1. The Cloud Computer
Total comment counts : 110
Summary
Oxide has announced the general availability of the world’s first commercial cloud computer, along with $44 million in Series A financing. The company has three core beliefs: cloud computing is the future of all computing infrastructure, the computer that runs the cloud should be purchased and not rented, and building a cloud computer requires a rack-level approach. While the first belief is widely accepted, the second belief is gaining more recognition as people realize the rental-only model for the cloud is not sustainable. The development of a cloud computer necessitates the co-design of hardware and software. Oxide’s rack-level design allows for higher density and reduced latency. The company has created its own switch and networking software, providing an integrated experience for users. The Oxide cloud computer includes all system software built-in, with no additional licensing to manage or pay for. The software is also open source, ensuring transparency for users.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article talks about a significant development in the server industry. A company is selling servers as a complete product, with integrated software and all the features needed for building a cloud. Unlike other server vendors, they have written their own software, which is open source. This means that even if the company goes out of business, users will still have access to the source code and can troubleshoot any issues themselves. The article mentions that this is reminiscent of Richard Stallman’s vision of users being able to help each other.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the company Oxide, which reportedly pays all its employees a salary of $201,227, regardless of their location. The author questions whether the company assembles and builds its own hardware or outsources the process to an assembly plant. The author further notes the difficulty in finding pictures or information about Oxide’s products and production installations. The article provides a link to Oxide’s career page for reference.
2. Jina AI launches open-source 8k text embedding
Total comment counts : 35
Summary
Berlin-based artificial intelligence company Jina AI has launched its second-generation text embedding model, jina-embeddings-v2. This open-source model supports a context length of 8K tokens, putting it on par with OpenAI’s proprietary model. Benchmarking has shown that jina-embeddings-v2 outperforms OpenAI’s counterpart in various areas including classification, reranking, retrieval, and summarization. Jina AI is dedicated to innovation and plans to continue leading in the field of AI.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author questions the remarkability of a certain OSS contribution, noting that it ranks lower than OpenAI embeddings and 14 other contributions. They also raise concerns about the 8k context window and the 512 token limitation. The author suggests that the model’s performance on small documents does not validate its performance on larger documents. They mention that the model may have been designed to perform well on MTEB datasets, unlike the OpenAI model. Lastly, they mention that some people believe the 8k context embeddings may not be useful in list situations and question when this model would actually be used.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the rapid progress of open-source models in comparison to closed-source models like OpenAI. This development is seen as positive and exciting, although it is noted that it may be too optimistic to expect immediate parity between the two.
3. How to find a lost phone in a no-cell-coverage camping site?
Total comment counts : 38
Summary
The article describes a trip where the author and a group of people went on an off-road adventure on ATVs in Misiones, Argentina. While enjoying the landscape, they realized that there was no cell phone coverage in rural areas. The author’s cousin lost his phone, and they tried various methods to locate it, including using the “Find my device” feature, but it didn’t work due to the lack of signal. Then, the author came up with the idea of creating a WiFi network with the same name and password as his cousin’s home network to see if the phone would connect. This strategy worked, and they found the phone on one of the parked ATVs. The author concludes by mentioning the satisfaction of using technology knowledge to solve a real problem.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author had their stolen AirPods Max tracked with the help of Find My. They located the headphones in a small apartment building using the “warmer … warmer … colder” UI feature. The police were called and confronted the person in the apartment, who initially denied having the headphones. However, when the police played a sound through the window, the person admitted to having them and returned them to the author. The police were excited about the successful recovery.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author recalls a time when their spouse lost their phone while taking pictures during a road trip. After a failed search, they used the Find My app and were surprised to find that the phone was located 43 miles away. Using Google Earth, they quickly identified the likely spot and were able to retrieve the phone within minutes. The author expresses amazement at how this technology, operating on a large scale, helped them recover their lost property.
