2026/06/20

1. CSSQuake from cssquake.com
   511 by msalsas 1d ago | | |

   Article:

   CSSQuake is a game that combines elements of classic text-based games with modern web technologies, offering players a unique experience through the use of CSS for gameplay and visual effects.

   • Gameplay mechanics using keyboard inputs
   • Customizable game settings through CSS toggles
   • Debugging features for developers

   Quality:
   The article provides clear instructions and examples, but lacks sources for further reading or research.

   Discussion (109): 7 min

   The comment thread discusses the use of CSS for game rendering and its performance issues. There is appreciation for the creativity involved in using CSS to recreate classic games like Quake and Doom. Some users express concern about the performance, while others highlight the nostalgia value.

   • CSS can be used for game rendering

   Counterarguments:

   • CSS/JS/HTML aka Web-stack is a set of hacks on top of hacks
   • Doesn't work at all for me. I keep jumping around and clipping through objects
   Web Development HTML/CSS/JavaScript, Gaming
2. Where to Find the Colors Your Screen Can't Show You from moultano.wordpress.com
   462 by moultano 1d ago | | |

   Article: 57 min

   The article explores the colors that exist in the real world but cannot be displayed on digital screens or captured by photographs due to limitations of color representation and human vision. It discusses various natural phenomena, such as plant leaves, water, birds, and bioluminescent organisms, which exhibit colors outside the standard RGB gamut used for displays.

   Educates the public on limitations of digital representation and encourages appreciation for natural colors

   • The sRGB color space limitation on digital displays
   • Human vision's inability to perceive certain wavelengths of light
   • Examples of natural objects with colors not representable on screens

   Discussion (119): 35 min

   The comment thread discusses the limitations of screen color reproduction, with a focus on wide gamut displays and human vision. The conversation is largely positive, with many users appreciating the insights into color perception and the complexity of color spaces.

   • Screens have limitations in reproducing colors
   • Color perception and reproduction are complex
   Science Agriculture, Biology, Computer Science, Physics
3. The Wholesale Plagiarism of Obscure Sorrows from waxy.org
   378 by ridesisapis 19h ago | | |

   Article: 19 min

   An unauthorized website for The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, a bestselling book by John Koenig, has been created. This new site features AI-generated images and content, including an AI word generator, which raises questions about copyright infringement and the original author's consent.

   AI-generated content may lead to confusion over authorship and copyright issues, potentially damaging the reputation of original creators and their works.

   • It includes an AI word generator that creates new words, etymologies, and definitions.
   • John Koenig was not involved in the creation of this website.
   • Qontour, a web design agency, is responsible for the unauthorized site.

   Quality:
   The article presents factual information without expressing personal opinions.

   Discussion (147): 29 min

   The comment thread discusses the use of AI to plagiarize copyrighted material and the inadequacy of current copyright laws in addressing this issue. There is criticism towards tech companies for their handling of the situation, with some advocating for stricter copyright laws.

   • AI is being used to commit plagiarism and copyright infringement.

   Counterarguments:

   • Copyright laws are outdated and need reform.
   • The use of AI in this context is a tool for theft, rather than an inherent problem with copyright law.
   Culture Literature, Technology, Ethics
4. Loupe – A iOS app that raises awareness about what native apps can see from github.com/mysk-research
   370 by Cider9986 1d ago | | |

   Article: 4 min

   Loupe is an iOS app that provides users with insights into the data their devices expose to third-party apps, helping raise awareness about device fingerprinting. It categorizes readings into passive, needs permission, and advanced signals based on access cost.

   - raises awareness of privacy issues related to device fingerprinting and encourages users to take control over their data exposure.

   • Raw data display without aggregation or hashing
   • Free and open-source software

   Quality:
   The article provides clear and factual information about the app, its features, and development process.

