Latest news with #Gutenberg
TechCrunch
4 days ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Automattic says it will start contributing to WordPress again after pause
parent company Automattic is changing direction… again. In a blog post titled 'Returning to Core' published Thursday evening, Automattic announced it will unpause its contributions to the WordPress project. This is despite having said only last month that the 6.8 WordPress release would be the final major release for all of 2025. 'After pausing our contributions to regroup, rethink, and plan strategically, we're ready to press play again and return fully to the WordPress project,' the new blog post states. 'Expect to find our contributions across all of the greatest hits — WordPress Core, Gutenberg, Playground, Openverse, and This return is a moment of excitement for us as it's about continuing the mission we've always believed in: democratizing publishing for everyone, everywhere,' it reads. Automattic says it's learned a lot from the pause in terms of the many ways WordPress is used, and that it's now committed to helping it 'grow and thrive.' The post also notes that WordPress today powers 43% of the web. It's unclear what has changed between then and April. However, according to sources who spoke to TechCrunch, Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg explained in an internal post published last night that he wants to get a 6.9 release out this year with an admin refresh and something from the 'new AI team.' (The latter references this week's announcement that WordPress formed a new team to steward the development of AI projects.) Techcrunch event Save now through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI—and get 50% off a second. Hear from leaders at OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more during a full day of expert insights, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking. These low-rate deals disappear when the doors open on June 5. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW 'I don't think that will happen without our contributions,' the post stated, according to a source familiar with the internal discussions. Insiders are speculating there's more to it than that, and various theories are being floated. Some wonder if Mullenweg was pressured into this move or if he realized that pulling back wasn't good for his business or its reputation? Others are debating if this change of heart has to do with Automattic's ongoing litigation with WordPress hosting company, WP Engine, which Automattic has called a 'threat' to the WordPress community and a 'cancer to WordPress.' No one knows what to believe, and none of these backchannel theories line up with the officially stated reason. Automattic was asked for additional comment. Since 2024, Automattic has been engaged in a legal dispute that has to do with how little, in Mullenweg's opinion, WP Engine contributes to the WordPress project, despite its size and revenue. He sees the hosting company as profiting off the open source work WordPress is doing without giving back. Mullenweg also alleges that WP Engine benefits from the confusion between WordPress and commercial services like WP Engine. This led him to ban the company from accessing and sue in court for unauthorized trademark usage. Simply put, Mullenweg thinks WP Engine should either pay a direct licensing fee or up its contributions to the open source WordPress project, or shouldn't be allowed to use its trademark. WP Engine responded that it doesn't think it needs a license and that Automattic misunderstands trademark law, suing Automattic in return. Last month, Automattic laid off 16% of staff, saying the restructuring was necessary to be more agile and improve its productivity and profitability. Sarah Perez can be reached at @sarahperez.01 on Signal and sarahp@ .
Wall Street Journal
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
‘Johannes Gutenberg' Review: Print the Legend
The Gutenberg Bible ranks among the most prized of rare books, but within three centuries of its printing around 1455, its version of Scripture was considered obsolete and its creator, Johannes Gutenberg, was largely forgotten. Some 15 Gutenberg Bibles were even cut into pieces, their leaves recycled as wrappers for newer titles. According to Eric Marshall White's 'Johannes Gutenberg: A Biography in Books,' not until the 18th century did scholars rediscover the German printer's pre-eminent role in creating Europe's first movable-type printing press. From there, his reputation soared. In 1900, in a letter commemorating the opening of a museum named for Gutenberg in his hometown of Mainz, Mark Twain wrote that 'Gutenberg's invention is incomparably the mightiest event that has ever happened in profane history.' One hundred years later, Gutenberg was declared the 'Man of the Millennium' by a number of media outlets. Mr. White, the Scheide librarian at Princeton University, suggests that the pendulum swung too far. For one thing, it's well established that printing innovations in China and Korea long predated Gutenberg. Moreover, given that only a couple hundred different books had likely been published in Europe by the time of Gutenberg's 1468 death, the author is uncomfortable crediting him, as if he were more prophet than printer, with the media revolution that followed. Mr. White wryly notes that in Gutenberg's time the plague spread a lot faster than the printing press. In this slim, authoritative volume, Mr. White centers his narrative on the works Gutenberg is known to have printed, including broadsides and indulgences that were used, in the author's words, to 'broadcast religious intolerance' and 'underwrite sectarian warfare.' Hagiography this is not.
