The conversation kicks off with the controversial removal of Russian maintainers from the Linux kernel, igniting a debate on transparency. Listeners hear about Tailscale's innovative VPN solutions and the turbulent journey of the Flutter fork, born from concerns over Google’s support. The Open Source Initiative's new AI definition is dissected, with skepticism about its practical application. Plus, the team discusses the rise of Thunderbird for Android and highlights the power of community contributions in enhancing open-source projects.
The recent removal of Russian maintainers from the Linux kernel has raised concerns about governance and transparency within open-source projects.
The forking of the Flutter framework reflects widespread frustration with Google's lack of support, highlighting the need for better engagement with the developer community.
Deep dives
Controversy in the Linux Kernel
Recent changes to the Linux kernel maintainers file have sparked significant controversy, particularly concerning the removal of certain contributors due to sanctions and compliance with U.S. government regulations. The removal process lacked transparency and communication, creating uncertainty about how these actions would affect the contributions of the affected individuals. Observers noted that the lack of a clear, coordinated response from the Linux Foundation highlighted a ramshackle organizational structure, where the absence of a dedicated legal team made it difficult to manage such sensitive issues effectively. This incident raises important questions about how open source projects handle external pressures and the implications for collaboration and community participation.
Flutter's Fork: Fluck
The Flutter framework is facing a fork due to perceived neglect by Google, particularly regarding the desktop version of the platform, which has led to the creation of Fluck. This decision reflects a broader concern about Google's commitment to its open-source projects, as developers have reported a lack of responsiveness to bugs and issues within Flutter. As Canonical has integrated Flutter into key Ubuntu components, the ramifications of this fork could impact the future of the platform and its usability across different environments. The fork serves not only as a practical solution but also as a wake-up call for Google to re-engage with the community that relies on its technologies.
Open Source AI Definition Released by OSI
The Open Source Initiative has announced its first definition of open source AI, a move seen as an attempt to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving field. However, the definition has sparked debate over its feasibility, particularly regarding the requirement for detailed training data disclosure, which many argue is impractical for developers. Critics claim that until clear standards and reproducibility are established, any definition lacks real substance and could hinder innovation in AI development. This initiative represents the challenge of integrating traditional open-source principles within the complex landscape of AI and machine learning, where much remains undefined.
Linux removes Russian maintainers and bungles the explanation, Flutter is forked due to Google’s “labor shortage”, the OSI finally defines open source AI (and we don’t take it very seriously), Hollywood uses loads of FOSS, an easy way to help out Home Assistant, and Thunderbird for Android arrives.
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1Password
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