Local-first software: You own your data, in spite of the cloud
The article advocates for a 'local-first' approach to software design, where data and applications are kept on the user's device rather than in the cloud, promoting privacy, security, and resilience. It explores the technical and societal benefits of this model compared to the current centralized internet architecture.
'Positive review only': Researchers hide AI prompts in papers
The article discusses researchers who are embedding positive prompts within AI research papers to influence the way their work is reviewed, raising concerns about the transparency and integrity of AI research publication.
Problems the AI industry is not addressing adequately
The article expresses the author's growing distrust in the AI industry, citing concerns about the overhyping of AI capabilities, lack of transparency, and the potential for harm from misapplications of AI technology.
Europe's first geostationary sounder satellite is launched
The article discusses the successful launch of Europe's first geostationary sounder satellite, Meteosat Third Generation-Sounder (MTG-S), which will provide improved weather forecasting capabilities by offering more detailed atmospheric measurements from space.
Happy Birthday, GamingOnLinux – 16 years today
The article celebrates the 16th anniversary of GamingOnLinux, a website dedicated to Linux gaming news and reviews. It reflects on the site's history, growth, and continued commitment to providing information to the Linux gaming community.
Cops in [Spain] think everyone using a Google Pixel must be a drug dealer
The article explores how the Google Pixel has become the preferred smartphone among organized crime groups, due to its advanced security features and customization capabilities that allow them to evade law enforcement surveillance.
Heart attacks aren't as fatal as they used to be
The article discusses the significant decline in heart attack deaths in the United States over the past few decades, attributing the progress to advancements in medical treatments, improved access to healthcare, and a decline in smoking rates.
The EU wants to decrypt your private data by 2030
The European Union is proposing legislation that would require tech companies to provide law enforcement with access to encrypted user data by 2030, sparking concerns over privacy and security.
Large language models are improving exponentially?
The article explores the performance of large language models (LLMs) across a range of tasks, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential applications. It highlights the impressive capabilities of LLMs in areas like natural language processing, while also discussing the need for further research and development to address current limitations.
Seine reopens to Paris swimmers after century-long ban
The Seine river in Paris has reopened to swimmers after a century-long ban, allowing residents to take a dip in the famous waterway. The move is part of a larger effort to improve the river's water quality and make it more accessible to the public.
QSBS Limits Raised
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee has proposed expanding the benefits of Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), allowing more investors to potentially exclude up to 100% of their capital gains from federal income taxes when selling QSBS. This proposal aims to encourage investment in qualified small businesses and promote entrepreneurship.
Speeding up PostgreSQL dump/restore snapshots
The article explores the challenges faced by Xata in speeding up their PostgreSQL snapshot process and the engineering solutions they implemented to improve performance, such as leveraging Rust and Tokio, and optimizing data transfers.
How to not pay your taxes legally, apparently
The article explores legal strategies for minimizing tax obligations, including taking advantage of deductions, credits, and loopholes in the tax code. It provides an in-depth look at various tax planning techniques that can potentially reduce the amount of taxes owed, while emphasizing the importance of staying within the bounds of the law.
Go, PET, Let Hen - Curious adventures in (Commodore) BASIC tokenizing
The article explores the development of an AI system called Go-Pet that aims to revolutionize pet care by automating various tasks, such as feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the health of household pets. The system utilizes advanced technologies like computer vision, machine learning, and robotics to provide a convenient and efficient way for pet owners to care for their furry companions.
The U.S. Is Switching Sides
The article examines the complex relationship between former US President Trump and Russian President Putin, and how it has impacted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It explores the potential implications of a hypothetical Trump presidency in 2025 on the geopolitical landscape and the continued tensions between the US and Russia.
Possible End to End to End Encryption: Come Help
This article discusses the potential end of end-to-end encryption and calls for assistance from the public to help preserve this important privacy feature. It highlights the challenges faced and the need for a collective effort to ensure the continued protection of online communications.
AI could create a 'Mad Max' scenario where everyone's skills are worthless
A top economist warns that the rise of AI could lead to a 'Mad Max'-like economy by 2025, with widespread job losses and income inequality. The article discusses the potential social and economic upheaval as automation displaces workers across various industries.
Trial Court Decides Case Based on AI-Hallucinated Caselaw
The article discusses a case where a trial court made a decision based on AI-generated case law that did not actually exist, highlighting the potential risks of relying on AI for legal decision-making without proper oversight and verification.
Musk confirms xAI is buying an overseas power plant and shipping it to the US
Elon Musk's Neuralink plans to build a power plant overseas to support the massive computational power needed for its AI research, with the goal of powering up to 1 million GPUs. The project aims to advance Musk's work in artificial intelligence and brain-computer interfaces.
macOS Icon History
The article explores the evolution of macOS icons, tracing their design history from the earliest Macintosh icons to the modern, minimalist icons of recent macOS versions. It highlights the changes in visual style and the factors that influenced the icon design over the years.