May 2015 - wlug - list.wlug.org.nz

Ubuntu jumps into Internet of Things with Acer, GE, and Microsoft
by Peter Reutemann 11 May '15

11 May '15

"Old enemies are becoming new allies as technology shifts from the PC/desktop model to first mobile computing and now the Internet of Things (IoT). Canonical, Ubuntu Linux's parent company, is partnering with Acer, DataArt, and Microsoft." -- source: http://www.zdnet.com/article/ubuntu-jumps-into-internet-of-things-with-acer… Cheers, Peter -- Peter Reutemann, Dept. of Computer Science, University of Waikato, NZ http://www.cms.waikato.ac.nz/~fracpete/ Ph. +64 (7) 858-5174 http://www.data-mining.co.nz/

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The $9 Computer
by Lawrence D'Oliveiro 10 May '15

10 May '15

1GHz ARM processor, half-gig RAM, 4-gig flash, full-sized USB port and composite video out, for $9. Meet the CHIP, from Next Thing Co, intended as the core for a range of sub-$99 products. <http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/05/move-over-raspberry-p…>

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Ubuntu 15.04 review: Beauty or “boring” is in the eye of the beholder
by Peter Reutemann 06 May '15

06 May '15

'Snow melts and trees blossom, but nothing really says spring around the Ars Orbital HQ like the arrival of a new version of Ubuntu Linux. Right on schedule, Canonical has recently released Ubuntu 15.04, also known as Vivid Vervet. Ubuntu 15.04 arrived in late April and has, judging by other reviews, largely underwhelmed. According to the popular storyline, there's not much new in 15.04. Of course, a slew of changes and unforeseen features in 15.04 could have just as easily earned a negative reaction, probably from the same people calling the actual release boring. The top of the Linux mountain is a lonely, criticism-strewn place. The truth is, this line of thought is partially correct. There isn't much new in 15.04, at least not in terms of visible changes to the Unity desktop. But for most users this is a good thing—change doesn't mean better. Frankly, Ubuntu 15.04's Unity desktop is mature, stable, and not really in need of many improvements. There are still some design inconsistencies (mostly GTK3 issues) and small problems here and there, but for the most part 15.04 delivers a great desktop experience. Those clamoring for big changes will have to wait. But more than likely, when those seismic shifts coming in Unity 8 arrive around this time next year, these same people will be reminiscing fondly about 15.04. Everyone will forget they once found this release "boring."' -- source: http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/05/05/ubuntu-15-04-revie… Cheers, Peter -- Peter Reutemann, Dept. of Computer Science, University of Waikato, NZ http://www.cms.waikato.ac.nz/~fracpete/ Ph. +64 (7) 858-5174 http://www.data-mining.co.nz/

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Google’s Dart language on Android aims for Java-free, 120 FPS apps
by Peter Reutemann 03 May '15

03 May '15

"Non-game Android apps are normally written in Java, but a group inside Google is experimenting with a whole new way of writing Android apps using Dart, Google's in-house Web development language. It's Android apps with no Java, a focus on speed, and deep integration with the Web." -- source: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/05/01/googles-dart-language-on-android-… Cheers, Peter -- Peter Reutemann, Dept. of Computer Science, University of Waikato, NZ http://www.cms.waikato.ac.nz/~fracpete/ Ph. +64 (7) 858-5174 http://www.data-mining.co.nz/

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