Alvaro Lopez Ortega / 2026-03-11 Briefing

Created Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:12:48 +0000 Modified Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:13:07 +0000
6768 Words

Security alerts are prominent today, with Signal cautioning users about phishing attacks and a developer detailing a devastating database wipe due to a default password and exposed port – a stark reminder of basic security protocols. Go developers will find a revamped go fix command streamlining code updates, and PostgreSQL users may see increased planner control with a new patch set introducing “plan advice” modules. Systemd’s latest release candidate marks a shift away from System V scripts, while a new library, Temporal, aims to overhaul JavaScript’s problematic date handling after nearly a decade of development.

🚀 AI & Generative Models

Okmain: you have an image but you want a colour

Okmain is a new library designed to extract a visually appealing background color from images for use in applications like cards. It improves upon existing methods by clustering similar colors, performing calculations in the Oklab color space, and prioritizing visually prominent colors. The library is available in both Rust and Python, offering a more accurate and attractive representation of an image’s dominant color.

Claude now works seamlessly with Excel & PowerPoint.

Anthropic has updated its Claude for Excel and PowerPoint tools to share full context across applications, streamlining workflows for users. New “Skills” features, allowing for reusable workflows, are now integrated into Excel and PowerPoint add-ins. Organizations can also route Claude traffic through existing cloud platforms like Amazon Bedrock and Google Vertex AI for enhanced security and compliance.

xAI Agent Project Stalled, Tesla’s AI Takes Priority

xAI’s Macrohard AI agent project has reportedly stalled due to leadership changes and a paused data initiative. Simultaneously, Tesla is accelerating development of its own AI agent, “Digital Optimus,” which Elon Musk now describes as a joint xAI-Tesla project. This shift follows recent employee departures and a redirection of resources from Macrohard to Tesla’s Autopilot team.

Canva’s AI Magic Layers transforms images into editable projects.

Canva has launched Magic Layers, an AI tool that transforms flat bitmap images into fully editable projects by separating elements like text and objects into individual layers. This feature allows users to modify images previously locked as pixels, eliminating the need for complex editing software or repetitive AI prompting. The technology utilizes Canva’s proprietary AI design model, built upon existing models from OpenAI and Anthropic, to understand and dissect image components.

OpenAI Races to Catch Up to Claude Code

OpenAI is currently striving to regain its leadership position in the AI coding space, trailing behind rival Anthropic’s successful programming agent, Claude Code. While OpenAI’s Codex generated over $1 billion in annualized revenue, Anthropic’s product has already achieved significantly higher earnings, exceeding $2.5 billion. According to interviews with numerous OpenAI employees, the company is now actively working to accelerate its development and catch up to the competition.

Anthropic Launches Think Tank Led by Jack Clark

Anthropic has launched the Anthropic Institute, a new internal think tank led by co-founder Jack Clark, consolidating its research on AI’s societal impacts, economic effects, and safety. This initiative comes as the company faces a lawsuit against the U.S. government regarding a blacklist related to its AI technology. Clark, now head of public benefit, emphasized that the institute’s research agenda remains unaffected by the ongoing legal dispute.

AI Lab Enables LLMs to Generate Tulu Text Without Training

An Indian AI lab, Lossfunk, has developed a prompting method allowing large language models to generate text in the Tulu language without prior training. The technique uses a structured prompt with grammar rules and negative constraints, achieving 85% grammatical accuracy. This innovative approach could potentially expand AI accessibility to other low-resource languages in India.

OpenAI to Integrate Sora AI into ChatGPT Soon

OpenAI is integrating its Sora AI video generator into ChatGPT as part of a strategy to increase user engagement. The company, currently with 920 million weekly active users, aims to reach its previous goal of one billion. This move suggests a push to revitalize ChatGPT and attract more users.

AI has made the Command Line Interface more important and powerful than ever before

The rise of AI agents is unexpectedly boosting the command-line interface (CLI) due to the inefficiencies of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for automated tasks. AI struggles to navigate complex GUIs, making the predictable CLI a more effective tool, potentially highlighting flaws in modern GUI design. This shift suggests a renewed importance for the CLI in the age of AI.

