Google will now release Android Open Source Project (AOSP) source code twice a year starting in 2026, aligning with its trunk-stable development model to improve ecosystem stability and simplify development, while maintaining monthly security patches.
The only known copy of UNIX version 4, the first UNIX written in C, was recovered from a 50-year-old magnetic tape found in a Utah university storeroom. The data was largely intact and has been preserved and made available online, offering a rare glimpse into early UNIX development.
The development of the Final Fantasy Tactics remaster faced challenges due to the original source code being lost and overwritten over the years, prompting the developers to rely on various versions and fan websites to reconstruct it, ensuring a more authentic remake. The success of this project could lead to more remasters and sequels.
Square Enix's upcoming remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles will not include content from The War of the Lions, due to the original source code being lost. The development team focused on recreating the original game experience, emphasizing respect for the original design and characters, despite challenges in reconstructing the game without the original source data. The game is set to release on September 30, 2025, across multiple platforms.
A hacker known as IntelBroker claims to have breached Apple in June 2024, exposing the source code for three internal tools, including AppleConnect. While the leaked code consists of proprietary plugins and configurations rather than the tools themselves, cybersecurity experts warn of significant risks. Apple has yet to comment on the breach.
TikTok is reportedly working on creating a US-only version of its recommendation algorithm to demonstrate independence from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. This project, which could take over a year, aims to address US lawmakers' concerns about data security and influence. However, TikTok denies these claims, stating that the report is misleading and that there are no plans for divestiture. The company has previously attempted to assure US lawmakers of its independence through initiatives like "Project Texas."
Microsoft confirmed that Russian state-sponsored hackers, known as Midnight Blizzard, gained access to some of its source code repositories and internal systems in a breach that took place in November 2023. The hackers are attempting to leverage the stolen information, including secrets shared between customers and Microsoft in emails. Microsoft has increased its security investments and is investigating the extent of the breach, while also reaching out to impacted customers. The Kremlin-backed threat actor is considered one of the most prolific and sophisticated hacking groups, compromising high-profile targets such as SolarWinds.
Microsoft revealed that Kremlin-backed hackers, known as Midnight Blizzard, have expanded their access since their January breach, targeting customers and compromising the company's source code and internal systems. The group gained initial access through a weak password and has since used stolen information in follow-on attacks, including password spraying. Microsoft is working to assist affected customers and has emphasized that there is no evidence the hackers gained access to customer-facing systems. Midnight Blizzard is a prolific APT group, and international partners have warned of its expanded activity targeting various sectors.
Microsoft reveals that Russian state-sponsored hackers, known as Nobelium or "Midnight Blizzard," have stolen some source code after spying on the email accounts of its senior leadership team. The attack, which began with a password spray attack last year, is described as ongoing, with the hackers attempting to use stolen information to gain unauthorized access to Microsoft's internal systems and potentially its customers. Microsoft is increasing security measures and actively investigating the attacks while also reaching out to affected customers to assist in mitigating measures.
President Joe Biden's executive order on artificial intelligence (AI) has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and openness in his AI strategy. The order does not mention terms like "source code," "open source," or "closed source," indicating a departure from the principles of OpenAI. This decision to keep AI source codes closed to the public is seen as a blow to free speech and the potential for bias and censorship in AI programs. Critics argue that this approach allows closed-source companies to operate without scrutiny, potentially benefiting Biden politically. The battle over AI transparency and access continues, with Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman advocating for open-source AI to protect against bias and censorship.
The source code for Infocom's text-parsing adventure games, including Zork, has been discovered in a GitHub repository. The code, written in the Zork Implementation Language, was designed to be interpreted on various systems using the Z-Machine. While the source code doesn't contain many revealing comments, it provides insights into the challenges of developing commercial software in the 1980s. The owner of the repository is currently negotiating with Microsoft, the current rights-holder, to open-source Infocom's work.
The leaked source code of the original Wipeout game has led to a near-total rewrite and remaster by developer Dominic Szablewski. He rewrote the game's rendering, physics, and sound, among other things, and reduced the code from 40,699 lines to 7,731. The rewritten version can be compiled for multiple platforms and is available to play on Szablewski's server. Despite the potential legal implications, Szablewski hopes that Sony will either allow the project to continue or create an official remaster.
A dedicated programmer has taken it upon himself to make the original PlayStation game, WipeOut, playable for free in any web browser after excavating the game's leaked source code. Despite the release of the PlayStation Classic and other remastered versions, there is no way to play the original WipeOut on modern consoles. The programmer recommends two existing PC ports but believes his version, which includes the original source code, is the best option. He challenges Sony to either let it be or shut down his fan port and create a real remaster.
The source code for the original Far Cry game has been leaked online and PC gamers have been attempting to run it. While some say that key files are missing and the code won't compile without errors, others claim that the game does compile and run with additional work. The latest installment in the series, Far Cry 6, has received positive reviews for its open-world gameplay.
Astrelsky has released the source code for his PS5 Homebrew Proof-of-concept, which leverages the Redis server running on PS5 to spawn a "daemon" process, allowing the homebrew to run as a separate process from the exploited stack. The repository is temporary, pending integration of the code into a larger codebase for homebrew development on the PS5.