Latest news with #openSource
Digital Trends
4 days ago
- Digital Trends
A macOS feature few people use just got even better
I religiously scour the Mac user forums and communities to find the latest tools and utilities, especially those in the realm of open-source software. Apps like Maccy and Swift have become a part of my daily routine, as they fill a gap that Apple is yet to address. But every once in a while, I come across a hidden macOS feature that I have missed out on, alongside a healthy bunch of other users out there. Hot Corners is one of those obscure tools that most people have rarely ever used, but it can save you a few clicks and make use of a screen space that forever remains unused. What are Hot corners? As the name makes it abundantly clear, you can turn the screen corners into actionable areas. For example, with a click in the lower left corner, you can directly lock the screen, open Mission Control, or launch a quick note. Recommended Videos Apple lets you pick from ten shortcuts that can be assigned across the four corners of your Mac's screen. You also have the flexibility to assign a modifier key. For example, you can either go with the Control or Option key as the trigger, and leave the Command button for other core system activities. The setup process is fairly straightforward, and you just need to follow this path: Settings > Desktop & Dock > Hot Corners. It's a lovely idea, but one that doesn't offer much flexibility. Apple only lets you pick between ten actions for Hot Corners by default, and there is no option to add a custom app, utility, or even a shortcut. Thankfully, the functional gulf left by Apple has been fulfilled by a fantastic open-source app. What is SuperCorners? Fittingly named SuperCorners, this free and open-source app adds a heck ton of flexibility to the built-in Hot Corners system in macOS, without overriding it. The app's UI is a lot more fleshed out and easier to navigate, even for a first-time user, compared to how the system is implemented at a native level in macOS. You get preset buttons in the Corners section of the app. All you need to do is click on any of the corners and pick from a scrolling list of actions. The app lets you pick from over 80 actions. From basic tasks like locking the screen and opening Launchpad to taking a partial screenshot and running a network speed test, the choices on offer are surface-level as well as granular. Some of the options on the table will even have you skip native shortcuts, or seem to have been inspired by power apps such as RayCast or Alfred. My favorite is opening a specific website with a simple click in the upper left corner of the screen. I have assigned this one to opening my news feed each morning for the Science journal. For the lower left corner, I have designated it for writing a new email in the Apple app. My daily workflow entails writing at least half a dozen emails each day, so this one definitely comes in handy. On a similar note, the corresponding corner on the opposite edge of the screen has been assigned to creating a fresh calendar entry. Now, I don't want to get over-ambitious, but if you are someone who swears by Apple Shortcuts, you can dedicate one – or all four corners – to launching a specific Shortcut. Outcornering the mighty Apple The best part about SuperCorners is that it goes beyond, well, corners. Just like corners, it follows a system of zones. To put it more accurately, these are the midpoints aligned with both the horizontal and vertical edges of the screen. In a nutshell, if you are running out of corners, you have mid-zones to go with them. It may get a tad confusing when you set up these shortcuts for the first time. Taking the most obviously convenient route, I tried to pick actions that I would usually reach for with the cursor or my fingertips on the keyboard deck. So, if I need to unlock the screen by reaching for the power button in the top-right corner of the keyboard deck, I assign the closest screen corner to the desktop lock shortcut. Likewise, for the app launchpad, I pick the zone closest to the dock, which is the lower edge of the screen. When I need to record the on-screen activity, the top-center zone is the ideal place, as it's close to the front camera. Your mileage might vary, depending on the kind of tools and utilities that are a part of your daily workflow. The app also has a dedicated section called Actions, where all the quick commands tied to corners or zones can be checked out in a unified dashboard. Here, they are categorized across actions linked to the Finder, app activity, media playback, content capture, window management, and more. I would, however, like to point out that this app won't take your productivity to the next level overnight. It grows on you slowly, and as you get a hang of what each corner and edge zone does through muscle memory, you will feel the small gains in speed. And hopefully, some productive joy! Another lovely aspect of the Supercorners is that it lives in the menu bar, which means you don't have to launch the app each time you forget what a corner or zone is supposed to do. You can also choose to open the app's main Settings page or quit it straight from the Menu bar. What I am most hopeful about is that the app is an open-source initiative, which means it will only grow and add more capabilities with feedback from users as well as contributors willing to build on it. And with Apple opening access to its Foundations Models framework for developers, I am hoping SuperCorners will bring some on-device AI capabilities into the mix, as well.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nvidia and Mira Murati's Quiet Collaboration