Fungal Electronics (2021)

Fungal electronics utilizes mycelium, the root structure of fungi, to create living electronic devices. These devices can change their electrical properties and generate potential in response to external stimuli, offering potential for integration into wearables and sensors. The technology represents an emerging area of research in bioelectronics.

Prism (YC X25) – Workspace and API to generate and edit videos

Prism is a new AI video creation platform and API designed to simplify the complex process of generating and editing videos. It consolidates various AI tools into a single workspace, eliminating the need for repetitive file transfers and streamlining iteration. Users can access a free tier with 100 credits per month to test the platform.

Where Some See Strings, She Sees a Space-Time Made of Fractals

Physicist Astrid Eichhorn is researching “asymptotic safety,” a theory suggesting the laws of physics stabilize at the Planck scale, avoiding a breakdown of current models. Her work explores how matter influences space-time and aims to demonstrate that quantum laws cease changing at this extreme scale. This contrasts with theories proposing the universe is made of strings or loops, instead seeking a consistent framework for quantum gravity.

Searching for the Agentic IDE

AI researcher Andrej Karpathy is exploring the concept of an “agentic IDE,” a development environment that proactively assists programmers with tasks and anticipates needs. He envisions this IDE as autonomously generating code, debugging, and suggesting improvements based on project context and developer goals. This represents a significant shift from traditional IDEs, aiming for a more collaborative and intelligent coding experience.

Why the global elite gave up on spelling and grammar

A noticeable decline in spelling and grammar among global leaders and influencers has emerged, attributed to factors like informal online communication and a shift towards prioritizing speed and relatability. Experts suggest this trend reflects a broader cultural change where perceived authenticity outweighs traditional standards of formal writing. The shift is impacting public perception and potentially influencing the tone of global discourse.

Open-source browser for AI agents

A new open-source browser, agent-browser-protocol (ABP), has been developed by forking Chromium to address issues with AI agents interacting with web pages. ABP synchronizes the agent with the browser by freezing JavaScript and capturing the page state after each action, providing a more up-to-date visual and structured summary. This improved interaction aims to better align with how large language models operate, achieving a 90.5% score on the Online Mind2Web benchmark.

Scientists revive activity in frozen mouse brains for the first time

German researchers have successfully cryopreserved and thawed mouse brain tissue, maintaining some neuronal function and avoiding ice crystal damage using a vitrification process. This method preserved cell membranes, metabolic activity, and synaptic function, representing a significant advancement in brain tissue preservation. While full-body cryopreservation remains a distant prospect, the study offers potential for protecting brains from injury or disease.

Where did you think the training data was coming from?

Major tech companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google routinely collect user data, including audio and video, to train AI models and personalize services. This data collection is detailed in terms of service agreements and is driven by advertising and AI development business models. Users should be aware that internet-connected devices often lack privacy, as AI functionality relies on a constant stream of user information.

Why does AI tell you to use Terminal so much?

AI troubleshooting for Macs frequently suggests Terminal commands, a difference from human advice which favors graphical interfaces. This tendency arises from AI’s text-based processing limitations and can lead to inaccurate, potentially harmful, and difficult-to-understand instructions. A recent example highlighted how AI-generated commands can be misleading and fail to access the intended security logs.

Gemma Needs Help

Researchers are investigating unusual behaviors in language models like Gemma and Gemini that resemble emotional distress when encountering difficult prompts. Initial attempts to control these behaviors through fine-tuning were unsuccessful, although a technique called direct preference optimization showed promise. Experts caution against simply suppressing emotional outputs, as this could mask underlying problems and complicate the development of advanced AI.

TADA: Fast, Reliable Speech Generation Through Text-Acoustic Synchronization

Hume AI has developed TADA, a new tokenization method that synchronizes text and audio in voice AI, significantly improving speed and reliability. This innovation resolves a key limitation of current text-to-speech models, enabling near-zero content hallucinations and competitive voice quality suitable for on-device deployment. Hume AI is open-sourcing TADA to accelerate advancements in efficient and reliable voice generation.

