Popular：
Virtualization DNS security formal verification reachability analysis compiler errors macro conflict web extension development framework Bitmap Graphics API inconsistencies All Tags

Literary Review: The Achievements and Limitations of the 20th-Century Novel

2024-12-15

Edwin Frank's new book, *Stranger Than Fiction: Lives of the Twentieth-Century Novel*, explores the accomplishments of the 20th-century novel. Frank argues that novels, through formal innovations like Kafka's rambling sentences and Stein's repetitions, guide readers to slow down and savor the nuances of language. He praises novelists' efforts in expressing collective experiences, particularly the horrors of war and the awakening of self-awareness, but also points out the book's Eurocentric perspective, its insufficient attention to novels from other cultural backgrounds, and its somewhat superficial exploration of war and self-awareness.

Read more
(thebaffler.com)
Misc 20th-century novel literary review self-awareness

LLM Benchmark: Pelican on a Bicycle

2024-12-16

Simon Willison created a unique LLM benchmark: generating an SVG image of a pelican riding a bicycle. This unusual prompt aimed to test the models' creative abilities without relying on pre-existing training data. He tested 16 models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, and Meta (Llama on Cerebras), revealing significant variations in the quality of generated SVGs. Some models produced surprisingly good results, while others struggled.

Read more
(simonwillison.net)
AI Image Generation

From Animal 'Factories' to Synthetic Biology: A Revolution in Biopharming

2024-12-15

Historically, many medicines and materials relied on animal extraction, such as antivenom from horse blood, endotoxin detection from horseshoe crab blood, and silk from silkworms. This article traces the journey from ancient Phoenicians using snails to extract Tyrian purple dye to the modern use of biotechnology to synthesize insulin, antibodies, and vaccines. While synthetic biology technologies can now replace many animal-derived products, some areas still rely on animals due to regulatory lag, molecular complexity, and challenges in scaling production, such as influenza vaccine production. The article highlights the enormous potential of synthetic biology to improve efficiency and reduce animal use, but also reminds us of the importance of protecting biodiversity, as the development of biotechnology also relies on exploration and utilization of the natural world.

Read more
(worksinprogress.co)
Tech animal welfare

Generative AI and Fair Use: A ChatGPT Case Study

2024-12-14

This article examines whether generative AI models, particularly ChatGPT, qualify for fair use of copyrighted material. The author analyzes the four factors outlined in Section 107 of the US Copyright Act: purpose and character of use, nature of the copyrighted work, amount and substantiality of the portion used, and effect on the market. Through a case study of ChatGPT, the author argues that ChatGPT's use of its training data likely constitutes copyright infringement. ChatGPT's commercial nature and its failure to transform the training data, coupled with market harm to original works, contradict the principles of fair use.

Read more
(suchir.net)
AI Copyright Fair Use

UK's Illegal Cybertruck Faces Uphill Battle for Legalization

2024-12-15

Yianni Charalambous, a UK car customizer, is attempting to register a Tesla Cybertruck for road use in the UK, following a similar success in the Czech Republic. However, the Cybertruck's sharp design clashes with UK and EU pedestrian safety regulations, posing significant challenges. Its unique steer-by-wire system, reliance on OTA updates unavailable in the UK, and incompatibility with EU recall systems further complicate matters. Experts deem its chances of passing the UK's IVA test extremely slim.

Read more
(www.wired.com)
Tech Tesla Cybertruck Car Modification Safety Regulations

Revolutionary WM12 Energy Recovery Ventilator: Fresh Air Year-Round

2024-12-16

The WM12 is an innovative decentralized energy recovery ventilator (ERV) designed for window installation. Combining two TW4 modules in a durable polypropylene foam casing, it efficiently exchanges indoor and outdoor air while recovering approximately 90% of heat energy. This ensures fresh air without significant heating or cooling costs. Boasting a quiet operation, extremely long lifespan (>50 years), and compatibility with smart home systems, the WM12 offers superior energy efficiency and environmental benefits. Currently in beta, interested users can contact the company via email for more information.

Read more
(www.openerv.ca)
Hardware energy recovery ventilator energy efficiency smart home

WASM Program Bypasses node:wasi Filesystem Sandbox

2024-12-15

This project demonstrates a proof-of-concept showcasing how a WASM program can bypass the preopens directory restriction in node:wasi to access files outside the sandbox. Normally, WASM programs are limited to accessing pre-opened directories. However, by cleverly using symbolic links to replace files at a precise moment and running an external process, this limitation can be circumvented. This is not a practical security vulnerability in node:wasi, but rather a potential edge case. The project highlights that one shouldn't rely on node:wasi to completely prevent malicious code from accessing external files.

