The StepWell Saga: first South African cellphone game for mental health aimed at youngsters
Mental health among South African youngsters is a serious concern. As part of a wider project to improve mental health policy and services in South Africa generally, the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) has launched an innovative attempt to reach youth where they are at – playing games on their phones.
FPD secured a pioneering grant from Grand Challenges Canada (funded by the government of Canada) to develop Africa’s first serious game dedicated to mental health, entitled The StepWell Saga – Stronger Together.
As per edutainment theory, the game is not explicit about its mental health messages. These come through in the character dialogue and gameplay activities that teach skills like problem-solving, strategy and teamwork, and develop mental resilience — while also being fun to do. It challenges the player to think critically and promotes the importance of relationships in facing life’s challenges.
I really like the idea behind this game, and it looks like the reviews are pretty good. It is just sad that I see it is geo-restricted for South African accounts only (I personally really detest geofencing). It is however available for both Android and iOS, as well as in the Huawei store.
See https://techcentral.co.za/the-stepwell-saga-game-mental-health/246683/
#technology #mentalhealth #SouthAfrica #gaming
AMD won Computex by extending AM5 support and launching new AM4 CPUs
Intel typically uses the same motherboard CPU socket for two generations, but we've seen the company support the same socket for an additional series. AMD has been more consistent through the Ryzen CPU family, since releasing the Ryzen 1000 series in 2016. AM4 launched alongside the new Ryzen processors and AMD released its successor, AM5 in 2022. That's six years of support before a new platform rolled out, but AMD hasn't finished supporting older motherboards yet.
This is quite interesting as this is the first time I've bought AMD. With all my previous Intel based CPUs I had to discard the motherboard and RAM and fully replace it all when I bought a new CPU. Now it seems my AM4 based motherboard can still be used, and I could buy a brand-new CPU for it. Less wastage and expense.
I have never been able to upgrade my CPU before on its own. I'm pretty tempted to try it. But OK, the newer CPU is about 11% faster on benchmarking, but with 60% extra power consumption/heat...
See https://www.xda-developers.com/amd-won-computex-am5-support-extension-new-am4-cpu/
#technology #CPU #AMD
Linux-based postmarketOS v24.06 supports over 250 devices, taking on Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS
The appeal of running Linux on personal devices lies in the freedom it offers. postmarketOS does not require account setups, does not push cloud storage, avoids pre-installed bloatware, and does not follow privacy-invasive AI trends. Instead, it focuses on free software, user control, and extending device usability beyond the original vendor's support.
This release includes many device ports previously accessible only in the bleeding-edge version, now available in the stable release. While some devices may only boot Linux, they offer unique use cases, such as running a web server on an old phone powered by a portable solar charger.
Many supported devices are still in test, but they include many "ancient" phones as well as many Chromebook devices. It appears to have a choice between GNOME or KDE.
The only challenge I foresee, really, is going to be app support. Most users are used to millions of available Android or iOS apps to access gaming, banking, media streaming, etc. Whilst most of this will probably work fine, I foresee some challenges with some banks which still insist that you use their banking app on a non-rooted phone. For example, one of my banks will insist that I use biometric authentication on their Android app even if I want to log in with my desktop browser. Also, if you're a smartwatch user who wants to track their exercising say with the Strava app, this may not be for you.
But there are very many users who may not have these requirements where this OS could work really well, especially from a privacy perspective, and providing support for older phones that no longer get any app updates.
postmarketOS is based on Alpine Linux, which is so tiny (less than 10 MB in size) that development of pmOS can be done quickly on any Linux distribution. Writing packages is easy, by the way: as long as you know how to write shell scripts, you are good to go.
The linked article brought this OS to my attention, and they do also provide a link to the OS' main website.
See https://betanews.com/2024/06/16/linux-postmarketos-v2406-google-android-apple-ios/
#technology #Linux #opensource #pocketmarketOS #privacy
FUTO Keyboard is an open-source mobile keyboard for Android that stays private and offline
If your computer keyboard doesn't ask for internet access, neither should your mobile keyboard. FUTO Keyboard is a modern keyboard app with voice input and autocorrect, that is completely offline and never connects to the internet, in order to ensure your privacy and security.
FUTO Keyboard contains modern features such as autocorrect, voice input and swipe typing. It is also configurable to suit your personal taste.
No data is collected, nor shared anywhere. It is still in alpha version but can be downloaded either from the Google Play Store, from F-Droid, or using Obtanium to update directly from the APK releases on GitHub.
See https://keyboard.futo.org/
#technology #privacy #Android #FUTOkeyboard
Trust the VPN provider vs trust the 3rd party encrypted DNS provider? That DNS traffic can't be read, even by the VPN provider, and ideally it should be going out via the DNS tunnel. It could then be better to logically separate these two providers?
Or the "other" DNS available. But if it is encrypted DNS through a 3rd party (like a VPN is) I'm wondering if is actual DNS leaking?
