Today’s top stories include openSUSE removing Deepin Desktop over security violations, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s pay rising to nearly $50 million amid record profits, and Meta reigniting stablecoin plans for cross-border payments, signaling significant shifts in open-source security, tech industry earnings, and digital currency ambitions.
▶️ Internet Infrastructure
openSUSE Removes Deepin Desktop Over Security Violations and Policy Breaches
openSUSE removed Deepin desktop from its repositories on May 7, 2025, after discovering policy violations involving bypassed security reviews and unresolved security issues in Deepin’s D-Bus and Polkit components.
- openSUSE removed Deepin desktop packages on May 7, 2025, due to packaging policy violations and security concerns
- The Deepin community implemented a “license agreement” dialog bypassing security review requirements, installing restricted assets without proper vetting
- Multiple security review requests since 2017 revealed persistent vulnerabilities in Deepin’s D-Bus services and Polkit policies, including unauthenticated access, privilege escalation, and path traversal issues
Arista Hits Record $2B Revenue Amid Trade Tensions and Margin Concerns
Arista reported a record $2 billion Q1 2025 revenue amid strong AI and datacenter demand, but warns US trade tariffs threaten supply chains and margins, creating significant uncertainty for future growth.
- Arista Networks achieved its first $2 billion quarter for Q1 2025, up 27.6% year-on-year, ending March 31.
- Revenue guidance for Q2 2025 is approximately $2.1 billion, with concerns over potential margin declines due to trade tariffs.
- The company warns that escalating US tariffs and international trade tensions could disrupt supply chains, increase costs, and impact future prospects.
Raspberry Pi OS Final Bookworm Update Brings Performance and Touchscreen Improvements
Raspberry Pi OS’s final Bookworm-based update introduces improved screen locking, split auto login, touchscreen emulation options, performance enhancements, and moves to Linux kernel 6.12, with next release based on Debian Trixie.
- Raspberry Pi OS based on Debian Bookworm receives its final major update, released on May 8, 2025
- Notable changes include enhanced screen locking with a modified swaylock, split console and desktop auto login, and updated printer support
- Touchscreen support now defaults to mouse emulation, with an option to switch to native touch functions; performance improvements include faster taskbar startup and a move to Linux kernel 6.12; Chromium no longer pre-installs full uBlock Origin, replaced by uBlock Origin Lite
Customer Exodus from VMware to Nutanix Driven by Support and Cost Concerns Post-Broadcom Acquisition
Customer migrations from VMware to Nutanix are driven by support failures, cost hikes, and licensing issues following Broadcom’s acquisition, with Nutanix offering external storage support and improved migration tools.
- Ex-VMware customers, including Golding and MSIG Insurance, migrated to Nutanix due to support issues and cost increases after Broadcom’s acquisition
- Toshiba moved 2,200 VMs from VMware to Nutanix, citing a tenfold increase in licensing costs
- Broadcom’s renewal quotes and support practices, such as cease-and-desist letters for unsupported patches, prompted customer dissatisfaction and migration
- Nutanix supports external storage and offers enhanced migration tools, including firewall rule replication and workload mobility without hardware swaps
- VMware’s support delays, pricing opacity, and restrictive licensing post-Broadcom acquisition contribute to customer discontent and migration trends
▶️ Open Source
Meta Reignites Stablecoin Plans for Cross-Border Payments
Meta is exploring stablecoin deployment for cross-border payouts, hiring crypto experts, and engaging with infrastructure firms, signaling renewed interest after the 2019 Diem project cancellation.
- Meta is in early-stage discussions with crypto firms to introduce stablecoins for cross-border payouts, focusing on lower transaction fees.
- The company has hired a VP of product with crypto expertise and is considering multiple stablecoin providers, including USDC and others.
- Meta previously announced the Diem project in 2019, which was abandoned in 2022 under regulatory pressure; current efforts mark a renewed interest in stablecoin technology.