   Discussion (153): 27 min

   The comment thread discusses privacy concerns related to MacOS apps, particularly regarding tracking capabilities. Users express opinions on the need for better privacy features, mention GrapheneOS as an alternative OS with improved privacy controls, and share insights into app permissions and data access.

   • Privacy concerns are prevalent with MacOS apps and their tracking capabilities.

   Counterarguments:

   • Privacy concerns are prevalent with MacOS apps and their tracking capabilities.
   Privacy iOS Apps, Security
5. I Stored a Website in a Favicon from timwehrle.de
   304 by theanonymousone 1d ago | | |

   Article: 7 min

   The article discusses an experiment where the author stored HTML content within a favicon's image pixels, demonstrating steganography and exploring the potential of using icons as storage devices.

   • Tiny HTML payload stored in favicon pixels
   • Reversing process to extract original HTML

   Quality:
   The article provides clear, technical information without sensationalizing the concept.

   Discussion (107): 14 min

   The comment thread discusses the concept of storing data in favicons, exploring its practicality and potential use cases. There is a mix of positive reactions to the novelty of the idea and negative feedback regarding limited real-world applications. The writing style is noted as potentially AI-generated, leading some participants to express disappointment.

   • Storing data in favicons can be a fun and novel way to proxy webpages
   • The concept of storing entire websites or large amounts of content within favicons is intriguing

   Counterarguments:

   • Limited practical applications
   • Disappointment due to AI-generated writing style
   Computer Science Data Science, Computer Vision
6. VPN ban update for UK households as government looks at 'age-gate' from birminghammail.co.uk
   299 by iamnothere 23h ago | | |

   Article: 4 min

   The UK government plans to introduce new rules regarding Virtual Private Network (VPN) use alongside a social media ban for under-16s, with details expected in July. The government is considering 'age-gating' VPN access and strengthening enforcement powers against online safety rule violations.

   • New rules regarding the use of Virtual Private Networks will be introduced alongside a social media ban for under-16s.
   • Ofcom has advised on the effectiveness and accessibility of different methods, privacy considerations, and identity attributes.
   • Technology Secretary Liz Kendall plans to address the issue in July with a statement.

   Quality:
   The article presents factual information without a strong bias.

   Discussion (345): 1 hr 7 min

   The comment thread discusses concerns over the UK government's proposed measures aimed at restricting access to social media for minors, with a focus on privacy erosion, potential misuse of data, and criticism that the true intent is control rather than genuine child safety. Opinions vary on the effectiveness and necessity of age verification systems while preserving privacy.

   • Age verification systems can be implemented in ways that preserve privacy and do not require invasive data collection.

   Counterarguments:

   • The potential for these measures to be used as a pretext for broader censorship efforts against political dissent.
   • Concerns about the practicality and effectiveness of implementing such restrictions, especially in terms of privacy preservation.
   Regulations Internet Regulations, Children's Online Safety
7. Windows 11 New Media Player Uses 3.5x More RAM, Charges for Popular Video Codecs from extremetech.com
   292 by tcp_handshaker 23h ago | | |

   Article: 2 min

   Microsoft's new Windows 11 Media Player is criticized for consuming significantly more RAM (3.5x) than the classic player while being slower in opening local video files. It also hides popular codecs behind paywalls, including HEVC playback through a paid app and removing the built-in AC-3 codec.

   • HEVC playback requires a paid app, AC-3 codec removed in Windows 11 version 24H2.

   Quality:
   The article provides factual information and does not express a strong personal opinion.

   Discussion (168): 23 min

   The comment thread discusses various media players like VLC, MPV, SMPlayer, IINA, MPC-HC, and Windows Media Player. Users express opinions on player preferences, GUI experiences, HEVC support, licensing costs, and performance issues related to memory consumption.

