NVIDIA is moving towards open-source GPU drivers, raising questions about their true commitment. The EU's funding cuts for FOSS could jeopardize future privacy efforts. A controversial take on Mark Zuckerberg's use of 'open source' sparks debate. Meanwhile, Proton introduces a new wallet and AI tools, but the Linux community is skeptical. Google faces backlash for halting cookie elimination plans and its labor issues with reCAPTCHA. Finally, the environmental impact of digital technologies and the shift to app usage are examined.
NVIDIA's transition to open-source GPU kernel modules aims to improve driver installation and accessibility for Linux users, particularly for modern graphics cards.
The EU's drastic funding cut for FOSS projects raises concerns about the future of open-source initiatives as resources shift towards AI development.
Deep dives
NVIDIA's Transition to Open Source Kernel Modules
NVIDIA is moving towards open source GPU kernel modules, which facilitates the use of proprietary drivers for their hardware on Linux systems. This shift primarily supports modern graphics cards from the 3000 series onwards, while older models such as Maxwell and Pascal remain unsupported. Although the transition does not signify full open sourcing, it aims to streamline the installation process for users and Linux distributions. This development is expected to benefit existing NVIDIA users interested in switching to Linux, making the platform more accessible for gaming and other applications.
Decreased EU Funding for FOSS Projects
The funding for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) projects from the EU's Horizon Program is set to drop dramatically from €27 million to potentially €2 million. This significant reduction poses a serious threat to various FOSS initiatives that rely on this financial support to operate effectively. The shift in focus towards AI projects is seen as a detrimental move, pulling resources from critical internet infrastructure that emphasizes privacy and open-source solutions. The concern among developers is that many promising projects may never materialize due to this funding cut.
Proton's Controversial Shift to AI and Cryptocurrency
Proton is facing backlash after introducing a Bitcoin wallet and a private writing assistant that uses AI, which has upset many in the Linux and open-source community. Critics argue that the move towards AI and crypto is misguided given the growing skepticism surrounding the value of cryptocurrencies and the ethical implications of AI. Proton's attempt to position itself as a secure solution for managing cryptocurrencies has drawn ire, especially since many see this as a departure from its original mission of privacy and security. The launch of these services indicates a shift in focus that may alienate long-time supporters of the brand.
NVIDIA makes more of its drivers easier to install, the EU is probably going to redirect FOSS funding to AI, Mark Zuckerberg abuses the term “open source”, Proton jumps the shark, a trio of typical Google stories, and the shortest KDE Korner in history.
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