VVVVVV Source Code Open-Source with Active Contributions and Multi-Platform Support
The VVVVVV source code by Terry Cavanagh is open-source, supporting multiple platforms, with ongoing updates, contributions, and detailed licensing.
- The source code for VVVVVV, an indie game by Terry Cavanagh, is publicly available on GitHub
- The repository includes 31 issues, 24 pull requests, and 579 forks, with 7.7k stars
- The codebase features contributions from 45 developers and is primarily written in ActionScript (54.5%) and C++ (44.3%)
“ty: Rust-Based Python Type Checker Gains Traction in Pre-Release Stage”
“ty” is a fast, Rust-based Python type checker and language server in pre-release, licensed under MIT, with 3.6k stars, 21 forks, and ongoing development for stability and features.
- “ty” is a pre-release, high-performance Python type checker and language server written in Rust, licensed under MIT.
- The project has 3.6k stars, 21 forks, and 190 issues, with active development and contributions from 7 contributors.
- Development resources include the main repository, with links to releases, issues, and contributing guidelines; it emphasizes active collaboration and bug reporting.
Void: Open-Source VSCode Alternative with AI and Local Model Support
Void is an open-source VSCode alternative with AI integration, hosting code, change visualization, and local models, licensed under Apache-2.0, with active development and community support.
- Void is an open-source project serving as a Cursor alternative, enabling AI agents on codebases, change visualization, and local model hosting
- The repository contains full source code, licensed under Apache-2.0 and other licenses, with 14.1k stars, 859 forks, and 34 contributors
- Latest release is Beta 1.2.4, published on April 15, 2025; repository includes over 2,400 commits, primarily written in TypeScript (95.3%)
Unity Bans VLC for Unity Assets Despite LGPL Use and Offers Alternatives
Unity banned VLC for Unity assets in summer 2023 despite using LGPL libraries internally; the Videolabs Store now offers binaries and consulting for VLC and FFmpeg integration.
- Unity banned the open-source VLC for Unity assets from its Store in summer 2023, despite prior distribution since December 2019
- Unity’s own Editor and runtime use LGPL libraries (e.g., Lame, libiconv, websockify.js), but restrict assets with LGPL dependencies
- The VLC for Unity integration enabled cross-platform media playback on Windows, UWP, and Android; assets were removed even when LGPL code was excluded
Rust offers superior API safety with static checks over C++
Gustavo Noronha explains how Matt Godbolt’s talk highlights Rust’s ability to prevent C++-style bugs through explicit types, static assertions, and compile-time checks, enhancing API safety beyond memory management.
- Gustavo Noronha discusses how Matt Godbolt’s talk reveals Rust’s advantages over C++ in API safety and error prevention.
- Demonstrates C++ issues with implicit conversions, lack of compile-time checks, and runtime errors in handling types like Quantity and Price.
- Shows Rust’s type system, explicit types, static assertions, and compile-time checks prevent misuse, such as negative values or argument swapping, with clear error messages.
▶️ Software Development
nnd: Lightweight Linux Debugger for C++ and Rust with Core Features
“nnd” is a fast, TUI-based Linux debugger for native C++ and Rust code, offering core features in a minimal 6 MB executable, with ongoing development and no dependencies.
- “nnd” is a Linux-only debugger inspired partially by RemedyBG, implemented in Rust, with a 6 MB static executable, no dependencies.
- Supports x86_64 architecture, native code (C++, Rust), TUI interface, over SSH, with features including breakpoints, stepping, code/disassembly views, watch expressions, and pretty-printers.
- Development status: includes most standard debugger features, optimized for speed with asynchronous operations, but lacks remote debugging, record/replay, backwards stepping, and GUI; latest release v0.19 on May 8, 2025.