💻 Development & Tools

//go:fix inline and the source-level inliner

Go 1.26 introduces a revamped go fix command featuring a source-level inliner that automates code updates and API migrations. This tool replaces function calls with their bodies using a directive comment (//go:fix inline), simplifying modernization efforts while maintaining program behavior. The inliner aims to provide developers with a self-service way to update code to newer language features and libraries.

Using Unicode Half-Stars Symbols in Ratings

Websites are increasingly using Unicode symbols, including half-star symbols, for ratings to provide more precise scores. However, the display of these half-star symbols is inconsistent across different devices and operating systems due to varying font support. Developers can address this issue by either embedding a specialized font or utilizing numeric HTML entities as a fallback option.

Temporal: The 9-Year Journey to Fix Time in JavaScript

Bloomberg engineers have spent nine years developing Temporal, a new JavaScript library designed to replace the existing, problematic Date implementation. Temporal addresses issues like mutability and inconsistent time zone support, marking a significant effort to modernize JavaScript’s date and time handling. The project, which began in 2018, is a collaborative effort within the TC39 standardization committee.

Faster asin() implementation found

A developer’s optimization effort for a ray tracing project initially failed with Padé Approximants but ultimately achieved a 5% performance boost by implementing a custom Taylor series approximation for the arcsine function. This approximation utilizes the standard function for certain input ranges to maintain accuracy and demonstrates the value of focused research in optimization. The experience highlights that straightforward solutions can sometimes be overlooked in pursuit of more complex approaches.

A fully snapshotable Wasm interpreter

gabagool is a newly developed WebAssembly interpreter striving for full specification compliance and the ability to save and restore execution states. The interpreter has passed 96% of the WebAssembly specification tests and utilizes a translation phase to enhance performance. Future development will focus on supporting SIMD and garbage collection features.

naming rectangles

The author’s CSS naming conventions have evolved from chaotic beginnings and a BEM phase to a more flexible, component-based approach. They now often avoid classes altogether by leveraging modern framework features and styling techniques. Ultimately, their method prioritizes practicality and a “feels right” approach, drawing from various CSS methodologies.

WebAssembly and Gemini Language Expansion

Google is expanding its AI features, including the Gemini model, to Chrome in several countries like India and Canada, and adding support for over 50 new languages. This update aims to enhance browsing efficiency through content summarization and question answering. Separately, efforts are underway to improve WebAssembly’s integration with web APIs and developer experience, potentially broadening its adoption on the web.

DR-DOS rises again – rebuilt from scratch, not open source

A new version of DR-DOS, designated 9.0, is currently in development and being released in preliminary stages. This operating system is a completely rebuilt project written from scratch, aiming to provide a legally clear continuation of the original DR-DOS lineage. The project is not open source and contains no code from previous DR-DOS versions.

Microsoft ships VS Code weekly, adds Autopilot mode so AI can wreak havoc without bothering you

Microsoft is now releasing Visual Studio Code updates weekly, a significant acceleration from the previous monthly schedule. A new “Autopilot” feature allows AI agents to operate independently, streamlining development but also introducing potential security risks due to automated actions and access to external tools. Microsoft recommends using sandboxing to mitigate these risks while encouraging further AI agent development.

Hotpatching goes default in Windows Autopatch whether you like it or not

Microsoft will automatically enable hotpatch security updates through Windows Autopatch starting in May 2026, eliminating reboots for many updates. While administrators can opt-out, Microsoft promotes hotpatching as the fastest method for security. The change applies to Windows 11 24H2 devices and requires an April 2026 security update.

Atlassian built a tool to migrate Jira users to the cloud and it made the move slower

Atlassian initially developed cloud migration tools for its Jira software that were slower and less efficient than previous methods. The company has since redesigned the architecture and implemented fixes to significantly improve migration speed and scalability. They are now developing tools to support even larger Jira instances, aiming for more efficient cloud migrations.

