The design of software distribution ("app store") can shape the nature of software itself, much like the design of a social media app shapes the nature of its content.
One thing I started doing in the last couple years, is paying money (mostly voluntarily) to people who create stuff that genuinely helped me.
I know this sounds revolutionary when the majority think everything on the Internet should be dopamine-inducing and free, in exchange for relinquishing any control over what we see, no longer owning our attention and occasionally consuming some product we never needed.
I'd rather just pay money, and preferably an amount of my choosing.
Yep aware of those and others. I guess the only diff here is the additional large discount offered by the govt for not choosing Windows, though that is likely a temporary thing to beat down on American tech.
While I am not a fan of the laptop (nor sanctions), nice to see a mainstream brand selling a Windows-free version of their device for a cheaper price since it has no Windows license.
Additionally, the Chinese govt offers almost a 20% discount on the cheaper model for choosing "Chinese tech" (somehow Linux counts).
Chinese govt offering that much does ring some conspiratorial alarm bells, but still, it would be nice to see more Windows-free devices globally.
https://www.huaweicentral.com/huawei-unveils-matebook-x-pro-2024-linux-edition-notebook/
People only talk about "AI slop" now but it was mostly already "human slop" before that, at least the ad supported stuff.
I mean... human slop is what trained the AI in the first place.
I still think there is good small-web and community-focused stuff, or donation-supported work, that is worth subscribing to.
Even better are the classics, like the Majjhima Nikāya which I am currently enjoying.
Grateful to all those with good intentions maintaining our wholesome and genuine info-sphere.
Given that most big platforms have completely normalized clickbait thumbnails and titles, seeing a more straightforward image or title which is exactly the thing I was actually looking for, is now what stands out.
@nenos @kev I see, thanks for the explanation. So it looks like the "profile" for certain apps with permissions like google services, is a diff user which needs to be switched to, rather than all the apps seamlessly launching from one place. It's an interesting option
@nenos @kev Ive been curious about it. Assuming the initial setup takes some work (I don't care as long as this happens only once), does the phone function as seamlessly as before after that? e.g. bank app, google apps, fdroid apps etc all appear as icons on the same desktop, I press them and the app opens and runs with same speed as original?
Is there a way to back up the profiles and setup, so if I upgrade the phone I can easily restore without setting up again?
More accurate to say that governments and orgs need to make it easier and more obvious for individuals to make the right decision.
It still ALWAYS comes down to individual decisions in aggregate.
In my city the govt improved transport and cycling a lot. I went car free and it improved my life, let alone my carbon footprint. But most people still just chose to drive a car. I guess there still needs to be more nudges and awareness, it takes time for people to change.
@sbb I used Owncast to do some meditation livestreams for my work colleges at one point. Its lean, minimalist and works well, and includes a text chat. I think now it might even include federation.
I'm currently trying out Peertube livestream instead as it easily allows publishing the recording. It does not have built in chat but there is a 3rd party chat plugin which uses an external XMPP server
AI is not the danger. Its humans.
For example, tech-heads talk about "AI alignment" from the lens that we must stop it from killing us all.
Like any tech tool, it's more about WHO's interest should we align it with? The majority? the rich? the underprivileged? All of the above?
A tiny "rich and genius" segment of society is already trying to scare-monger everyone into letting them take control, blaming the scary AI. They'll no doubt steer a potential Super AI towards their own interest.
What is the difference between being "present and aware" vs experiencing an emotion?
I'd say: with practice its always possible to be "present and aware" as long as you stop and remember to be.
But it is NOT always possible to experience any given emotion at any time, even if you wanted to.
Can you just get angry right now? Probably not. But you can just get "present and aware". Then whatever emotions exist at that moment, can be seen.
Focus on where you appear to have control.
Dunno if its just me but I have been noticing more "overcooked" marketing messages lately, and I think it's due to amateur use of LLMs.
By "overcooked" I mean overly try-hard, sensational or attention-seeking to the point that the potential customer starts to confuse or misconstrue what the product really is, more-so than the usual marketing efforts.
"artificially viral" is another way I would describe it.
"Rather than trying to change the Buddha's teaching to fit our lifestyle, we should try to change our lifestyle to fit the Buddha's teaching."
- Ajahn Chah
I'd add to that:
If most of the information put in front of me is left unchecked, is of low quality, or serves purposes that go against my true goals, then it will ripen into knowledge, motivations and actions that do not serve me.
On the otherhand, through awareness, I seem to get a choice about what information becomes knowledge, and how.
There is a process of curation and awareness that drives long-term action.