2025-11-28 Hacker News Headlines
Summary of Key Tech News
- Zig migrates its main repository from GitHub to Codeberg, making the old repo read-only and encouraging sponsors to transfer support to Every.org.
- Bring Back Doors campaign urges hotels to restore closable, opaque bathroom doors, promoting guest privacy via a database and public reporting.
- Penpot 2.0 launches as an open-source Figma alternative, adding CSS Grid Layout and enhanced component systems, though some users cite UI bugs and slow issue resolution.
- Google Pixel 10 gains peer-to-peer file transfer with Apple devices via AirDrop (“Everyone for 10 minutes” mode), a change linked to EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) requirements.
- The Kernel in The Mind (Chapter 1) advises learning by reading kernel code first, covering scheduling, system calls, and interrupts.
- Don’t Download Apps warning explains risks of data harvesting, “surveillance pricing,” and mandatory arbitration clauses; promotes browser/PWA alternatives.
- S&box game engine open-sourced under MIT license with major fixes and new tooling aimed at boosting collaboration, security, and ecosystem growth.
- DIY NAS 2026 build: compact 8‑bay system with 10 GbE networking, balancing performance, expandability, and efficiency.
- 30 Gemini CLI Tips guide to advanced terminal use of Gemini models, focusing on workflow optimization, security, and documentation.
- Losing Our Voice to LLMs: cautionary view against homogenized AI output; treat AI as a tool, not a replacement for unique personal expression.
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Zig Migrates from GitHub to Codeberg
Link: ziglang.org/news/migrating-from-github-to-codeberg/
Why the Move?
- Dissatisfaction with GitHub’s decline in engineering culture and platform performance post‑Microsoft acquisition.
- Persistent unreliability in GitHub Actions (random scheduling, no manual intervention), hurting CI stability.
- Diminishing focus on GitHub Sponsors funding channel after key staff departures.
Migration Details
- GitHub repo `ziglang/zig` now read-only; new home: codeberg.org/ziglang/zig.git
- Existing issues/PRs remain; new issues start from number 30000.
- Sponsors encouraged to switch to Every.org for nonprofit support.
Broader Implications
Reflects an open-source trend toward platform independence, diverse funding, and resilient infrastructure.
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Bring Back Doors Campaign
Link: bringbackdoors.com
Goal: Identify and promote hotels with fully closing, opaque bathroom doors.
Method:
- Contact hotels to ask:
- Does the bathroom door close completely?
- Is it made of glass?
- Include only compliant hotels in the public database.
Community Features:
- Search hotels by city and price range.
- Verify door presence before booking.
- Report and submit evidence of hotels lacking doors (“name-and-shame”).
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Penpot 2.0 — Open-Source Figma Alternative
Repo: github.com/penpot/penpot
Key Features:
- Built on open standards: SVG, CSS, HTML, JSON.
- Adds CSS Grid Layout, redesigned UI, upgraded components.
- Live “Inspect Mode” for viewing an element’s code.
- Self-hosting supported; MPL-2.0 licensed.
Challenges:
- Some users report unresolved UI issues.
- Slow maintainer response for bug reports without formal reproduction steps.
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Google Pixel 10 AirDrop Interoperability
Article: arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/11
Highlights:
- Works only if AirDrop set to Everyone for 10 minutes.
- Uses peer-to-peer Wi-Fi; no server routing.
- Rust adoption in Android improves memory safety.
- Driven by EU DMA regulations opening Apple’s AWDL protocol for third-party compatibility.
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The Kernel in The Mind — Chapter 1
Link: reverser.dev/linux-kernel-explorer
Focus: Understand code before attempting to grasp kernel concepts.
- Kernel is the system itself, linking hardware to software.
- Covers scheduling, system calls, interrupts.
- Points users to key source files for exploration.
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Don’t Download Retail Apps
Link: blog.calebjay.com/posts/dont-download-apps
Reasons:
- Surveillance capitalism enables dynamic “surveillance pricing.”
- Mandatory arbitration clauses strip legal rights.
Advice: Use browsers or PWAs for safer, more private access.
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S&box MIT Open Source Release
News: sbox.game/news/update-25-11-26
Improvements:
- Terrain seam fixes and anti-tiling texture rotations.
- Networking bug fixes for multiplayer.
- Switched memory allocator from jemalloc to mimalloc.
- Added new UI controls (ColorControl, Label.Tokenize).
Community Response: Expect faster bug fixes, better security, and broader ecosystem development.
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DIY NAS 2026 Build
Article: blog.briancmoses.com/2025/11
Specs:
- Intel N355 CPU, 32 GB DDR5 RAM.
- 8 SATA ports, 2 NVMe slots, multiple NICs.
- Compact JONSBO N4 case.
Considerations:
- Power consumption measurements questioned.
- PCIe layout may limit NVMe throughput.
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Gemini CLI — Developer Automation Tips
Repo: github.com/addyosmani/gemini-cli-tips
Capabilities:
- Code generation, debugging, system config via NL interface.
- Persistent context files (`GEMINI.md`), multi-modal input (`@` syntax).
- YOLO (auto-approve mode), headless operation, workspace switching.
- Integrations: VS Code, GitHub Actions.
Safety Reminder: Treat LLMs as assistive tools, not infallible replacements.
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Losing Our Voice to LLMs
Article: tonyalicea.dev/blog/were-losing-our-voice-to-llms
Message:
- AI homogenizes tone; protect unique expression.
- Your voice is dynamic; resist static AI mimicry.
- Use LLMs thoughtfully to supplement, not erase, individuality.
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