Mismanagement

Technicolor’s acquisition of MPC exemplifies the pitfalls of aggressive expansion without sustainable planning. Financial overextension, poor labor practices, and an inability to adapt to industry shifts transformed a once-dominant studio into a cautionary tale. As the VFX sector moves toward unionization and ethical labor practices, Technicolor’s collapse underscores the need for systemic reform in how visual effects companies balance artistry, profitability, and worker welfare[2][16].

The company’s final communication to employees—a somber acknowledgment that “Technicolor is more than just a company, it is a community”—serves as a poignant epitaph for a failed vision[6].

Sources
[1] Technicolor-Owned VFX Firm MPC May Shutter Due to ‘Severe … https://variety.com/2025/film/global/technicolor-vfx-mpc-shutter-severe-challenges-1236316354/
[2] Technicolor Creative Studios issues profit warning and stock loses … https://www.reddit.com/r/vfx/comments/yxoe8q/technicolor_creative_studios_issues_profit/
[3] Thomson Set To Buy MPC From ITV For $102 Million – SHOOTonline https://www.shootonline.com/article/thomson-set-buy-mpc-itv-102-million/
[4] Technicolor To File For Administration In UK With Company On Brink https://deadline.com/2025/02/technicolor-administration-receivership-job-losses-1236299805/
[5] Vantiva – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vantiva
[6] Live Updates: Technicolor, Owner Of Mikros Animation, MPC, And … https://www.cartoonbrew.com/business/live-updates-vfx-industry-on-edge-as-technicolor-owner-of-mikros-animation-mpc-and-the-mill-on-verge-of-total-collapse-245995.html
[7] Thomson Reuters completes acquisition of integration point https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/press-releases/2018/november/thomson-reuters-completes-acquisition-of-integration-point
[8] Technicolor ‘in talks over sale’ – TVBEurope https://www.tvbeurope.com/business/technicolor-in-talks-over-sale
[9] Technicolor, Parent Company of The Mill, MPC, and Mikros, Facing … https://www.lbbonline.com/news/technicolor-parent-company-of-the-mill-mpc-and-mikros-facing-potential-closure
[10] MPC Advertising to merge with The Mill | News – Broadcast https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/tech/mpc-advertising-to-merge-with-the-mill/5166534.article
[11] [PDF] Cross border M&As in emerging market – Lund University Publications https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/1625324/file/2435757.pdf
[12] David Patton joins MPC and The Mill owner – Campaign https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/david-patton-joins-mpc-mill-owner/1583458
[13] Technicolor: “Majority Of 440 Employees In The UK Made Redundant” https://deadline.com/2025/02/technicolor-440-employees-made-redundant-company-faces-global-implosion-1236300121/
[14] Analysis of Technicolor Restructuring, and a Serious Discussion … https://devoncroft.com/2020/10/28/analysis-of-technicolor-restructuring-and-a-serious-discussion-about-post-production/
[15] VFX Giant MPC and Parent Company Technicolor May Shut Down … https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1iwqr0j/vfx_giant_mpc_and_parent_company_technicolor_may/
[16] Technicolor likely closing all US operations as of Monday 24th Feb https://www.reddit.com/r/vfx/comments/1iv7wo8/technicolor_likely_closing_all_us_operations_as/
[17] Technicolor set to enter administration – TVBEurope https://www.tvbeurope.com/business/technicolor-set-to-enter-administration
[18] Technicolor Out of the Grading Business | Lift Gamma Gain http://www.liftgammagain.com/forum/index.php?threads%2Ftechnicolor-out-of-the-grading-business.15425%2F
[19] VFX Giant MPC and Parent Company Technicolor May Shut Down … https://www.aol.com/vfx-giant-mpc-parent-company-163627560.html
[20] M.2336 – THOMSON MULTIMEDIA / TECHNICOLOR https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/cases/M.2336
[21] Major Players in VFX M&A – HDRI Consulting https://www.hdriconsulting.com/timeline-posts/vfx-mna
[22] Technicolor Announces Important Shareholder Meeting, Former … https://www.reddit.com/r/vfx/comments/1361n0a/technicolor_announces_important_shareholder/
[23] Technicolor Sells Off Thomson Video Networks https://www.streamingmediaglobal.com/Articles/News/Featured-News/Technicolor-Sells-Off-Thomson-Video-Networks-74247.aspx
[24] Thomson Renamed Technicolor, As Restructuring Plan Approved https://www.nexttv.com/news/thomson-renamed-technicolor-restructuring-plan-approved-258507

Virgin Media O2 is still terrible; A.I. based search makes regular search engines look bad

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I was wondering the other day if Virgin Media O2 had fixed the 2.5Gbs port problem on their Hub 5 modem/router, and tried to Google it. All I got back was a bunch of articles from 2024 and several rabbit warrens worth of data to get through. So I used Perplexity AI, which is essentially an A.I. powered search engine. It allows you to use different LLM models (including DeepSeek) to get answers using a variety of sources. It’s not perfect, but it’s a lot better than Google and Bing ever will be.