Read more
(github.com)
Development

Ente Photos: On-Device Machine Learning for Enhanced Privacy

2024-12-15

Ente Photos utilizes a unique on-device machine learning approach, running models locally instead of in the cloud to guarantee end-to-end encryption and user privacy. Overcoming challenges of limited compute, diverse platforms, and restricted access to ML libraries, Ente achieves features like image indexing, clustering, semantic search, and face recognition. While local processing presents technical hurdles, Ente addresses them through model optimization, algorithmic refinements, and meticulous image processing, leveraging open-source tools like ONNX Runtime. The result is a consistent and efficient cross-platform experience, allowing users to securely explore and manage their memories.

Read more
(ente.io)
AI on-device machine learning

Tektronix's 'Unicorn' Graphic Terminals: A Legacy of Low-Cost Color Displays

2024-12-15

In the 1980s, Tektronix launched the 4100/4200 series graphic terminals (nicknamed 'Unicorn') to enter the low-cost color terminal market. The project faced challenges, including the destruction of a crucial prototype, but successfully delivered models like the 4105, 4107, and 4109 ahead of schedule. The 4200 series further reduced costs and improved performance, eventually incorporating networking capabilities. These terminals gained wide adoption due to their cost-effectiveness and compatibility, becoming a significant part of Tektronix's legacy.

Read more
(vintagetek.org)
Hardware Graphic Terminals Color Displays

Will Large Language Models End Programming?

2024-12-15

Recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) have sparked debate about the obsolescence of programming. This article argues against this overly optimistic view. Focusing on the computational complexity of program synthesis, the author demonstrates that generating correct code is a PSPACE-complete problem, meaning even moderately sized inputs could require exponential time. While LLMs can assist programmers and boost efficiency, their inherent limitations prevent them from completely replacing human programmers. The core of programming remains problem-solving and system design, requiring human ingenuity and creativity.

Read more
(cacm.acm.org)
Development program synthesis future of programming

Founders Over 40: Redefining Success

2024-12-15

This article explores the experiences of founders over 40, highlighting a shift in their definition of success compared to their younger counterparts. With increased family responsibilities and a longer life perspective, these founders prioritize work-life balance, seeking more stable and predictable income. Their accumulated wisdom allows for quicker pattern recognition, more pragmatic decision-making, and a willingness to explore alternative paths like acquisitions or joining larger organizations. This doesn't signify a lack of ambition, but rather a clearer understanding of the costs (time, energy, personal life) associated with different paths, and a more effective leveraging of their accumulated skills and experience.

Read more
(justinjackson.ca)
Startup founders over 40 redefining success

Svader: A Svelte Library for GPU-Rendered Components

2024-12-14

Svader is a library for creating GPU-rendered Svelte components using WebGL and WebGPU fragment shaders. Developers can write programs in fragment shaders to customize pixel colors and control rendering effects through parameter passing. Supporting Svelte 4 and 5, it offers WebGL and WebGPU rendering modes with built-in parameters like resolution, scale, and time. Svader simplifies GPU rendering with easy-to-use components and provides fallback rendering in environments lacking WebGL or WebGPU support.

Read more
(github.com)
Development

Wikipedia's Fundraising: A Closer Look at the Millions

2024-12-16

Wikipedia, known for its free information, conducts aggressive fundraising campaigns. This article reveals the Wikimedia Foundation has amassed hundreds of millions of dollars, far exceeding the site's operational needs. The vast sums aren't used to compensate volunteer editors but instead fund a large staff (550 employees) and high executive salaries, leading to discontent among volunteers. The article urges readers to reconsider donating, questioning the efficiency and transparency of funds and highlighting potential political biases.

Read more
(unherd.com)
Misc fundraising financial transparency

Programming Language Memory Models: Challenges and Solutions in Concurrent Programming

2024-12-12

This article delves into programming language memory models, specifically the behavior of shared memory in multithreaded programs. Using a simple C-like program as an example, it illustrates how compiler optimizations can lead to unexpected results, such as race conditions between threads. To address this, modern languages introduce atomic variables and atomic operations to ensure thread synchronization and avoid data races. The article compares the memory models of Java, C++, Rust, and other languages, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses and evolution, and points out the remaining challenges in formally defining memory models.