The Verge
4 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
May 30, 2025 at 9:01 AM EDT
Automattic has resumed contributions to the WordPress project. The company, which runs paused contributions to the WordPress open-source project in January, citing the 'significant time and money' it spent due to its ongoing legal battle with WP Engine. In a post on Thursday, Automattic announced it's ready to 'return fully' to the WordPress project, where it will provide contributions across WordPress Core, Gutenberg, and other parts of the ecosystem.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why AI isn't replacing us—it's preparing us
Ravindra Kondekar, an alumnus of IIT Bombay, spent more than 27 years working in the Indian technology industry. He has worked in software development for the Department of Space and for many multinational corporations. He is also the inventor of 4 Patents granted by USPTO. Today, he works as a productivity consultant, helping others reach their full potential by working smartly to the best of their abilities. His teaching experience early in his career, MBA education, and senior management roles in corporate add to his ability to quickly grasp the productivity problems faced by his clients and coach them on best practices for personal productivity. LESS ... MORE Concerns about AI are everywhere today—fear of losing jobs, fear of losing creativity, and fear of becoming irrelevant. I often hear this question from friends, colleagues, and clients, and somehow I stay calm and assure them that nothing catastrophic will happen. These feelings are natural whenever a new, powerful technology emerges. But if history teaches us anything, it's this: we adapt, and often emerge stronger. Every major leap in technology has sparked a wave of uncertainty. Yet over time, these innovations have not only helped us survive—they've expanded our productivity, creativity, and potential. Take the printing press. Before Gutenberg's invention of the movable type printing press in 1440, books existed, but they were few, expensive, and largely inaccessible to the common people. In those times, the ability to memorize long texts or read quickly was a genuine superpower, giving individuals an edge in courts, classrooms, and communities. However, Gutenberg's innovation changed everything. As printed books became widespread, the advantage of memory and oral recitation began to fade. The focus shifted from retention to interpretation, from rote learning to critical thinking. Knowledge, once the preserve of scholars and scribes, began to spread to broader segments of society. Literacy rates soared, and a new kind of intelligence—rooted in analysis, reflection, and independent thought—began to shape the modern world. One can imagine that people at the time must have worried: would the new generation lose the powerful skill of memorization? Would something vital be lost? Yet history shows that something even greater emerged in its place. And what do we think about it now? We are undoubtedly better off without the need for such intense memorization. Let's understand this phenomenon with simple example! The skill of looking up words in a dictionary may also fade in newer generations. But do we really mind? Probably not. We've seen this same pattern in modern times too—with writing skills. When spell checkers became common, those with impeccable spelling lost their edge—everyone was suddenly on par. The spotlight moved to writing and composition. Now, with generative AI, even composition is becoming commoditized. It's no longer about how well you can write, but how effectively you can tell a story. Narration is the new differentiator. Consider communication: long before telephones or emails, messages were carried by pigeon post—a marvel of its time. These trained birds connected cities and battlefields, delivering vital news across great distances. For centuries, this was considered state-of-the-art communication. Then came the telegraph, telephone, and eventually the internet—each innovation feared for the jobs it might displace, from messengers to switchboard operators. Yet, these technologies didn't just replace older systems—they supported a massive expansion in communication and human productivity. Without them, the modern pace of life—from global business to emergency coordination—would be impossible. What once served kings and generals—strategic updates carried over days by pigeons—has now become instantaneous. A simple push notification can summon a cab, confirm a trade, alert a hospital, or connect family members continents apart. The world now operates at the speed of light, not wings—and we don't look back. Another relatable example is banking. When ATMs were introduced, many tellers worried about losing their jobs. Yet today, ATMs and digital payments have enabled banking to reach everyone. Millions who might never have visited a branch