Here’s what Perplexity’s Deep Research option came back with. The results are provided here verbatim.

Virgin Media’s 2.5Gbps Port Firmware Issue: Current Status and Technical Analysis

The Virgin Media Hub 5 router, designed to support gigabit broadband services, has faced significant challenges following a firmware update (version LG-RDK_7.6.15-2306.5) released in early 2024. This update introduced a critical defect in the router’s 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, rendering it unreliable for users relying on high-speed wired connections. Despite widespread reports and community outcry, Virgin Media has not resolved the issue as of February 2025, leaving customers dependent on workarounds and third-party hardware solutions.

Technical Overview of the Firmware Defect

Root Cause: Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) Compatibility

The firmware update disrupted the Hub 5’s 2.5Gbps port due to an incompatibility with the IEEE 802.3az Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) standard[9]. EEE aims to reduce power consumption during low data traffic but introduced negotiation failures between the Hub 5’s 2.5Gbps port and connected devices. This resulted in:

  • Intermittent connectivity: Devices experienced frequent disconnects or failed to establish a stable link[1][3].
  • Speed degradation: The port often dropped to 1Gbps, capping download speeds at ~920Mbps despite users paying for 1.1Gbps plans[8][9].
  • Switch incompatibility: Unmanaged 2.5Gbps switches (e.g., D-Link DMS-108, QNAP QSW-2104-2T) failed to maintain connections, while managed switches with EEE-disabling capabilities partially mitigated the issue[3][16].
Impact on Users
  • Gigabit-tier subscribers: Lost ~20% of advertised speeds, with downloads limited to 1Gbps[9].
  • Network configurations: Users with multi-gigabit home networks (e.g., NAS devices, 10Gbps-capable PCs) faced bottlenecks, as the 2.5Gbps port was the sole high-speed LAN option on the Hub 5[5][12].
  • Workflow disruptions: Online gamers, remote workers, and content creators reported latency spikes and dropped connections during critical tasks[1][3].

Virgin Media’s Response and Community Feedback

Initial Acknowledgment and Silence

Virgin Media’s forum moderators confirmed the issue was under investigation in February 2024 but provided no timeline for a fix[2][10]. By March 2024, users reported that repeated hub replacements and factory resets only temporarily restored functionality until the firmware auto-updated again[3][13]. Community sentiment deteriorated as months passed without resolution, with one user noting, “VM haven’t even acknowledged an issue yet… this process normally takes 6 months of repeat engineer visits and a year wait for new firmware”[8].

Workarounds and Community Solutions
  1. Disabling EEE on client devices:
  • Windows users navigated to Device Manager > Network Adapter Properties > Advanced Settings to turn off EEE, restoring 2.5Gbps link speeds[9][16].
  • Linux users modified ethtool parameters (e.g., sudo ethtool --set-eee eth0 eee off)[9].
  1. Hardware substitutions:
  • Managed switches: Devices like the TP-Link TL-SG108-MG allowed users to disable EEE via web interfaces, resolving port instability[9].
  • Third-party routers: Transitioning to modem mode and using routers with 2.5Gbps WAN ports (e.g., TP-Link ER707-M2, Netgear RAX200) bypassed the Hub 5’s defective port[11][14].
  1. Downgrading firmware:
  • Users attempted manual rollbacks, but Virgin Media’s forced update mechanism reinstalled the faulty firmware within hours[2][10].

Comparative Analysis of Virgin Media’s Hub Models

FeatureHub 5 (Coaxial)Hub 5X (XGS-PON Fiber)
WAN Port Speed2.5Gbps10Gbps
Modem ModeAvailableUnavailable
Firmware Issues2.5Gbps port defectiveNo reported defects
User BaseLegacy coaxial networksNexfibre FTTP areas

The Hub 5X, designed for fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks, avoids the 2.5Gbps port issue but lacks modem mode functionality, limiting customization[9][12].