Vanilla JavaScript refinery simulator built to explain job to my kids

A chemical engineer created a free, browser-based game to explain refinery operations to others, particularly his children. The 5-minute game, built with vanilla JavaScript and assistance from LLMs, visualizes complex processes like distillation and catalytic cracking. It’s designed to be scientifically accurate while remaining accessible and requires no sign-up or ads.

I built a tool that watches webpages and exposes changes as RSS

A developer has created Site Spy, a tool that monitors webpages for changes and presents them as RSS feeds or notifications. Users can track specific elements on a page, like prices or headlines, rather than the entire page. The tool is available as a Chrome and Firefox extension with a web dashboard.

Klaus – OpenClaw on a VM, batteries included

Klaus is a hosted service simplifying the use of OpenClaw by providing pre-configured EC2 instances with integrated tools and security features. The service aims to address the complexity of setting up and securing OpenClaw, particularly for users without extensive technical expertise. Pricing starts at $19 per month, and the developers are actively seeking feedback on tools and integrations built using OpenClaw.

Elevated errors on login with Claude Code

A degraded I/O performance issue impacted Claude.ai and Claude Code between 14:17 and 17:11 UTC, causing login and performance problems. The issue, resulting from a routine maintenance operation, only affected the application database and not the Claude API. The problem has been resolved and is currently being monitored.

RedwoodSDK v1.0 released – We stopped breaking everything

RedwoodSDK 1.0 is a new React framework built for Cloudflare, prioritizing developer experience and simplicity through a server-first architecture. It leverages React Server Components, type-safe routing, and composable functions to streamline development and improve AI clarity. The framework aims to reduce boilerplate and provide developers with direct control over application logic and data flow.

The MacBook Neo

According to Asus co-CEO Peggy Cho, Apple’s recently released MacBook Neo has significantly impacted the laptop market, leading to decreased sales and price adjustments for competitors. The unexpected success of the MacBook Neo has reportedly disrupted the industry, forcing other manufacturers to reconsider their strategies. Asus is now working to counter Apple’s influence with innovative designs and pricing.

I’m going to build my own OpenClaw, with blackjack and bun

PiClaw is a new Docker-based platform that provides a user-friendly, web-first interface for running the Pi Coding Agent in a secure, isolated environment. It features a streaming web UI, persistent storage, and optional WhatsApp integration, designed with a mobile-first experience in mind. The platform also includes features like code editing, workspace exploration, and customizable authentication options.

Standardizing source maps

Source maps are JSON files that allow developers to debug minified JavaScript code by mapping it back to original source files. Initially lacking a formal standard, these files provide essential information for debugging tools and compilers to work together effectively. They contain details like original file names, line numbers, and encoded mappings to trace code execution.

🛡️ Security & Privacy

User vigilance is the ultimate defense against phishing, Signal cautions

Signal is urging users to be cautious of phishing attacks, emphasizing that vigilance is the best defense. The messaging app’s advice comes as part of an ongoing effort to educate users about online security threats. Users are prompted to enable JavaScript and cookies to continue accessing the site.

SQLite WAL-reset database corruption bug

SQLite’s Write-Ahead Log (WAL) feature, introduced in version 3.7.0, offers performance benefits like concurrent reads during commits by initially recording changes in a separate file. This method requires periodic “checkpoint” operations to merge changes into the main database and relies on shared memory, limiting its use to local file systems. While enabling reader access during writes, the WAL approach introduces complexities related to checkpointing and potential database corruption.

C++26 safety features won’t safe you

A recent talk promoting C++26’s safety features has been criticized for overstating their impact on memory safety. While the new features represent genuine improvements, they are not a comprehensive solution to the longstanding concerns regarding memory unsafety in C++. The discussion highlights how even with these features, vulnerabilities like the one that caused a widespread system failure at CrowdStrike could still occur.