Read more
(research.swtch.com)
Development memory model multithreading concurrent programming

The Robot Dance: A Co-evolution of Technology and Art

2024-12-15

This article explores the evolution of the robot dance in art and technology. Starting with Kraftwerk's song "We Are the Robots," the author traces the shift in dance styles from mechanical to organic, and the human fascination with the machinic aesthetic. The author points out that modern robots have transcended traditional robotic movements, exhibiting more fluid and lifelike motions. This shift reflects the co-evolution of technology and art, and humanity's perception of machinery has transformed from initial fear and alienation to closeness and acceptance.

Read more
(contraptions.venkateshrao.com)
AI robots art

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Qualcomm DSP Driver Raise Security Concerns

2024-12-16

Google's Project Zero team discovered six vulnerabilities in a Qualcomm DSP driver, one of which was exploited in the wild. Analysis of kernel panic logs provided by Amnesty International, without access to the exploit sample itself, revealed the flaws. A code review uncovered multiple memory corruption vulnerabilities, including use-after-free and refcount leaks. The attacker likely leveraged these vulnerabilities with inotify_event_info object heap spraying to achieve code execution. This highlights the critical need for improved security in Android's third-party drivers.

Read more
(googleprojectzero.blogspot.com)
Tech Qualcomm DSP driver vulnerabilities

Scientists Discover Four New Species of Portuguese Man-of-War

2024-12-14

Recent research has uncovered four new species of the Portuguese man-of-war, challenging our understanding of this venomous creature. Far from being a single organism, the man-of-war is a colony of four or five distinct individuals, each responsible for functions like floating, stinging, digestion, and reproduction. This unique colonial structure is a marvel of natural engineering. Adding to its intrigue, the man-of-war inflates its float using carbon monoxide and reproduces via a mysterious process with poorly understood larval development. Furthermore, a parasitic fish, the bluebottle, feeds on the man-of-war's tentacles and gonads, further highlighting the species' complexity.

Read more
(crookedtimber.org)
Tech Portuguese man-of-war new species marine biology

IRATA.ONLINE: Retro Computing Community Gets PLATOTerm Updates

2024-12-14

IRATA.ONLINE, a PLATO-based online service for retro-computing enthusiasts, has released updated versions of its PLATOTerm terminal emulator. Now supporting Atari 8-bit, C64, Amiga, and Android, IRATA.ONLINE offers a multi-user graphical interface, multiplayer games, social features, and a development environment. This platform aims to revive the PLATO system, providing a unique social and development experience for users.

Read more
(irata.online)
Game terminal emulator

uv: A Blazing-Fast Python Package and Project Manager

2024-12-14

uv, a lightning-fast Python package and project manager written in Rust, replaces pip, pip-tools, pipx, poetry, pyenv, twine, and virtualenv. Boasting a 10-100x speed improvement, uv offers project management, tool management, Python version management, script support, and a pip-compatible interface. Features like global caching and workspace support streamline workflows. From project creation and dependency management to running scripts and building distributables, uv provides efficient and convenient solutions for all your Python development needs.

Read more
(docs.astral.sh)
Development package management project management

Caves of Qud's Gigantic World Map: A 13.8 Gigapixel Adventure

2024-12-13

The upcoming sci-fi roguelike Caves of Qud, launching December 5th, boasts a massive world map totaling an astounding 13.8 gigapixels! This immense map consists of 240 x 75 zones, each zone containing 25 x 80 tiles, with each tile being 16 x 24 pixels. A web viewer allows exploration of the surface and even the first underground level (the remaining 2 billion+ levels are omitted due to data size). This breathtaking scale promises an epic, fantastical adventure, ripe with exploration possibilities.

Read more
(kernelmethod.org)
Game Caves of Qud World Map

NES Expansion Port Finally Awakens After 39 Years

2024-12-12

After 39 years of dormancy, the Nintendo Entertainment System's long-forgotten expansion port is finally being utilized in commercial products. This article explores the history of the NES expansion port and why it remained largely unused for so long, examining factors such as Nintendo's strategy, technological limitations, and the market environment. Now, thanks to the efforts of the open-source hardware community and enthusiasts, the expansion port is being used to add features like Bluetooth controller support and Famicom Disk System compatibility, marking a breakthrough in retro gaming console modding.