Long-Term Implications for Virgin Media
  1. Reputational damage: Over 100 forum threads and Reddit posts reflect growing frustration, with users threatening to switch providers (e.g., CityFibre, G.Net)[11][16].
  2. Technical debt: The Hub 5’s software stack, based on RDK-B, requires urgent attention to address compatibility with modern network standards.
  3. Market positioning: Competitors like BT (Full Fiber 900) and Community Fiber (3Gbps plans) leverage reliable multi-gigabit hardware, pressuring Virgin Media to resolve the Hub 5 debacle[12].
Conclusion and Recommendations

As of February 2025, Virgin Media has not released a firmware update to resolve the 2.5Gbps port defect. Users must rely on third-party hardware or disable EEE on connected devices. For those affected:

  • Immediate action: Deploy a managed switch or third-party router to bypass the Hub 5’s 2.5Gbps port.
  • Long-term strategy: Consider switching to ISPs offering symmetric multi-gigabit services with robust hardware.

Virgin Media’s failure to address this issue underscores the risks of relying on proprietary hardware with limited customization. Until a firmware fix emerges, the Hub 5 remains a bottleneck for high-performance home networks.

Note: All information is accurate as of the latest available data in May 2024. Subsequent developments may alter the status of this issue.

Sources
[1] Hub 5 update broke 2.5Gbps port | Virgin Media Community – 5487288 https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Wireless/hub-5-update-broke-2-5gbps-port/5487288
[2] 2.5G port broken after latest firmware update on Hub5 https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Wireless/2-5g-port-broken-after-latest-firmware-update-on-hub5/5491105
[3] Hub 5 fails on port 4 when latest firmware upgrade happens – 5500669 https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Computers/hub-5-fails-on-port-4-when-latest-firmware-upgrade-happens—virgin-have-their-h/5500669
[4] Virgin Media O2 UK Officially Launches HUB 5 Broadband Router … https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2021/10/virgin-media-o2-officially-launches-hub-5-broadband-router.html
[5] Issues with 2.5Gb Unmanaged Switch and 2.5Gb Port https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Wireless/issues-with-2-5gb-unmanaged-switch-and-2-5gb-port/5482857/replies/5553177
[6] Modem Mode On Virgin Media Hub5 In Ireland Working – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/VirginMedia/comments/1bnpsnw/modem_mode_on_virgin_media_hub5_in_ireland_working/
[7] Need nighthawk AX6000 to speed over 1gb with virgin media https://community.netgear.com/t5/Nighthawk-with-WiFi-6-AX-and/Need-nighthawk-AX6000-to-speed-over-1gb-with-virgin-media/m-p/2292795
[8] Update Breaks 2.5Gbps Port on Virgin Media Hub 5 UK Broadband … https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2024/03/update-breaks-2-5gbps-port-on-virgin-media-hub-5-uk-broadband-router.html
[9] Virgin Media Hub 5 Update breaking some 2.5Gbps connections https://www.thinkbroadband.com/news/9925-virgin-media-hub-5-update-breaking-some-2-5g-connections
[10] 2.5G port broken after latest firmware update on Hub5 https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Wireless/2-5g-port-broken-after-latest-firmware-update-on-hub5/5491105/replies/5516499
[11] Hub 5 Modem Mode Advice : r/VirginMedia – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/VirginMedia/comments/1bc0t35/hub_5_modem_mode_advice/
[12] Virgin Full Fibre Gig1 – Page 1 – Computers, Gadgets & Stuff https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=95&t=2001020
[13] Hub 5 Firmware Upgrade | Virgin Media Community – 5480079 https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Computers/hub-5-firmware-upgrade/5480079/replies/5490801
[14] tp-link ER707-M2 Omada Multi-Gigabit VPN Router 6 Port LN140802 https://www.scan.co.uk/products/6-port-tp-link-er707-m2-multi-gigabit-vpn-router2x-25gbe-4x-gbe-rj45-1x-gbe-sfp-highly-secure-vpn-om
[15] Virgin Media Hub 5 Firmware Upgrade – LG-RDK_7.6.15-2306.5 https://uktechhub.com/forums/topic/virgin-media-hub-5-firmware-upgrade-lg-rdk_7-6-15-2306-5/
[16] Virgin HuB 5 firmware glitch unless 802.03az (Energy Efficient … https://www.ispreview.co.uk/talk/threads/virgin-hub-5-firmware-glitch-unless-802-03az-energy-efficient-ethernet-is-disable-help-please.41340/
[17] I expect a brand new Hub not a broken one with a faulty 2.5gbps … https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/chatter/i-expect-a-brand-new-hub-not-a-broken-one-with-a-faulty-2-5gbps-port-when-i-buy-/5609945
[18] Hub 5 update broke 2.5Gbps port | Virgin Media Community – 5487288 https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Wireless/hub-5-update-broke-2-5gbps-port/5487288/replies/5491436
[19] Virgin Media broadband router round-up 2025 https://www.broadband.co.uk/providers/virgin-media/broadband/routers