At Carnegie Mellon, Mira Murati revealed that her new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, has raised a jaw?dropping two billion dollars. Backed by Andreessen Horowitz and heavyweights like Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), AMD (NASDAQ:AMD), ServiceNow (NYSE:NOW) and Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO), the round underscores serious faith in her vision. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 10 Warning Signs with CSCO. She shared on X that the lab is building a multimodal AI system that understands our world through conversation, images and collaborative workflows. Murati hinted that a first product will arrive in the coming months, complete with open?source tools for researchers and startups to customize. Murati's track record speaks volumes. As OpenAI's CTO she helped launch ChatGPT, DALLE, Codex and Sora. Before that she was steering product at Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) for the Model X. Now she's aiming to blend openness with enterprise?grade performance. With prototypes just around the corner and one of AI's most respected leaders at the helm, Thinking Machines Lab could shake up both academic research and commercial AI development. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
TechCrunch
14-07-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Meta built its AI reputation on openness — that may be changing
Top members of Meta's new Superintelligence Lab discussed pivoting away from the company's powerful open-source AI model, Behemoth, and instead developing a closed model, reports The New York Times. Sources told The Times that Meta had completed training on Behemoth, but delayed its release due to underwhelming internal performance. When the new Superintelligence Lab launched, testing on the model reportedly halted. The discussions are just that – discussions. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg would still need to sign off on any changes, and a company spokesperson told TechCrunch that Meta's position on open source AI is 'unchanged.' 'We plan to continue releasing leading open source models,' the spokesperson said. 'We haven't released everything we've developed historically and we expect to continue training a mix of open and closed models going forward.' The spokesperson did not comment on Meta's potential shift away from Behemoth. If that happens so that Meta can prioritize closed-source models, it would mark a major philosophical change for the company. While Meta deploys more advanced closed-source models internally, like those powering its Meta AI assistant, Zuckerberg had made open source a central part of the company's external AI strategy — a way to keep AI development moving faster. He loudly positioned the Llama family's openness as a differentiator from competitors like OpenAI, which Zuckerberg publicly criticized for becoming more closed after partnering with Microsoft. But Meta is under pressure to monetize beyond ads as it pours billions into AI. That includes paying massive signing bonuses and nine-figure salaries to poach top researchers, building out new data centers, and covering the enormous costs of developing artificial general intelligence (AGI), or 'superintelligence.' Techcrunch event Save up to $475 on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $450 on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW Despite having one of the top AI research labs in the world, Meta still lags behind rivals like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and xAI when it comes to commercializing its AI work. If Meta prioritizes closed models, it could suggest that openness was a strategic play, not an ideological one. Past comments from Zuckerberg hint at an ambivalence toward committing to open sourcing Meta's models. On a podcast last summer, he said: 'We're obviously very pro open source, but I haven't committed to releasing every single thing that we do. I'm basically very inclined to think that open sourcing is going to be good for the community and also good for us because we'll benefit from the innovations. If at some point, however, there's some qualitative change in what the thing is capable of, and we feel like it's not responsible to open source it, then we won't. It's all very difficult to predict.' Closed models would give Meta more control and more ways to monetize – especially if it believes the talent it has acquired can deliver competitive, best-in-class performance. Such a shift could also reshape the AI landscape. Open-source momentum, largely driven by Meta and models like Llama, could slow, even as OpenAI gears up to release its still-delayed open model. Power could swing back toward the major players with closed ecosystems, while open-source development might remain a product of grassroots efforts. The ripple effects would continue across the startup ecosystem, especially for smaller companies focused on fine-turning, safety, and model alignment that rely on access to open foundation models. On the world stage, Meta's retreat from open source could potentially cede ground to China, which has embraced open-source AI – like DeepSeek and Moonshot AI – as a way to build domestic capability and global influence.