now have bank accounts, save money, and make secure payments with ease. Imagine if every small transaction still required a branch visit—the system would have collapsed under the weight of demand. Instead, automation expanded access and convenience beyond what traditional methods could ever achieve. Another powerful example is aviation. When auto-landing technology was introduced, pilots worried that automation might erode critical flying skills. Yet today, auto-landing systems are essential—allowing planes to land safely in poor visibility, manage dense air traffic, and maintain precision during long, demanding flights. Without these systems, the scale and safety of modern air travel would simply not be possible. Automation didn't replace pilots—it made aviation safer, faster, and accessible to millions. And it freed pilots to focus on higher-order judgment, adapting dynamically to real-world conditions rather than getting trapped in mechanical control. Now, generative AI is doing something similar in software coding. Tasks that were once the hallmark of elite '10x (performant) programmers'—such as choosing optimal data structures, crafting elegant syntax, and meticulously covering edge cases—are now increasingly assisted or automated by intelligent tools. However, this shift does not diminish the role of the developer. Instead, it elevates the value to those who can define problems clearly, structure their thinking logically, and communicate their intent with precision—skills that remain distinctly human and irreplaceable. The real breakthrough with AI is not just automation—it's amplification. Developers, writers, researchers, and creators are now able to produce, build, and solve problems faster and more effectively. We are not becoming redundant; we are becoming more productive. We see similar concerns in the world of art. As AI models create paintings, music, and literature, some fear that human creativity may be overshadowed. Yet history shows us that every new tool—from the camera to the synthesizer—was once seen as a threat, but ultimately became a collaborator. Artists adapted, expanded their reach, and explored new forms. AI can handle technique, but true artistry—the originality, vision, and emotional connection—remains deeply human. When a great chef prepares a dish, you don't expect her to wash vegetables and chop onions. You want her to focus on adjusting flavors, refining presentation, and dynamically adapting to the moment. Similarly, with AI handling repetitive groundwork, the human creator is freed to focus on higher-order thinking and deeper expression. Another quiet revolution is unfolding with Web 3.0. Simply put, Web 3.0 refers to a new phase of the internet built around decentralization—where people can exchange value, form agreements, and collaborate without relying on big intermediaries. Through technologies like blockchain and smart contracts, Web 3.0 is making it possible for trust, ownership, and transactions to happen directly between individuals. Imagine renting a house, trading goods, or forming a partnership without banks, agents, or even big platforms in the middle—just secure, transparent code. While it may feel unsettling today, much like early online banking once did, Web 3.0 could eventually unlock entirely new kinds of relationships, businesses, and freedoms that we are only beginning to imagine. These are not the only examples, of course. But they are probably enough to alleviate the fear and remind us that every wave of technological change has ultimately expanded human potential, not diminished it. Just like Gutenberg's press, these tools democratize access, amplify productivity, and redefine expertise. This isn't the end of craft—it's the beginning of a new one. Instead of memorizing, we're organizing. Instead of doing everything manually, we're guiding systems. The essence of mastery is shifting from precision to perception. And while it's easy to feel anxious about what's changing, let's not forget what's enduring: human insight, clarity of thought, and the ability to ask the right questions. The tools may change. The spotlight may shift. But the pursuit of progress remains beautifully human. It's not just that we benefited from certain technologies in the past. It's that these technologies prepared us to meet the future's challenges. Who knows—this AI revolution may be making us ready for something even bigger that humanity will be called upon to achieve. Perhaps it is quietly preparing us for it even now. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
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Korea Herald
18-03-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
[Kim Seong-kon] Standing between paper and electronic books