[20] Issues with 2.5Gb Unmanaged Switch and 2.5Gb Port – 5482857 https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Wireless/issues-with-2-5gb-unmanaged-switch-and-2-5gb-port/5482857
[21] Hub 5 fails on port 4 when latest firmware upgrade happens – 5500669 https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Computers/hub-5-fails-on-port-4-when-latest-firmware-upgrade-happens—virgin-have-their-h/5500669/replies/5561266
[22] Virgin Media O2 Sees UK FTTP Broadband Builds Surge and NetCo … https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2025/02/virgin-media-o2-sees-uk-fttp-broadband-builds-surge-and-netco-on-track.html
[23] Virgin’s latest ineffective effort at fixing problems. – ISP Review https://www.ispreview.co.uk/talk/threads/virgins-latest-ineffective-effort-at-fixing-problems.41433/
[24] Issues with 2.5Gb Unmanaged Switch and 2.5Gb Port – 5482857 https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Wireless/issues-with-2-5gb-unmanaged-switch-and-2-5gb-port/5482857/replies/5586057
[25] On the 18th December ported Virgin Fixed line to Gamma VoIP https://www.ispreview.co.uk/talk/threads/on-the-18th-december-ported-virgin-fixed-line-to-gamma-voip.43059/
[26] Openreach Launch Pilot of 1.2Gbps and 1.8Gbps FTTP Broadband … https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2022/11/openreach-launch-pilot-of-1-2gbps-and-1-8gbps-fttp-broadband-tiers.html
[27] [PDF] Draft Radio Spectrum Management Strategy 2016 to 2018 – ComReg https://www.comreg.ie/media/dlm_uploads/2015/12/ComReg15131.pdf
[28] Gigaport or 2.5Gbps port – Home Network Community https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/625810
[29] Announcing: UniFi Cable Internet : r/Ubiquiti – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Ubiquiti/comments/18gtqce/announcing_unifi_cable_internet/
[30] ISP Virgin Media O2 UK Confirms New Broadband Speed Boosts … https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2022/11/isp-virgin-media-o2-uk-confirms-new-broadband-speed-boosts.html
[31] Hi. Any ideas why it seems the lan ports on my hub5 … – Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/127815973907486/posts/9099851133370547/
[32] Asus W/L Router Wifi 6 Tuf-Ax6000 | littlewoods.com https://www.littlewoods.com/asus-wl-router-wifi-6-tuf-ax6000/1600926436.prd
[33] Solved: Phone Service above 1Gbps and also using Smart Hub Pro … https://community.ee.co.uk/t5/Broadband-Landline/Phone-Service-above-1Gbps-and-also-using-Smart-Hub-Pro-and-Smart/td-p/1490945
[34] what is the latest hub 3 firmware? | Virgin Media Community – 5550397 https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Wireless/what-is-the-latest-hub-3-firmware/5550397
[35] 2Gb and WiFi Pods – VirginMedia – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/VirginMedia/comments/1fbxhzn/2gb_and_wifi_pods/
[36] New virgin hub 5 firmware LG-RDK_6.9.35-2302.6 https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Wireless/new-virgin-hub-5-firmware-lg-rdk-6-9-35-2302-6/5416006/replies/5426976
[37] Virgin Media Hub 3, Hub 4 & Hub 5 | Hub Swaps & Upgrades https://www.virginmedia.com/broadband/existing-customer-deals/hub
[38] Virgin Media Connect – Apps on Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.virginmedia.simplewifi&hl=en_GB
[39] 2Gbps Virgin Media UK Broadband Plan Now Available to Order https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2024/02/2gbps-virgin-media-uk-broadband-plan-now-available-to-order.html
[40] Virgin Media Broadband – Our expert review https://www.broadband-finder.co.uk/guides/virgin-media-broadband-review-is-it-worth-switching
[41] Hyperoptic vs Virgin Media – Choose | Fair price comparison https://www.choose.co.uk/broadband/guide/hyperoptic-vs-virgin-media/
[42] Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband – Free Price Compare https://freepricecompare.com/broadband/guides/virgin-media-gig1-fibre-broadband-packages/
[43] TalkTalk vs Virgin Media | Broadband services compared https://www.broadband-finder.co.uk/guides/talktalk-vs-virgin-media-broadband-services-compared
[44] Yayzi ushers in the UK’s multi-gig broadband era – Telecoms.com https://www.telecoms.com/fibre/yayzi-ushers-in-the-uk-s-multi-gig-broadband-era
[45] CityFibre UK Completes Primary FTTP Broadband Build in Bracknell https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2025/02/cityfibre-uk-completes-primary-fttp-broadband-build-in-bracknell.html
[46] Hub 5 Firmware Update? | Virgin Media Community – 5203738 https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Wireless/hub-5-firmware-update/5203738/replies/5205739
[47] Update on the State of Modem Mode for Virgin Media’s Hub 5x … https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2024/04/update-on-the-state-of-modem-mode-for-virgin-medias-hub-5x.html
[48] Virgin Media Broadband Deals 2025 | Check & Compare – Cable.co.uk https://www.cable.co.uk/broadband/providers/virgin-media-broadband/