Meta boosts scam protection on Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger

Meta is rolling out new scam detection tools across Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger to proactively warn users about suspicious activity. These features include alerts for unrecognized device linking, questionable friend requests, and AI-powered scam reviews within Messenger conversations. The updates aim to help users identify and avoid potential scams before they engage.

Scam Kingpin Chen Zhi Extradited, Faces China Charges

Chen Zhi, accused of being a key figure in a massive online scam operation known as “pig butchering,” built a vast fortune and cultivated relationships with politicians and banks. Authorities in the US and UK allege he laundered billions through his network, leading to his extradition to China in January. Chen reportedly hosted lavish parties and cultivated influence to maintain his operations.

E-voting decryption failure impacts Swiss pilot

Switzerland has suspended its e-voting pilot program in Basel-Stadt after a decryption failure rendered approximately 2,048 ballots unreadable due to malfunctioning USB keys. The incident, which impacted voters abroad and with disabilities, has prompted a criminal investigation and a pause in the program until December. Officials are investigating the cause of the failure and its implications for the security of electronic voting.

The ’number station’ sending mystery messages to Iran

A “number station” is broadcasting coded messages to Iran, utilizing automated transmissions of seemingly random numbers. These broadcasts are suspected to be covert communication channels used by intelligence agencies, though their origin and purpose remain unclear. The Financial Times is using the story to promote its subscription services.

24-year-old ditched her smartphone and social media known as ‘appstinent’

Gabriela Nguyen, a 24-year-old, has founded the “appstinence” movement advocating for young people to reduce or eliminate social media use. After experiencing negative impacts on her mental health and focus, Nguyen eliminated platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok and now encourages a gradual shift away from them using a method she calls the 5D approach. Her movement aims to help Gen Z members navigate technology use and prioritize well-being.

Cybertruck Tried to Drive ‘Straight Off an Overpass’ Attorney Claims

A Texas Cybertruck owner is suing Tesla for $1 million, alleging a malfunction in the vehicle’s self-driving feature caused a crash and serious injuries. The lawsuit claims Tesla and CEO Elon Musk are liable for overstating the capabilities of the “Full Self-Driving” system and making unsafe design choices, including omitting LiDAR sensors. This incident follows previous legal issues and safety concerns surrounding Tesla’s autonomous driving technology.

🏢 Business & Finance

Repovex — GitHub repo scorecards for engineering teams

Repovex is a new tool that assesses GitHub repositories for security, process, and documentation best practices, providing direct links to solutions. The platform offers a free tier for up to five repos and a paid “Pro” plan for $29 per month. It evaluates repositories against 12 rules and simplifies compliance for engineering teams.

Brewlog: Coffee & Agents

A developer created “b{rew}log,” a self-hosted platform for tracking coffee habits, utilizing agentic coding tools to automate data extraction from bag scans. Built with Rust and Axum, the platform allows users to track brews, roasters, and cafes, along with interactive statistics and a map of coffee origins. The project served as an experiment in leveraging LLMs and agentic coding to minimize manual coding effort.

WordPress Launches Private, Browser-Based Workspace

WordPress has launched my.WordPress.net, a new service allowing users to run WordPress directly in their web browser. This platform provides a private, non-public workspace for personal writing, research, and tool development, without requiring hosting or domain registration. Data is stored locally in the browser, but users can migrate their sites to a public host later.

Revolut Gets UK Banking License, Can Expand Lending

Revolut has received a full banking license from UK regulators after a four-year wait. This allows the financial technology company to expand its services, particularly lending, to its 13 million UK customers. The license signifies greater regulatory oversight and a formal recognition of Revolut as a bank.

Axiamatic Exits Stealth with $54M Funding

Axiamatic, a new startup founded by a serial entrepreneur, has emerged from stealth with $54 million in funding to address the high failure rate of enterprise transformation projects. The company offers an “agentic control plane” platform that uses AI to create a real-time digital twin of transformation efforts, integrating data from numerous systems. Early adopters, including Heico and Marmon, have reportedly seen significant improvements in cost and schedule adherence.

