independence Archives

BetaBeacon

July 13, 2025

Bullet Heavens: auto-shooters, reverse bullet hells, and games like Vampire Survivors

- Vampire Survivors is a game that has taken the gaming world by storm, with Xbox's Phil Spencer confessing his obsession with it. - Picayune Dreams is a surreal space shooter that offers a unique twist on the genre with toggleable auto-shooter elements and boss battles that descend into bullet hell. - Brotato offers a fun and lighthearted take on the auto-shooter genre with tightly controlled arenas and a focus on quick, nimble gameplay.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Jack Dorsey’s New Private Messenger App Doesn’t Need an Internet Connection

Jack Dorsey has launched a beta project called Bitchat, a private messaging app that uses mesh networks and Bluetooth technology to facilitate communication without internet connectivity. Bitchat allows direct peer-to-peer messaging within physical proximity and features automatic message relay to extend its range. The app prioritizes user privacy by not requiring phone numbers or permanent identifiers and ensures end-to-end encryption. Dorsey emphasizes the app's independence from traditional internet infrastructure, making it resilient to outages and censorship. The project is still in its early stages, and its technical robustness remains to be evaluated.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Chat Without Wi-Fi: Meet Bitchat

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, introduced Bitchat, a messaging system using Bluetooth technology for offline, encrypted communication. Bitchat allows peer-to-peer messaging between nearby devices, utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy mesh to facilitate short-range interactions. Messages can be transmitted securely within a range of approximately 30 meters, forming temporary mesh hubs for message relaying. The application features end-to-end encryption, password-protected group rooms, emergency wipes for quick message deletion, and independence from traditional identifiers like phone numbers. Bitchat offers a viable alternative to cloud-dependent apps in situations with limited connectivity.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

I built a PiKVM to control my PC remotely, and it’s a game-changer

The PiKVM project allows users to control a desktop or server remotely using a Raspberry Pi 4B and an HDMI-CSI bridge adapter, providing comprehensive keyboard, video, and mouse control even during reboots. It offers browser-based access to the PC's screen in real-time, enabling actions like force shutdowns, BIOS access, and operating system reinstallation, independent of the host system's operating system. The setup captures HDMI output and simulates USB input, functioning in scenarios like BIOS or crash screens. Essential components for building a PiKVM include a Raspberry Pi 4B, an HDMI-to-CSI bridge adapter, a microSD card, USB cables, an official power supply, and the latest PiKVM OS image. The setup process involves writing the OS image to the SD card, connecting the hardware, and accessing the web interface for remote control. PiKVM is beneficial for tasks such as troubleshooting boot sequences, configuring BIOS settings, and monitoring system status without physical interaction.

Winsage

June 30, 2025

Lifetime access to the full MS Office Suite is just $40

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 is available for a one-time payment of .97, originally priced at 9.99, allowing installation on a single Windows PC. The lifetime license includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and a free version of Teams. This offer does not involve cloud services or recurring charges and is available until July 15.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

Russia Launches State-Run Messaging App

Russia has introduced a state-backed messaging application, announced by President Vladimir Putin, aimed at providing a homegrown alternative to platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The initiative addresses national security concerns and seeks to enhance control over the digital landscape. The app will facilitate messaging, bill payments, form completions, and access to official records, all on a single platform. It promises standard messaging features and enhanced security measures. However, there are concerns about privacy and potential government surveillance, which may affect user adoption. This initiative is part of Russia's broader strategy to foster a self-sufficient technology ecosystem.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

This city is dumping Microsoft Office and Windows for OnlyOffice and Linux

Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is transitioning from Microsoft’s Windows and Office suite to open-source alternatives such as Linux, OnlyOffice, NextCloud, and PostgreSQL. This move is part of a broader strategy among European governments to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on American technology firms due to concerns over data security and autonomy. The city is developing a collaborative suite called Territoire Numérique Ouvert in partnership with regional digital organizations, which will be hosted in local data centers. The migration process is already underway, with municipal workstations moving from Windows to Linux and Microsoft Office being replaced by OnlyOffice. Lyon expects direct cost savings from this migration, including extending the lifespan of municipal hardware and reducing electronic waste. Over 50% of public contracts related to this project have been awarded to firms within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, all to French companies. Training for approximately 10,000 civil servants began in June 2025 as part of the transition to Linux.

Winsage

June 18, 2025

Windows 10 End Nears: Switch to Linux for Security

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting an estimated 200 to 400 million devices that will no longer receive updates or patches, exposing them to security vulnerabilities. Transitioning to Windows 11 requires modern hardware specifications, which many older devices lack. Users must decide between investing in new hardware, opting for extended security updates, or switching to alternative operating systems like Linux. The Document Foundation advocates for Linux and LibreOffice as viable alternatives, emphasizing their ability to run on older hardware and providing robust security updates. Linux offers users greater control and transparency, addressing privacy concerns associated with proprietary systems. LibreOffice supports open document formats, ensuring long-term accessibility without vendor constraints. The end of Windows 10 support may prompt significant shifts in the tech industry, encouraging a move towards systems that prioritize sustainability and user rights.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Windows 10 End Nears: Switch to Linux for Security

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving an estimated 200 to 400 million devices vulnerable to security risks due to a lack of updates. Users must choose between upgrading to Windows 11, which has strict hardware requirements, paying for extended security updates, or switching to alternative operating systems like Linux. The Document Foundation advocates for Linux and LibreOffice as viable options, emphasizing their ability to run on older hardware and provide robust security updates without vendor lock-in. Privacy concerns regarding data collection by major tech companies are highlighted, with Linux offering users greater control and transparency. The transition away from Windows 10 is seen as an opportunity to promote user empowerment and sustainability in technology choices.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

“We’re done” – major government organization slams Microsoft Teams as it drops Windows for good

Schleswig-Holstein, the northernmost state of Germany, is eliminating all Microsoft products from its public offices, with the transition starting in 2023 and concluding by the end of 2025. The state is moving away from Microsoft tools, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, in favor of open-source alternatives like LibreOffice and Linux-based operating systems. This decision is influenced by the geopolitical climate and aims to achieve greater digital independence while avoiding high licensing fees associated with Microsoft products. The potential savings could reach tens of millions of euros. Neighboring Danish cities, such as Copenhagen and Aarhus, are also considering similar transitions. However, challenges include interoperability issues and the need for employee retraining during the transition.