Geeky Gadgets
14-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Argon ONE UP Open Source ARM : Raspberry Pi CM5 Laptop
What if your next laptop wasn't just a tool, but a gateway to limitless creativity? The Argon ONE UP, an open source ARM laptop built around the innovative Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, is redefining what's possible in portable computing. Imagine a sleek, durable device that combines the flexibility of Raspberry Pi systems with the functionality of a traditional laptop—offering not just performance, but the freedom to customize and innovate. Whether you're a developer pushing the boundaries of software or a hobbyist exploring the endless potential of open source hardware, this device promises to be a fantastic option. Could this be the best Raspberry Pi notebook ever? ETA Prime explore how the Argon ONE UP stands out in the world of Raspberry Pi laptops, from its premium aluminum chassis to its powerful modular design. You'll discover how its 14-inch IPS display, advanced connectivity options, and support for high-speed M.2 SSDs make it a versatile tool for coding, media editing, and beyond. But what truly sets it apart is its open source ethos, empowering users to tailor both hardware and software to their exact needs. Whether you're curious about its real-world performance or eager to see how it bridges the gap between DIY tech and polished functionality, this deep dive will reveal why the Argon ONE UP is more than just a laptop—it's a revolution in portable computing. Argon ONE UP Overview Key Features and Highlights The Argon ONE UP distinguishes itself through its thoughtful design and advanced technical capabilities. Its standout features include: A durable aluminum chassis that ensures portability without compromising on strength. that ensures portability without compromising on strength. A 14-inch IPS display with a 1920×1200 resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio for sharp visuals and an immersive viewing experience. with a 1920×1200 resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio for sharp visuals and an immersive viewing experience. Powered by the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 , with RAM configurations ranging from 4GB to 16GB to suit various performance needs. , with RAM configurations ranging from 4GB to 16GB to suit various performance needs. Support for a 2280 M.2 SSD , offering faster storage speeds compared to traditional microSD cards. , offering faster storage speeds compared to traditional microSD cards. Comprehensive connectivity options , including USB, HDMI, and GPIO access for versatile use cases. , including USB, HDMI, and GPIO access for versatile use cases. Customizable open source software and hardware, allowing users to tailor the device to their specific requirements. Design and Build: A Perfect Balance of Style and Functionality The Argon ONE UP features a premium aluminum chassis that combines durability with a lightweight design, making it an ideal companion for users on the move. Its 14-inch IPS display delivers crisp visuals and vibrant colors, thanks to its 1920×1200 resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio. This ensures a comfortable viewing experience whether you're coding, streaming videos, or browsing the web. The laptop's backlit keyboard enhances usability in low-light environments, while the inclusion of a dedicated Raspberry Pi key provides quick access to essential functions. Paired with a responsive multi-touch trackpad, the Argon ONE UP offers a polished and professional user experience that rivals traditional laptops. Argon ONE UP Raspberry Pi Laptop soon Launching on Kickstarter Watch this video on YouTube. Master Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Hardware and Performance: Built to Excel At the heart of the Argon ONE UP is the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5), available in configurations with 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM. This modular design not only ensures compatibility with future Raspberry Pi upgrades but also extends the device's lifespan, making it a long-term investment for users. The laptop supports a 2280 M.2 SSD, allowing significantly faster read and write speeds compared to microSD cards. This makes it well-suited for tasks that demand quick data access, such as software development, media editing, and emulation. Built-in Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth connectivity ensure seamless wireless communication, allowing you to connect to networks and peripherals with ease. To maintain optimal performance, the Argon ONE UP is equipped with a built-in fan and an aluminum heat sink for efficient thermal management. This cooling system supports overclocking, allowing users to push the Raspberry Pi module to its limits without risking overheating. Connectivity and Versatility The Argon ONE UP excels in connectivity, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. Its ports and interfaces include: USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports for high-speed data transfer and peripheral support. for high-speed data transfer and peripheral support. A USB Type-C port that doubles as a charging port and GPIO adapter interface. that doubles as a charging port and GPIO adapter interface. A full-size HDMI output for connecting external displays. for connecting external displays. A microSD card slot for additional storage options. for additional storage options. A 3.5mm audio jack for headphones or external speakers. Additionally, the inclusion of a custom GPIO access adapter enhances its functionality, allowing users to connect sensors, modules, and other hardware for development projects. Software and Customization: Tailored to Your Preferences One of the most compelling aspects of the Argon ONE UP is its open source nature, which allows for extensive software and hardware customization. The device includes custom battery control software that provides real-time battery percentage monitoring, making sure you stay informed about power levels during extended use. The multi-touch trackpad enhances navigation, making tasks like web browsing, document editing, and coding more intuitive. Whether you're a developer looking to tweak the software or a hobbyist interested in modifying the hardware, the Argon ONE UP offers the flexibility to cater to your specific needs. Audio and Additional Features The Argon ONE UP is equipped with stereo speakers that deliver clear audio for everyday tasks such as media playback, video calls, and casual listening. While the sound quality may not rival high-end audio systems, it is more than sufficient for general use. Currently in its prototype stage, the Argon ONE UP is undergoing refinements to ensure a polished final product. A Kickstarter campaign is expected to launch soon, providing updates and an opportunity for early adopters to support the project and secure their own device. Redefining Raspberry Pi Laptops The Argon ONE UP Raspberry Pi-powered laptop will soon be launching on Kickstarter. Combining the modularity and flexibility of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 with a sleek, functional design. It bridges the gap between open source development platforms and traditional laptops, offering a unique solution for developers, hobbyists, and tech enthusiasts alike. With its robust hardware, advanced features, and open source ethos, the Argon ONE UP is poised to become a valuable tool for anyone seeking a portable, customizable computing environment. Whether you're coding on the go, experimenting with new projects, or simply exploring the possibilities of Raspberry Pi technology, this laptop delivers a compelling blend of performance and versatility. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Hardware, Laptops, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Swiss AI For Public Good: A ProSocial AI Blueprint For The World?
