Open Standards
Should you fix errors and contribute to Google Maps for free?
Google Maps is incredibly detailed and useful. But Google uses it for tracking and deliver ads. Should you contribute for free to build its monopoly?
Latest
Gaming
PlanetSide 2 is now available on Linux
My favorite online multiplayer game is finally available on Linux. Goodbye Windows!
Microsoft Windows
Why Windows failed to display Microsoft and Xbox sign-in dialogs
Windows 10 just didn’t open the Microsoft Account (or Xbox) login dialogs. No logs or errors. Legacy program compatibility can be both a blessing and a curse.
Security
Closing the open redirect vulnerability in the Libravatar ecosystem
I found an open redirect vulnerability in the Libravatar specification. An open-source avatar hosting API could be abused to redirect to untrusted websites.
Image Files
Bitrot resistance of next-generation image formats
Bitrot happens. So, what happens when I flip one random bit in AVIF and JPEG XL images. Improved data packing means less redundancy and more corruption.
Media Center
Why you need a HTPC
A home theater/media center (HTPC) can enhance your experience. You get more reliable playback and better loudness normalization than a smart TV or Chromecast.
Web Browsers
Windows now blocks Edge browser competitors from opening links
Microsoft doubles-down on its user-choice hostile web browser behavior; blocks competitors from opening links from many Windows apps and web experiences.
Review
Review: Samsung Galaxy Fit2 – a passive health and activity tracker
The Galaxy Fit2 is frustrating to use, but is luckily meant to be worn passively to track your health metrics (continuous heart rate, step counter, and sleep).
Diabetes
I was terrified of an eyeball injection
I needed medication to preserve my sight, and it had to be injected directly into my eyeball. It’s a real thing and not just something they do in horror films.
Web Video
The HTML <video> element needs to go back on the drawing board
The HTML standard doesn’t provide web authors the tools required to embed small video files in a screen and bandwidth responsive way. This needs to change.
Privacy
How to limit Samsung Customization Service data collection
Android Customization Service provides some extra features in exchange for your personal information. However, you can minimize the data it shares with Samsung.
Gaming
Timberborn: a cute beaver colony sim with an unrewarding late game
The post-apocalyptic lumberpunk beaver colony simulator is delightful and cute. Plenty of replay value, but there are no new challenges in the late game stages.