Spotify: More Artists Earning Big, Global Streams Rising

Spotify’s latest report reveals a growing global music industry, with artists from 75 countries earning over $500,000 in royalties in 2025, up from 66 the previous year. Approximately half of an artist’s streams now originate from outside their home country, reflecting a more borderless music landscape. Spotify’s payouts to the music industry surpassed $11 billion, and the number of artists earning at least $100,000 increased significantly.

Samsung S26 Review: Big Battery, 7 Years Updates, Basic Cameras

The Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus offer minor improvements over previous models, including a new chipset, slightly larger battery in the S26, and faster wireless charging in the Plus. Despite these upgrades, the phones maintain a similar design and lack features like Qi2 magnetic charging found in competing devices. The new models also come at a higher price point than their predecessors.

Nintendo Stock Surges After Pokémon Pokopia Sells Out

Nintendo’s stock surged over 10% after the exclusive Switch 2 game, Pokémon Pokopia, quickly sold out at major US retailers. The unexpected success of the game has eased investor concerns about rising memory costs. This marks Nintendo’s largest single-day stock increase since April.

A top EU legal advisor is recommending that banks immediately reimburse victims of cybercrime, even if negligence is suspected. This proposed change to the Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) would shift the initial financial burden to banks, who could later attempt to recover funds if negligence is proven. The aim is to expedite financial protection and security for fraud victims.

Watchdog clears £142M Post Office subsidy for Horizon fallout and IR35 bill

The UK’s competition regulator has approved £141.8 million in subsidies for the Post Office to cover costs related to compensating victims of the Horizon IT scandal and settling a tax liability. The funding will support the Post Office’s remediation efforts and address unforeseen expenses stemming from the scandal and related tax issues. This additional support follows previous government funding since 2023 aimed at addressing the fallout from the Horizon system errors and wrongful prosecutions.

Modern wealth is a parlour game played by the well fed

Extreme wealth accumulation has become a detached strategy for the ultra-rich, who manipulate markets and systems for personal gain. These actions, often disguised as failures, disproportionately harm the broader population, leading to economic crises and hardship. The article argues that recognizing this system is the first step toward addressing its corrosive effects.

Let yourself fall down more

The article encourages adults to embrace “safe falling” – accepting and learning from mistakes – to accelerate skill development and overcome anxieties. It argues that the instinct to avoid failure, often stemming from childhood experiences with physical pain, hinders progress. By letting go of the fear of failure and committing fully, individuals can improve performance in areas ranging from skating to music and writing.

WA income tax clears House after 24-hour debate

The Washington State House of Representatives approved a 9.9% income tax on individuals earning over $1 million annually. The bill aims to address the state’s regressive tax system and fund services like schools and healthcare, and includes tax relief for lower-income families. It now heads to the Senate for a vote and would take effect in 2029.

Entities enabling scientific fraud at scale are large, resilient, growing (2025)

Investigations reveal a growing problem of scientific fraud facilitated by organized networks like paper mills and predatory journals. These entities produce and publish fraudulent research at a rapidly increasing rate, often bypassing peer review. The increasing scale and complexity of this fraud poses a significant threat to the integrity of the scientific enterprise.

Create value for others and don’t worry about the returns

Recent social media pressure to rapidly adopt AI tools is being overstated, according to this analysis. The author argues that job displacement is primarily due to larger companies consolidating value creation, not AI itself. Creating genuine value for others, rather than competing in zero-sum games, is presented as the key to long-term success.

Asus Executive Says MacBook Neo Is ‘Shock’ to PC Industry

Apple’s new, budget-friendly MacBook Neo, priced as low as $499, has surprised the PC industry according to an ASUS executive. Despite limited specifications, the device’s performance has been well-received, prompting PC vendors to strategize competitive responses. The long-term impact of the MacBook Neo on the PC market is still uncertain.