Cow in Swiss Montains Current Artificial intelligence development resembles a high-stakes race between tech giants. But Switzerland has chosen a different path. The Swiss AI Initiative's forthcoming large language model represents more than just another technological milestone, it embodies a transformative vision of how AI can be systematically designed, deployed and governed to serve humanity's highest aspirations. The Swiss Approach: Public Infrastructure For Public Good ETH Zurich and EPFL announced in July 2025 that they will release a groundbreaking large language model developed entirely on public infrastructure. Trained on the "Alps" supercomputer at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre the new LLM marks a milestone in open-source AI and multilingual excellence. This 70-billion parameter model, scheduled for release in late summer 2025, represents a radical departure from the proprietary, closed-source models that dominate today's AI landscape. The model represents a significant milestone in open AI development, offering multilingual fluency in over 1,000 languages and dialects. The initiative emerged from the Swiss National AI Institute, created in October 2024 by ETH Zurich and EPFL to provide a long-term and national perspective on AI-based research, education and innovation. Rather than pursuing general-purpose models that compete with ChatGPT, Switzerland aims to develop large language models for specific applications in fields such as science, education, healthcare, robotics and climate studies. The ProSocial AI Framework: 4 T's For Transformative Technology The Swiss model exemplifies what scholars and practitioners call ProSocial AI — a comprehensive methodology to ensure artificial intelligence serves as a catalyst for human flourishing and planetary well-being. ProSocial AI offers principles for the design, deployment and governance of an approach that results in AI systems that are deliberately tailored, trained, tested and targeted to uplift people and planet. It represents more than mere ethical guidelines; it's a strategic reimagining of AI's role in society. The ProSocial AI methodology centers on 4T's framework — Tailored, Trained, Tested, and Targeted — which are embodied by Switzerland's initiative. Let's examine how each principle manifests in this project: Unlike generic AI models designed for broad consumer use, Switzerland's approach prioritizes specialized applications. The Swiss model is tailored to excel in domains where the country has established expertise and where AI can deliver maximum societal benefit. This targeted approach ensures that computational resources and research efforts focus on solving real-world problems rather than creating yet another general-purpose chatbot. The multilingual capabilities spanning over 1,000 languages reflect Switzerland's commitment to inclusivity and global accessibility. By prioritizing linguistic diversity, the model ensures that AI benefits extend beyond dominant languages to serve marginalized communities worldwide. The Swiss model's training on public infrastructure represents a fundamental shift toward transparency and accountability. Unlike proprietary models trained on undisclosed datasets, this initiative emphasizes open processes that can be scrutinized, validated and improved by the global research community. This approach addresses critical concerns about AI bias, data quality and algorithmic transparency. By making the training process public, Switzerland enables other nations and institutions to learn from, replicate and improve upon their methodology. ProSocial AI demands rigorous testing not just for technical performance but for societal impact. AI must be tailored to specific needs, trained on diverse data to reduce bias, tested for ethical performance and targeted at solving measurable societal challenges. Switzerland's focus on scientific, educational and healthcare applications ensures that the model undergoes domain-specific validation in areas where accuracy and reliability are paramount. The public nature of the project enables independent researchers to conduct comprehensive evaluations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability that private initiatives often lack. Rather than pursuing AI for its own sake, Switzerland's initiative targets specific societal challenges where AI can make a measurable difference. The focus on science, education, healthcare, robotics and climate studies reflects a strategic alignment with global priorities and Switzerland's national strengths. This targeted approach ensures that AI development serves clear societal purposes rather than merely advancing technological capabilities. By prioritizing ethics, sustainability, and inclusivity, ProSocial AI ensures that AI becomes a forceful tool for fostering long-term health for individuals, communities, and the planet. A Model For Global Collaboration As of February 