Zed: Open-Source Rust-Based AI Code Editor with Custom Models and Privacy
Zed, the fastest AI code editor built in Rust and open source under GPL v3, offers AI-powered editing via the Agent Panel, supporting custom models, tools, and privacy-focused features, with a free tier and paid plans.
- Zed is an open-source, GPU-accelerated code editor built entirely in Rust under GPL v3, supporting custom models and tools.
- Features an Agent Panel enabling AI-driven code modifications, with privacy by default; conversations are not stored unless opted in.
- Supports multiple language models (e.g., Claude 3.7 Sonnet, Gemini 2.5) via API keys or Ollama, with customizable tool access and profiles; costs include a free tier with 50 prompts/month and a $20/month Pro plan with 500 prompts.
▶️ Management and Leadership
Bill Gates Pledges Over $200 Billion to Improve Global Health and Education
Bill Gates commits to donating over $200 billion through the Gates Foundation in 20 years to address global health, education, and poverty, closing gaps in disease eradication and opportunity.
- Bill Gates plans to give away virtually all his wealth over the next 20 years via the Gates Foundation
- The foundation has already donated over $100 billion in its first 25 years and will double its future giving, exceeding $200 billion by 2045
- Gates aims to close gaps in global health, eradicate polio and Guinea worm, and reduce preventable child deaths, with a focus on vaccines, treatments, and health systems
CrowdStrike Cuts 5% Workforce to Boost AI-Driven Efficiency and Innovation
CrowdStrike intends to reduce staff by 5% (~500 employees), leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and innovation, while acknowledging AI-related legal and operational risks.
- CrowdStrike plans to cut 5% of its workforce (~500 employees) to improve efficiency, citing AI’s role in transforming operations.
- CEO George Kurtz states AI “flattens hiring curve” and accelerates innovation, with the company aiming for nearly 10,000 staff and $10 billion annual revenue.
- The company acknowledges AI-related risks, including potential liability from false outputs, bias, and errors, as outlined in SEC filings.
Curl Founder Bans AI-Generated Bug Reports to Save Maintainer Time
Curl founder Daniel Stenberg bans AI-generated bug reports, citing time drain and no valid findings, after a recent report with fabricated details highlighted the issue’s severity.
- Curl project founder Daniel Stenberg criticized the influx of AI-generated bug reports, likening it to a DDoS attack that wastes maintainers’ time.
- Stenberg implemented a checkbox requiring bug reporters to disclose AI assistance; reports deemed as “AI slop” are instantly banned.
- The project has not received any valid AI-generated bug reports in six years, with recent reports, including one with nonexistent functions, prompting the new policy.
Arm Avoids Full-Year Guidance Amid Trade Uncertainty Despite Record Q4 Revenue
Arm avoids FY'26 guidance amid trade uncertainty, reporting record Q4 revenue of $1.24 billion; expects limited direct royalty impact but concerns about long-term end demand effects.
- Arm declined to issue full-year guidance for FY'26 due to global trade uncertainty and tariffs, despite record Q4 revenue of $1.24 billion.
- Q4 2025 royalty was $607 million and licensing revenue reached $634 million, driven by new deals including a multi-year AI partnership with the Malaysian government.
- For FY'26, Arm forecasts Q1 revenue between $1 billion and $1.1 billion, with expected flat royalty revenue in Q2 and 10-15% sequential growth in subsequent quarters; indirect tariff impacts on end demand remain a concern.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s pay rises 45% to $49.87M amid record profits
Nvidia’s Jensen Huang received a 45% pay raise to $49.87 million in fiscal 2025, driven by record revenue and profits amid booming AI GPU demand, with stock awards totaling $38.81 million.