4. The negative impact of mobile-first web design on desktop
Total comment counts : 47
Summary
The article discusses the usability issues that arise when mobile-first web designs are viewed on desktop devices. This design trend, known as content dispersion, causes the content to appear overly large, stretched out, and dispersed across long scrolling pages with excessive white space and enlarged images and fonts. The article reports on a study that involved qualitative usability tests and interviews, finding that content dispersion on large-screen devices leads to increased cognitive load and interaction costs, difficulty understanding content, and user frustration. The article also explains that content dispersion is a result of the combination of mobile-first, minimalist, and image-focused design trends. The use of these trends, which are popular due to the increasing importance of mobile devices, results in low information density, making it harder for users to find specific information and leading to fragmented content. The article recommends design solutions to avoid these usability pitfalls, such as utilizing a condensed layout for desktop pages and using minimalist designs that focus attention on key points.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the concept of the “hinternet” coined by blogger Danny O’Brien in 2007. It explains that the hinternet refers to a split internet, with one part consisting of sophisticated technology and value-added services, and the other part being filled with spam and low-quality content. Originally, the hinternet was seen as a separate space that the technological elite would avoid, while normal people had no way to discern between the two. However, now most of the internet has become hinternet, as banking systems, mortgage platforms, and other services are designed primarily for mobile devices and employ dark techniques for user verification. The article concludes by stating that there are attempts to create more sophisticated online spaces, but there is a strong disincentive for individuals to participate in the hinternet beyond what is mandatory.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the challenges of frontend development, highlighting that it is often considered the most difficult part of the stack. The author emphasizes that simply creating a modern-looking application is not enough, as frontend engineers must have a deep understanding of HTML, CSS, and web APIs to build complex user interfaces that work across different browsers, devices, and languages, while also considering the needs of users with assistive technologies. The article concludes by stating that proficient frontend engineers are rare, and UX designers who also possess this knowledge are highly valuable in the industry.
5. Running the “Reflections on Trusting Trust” Compiler
Total comment counts : 6
Summary
The article discusses the concept of supply chain security, which has been a problem for many years. It refers to a Turing award lecture from 1983, where Ken Thompson discussed the issue and presented a technique to insert a backdoor into a C compiler binary without leaving any trace in the source code. The article provides a summary of the steps involved in this technique, which include writing a program that prints its own source code, modifying the compiler binary to store important details not present in the source code, and using a self-reproducing program to insert the backdoor into the target program. The article also mentions a recent interaction with Ken Thompson, who shared the code used in the lecture.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the relevance of the GNU Mes project’s documentation. The project’s documentation can be found at the provided link.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses an attack that was implemented almost ten years before a lecture. It speculates that the attack may have been carried out shortly after reading a paper titled “the compiler trap door.”
6. Oh-Auth – Abusing OAuth to take over millions of accounts
Total comment counts : 22
Summary
The article discusses the vulnerabilities and potential risks associated with OAuth (Open Authorization), a popular protocol used for user authentication and authorization in web services. It highlights the ease of implementing OAuth, but also warns about the complexity and potential security threats it poses. The article presents a case study of how OAuth vulnerabilities were exploited in well-known services like Vidio, Bukalapak, and Grammarly, leading to account takeovers and potential data breaches. The author emphasizes the importance of verifying access tokens and implementing secure OAuth implementations to prevent such vulnerabilities. The mentioned companies have since fixed the issues and responded promptly to resolve the vulnerabilities.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author argues that OAuth, a common authentication protocol, has several issues. One issue is the assumption that the browser part of the flow is done by a real user, which can lead to storing and automating users’ credentials. The author believes that OAuth is often unnecessary and adds unnecessary complexity and exploit vectors. They suggest using a revokable Bearer Token instead for most API use cases. However, they acknowledge that OAuth can be useful in user-first scenarios, but question its inclusion in server-to-server access.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the benefits and challenges of using the OAuth protocol for web services. While the OAuth protocol is secure by design, integrating it into existing platforms can be problematic. The author mentions that the complexity of the protocol can lead to implementation errors and shortcuts taken in the wrong places. Additionally, there are intermediary components that can give the false sense of understanding the protocol, leading to potential misuse. Despite these challenges, the author acknowledges that using OAuth is still preferable to creating a new scheme, as long as users take the time to properly understand it.
7. People who made the original Super Mario Bros shipped Wonder 38 years later
Total comment counts : 10
Summary
The article discusses the development process and key features of the new Super Mario Bros. game, titled Super Mario Bros. Wonder. The team behind the game includes Takashi Tezuka as the producer, Shiro Mouri as the director, Koichi Hayashida as the game designer, Masanobu Sato as the art director, and Koji Kondo as the sound director. The team aimed to create a game that would provide players with unexpected and wondrous moments, differentiating it from previous 2D Mario games and the Super Mario Maker series. They focused on transforming the gameplay and course design in unique ways. The team went through a prototyping phase and held idea-sharing sessions to come up with innovative concepts. The game incorporates the concept of the “Wonder effect,” where collecting a new item called the Wonder Flower transforms the course and offers surprising gameplay elements. The team took an extreme approach to create a game with more surprises than ever before. They also incorporated unconventional visuals and music to enhance the transformation experience. The article highlights the collaborative efforts of the development team and their dedication to creating a game that would amaze players.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article praises Nintendo for its ability to retain talented developers and notes that the company has a distinctive culture compared to other game developers. It also mentions the success of the game “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and how Nintendo encourages its newer developers to come up with innovative ideas. The author also expresses their admiration for the game “Super Mario Bros Wonder,” describing it as amazing and addictive.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article argues that Nintendo deserves more recognition for creating games that are genuinely enjoyable to play. Unlike many modern AAA games that prioritize visuals over gameplay, Nintendo’s games provide a satisfying and engaging experience. The author believes that other games often feel like a mere distraction or a tedious task, whereas Nintendo’s games stand out for their entertainment value.