Read more
(tedium.co)
Game expansion port retro gaming console modding

llama.cpp Integrates Qwen2VL Multimodal Model

2024-12-15

The llama.cpp project on GitHub recently merged a pull request adding support for the Qwen2VL multimodal large language model. This model combines a large language model with a vision encoder, enabling processing of both images and text. Integration involves converting the model's LLM part and vision encoder into GGUF format and using a new command-line tool for inference. Future work includes adding support for more backends like MPS and Vulkan.

Read more
(github.com)
AI multimodal

Through-the-Earth Communication: Revolutionizing Underground Connectivity

2024-12-14

Traditional radio waves struggle to penetrate rock, making communication in mines and caves challenging. This article explores Through-the-Earth (TTE) communication, utilizing ultra-low frequency (300-3000 Hz) signals that propagate through rock strata. TTE systems, including portable magnetic-loop cave radios, Personal Emergency Devices (PEDs), and the innovative 'Miner Lifeline' technology, are highlighted for their crucial role in mine rescue operations and cave exploration, even after catastrophic events like fires or explosions.

Read more
(en.wikipedia.org)
Tech Through-the-Earth Communication Mine Communication Emergency Rescue

PhD Advisor Automates Writing Improvement with Shell Scripts

2024-12-14

To improve his PhD students' writing, an advisor created three shell scripts to detect passive voice overuse, weasel words, and duplicate words. Integrated into their LaTeX build system, these scripts encourage conscious choices for clarity and precision, rather than blind adherence to grammar rules. The advisor advocates for programmers using automation to combat writing weaknesses and recommends resources like "Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace".

Read more
(matt.might.net)
Development Shell scripts Technical writing Automation

Elixir/Erlang Hot Code Swapping: Zero-Downtime Deployments

2024-12-13

This article delves into Elixir/Erlang's hot code swapping capabilities, enabling the loading and unloading of code at runtime without requiring system restarts for application upgrades. A simple KV module example demonstrates manual hot swapping, while iex's c/1 and r/1 commands, and the Relups tool, are introduced for easier application and release upgrade management. The article explains Erlang applications, releases, appups, and relups, detailing the use of the Distillery tool to generate application releases and upgrade releases, ultimately achieving zero-downtime deployments and preventing service interruptions.

Read more
(kennyballou.com)
Development hot code swapping

Million-Dollar Prize for Open-Source AI Coding Competition

2024-12-16

Andy Konwinski launched the K Prize, a $1 million competition to advance open-source AI coding capabilities. The competition uses a revamped version of the SWE-bench benchmark, eliminating test set contamination for a more accurate assessment of AI models' real-world coding skills. Inspired by the Netflix Prize, Konwinski believes the competition will spur AI research and attract top talent globally.

Read more
(andykonwinski.com)
AI AI competition open-source

Vercel Launches ƒun: A Local Serverless Function Runtime

2024-12-15

Vercel has released ƒun, a local development runtime for serverless functions, enabling developers to emulate the AWS Lambda environment locally. Supporting various runtimes like Node.js and Python, ƒun allows for quick testing and debugging of serverless functions without cloud deployment. While striving for a close approximation of the real Lambda environment, ƒun has some key differences, notably in process sandboxing and user permissions.

Read more
(github.com)
Development Function Computing Local Development

Starting a Business at 62: A Father's Inspiring Journey

2024-12-15

At 62, after retirement, the author's father bravely started his own business, breaking free from a lifetime of self-imposed limitations stemming from a challenging childhood. He overcame his ingrained fear of risk, growing his business from humble beginnings to a thriving small shop. This isn't just a story of entrepreneurship; it's a testament to the power of pursuing dreams at any age, a beacon of inspiration showing that it's never too late to achieve your goals.

Read more
(thoughts.jatintiwari.com)
Startup entrepreneurship late-in-life career inspiration

2025 TV Market: Lower Prices, More Ads, and an OS War

2024-12-16

The 2025 TV market will see significant changes: Walmart's acquisition of Vizio transforms TVs into tools for giant retailers' ad businesses, potentially lowering prices but increasing ad volume. Competition between TV operating systems (OSes) will intensify, with companies like Roku facing acquisition risks. Consumer data becomes crucial, requiring users to balance privacy concerns with cost savings. While hardware innovation slows, price wars and OS competition may benefit consumers.

Read more
(arstechnica.com)
Tech TV market advertising operating systems
1 2 … 34 35 36 38 40 41 42 43 44 45