2025 Switzerland had no dedicated AI laws. Rather than a comprehensive approach to AI regulation, Switzerland is taking a tailored approach, focusing on implementing the Council of Europe's AI Convention and making targeted adjustments to existing laws. Instead of a Swiss equivalent of the EU AI Act, Switzerland is focusing on sector-specific adjustments and non-binding measures to promote responsible AI practices. By developing AI on public infrastructure and releasing it as open-source, Switzerland demonstrates that nations can maintain technological sovereignty while contributing to global knowledge commons. Their LLM initiative also signals a shift toward more collaborative and transparent AI development. This model stands in stark contrast to the diverse regulatory approaches emerging globally. The European Union has implemented the EU AI Act, which entered into force on 1 August 2024 and will be fully applicable on 2 August 2026. The EU's risk-based approach bans applications that create unacceptable risk, such as government-run social scoring of the type used in China, while subjecting high-risk applications to specific legal requirements. Meanwhile, China focuses on state control and AI ethics, while the US relies on a market-driven approach, lacking federal oversight but allowing state-level AI regulations. Singapore offers yet another model with the ambition that decisions made by AI should be explainable, transparent and fair. Their GenAI Framework is the first step towards fostering a trusted ecosystem for generative AI. Switzerland's approach is particularly relevant as nations worldwide grapple with these varied AI governance challenges. The AI dilemma (balancing safety with innovation) is universal, yet each jurisdiction pursues unique solutions. The new model aligns with the EU framework while maintaining its commitment to innovation and openness, potentially offering a middle path that combines regulatory rigor with collaborative development. Practical Takeaways: 4 A's For Global Implementation ProSocial artificial intelligence is a transformative approach aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It advocates for AI systems centered on human values, equity, and global cooperation. And the Swiss AI Initiative offers valuable lessons for citizens and leaders worldwide in that pursuit. 4 A's can help citizens to start implementing ProSocial AI principles even if they do not live in Switzerland: Examine the AI tools you use daily. Questions worth exploring: Are they transparent about their training data and decision-making processes? Do they reflect diverse perspectives and values? How much control do you have over the AI systems that affect your daily life, and what are the implications of relying on foreign, proprietary AI platforms? Support organizations and initiatives that prioritize open-source AI development and transparent governance. Explore opportunities to advocate for AI literacy programs in your communities. Look for ways to support public AI infrastructure and research capabilities in your region, perhaps by backing initiatives that focus on specific domains where your community has expertise rather than competing directly with tech giants. Explore possibilities to support policies that require transparency in AI systems that affect public welfare. Advocate for legal frameworks that incorporate the 4 T's approach for AI systems used in public services. Support international partnerships for sharing AI research and best practices, following Switzerland's example of contributing to global knowledge commons. Recognize that AI development is a collective endeavor where public awareness and engagement can shape outcomes. Small actions — from choosing transparent AI tools to supporting open-source initiatives — contribute to a broader movement toward beneficial AI. Remember that the most sustainable AI strategies may emerge from collaboration rather than competition. Switzerland's approach suggests that communities can maintain technological sovereignty while contributing to shared global knowledge. Switzerland's AI for Public Good initiative represents more than a technological achievement; it offers one possible roadmap for how communities might harness artificial intelligence to serve broader human aspirations. By exploring the ProSocial AI framework and the 4T's methodology, citizens worldwide can consider how AI development might serve not just economic interests but the broader goals of human flourishing and planetary well-being. The Swiss model suggests that in the age of artificial intelligence, sustainable competitive advantage may come less from having the largest AI model than from having the most thoughtful, transparent, and socially beneficial one. As we navigate an AI-transformed world, Switzerland's approach offers one example of how technology might be developed as a force for good — if we choose to pursue that path.