How to change your Android phone's DNS to Google, Cloudflare or Other DNS Provider
You should know the risks when you use your phone to browse the internet on a public network. Turning on Private DNS ensures your queries are encrypted and protected from malicious actors. This guide shows you how to change your phone’s DNS to Google or Cloudflare (or other) for a faster and more secure browsing experience.
Besides the speed and performance, these DNS services offer additional security, like DNS-over-HTTPS and DNSSEC. And they don't keep a log of user activity, which could pose a security risk. And since your browsing activity is encrypted, your ISP or a hacker cannot determine the websites you visit.
Although the linked article mentions Google and Cloudflare, there is also an option to set a private DNS hostname as well, such as Quad9. You just need to type the actual DNS address in to use it.
The iPhone can do the same thing (but Wi-Fi only as far as I recall), so it is worth exploring these settings under Wi-Fi settings.
See https://www.androidpolice.com/how-to-change-your-phones-dns-to-google-or-cloudflare/
#technology #privacy
Use 'Bridgy Fed' to Connect Fediverse accounts (inc Mastodon) and Bluesky
It is as simple as just following the relevant bridge account, and your posts will appear on the other side with the same address you are currently using. So you are not creating a new profile on the destination network. The profile name is not identical to the one you currently use, as I see "ap.brid.gy" is appended, but the name is easily searched for and found.
Once you've determined what your profile's account name is on the destination network, you can share that with any friends there, who will be able to follow it and interact with you. Unfortunately, if you have an actual account already on the destination network, you can't yet bridge with that account. And, of course, some admins may choose to block the bridge.
But, as is the custom on the Fediverse and Bluesky, you won't see these bridged accounts unless you decide to follow them. There is no algorithm pushing or promoting such feeds into your feed. It is your choice.
See https://lifehacker.com/tech/bridgy-fed-connect-mastodon-and-bluesky
#technology #socialnetworks #bluesky #mastodon
Your Galaxy phone will now automatically get locked if someone steals it
At Google I/O last month, Google announced many features for Android that prevent thieves from accessing a stolen device and data in it. The company said that it would roll out these features to devices running Android 10 and newer versions of the OS later this year.
The two features we are talking about are called Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock. When these features become available on your Galaxy phone or tablet, they will automatically lock your device when someone steals it or tries to take it off the grid by switching off the cellular network, internet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
Why this actually needs "AI", I don't know, though. Is machine learning not good enough, or plain old trained algorithms (or 4th Industrial Revolution tech). Seems everything that processes anything in 2024 is AI-powered. I really can't wait for the buzzword of 2025 to kick in. It's amazing how the old words then quickly disappear from the PR slogans.
Still, having "automated" detection and locking for theft is a good thing to prevent the loss of phones. I just hope it does not lead to escalated levels of theft, where like with vehicle theft, it moved to kidnapping or hijacking because vehicles became too difficult to target on their own without the owner.
See https://www.sammobile.com/news/galaxy-phone-now-automatically-get-locked-someone-steals/
#technology #antitheft #Android
10 of the most useful apps available on Steam
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore PC enthusiast, you must have heard of Steam. As one of the biggest digital game distribution platforms, Steam has a huge library of games spanning several genres. For those who like gaming on the move, you may also be familiar with the Steam Deck, a highly-capable gaming handheld designed by Valve, Steam’s parent company.
However, there’s a lot more to Steam than games and handhelds. If you’ve ever ventured into the unending list of apps available on Steam, you may have noticed an odd software or two among the thousands of action, RPG, and other titles. Many of these apps are incredible for gamers, and in the linked article below, they cover some of the most useful software on Steam to improve your gaming experience.
Unfortunately, many of the apps are Windows/macOS only, even though OBS Studio for example does install on Linux. But nevertheless, there are some useful apps to be found within Steam.
See https://www.xda-developers.com/useful-steam-apps/
#technology #steam #gaming
Disenchanted Windows user? Pop open a fresh can of Linux Lite
Linux Lite 7.0 "Galena" is out, the new release of this simplified and Snap-free distro based on Ubuntu 24.04, aka "Noble Numbat."
Linux Lite is deservedly one of the higher-profile third-party Ubuntu remixes. It resolves many of the issues first-time migrants from Windows might face, while avoiding some of the complexities that other Ubuntu downstream distros, such as Linux Mint and Zorin OS, introduce. Linux Lite cuts through this: it offers just one desktop, Xfce, which in this vulture's opinion is the most solid choice available. Xfce has been configured with a sensible desktop layout to resemble Windows XP, with the optional Whisker menu rearranged to match.
I've not actually heard of Linux Lite (that I can recall). But this article does touch on something I've come to realise: Why so many users stick with Windows and Mac, and with centralised social media platforms like X or Facebook. They don't like making changes where there are lots of choices to make.