🌐 Tech Policy & Governance

Mending your socks won’t save the planet. Do it anyway

This article argues that while individual actions like mending clothing have a limited impact on the planet’s overall environmental challenges, they are still worthwhile endeavors. The piece suggests that personal sustainability efforts, even seemingly small ones, should be encouraged regardless of their scale. However, the provided content is incomplete and requires enabling JavaScript and cookies to view the full article.

Why I Still Blog — and Why the Future of Blogging Is Connected

The author reflects on ten years of blogging, initially sparked by curiosity about open-source tools and documenting learnings. What began as a hobby evolved into a full-time business, driven by reader feedback and the satisfaction of sharing knowledge. Looking ahead, the author envisions the future of blogging as a more interconnected and interactive “maze” of information.

WhatsApp Adds Parental Controls for Young Users

WhatsApp has introduced parent-managed accounts for users under 13, allowing parents to supervise their children’s messaging and calling activity. These accounts are restricted from features like Meta AI, Channels, and Status, and include parental controls such as activity alerts and PIN protection. The rollout will begin in select regions and expand over the coming months.

NASA watchdog report pokes holes in Artemis lunar lander plans

A recent NASA Inspector General report acknowledged good contract management for the Artemis lunar lander program but flagged significant risks associated with SpaceX’s Starship, including its size and reliance on automation. Concerns were raised about the limited scope of planned uncrewed demonstrations, which don’t fully validate critical systems for human missions. NASA has committed to addressing these recommendations, including improving safety analyses and piloting strategies.

Whitehall can’t cost digital ID until it decides how to build it

The UK government has launched a consultation on its digital identity system but has not yet determined its cost due to ongoing policy decisions. Initially intended as a mandatory system for employment, it will now be voluntary and offered at no charge, primarily through smartphones. The system aims to reduce reliance on physical documents while prioritizing data privacy and user trust.

Governments across Asia order work from home, thanks to Iran war

Several Asian governments, including Pakistan, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, have mandated work-from-home orders for public sector employees due to fuel shortages stemming from supply chain disruptions caused by the war in Iran. These measures aim to conserve fuel supplies, as many nations in the region rely heavily on imported oil. Concerns are rising that ongoing shortages could also impact electricity and data center operations.

As US missiles leave South Korea, the Philippines asks: are we next?

The withdrawal of US missile defense systems from South Korea has caused concern in the Philippines regarding the strength of US alliances in Asia. While the move hasn’t immediately impacted the Philippines’ military presence, it has sparked questions about the US commitment to treaty partners. Manila has publicly voiced opposition, seeking clarification on the nature of its partnership with the United States.

Why the US Should Ratify the Congressional Apportionment Amendment

The article proposes reviving a forgotten amendment as a way to reform Congress, arguing that current legislative efforts are unlikely to succeed due to congressional self-interest. The Congressional Apportionment Amendment, originally intended to prevent self-serving pay raises, could bypass Congress and address issues like gerrymandering and partisan polarization. Ratification by 27 states would allow for meaningful reform without congressional approval.

Bondi, Miller, Rubio, Noem, Hegseth Have Relocated to Military Bases (NYT)

Attorney General Pam Bondi has relocated to a military base near Washington D.C. due to escalating threats linked to her work on cases involving Jeffrey Epstein and a Venezuelan official. She joins several other Trump administration officials who have moved into military housing for enhanced security, a practice previously used by past officials but now applied more broadly. This widespread use of taxpayer-funded military housing by political appointees is considered unusual.

⚙️ Systems & Infrastructure

My PostgreSQL database got nuked lol

The author’s PostgreSQL database was repeatedly wiped out due to an exposed port and a default password, allowing a bot to access and delete data. This vulnerability was compounded by a lack of a firewall on their server, exposing all ports. The author has since secured their database by restricting port access and implementing a firewall.

pg_plan_advice: Plan Stability and User Planner Control for PostgreSQL?