In an effort to out trump Trump, the UK government has forced Apple’s hand: it pulls iCloud encryption in the UK

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There are days when I sympathise with the Klingon mantra: “today is a good day to die”.

Across the Atlantic, the lingering effects of the Trump administration continue to reverberate, with citizens confronting service reductions and leadership that confuses authoritarian regimes with democratic governments. Meanwhile, Britain’s policymakers demonstrate technological naivety through security proposals like mandated encryption backdoors – measures cybersecurity experts universally condemn as disastrous vulnerabilities. This pattern of myopic governance suggests institutions worldwide are failing to address 21st-century challenges with necessary nuance.

Today Apple has annouced it is to remove the Advanced Data Protection system for UK users. ADP is used to encrypt iCloud data and keep it safe. This is generally a good idea, though if you do this, you can’t access many Apple iCloud services via the web. So will it affect everyone? Possible not – but that’s not the point. Apple have done this in order to comply with a secret order to put a backdoor in its ADP encryption so that the UK government can access anybody’s iCloud data. And to repeat: anybody’s iCloud data – regardless of whatever citizenship they may be, and be located anywhere in the world.

This government policy is likely to affect other services such as WhatsApp and anything else that uses end-to-end encryption. It seems that the government doesn’t realise this kind of technology is also keeping its secrets in check, and should (and indeed will happen, because it inevitably does) the backdoor or encryption key is compromised – everybody is utterly fucked. Fucked. With a capital F. I cannot stress how important this issue is.

Of course the good guys using encryption also means that the bad guys are also using it. Goes without saying. But the argument that by weakening or breaking/disabling encryption entirely in order to protect a country and its citizens is the most pathetic, uneducated, misinformed, stupid and lazy excuse I’ve ever come across in my career.

Needless to say this is going to trigger a letter to my local MP. I’m in fighting fuckwits mood at the moment, so now is as good a time to do so. The age of stupidity continues unabound! What next?

DURR, I wonder what happens if I gently keep tapping this unexploded WWII bomb with this 5 pound lump hamm.. <EXPLODES>

We’re truly living in the age of stupid..

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Last night I was standing outside the office minding my own business and some bloke comes up to me and asks, “are you a bum?”. As you can imagine, I was somewhat taken back by this, and I asked him why? Is he going to give me a fiver? A free sandwich and a cup of coffee? Beat me to death? His response was that I was hanging around looking like a bum, possibly looking for other “bums”. I just told him that he was a bloody fool and to go [censor] himself. He wasn’t exactly looking like a million dollars himself.

Clearly a nearby Surrey village is missing their idiot, and I had the good mind to take a photo of the chap which I’ve incorporated into this lovely image of him playing in the muddy puddle next to the Village Idiot sign. So if you see this guy hanging the bike racks in the Guildford area, don’t forget to patronise him as he seemingly likes to do others.

In other news, it’s been revealed that the UK government has ordered Apple to incorporate a backdoor into iCloud accounts worldwide so that the government can get at people who are hiding illegal and naughty things because it’s too hard for the security services to crack the encryption. The same encryption which keeps everybody’s data safe – including that of the government.

Never have I read such utter nonsense about a government apart from all the ridiculous things that Trump is currently doing. These are not security experts. These are government officials who do not have a bloody clue about technology and security, and if I were a gambling man, I reckon none of them have ever completed cybersecurity training. That’s the UK government for you!