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s total compensation increased by 45% to $49.87 million in fiscal 2025
- Compensation included a 50% rise in base salary to $1.486 million, $38.81 million in stock awards, $6 million non-equity, and $3.57 million other benefits
- Nvidia’s fiscal 2025 revenue rose 114% to $130.5 billion, operating income increased 147% to $81.5 billion, net profit up 145% to $72.88 billion; company spent $53.8 billion on stock buybacks and paid $2.4 billion in dividends
Gartner Highlights Service Shortcomings in RISE with SAP Program
Gartner finds RISE with SAP offers below-standard service levels, with 99.7% uptime SLA, delays in infrastructure tasks exceeding a month, and a rigid architecture requiring third-party support.
- Gartner reports RISE with SAP customers experience service levels below industry standards, with standard SLA at 99.7% uptime versus the 99.9% industry norm
- Customers face delays due to internal processes and siloed operational approach, requiring coordination across multiple teams, with infrastructure tasks taking over a month
- RISE with SAP’s technical tasks often leave customers “unpleasantly surprised,” and the program’s architecture is considered rigid with limitations, often necessitating third-party assistance
Google’s Gemini 2.5 Update Disables Safety Controls, Disrupting Trauma Support Apps
Google’s Gemini 2.5 update disables safety controls, breaking trauma support apps and causing widespread disruption; Google has not clarified the cause, affecting sensitive content handling.
- Google’s Gemini 2.5. Pro Preview update disables safety controls, blocking content related to trauma, sexual assault, and mental health support apps.
- Developers like Thomas Darcy report that safety settings panel is ineffective; models refuse to discuss sensitive topics despite explicit configuration options.
- The update causes critical failures in applications such as VOXHELIX and InnerPiece, impacting support for trauma survivors and PTSD patients, with reports of error messages and broken functionality.
- Google has not clarified whether the change is a bug or an infrastructure revision, but it constitutes a breaking change for apps relying on configurable safety filters.
- The disruption affects multiple developers and Australian government pilot programs, with reports of model regressions and unintended shifts in reasoning and tone.
- Darcy urges Google to restore the previous opt-in, consent-driven safety controls, emphasizing the impact on vulnerable users and trauma victims.
Steven Deobald Named GNOME Foundation’s New Executive Director
Steven Deobald, a Canadian techie and GNOME user, was appointed GNOME Foundation’s executive director on May 8, 2025, emphasizing accessibility and fundraising efforts.
- Steven Deobald appointed as GNOME Foundation’s new executive director, announced on May 8, 2025
- Deobald is a Canadian, tech entrepreneur, GNOME user, and has lived and worked in India
- Focuses on raising GNOME’s profile, fundraising, and improving accessibility, especially for users with disabilities
OpenAI Appoints Instacart CEO Fidji Simo to Lead Consumer Products
OpenAI appointed Instacart CEO Fidji Simo as CEO of Applications to focus on consumer-facing products, aiming to boost revenue and scale operations, while Sam Altman continues overseeing research and safety.
- Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart, is leaving to become CEO of Applications at OpenAI, reporting directly to Sam Altman
- Simo’s role aims to enable OpenAI’s growth by focusing on traditional company functions, while Altman concentrates on research, compute, and safety
- Simo has served on OpenAI’s board since early 2024 and has a background in consumer tech, including over a decade at Facebook/Meta
- OpenAI projects a revenue increase from $3.7 billion in 2024 to $12.7 billion in 2025, amid efforts to monetize through subscription services like a $200/month Pro plan
- Simo’s appointment indicates a shift toward end-user focus rather than enterprise tools, despite widespread AI pilot underperformance among CEOs
- She will officially join OpenAI later in 2025; her hiring follows OpenAI’s recent decision to keep its nonprofit parent in control despite transitioning its for-profit subsidiary to a Public Benefit Corporation
- OpenAI aims to accelerate human potential and expand revenue streams amid ongoing legal and organizational restructuring
OPM Awards Workday $342K Contract to Modernize Federal HR Systems
OPM awarded Workday a $342,200 sole-source contract to modernize federal HR systems by July 2025, citing urgent needs and avoiding delays from competitive bidding.
