Open Source & Tech News: AI, Linux, and Privacy Updates

A new email-based digital footprint tool for OSINT and reconnaissance has been introduced, aiding in open-source intelligence gathering.

A developer has revived the controversial Windows 8 interface for Linux, as reported by SoftZone, bringing a polarizing design to open-source platforms.

A guide on how to stop iPhone apps from tracking users emphasizes the urgency of privacy protection in today’s digital age.

Brazilian musician Seu Jorge performed 15 iconic David Bowie songs in Portuguese to mark the 10th anniversary of Bowie’s passing, showcasing cultural adaptations in music.

Vietnamese Wikipedia is selecting candidates for Article of the Year 2025, highlighting community-driven content creation in open knowledge projects.

OpenNebula now includes Red Hat Enterprise Linux as a built-in hypervisor option in its enterprise subscriptions, enhancing cloud management solutions.

Flexxbotics has open-sourced production-grade factory automation connectors, as covered by Open Source For You, promoting interoperability in industrial settings.

The NexPhone returns after 14 years as a hybrid smartphone-PC with Android and Windows 11, detailed by Fanáticos del Hardware, blending mobile and desktop computing.

UCL is leading a €60 million AI-driven drug discovery project, reported by Open Access Government, advancing open research in healthcare.

A method for backward requirement tracing in Git has been introduced, improving software development workflows.

The Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ 2 offers enhanced AI capabilities, pushing the boundaries of affordable computing hardware.

McLaren aims to simplify racing rules for Norris-Piastri in 2026, as per diariodetantoyuca.com.mx, though this is less tech-focused.

A crowdfunding campaign for Chrome Roses cyberpunk books by Monty Nero is spotlighted on downthetubes.net, supporting independent creative projects.

An investigation into where 70% of global RAM production ends up reveals supply chain insights relevant to tech manufacturing.

DTiQ has announced strategic leadership appointments to accelerate AI innovation and global expansion by 2026, focusing on business growth.

A debate on software control questions whether it represents progress or anti-consumer practices, raising ethical considerations in tech.

A tutorial on setting up scan-to-email with a Sharp Printer and Exchange Online through PfSense provides practical IT solutions.

A user shares their experience of switching from VirtualBox to a better, more reliable VM manager for Linux, reflecting community-driven tool recommendations.

The main ideas from this digest center on the growing integration of open source in diverse fields, from AI and cloud computing to factory automation and privacy tools. Open source projects like Flexxbotics’ connectors and the Linux interface revival demonstrate how collaborative development can drive innovation and customization, while initiatives like UCL’s drug discovery project highlight the role of open access in accelerating scientific research. For those interested in open source, these stories suggest a trend towards greater accessibility and interoperability, with tools like the Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ 2 making advanced technologies more affordable and the shift from VirtualBox indicating ongoing improvements in software reliability.

Implications include increased opportunities for developers to contribute to and benefit from open source ecosystems, as well as challenges in balancing innovation with privacy and ethical concerns. Suggestions for open source enthusiasts include exploring new tools like the digital footprint tool for OSINT, engaging with community projects like Wikipedia’s article selections, and considering open-source alternatives in areas like VM management to enhance productivity and security. Overall, this news underscores the vital role of open source in shaping future technologies and fostering a more transparent, collaborative digital world.