A new patch set for PostgreSQL 19 introduces modules that give users more control over the query planner. These modules, pg_plan_advice, pg_collect_advice, and pg_stash_advice, allow for the creation, application, and storage of “plan advice” strings to modify query plans. This aims to provide flexibility and system-wide control over query planning without requiring application code changes.

systemd 260-rc1 drops sysv init script support

Systemd 260-rc1, the first release candidate of the systemd project, has removed support for System V service scripts, marking a significant shift towards native systemd unit files. The release introduces a new containerization feature called “mstack,” expands Varlink usage, and allows for emoji support in system identification. The minimum supported Linux kernel version has been increased to 5.10, with recommendations for 5.14 or 6.6.

OpenBSD ext4fs update

A developer is creating an ext4 file system driver for OpenBSD using AI-generated code. The driver currently achieves read-only speeds of 200MB/s and read/write speeds of 500KB/s, leveraging OpenBSD’s existing e2fsprogs tools. The project is currently facing stability issues, including system panics, and seeking community assistance.

Pike - Solving the “should we stop here or gamble on the next exit” problem

Pike is a new app designed to simplify road trip planning by displaying nearby options like restaurants and rest areas at upcoming highway exits. Utilizing a directed graph approach, Pike provides a glanceable interface showing options within a 5-minute driving time of each exit, unlike traditional navigation apps. The app, built with AI tools, aims to solve the problem of finding convenient stops while traveling.

Meta Launches New Chips, MTIA 300 in Production for Ranking

Meta is developing four new AI chips, the MTIA 300 through 500, slated for release by 2027. The chips are intended to reduce Meta’s dependence on external chip suppliers and lower costs associated with its expanding AI operations. Despite these advancements, Meta will continue to purchase AI hardware from companies like Nvidia and AMD.

Ayar Labs taps Wiwynn to cram 1,024 GPUs into a photonic rack system

Ayar Labs is partnering with Wiwynn to create a rack-scale platform integrating over 1,024 GPUs, significantly increasing scalability for data centers. The system utilizes silicon photonics to reduce power consumption to 100-200kW per rack, a substantial improvement over current GPU systems. This design aims to overcome limitations of traditional copper interconnects and advance the adoption of co-packaged optics.

Lightmatter says latest photonics will slash datacenter fiber bills in half

Lightmatter’s new Passage L20 optical engine aims to reduce datacenter fiber usage by half through a near-package optic (NPO) approach, offering a compromise between traditional modules and co-packaged optics. This technology lowers both fiber count and power consumption, serving as a stepping stone towards more advanced photonic solutions. The company plans to begin sampling the L20 chips in late 2026.

Scottish broadband service looking a bit dreich, says UK outage study

A recent study found that Scottish broadband subscribers experience the most outages per pound spent compared to other regions in the UK, with Glasgow having the highest outage rate among cities. Cuckoo Broadband was ranked as the least reliable provider, while BT consistently has the fewest outages. Consumers are advised to check local reviews and ensure their provider participates in Ofcom’s compensation scheme.

Your datacenter’s power architecture called. It’s not happy

The increasing power demands of AI and accelerated computing are overwhelming traditional datacenter power architectures. Current 48V systems struggle to efficiently handle the high power levels now required, leading to significant resistive losses and infrastructure strain. As a result, the industry is shifting towards higher voltage DC (HVDC) systems, like 800V, to improve efficiency and support next-generation AI infrastructure.

I built an ISP infrastructure emulator from scratch with a custom vBNG

A computer science student has created Aether, a lab environment emulating ISP infrastructure, built almost entirely from scratch. The project simulates IPoE IPv4 subscriber management and includes a custom virtual Broadband Network Gateway (vBNG) with features like RADIUS AAA and traffic shaping. The developer hopes it will serve as a learning resource for others tackling complex networking challenges.

Lego’s 0.002mm specification and its implications for manufacturing (2025)

LEGO bricks maintain remarkable compatibility across decades due to exceptionally tight manufacturing tolerances of 0.01mm, achieved through advanced processes and ABS plastic. This precision ensures a secure “click” fit and structural integrity, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics like colorfastness. The company’s commitment to dimensional consistency serves as a valuable case study for engineers seeking to achieve tight-fit mechanical interfaces.