GYESME is a new, exploratory project that aims to be a design-led downstream of GNOME, prioritizing minimalism and modularity while allowing optional features and broader portability. It positions itself as a platform for extension rather than a replacement, may fork only if architectural modularity demands it, and seeks to avoid unnecessary hard dependencies (notably on systemd) where alternatives exist. The effort is in planning stages with documentation and a two-year roadmap on GitHub.
Experts in the blockchain industry have made predictions for 2024, highlighting key trends and advancements. These include the advancement of blockchain interoperability protocols, which will break down silos between different blockchains and foster innovation in decentralized finance (DeFi). Additionally, experts anticipate catalysts for raising Bitcoin transaction fees to maintain miner incentives, while also emphasizing the importance of modularity and the emergence of hybrid solutions. Zero-knowledge proofs are expected to enable various use cases, such as verifying upgrades in IoT devices and embedding content authenticity. Furthermore, the industry aims to improve key management and user interfaces to enhance self-custody and inclusive finance. Addressing concerns of centralization and censorship, developments in areas like mempool encryption are expected to protect transactions from potential censorship. Lastly, the focus on security and privacy will increase, and blockchain protocols will aim to onboard corporate builders and expand their footprint.
The 2024 Chevy Corvette E-Ray is a hybrid supercar that features a unique and simplified hybrid powertrain. Unlike other hybrid supercars, the E-Ray utilizes an electric front axle and a mid-mounted battery, providing advantages in terms of utility and production. The compact and lightweight drive unit consists of a three-phase radial flux motor and two stages of reduction gears. The 1.9-kWh battery, made up of rectangular pouch-style lithium-ion cells, prioritizes instantaneous power over energy density. The E-Ray's software controls include a Charge+ mode for regenerative braking and AFM extension for improved fuel efficiency. The hybrid system is modular and easily serviceable, housed in one unit that can be dropped out of the car. Overall, the E-Ray showcases the potential of hybrid performance cars and proves that they can be technically impressive without unnecessary complexity.
Apple's transition to its own Arm-based Apple Silicon chips is complete with the announcement of the new Mac Pro. The company has also been on a journey to build high-end machines for professional users that they actually want. The 2019 Mac Pro was a big step towards repairing its relationship with these customers, but it was almost immediately dated after Apple revealed its Intel processors would be a dead end. With the 2023 Mac Pro, Apple is finally combining the two key elements - chassis and chips - and could have everything it needs to leave the complaints of the trash can era in the trash. However, the modularity of the new Mac Pro appears to only go so far, with no mention of being able to upgrade its memory and no mention of being able to plug standard graphics cards into its PCIe slots like previous models.
The CEO of Framework Laptop responded to a customer's inquiry about why the company wouldn't sell him a 61Wh battery unless he bought more components than he needed. The CEO explained that the company kept the 55Wh battery in the base configurations to keep the price low and because their cell supplier had a substantial amount of material prepared for it. The company focuses on keeping the assembled SKUs as few as possible while enabling configuration on items that are not pre-assembled. The end user assembly process for the DIY Edition involves installing memory, storage, operating system, and now also bezel and input cover.