No one would deny that books are one of the great inventions of human civilization. From books, we learn about other people and other cultures, and we can indirectly experience a world we have never seen. By reading books, we can obtain invaluable information and knowledge, experience epiphanies and profound realizations. Books also broaden the horizon of our minds and quench our thirst for the unknown. In that sense, 'A book is a gift you can open again and again,' as Garrison Keillor put it. Sages have acknowledged the importance of books. Carl Sagan once wrote, 'One glance at a book and you hear the voice of another person, perhaps someone dead for 1,000 years. To read is to voyage through time.' Indeed, by reading books, we can make a journey into the past as well as the future. George R. R. Martin said, 'A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.' It is true that books enable us to live others' lives metaphorically and greatly expand the scope of our perspectives. The great Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges, too, praised the book, saying 'Of all man's instruments, the most wondrous, no doubt, is the book. The other instruments are extensions of his body.' He came up with examples: 'The microscope, the telescope, are extensions of his sight; the telephone is the extension of his voice; then we have the plow and the sword, extensions of the arm.' He concluded, 'But the book is something else altogether: the book is an extension of memory and imagination.' Borges lived in the era of printed books, not e-books. If he still lived today, Borges would no doubt be dazzled by the electronic media and the flood of information provided by computers, tablets and mobile phones, all of which have successfully replaced paper books. However, I suspect he would admire these electronic devices that have replaced paper books in our time. Borges was a true postmodern pioneer who could foresee amazing changes in the future. Even before television was popularized, not to mention computers, he already foresaw the age of virtual reality, in which fiction and fact, fantasy and reality, or truth and fake news, are intricately intertwined. If he lived today, Borges would state that computers, tablets and mobile phones are different types of books, and thus, they, too, are undoubtedly an extension of our memory and imagination. He would also say that even though the essence of books may never change, the vessels that contain books can alter and vary, depending on different eras. Indeed, a book does not necessarily have to be printed on paper only. In fact, the form of a book may vary, according to the times. Initially, books began with cave engravings, then with papyrus made with sheepskins. When Gutenberg invented printing types, paper books appeared and have flourished until today. Therefore, we need to overcome the old-fashioned, narrow mindset that is stuck in the Gutenberg era, breaking the nutshell of our notion of books. We should be open-minded to cope with rapid and radical changes taking place in our times due to advanced electronic technology. In the eyes of the younger generation, electronic devices have already replaced paper books. Therefore, the older generation's lamentation that today's young people do not read books because of mobile phones is, in fact, far from the truth. Looking at their smartphones, young people are, in fact, reading books. It would be wrong, therefore, if we thought that only paper books are real books; electronic devices are books, too. Even electronic books have a variety of types, such as e-books, audiobooks or visual books. There are also webtoons and animations, which can also be called 'books,' available on computer screens or mobile phones. The tools for writing, too, will continue to change. In the past, the pen replaced the calligraphy brush. Now, the computer keyboard has replaced the pen. These days, our voice is beginning to replace the keyboard, thanks to voice recognition technology. Of course, paper books will not vanish overnight. Instead, they will exist side by side with electronic books for a while. The reason is that even though our minds are accustomed to electronics, our bodies are still analog. Eventually, however, paper books will disappear, just like the older generation itself will, and electronic books will replace paper books, just as the younger generation does the older generation. The process may be slow, and yet surely it will happen. Meanwhile, they will coexist peacefully, and we should pursue harmony between the two. Reflecting on paper books in this electronic era, we realize that the transition of books resembles that of the human generations. Standing between the two, we realize the unchangeable law of nature called, 'transition.' We become sad and nostalgic toward what is vanishing, and at the same time, we become excited and hopeful about the new. Kim Seong-kon is a professor emeritus of English at Seoul National University and a visiting scholar at Dartmouth College. The views expressed here are the writer's own. -- Ed.