- OPM awarded Workday a $342,200 sole-source contract to overhaul federal HR systems, aiming for system deployment by July 15, 2025.
- The contract bypassed competition due to critical failures in existing HR infrastructure, with a one-year timeline to meet Trump’s workforce mandates.
- Workday’s prior government projects faced issues in Maine and Iowa; the Iowa contract was awarded without competition in 2019, valued at approximately $21 million.
IRS to Use AI to Replace Staff and Boost Tax Collection
The IRS aims to replace laid-off enforcement staff with AI to sustain tax collection, leveraging existing AI use cases amid workforce reductions, though ROI remains uncertain.
- The IRS plans to use AI to supplement tax collection efforts following significant workforce reductions, including over 11,000 layoffs since March 2025.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated AI will help maintain robust collections despite staff cuts, but did not specify deployment methods.
- The IRS has already implemented AI for operational efficiency, compliance, fraud detection, and taxpayer services, adhering to privacy and security policies.
Ubuntu 25.10 to Default to Rust-Based Sudo for Enhanced Security
Ubuntu 25.10 will default to sudo-rs, a Rust-written sudo alternative, improving memory safety and security by reducing buffer overflow vulnerabilities, supporting broader industry shifts toward memory-safe code.
- Ubuntu 25.10, releasing on October 9, 2025, will have sudo-rs, a Rust-based implementation of sudo, as the default utility.
- Sudo-rs aims to enhance memory safety, preventing vulnerabilities like buffer overflows and use-after-free, which are common in traditional sudo.
- The move aligns with efforts by CISA, Microsoft, and others to promote memory-safe programming languages such as Rust, Go, and C# for critical system components.
▶️ Technology
Mistral AI Launches Le Chat Enterprise for Customizable AI Solutions
Mistral AI introduced Le Chat Enterprise, a customizable AI platform with enterprise search, agent building, and hybrid deployment options, launching May 7, 2025.
- Mistral AI launched Le Chat Enterprise on May 7, 2025, powered by the Mistral Medium 3 model
- Features include enterprise search, agent builders, custom data/tool connectors, document libraries, custom models, and hybrid deployments; rollout begins within two weeks
- Supports deployment on self-hosted, private/public cloud, or Mistral cloud with strict ACLs, full control, customizable integrations, audit logging, and tailored AI solutions with expert support
Apple develops custom chips for smart glasses, Macs, and AI servers to boost AR and AI competition
Apple is developing custom chips for smart glasses, advanced Macs, and AI servers, signaling expanded hardware capabilities and competitive positioning in AR and AI markets.
- Apple’s silicon design team is developing specialized chips for future devices, including its first smart glasses, more powerful Macs, and AI servers.
- Progress has been made on the chip for smart glasses, indicating increased development efforts to compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban spectacles.
- The initiative suggests Apple is ramping up hardware innovation for AR, computing, and AI infrastructure.
Surfshark Ranks Chrome as Most Invasive Mobile Browser for Data Collection
Surfshark’s analysis reveals Chrome as the most invasive mobile browser, collecting 20 data types, including sensitive information, with significant implications for user privacy and data security.
- Surfshark’s research identifies Chrome as the worst mobile browser for data collection, analyzing the top ten based on AppMagic rankings.
- Chrome collects 20 data types, including contact info, financial details, location, browsing history, user content, identifiers, usage data, and diagnostics.
- Chrome is the only browser that collects financial data; much data collection is linked to Google’s services like Search and Maps.
- Other browsers vary: Bing app collects 12 data types, Pi Browser nine, Safari and Firefox eight each; Bing uniquely collects precise location data.
- Browsers like Edge, Bing, and Pi Browser gather data that could be used for user tracking and targeted advertising; Brave and Tor collect minimal or no data, with Tor being entirely privacy-focused.
- Data collection practices are publicly analyzed via app store privacy details, highlighting the amount of data accessible through seemingly simple sign-ins.