1. ATProto for Distributed Systems Engineers (atproto.com)

In this article we're going to explore atproto from the perspective of distributed backend engineering.

Learn how ATProto can enhance distributed backend engineering with its unique features and capabilities tailored for system architects. This overview provides insights into its practical applications and benefits for developers.

3. An Interesting Fourier Transform – 1/F Noise (www.dsprelated.com)

Power-law signals have a neat Fourier trick: their transforms are power laws too, but with important caveats. Steve Smith walks through the t^Ξ± ↔ Ο‰^{-(Ξ±+1)} relation, shows how the unit step, the Gamma scaling and a nontrivial phase change the picture, and highlights the special Ξ± = -0.5 case that links to 1/f noise. The post frames why phase and physical interpretation keep 1/f noise mysterious.

Steve Smith explains the relationship between power-law signals and their Fourier transforms, emphasizing how certain parameters can alter the outcome. He focuses on the unique case of Ξ± = -0.5, connecting it to the enigmatic 1/f noise and discussing the significance of phase in understanding its complexities.

4. 'Pervert glasses': Backlash against Meta's smart glasses grows (www.seattletimes.com)

From clubs to courts, Meta

Concerns are mounting over the use of Meta’s smart glasses in public spaces, with critics highlighting potential privacy violations in places like clubs and courts. The backlash raises important questions about the balance between technology and personal privacy.

10. Japanese court overturns Red RAW video patent (www.dpreview.com)

Β· The Japanese Patent Office has declared one of Red's key Raw video patents as invalid, following a challenge by Panasonic. The court determined that

A Japanese court has invalidated a major RAW video patent held by Red, after Panasonic challenged its legitimacy. This ruling could have significant implications for the video production industry and the technology used in high-end cameras.

11. The Tragedy of the Cognitive Commons (arxiv.org)

Artificial intelligence is reshaping cognitive work, but Human Resource Development scholarship has treated this transformation as an organizational training challenge, leaving the collective regeneration of professional expertise unexamined. This conceptual paper introduces the Cognitive Commons framework, integrating commons theory, HRD scholarship, and distributed cognition to explain how rational AI adoption decisions can deplete the shared expertise pool professions require for renewal. The framework distinguishes Internalized Mastery (deep domain knowledge from sustained practice) from Distributed Mastery (orchestrating human-AI systems), and develops the Validation Tether: effective AI oversight depends on the expertise AI adoption may undermine. Early labor market and clinical evidence suggests possible disruption to expertise-regeneration pathways in highly AI-exposed sectors, though adoption is recent and the strongest signals come from leading sectors rather than all professions. Five factors determine occupational vulnerability, and governance arrangements may form across organizational, professional-association, and policy levels. The paper reframes expertise development as collective stewardship rather than organizational optimization, with implications for HRD theory and workforce policy.

Artificial intelligence is changing how cognitive work is approached, but the implications for shared professional knowledge have not been fully addressed. This paper presents the Cognitive Commons framework to highlight the risks of AI’s impact on collective expertise and the need for a more sustainable approach to human resource development.

12. Because It's Not Fun Enough: why languages fail (bytecode.news)

Andrew Oram asked why programming languages rise and fall, and quoted the answer without noticing. Programming is a vocation, an art, and a job. Make any of those harder than they need to be, and your language survives exactly as long as it can't be replaced.

Andrew Oram discusses the factors that contribute to the success or failure of programming languages, emphasizing that complexity can drive users away. The piece highlights the balance between making programming accessible and maintaining its artistic and vocational appeal.

16. Launch HN: Stoa Markets (YC S26) – A Marketplace for GPUs and AI Servers (www.stoaexchange.com)

Stoa is the institutional marketplace to buy and sell GPUs and AI hardware, with verified counterparties and price discovery.

Stoa is a new marketplace focused on buying and selling GPUs and AI servers, aiming to improve financing options based on the type of company committed to using the hardware. The founders discuss how their platform can help both large hyperscalers and smaller startups navigate the complexities of data center financing.

17. How Blackwing Pencils are Made [video] (www.youtube.com)

Take a first-ever, in-depth look at the Blackwing pencil manufacturing process. This short film gives a glimpse into its manufacturing facilities in Japan an...

Discover the intricate process behind the creation of Blackwing pencils in this short film, featuring a rare look at their Japanese manufacturing facilities. It’s a fascinating insight for art and writing enthusiasts alike.

20. Turn satellite imagery into a paper globe you fold yourself (foldingglobes.com)

Build a personalized folding paper globe: pick a shape, choose a map style, pin your places, and download a print-ready PDF. By MapScaping.

Create a custom paper globe by selecting your preferred shape and map style, then pinning your favorite locations. Download a print-ready PDF to bring your personalized world to life.

28. A 'bananas' order for 5000 obscure book titles fuels suspicion (www.irishtimes.com)

Independent retailers are receiving vast orders for obscure titles, fuelling suspicions that AI companies are quietly building the next generation of chatbots

Independent bookstores are noticing large orders for rare titles, raising concerns that AI firms might be stockpiling these books to enhance future chatbots. The unusual demand hints at a potential shift in how AI tools will engage with literature.

29. Show HN: Vocal Slice – cut audio by selecting text, fully on-device (vocalslice.com)

Transcribe voice recordings locally, then cut precise clips by selecting text. Word-accurate, source-quality, fully offline.

Vocal Slice simplifies audio editing by transcribing your recordings and allowing you to select text to pinpoint specific sections for clipping. Designed for both Windows and macOS, this tool streamlines the process of extracting audio clips, making it easier and faster to create named segments.

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