   • VLC remains popular
   • MPV offers better GUI experience
   • SMPlayer with MPC GUI mode provides nostalgia
   • IINA is recommended on macOS
   • mpv is great for scripting and performance
   • MPC-HC maintains HEVC support

   Counterarguments:

   • MPC-HC offers an alternative for users who dislike VLC's UI
   • HEVC support was removed due to licensing issues, not a choice by Microsoft
   Software Development Operating Systems, Technical Terms
8. SMPTE Makes Its Standards Freely Accessible from smpte.org
   269 by zdw 20h ago | | |

   Article: 25 min

   The article announces that the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) has made its entire Standards catalog freely accessible to the global media technology community, aiming to accelerate adoption, implementation, and interoperability across industries.

   By making its standards freely accessible, SMPTE is expected to accelerate innovation and adoption in the media technology industry, potentially leading to more interoperable systems and a stronger foundation for future developments.

   • This move is part of a broader effort to modernize SMPTE's Standards development and publication processes.
   • The organization aims to strengthen interoperability, reduce misinformation, and support more consistent implementation across industries.

   Discussion (92): 16 min

   The discussion revolves around the practices of charging for standards documentation and the implications on accessibility. Opinions are mixed, with some supporting the rationale behind charging while others argue it hinders access to crucial information. The conversation also touches upon the distinction between open and free standards, as well as the potential benefits of making standards freely available.

   • Charging for work can be reasonable
   • Access to materials needed to adhere to standards should be available
   • Proprietary standards moving to open standards is beneficial

   Counterarguments:

   • Charging for work can be seen as gatekeeping access to information
   • The term 'open' does not necessarily mean 'free'
   Media Broadcasting & Entertainment Technology
9. Renting a sewing machine from the library from bbc.com
   268 by sohkamyung 15h ago | | |

   Article: 26 min

   The article discusses how Finnish libraries, beyond just lending books, are thriving by offering a wide range of services such as meeting rooms, tools for rent (like sewing machines), and digital support. This approach is seen to promote social inclusion, democracy, and community engagement in Finland.

   • Finland's libraries offer a variety of tools, meeting spaces, and digital support.
   • Libraries are seen as key components in Finland's democratic infrastructure.
   • Finnish libraries consistently rank highly in public service evaluations.
   • Trust in libraries remains high compared to other institutions.

   Discussion (152): 29 min

   The comment thread discusses the expansion of library services beyond traditional book lending to include tools for loan and sewing machines. Opinions vary on whether this is beneficial or detracts from libraries' primary purpose. There's a consensus that sewing machines are complex but useful, while discussions highlight the value of community access to equipment through tool libraries.

   Counterarguments:

   • Sewing machines are high maintenance
   • Libraries should focus solely on books
   • Tool libraries may not be necessary due to affordable access to tools
   Culture Education, Books, Science, Wellbeing
10. DOS Game "F-15 Strike Eagle II" reversing project needs DOS test pilots from neuviemeporte.github.io
    265 by LowLevelMahn 22h ago | | |

    Article: 5 min

    The article discusses a hobby project focused on recreating the C source code for the 1989 game F-15 Strike Eagle II through reverse engineering of its original binaries. The author has made significant progress in reconstructing the game's code, data, and functionality, but now requires community assistance to test the latest release (v0.9.1) for any bugs missed during development.

    • Development of a tool to maintain opcode fidelity during changes
    • Request for community involvement as test pilots to find missed bugs

    Quality:
    The article provides clear information and a call to action without sensationalizing the project.

    Discussion (68): 9 min

    A discussion about a successful reverse engineering and DOS porting project for F-15 Strike Eagle II, with praise for the contributors' work, concerns over legal implications of reverse engineering, and nostalgia for classic games. The community is involved in preserving retro gaming content by porting old titles to modern platforms.

    • The project to reverse engineer the DOS version of F-15 Strike Eagle II has been successfully completed.

    Counterarguments:

    • There are concerns about the legality of reverse engineering, especially when it comes to commercial games with active copyright protection.
    Game Development Reverse Engineering, Bug Testing