8. Exclusive hardwood may be illegally harvested
Total comment counts : 23
Summary
A recent study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden reveals that over three-quarters of the tropical wood type ipê from the top producing region in Brazil could have been harvested illegally. Ipê wood is highly sought after for building exclusive wooden decks in North America and Europe. The demand for this material has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in European, American, and Canadian markets. The study explores the risks of illegal logging in Brazil and identifies where in the supply chains the logging is likely to have taken place. The researchers found that 16 percent of ipê on the market is harvested without proper permits, and there is more wood in circulation than official production figures indicate. The study aims to raise awareness of the extent of illegal logging among decision-makers, supply chain actors, and consumers. It highlights the importance of knowing the origin and production chain of wood before purchasing and suggests that certification for sustainably produced wood, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, can help guide consumers in making responsible choices. The study’s authors hope that their research will improve forest control systems and support supply chain actors in promoting responsible and sustainable timber sourcing.
Top 1 Comment Summary
Brazil’s president in 2020 promised to disclose the countries involved in the consumption of illegally extracted wood from the Amazon. However, no further updates were provided on this matter. A startup had also proposed using DNA to certify the origin of the wood for traceability purposes. Efforts to curb the trade of illegal timber, such as the EU Timber Regulation and the US Lacey Act, would make harvesting these trees less profitable by reducing demand and thus impacting the activity.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article suggests that as a consumer, it is important to question the origin of the wood in products and ask for documentation about its source and production process. However, the author believes that it is unlikely for sellers to disclose if the wood is illegally harvested. Salespeople may not be aware of or understand this concern, and even if they do, there may be little motivation for them to be transparent. Therefore, the author doubts how effective this approach is for consumers.
9. Cold war satellite images reveal unknown Roman forts
Total comment counts : 9
Summary
Declassified cold-war spy satellite images have revealed 396 previously unknown Roman forts in Syria and Iraq, challenging previous understanding of the Roman empire’s frontier. Aerial photographs taken in the 1960s and 70s show these newly discovered forts, leading researchers to question the purpose of the defensive line previously assumed to protect the empire from external threats. The findings suggest that the frontier was a dynamic area of trade and communication, with the forts facilitating caravan-based interregional trade. The discovery also indicates that the Roman world had less rigid borders and was more open to trade and communication with non-Roman territories than previously believed. The images, obtained from the world’s first spy-satellite program during the cold war, highlight the importance of satellite imagery for recording archaeological features before they are lost to modern development. With more imagery being declassified, researchers anticipate making further archaeological discoveries in the future.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the difficulty of placing certain sites in a larger world context, particularly in relation to the Tigris-Euphrates area and the Roman Empire. The author creates a graphic to help visualize the locations and notes that the farthest fortress of the Romans, Circesium, existed by 256 AD. However, the Roman Empire was in decline and undergoing a split into the West-East divide, as well as the formation of the breakaway Palmyrene Empire ruled by Zenobia. The author places all locations on a map of the Palmyrene Empire circa 271 AD, relative to well-known locations like Palmyra, Jerusalem, Petra, Cyprus, and more. The article provides various sources and links for further information and references.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses why a person might choose to use older, lower quality imagery rather than newer and higher quality versions. The reason is that the older images from the Cold War era offer a high-resolution, stereo perspective on a landscape that has been changed significantly by modern-day land-use.
10. Chaucer’s works go online
Total comment counts : 7
Summary
error
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s experience in Professor Marvin Mudrick’s course on “Troilus and Criseyde” at UCSB in the ’70s. They highlight that the text is considered high literature and significantly longer than the popular “Canterbury Tales.” The author recalls spending a significant amount of class time listening to Mudrick’s outstanding reading of the text. They express regret that no audio recordings of Mudrick’s reading exist, although there are recordings of his writing seminars. The article emphasizes Mudrick’s belief that “Troilus and Criseyde” contains the greatest description of lovemaking in world literature, surpassing other works that attempt to address this topic.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article criticizes a website for its user experience (UX) because it lacks a “Download Book” button. Users have to navigate through multiple pages and clicks to select and download pages. Additionally, the download process takes longer as the file needs to be prepared. The article also mentions that the downloaded file does not have full resolution images. The author argues that the website designers neglected the basic use case that most other ebook systems prioritize.