Many do just want "the one thing" to just install and use, and ideally it looks the same as others experience it.
I suppose then that this Linux Lite distro does offer that. One gotcha is that Linux Lite does not support major-version upgrades: you will have to reinstall from scratch, and this is not something I'd like at all.
Because of that gotcha I'd probably still recommend a new Linux user sticks with Linux Mint Xfce or similar platform.
See https://www.theregister.com/2024/06/10/linux_lite_70_arrives/
#technology #Linux
6 Really Good Docker Containers to use on your NAS
Docker containers are a great way to add functionality to your NAS outside the available app store. Whether you're running a Synology enclosure or a DIY server, it's possible to download and manage container images.
There are thousands of container images available for various services and apps. I'd suggest searching for frequently used services and see if there's a container. Load it up on your NAS and have fun!
Those covered in the linked article are:
* Portainer
* Watchtower
* Flame Dashboard
* Jellyfin
* IT Tools
* Vaultwarden
See https://www.xda-developers.com/these-are-the-best-docker-containers-i-use-on-my-nas/
#technology #selfhosting #docker
Space warfare: how the military could be forced to give up GPS and return to navigating by the stars
The military relies on space for communications, for position, navigation and timing (PNT) information, meteorology, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Australia now recognises space as an operational domain, alongside air, sea, land and cyber, and has established a Defence space command.
The Australian defence force already offers celestial navigation training and is working on a range of alternative navigation technologies.
It has a “navigate using celestial aids” training unit that includes learning how to construct a sun compass to establish north, south, east and west; identify celestial bodies to determine south and north; and other methods to estimate direction, time, distance and position.
So true though that the more we rely on vulnerable digital technology, we could be quite paralysed if it is neutralised. We rely on GPS for so many types of navigation, guidance, and even timing. Even technologies like cloud computing are no longer under local and decentralised control - such computing is not only exposed in the cloud but required long distance 24/7 connectivity to use.
Satellites are going to be great for phone calls in the wilderness, but such satellites too are very exposed in future warfare.
It is good to know some of the older tried and tested analogue skills are not yet lost. We do still have technologies such as ham radio that can establish communications over 10,000+ km without any Internet, and the newer Meshtastic license-free radio does a similar thing over shorter ranges.
It seems too that "older" tech low frequency navigation signals from ground stations may be coming back into use (a bit like short wave radio made a comeback for the war in Ukraine), and which are far more difficult to jam.
#technology #jamming #GPS
The Verge tested Aptoide, the first free iPhone app store alternative
The popular alternative Android marketplace Aptoide just launched as a challenger to the Apple App Store in Europe. We’ve seen a trickle of stores launch since March when the Digital Markets Act (DMA) forced Apple to support third-party iOS app marketplaces — but nothing has so far managed to upset the balance of power and change the status quo.
I really don't think, or expect, alternative app stores to overtake the Google or Apple app stores. But they should offer some niche alternatives for many devs as well as users. So I'd think of them more as complimentary offerings.
So, what’s the key selling point? What’s Aptoide offering users that they can’t find on the App Store? Besides a currently stark list of “curated” games, one element Trezentos points to is the way Aptoide combines a freemium model with a rewards structure.
See https://www.theverge.com/24172642/aptoide-ios-game-marketplace-hands-on-europe
#technology #iOS #appstore
South African Military Vehicles in War Thunder
War Thunder is a highly realistic battle game where players can choose from a number of armoured vehicles, tanks, ships, helicopters and planes represented for different countries. The player chooses a country and vehicle type, and works their way up from tier 1, progressing to higher tier vehicles as they gain battle experience. The vehicles are incredibly detailed and have characteristics that are closely resemble their real-world counterparts. An exception is often the premium vehicles that can be bought as they can have some enhanced features e.g. slightly faster turret rotation speed than the real-world vehicle. But each online battle tries to match players and similar vehicle tiers to ensure good game play.
I mentioned briefly in the video about World of Tanks which is another very popular tank battle game. Whilst World of Tanks focuses more on a faster-paced arcade type game with numerous points needed before knocking out an enemy vehicle, War Thunder can eliminate an enemy tank with just a single shot if it is very well placed. War Thunder has larger maps, more vehicle types, and plays at a slightly slower pace.
What to me is very interesting is it is the only online game I'm aware of that has a variety of South African military vehicles in it including the Eland, Ratel, Rooikat, Olifant tank, and even the Rooivalk attack helicoptor. The Ratel, for example, is considered to be the very first true wheeled ICV (Infantry Combat Vehicle) top enter military service anywhere in the world, and for its time was one of the best ICVs anywhere. It is regarded by most military analysts as the grandfather of all subsequent ICV designs. The Ratel became the backbone of the then SADF (now SANDF) mechanised battalions and served with distinction during 12 of the 26 years of the South African Border War.
Note though what War Thunder shows as the G6/Eland, is actually the G6 Rhino Self-Propelled Howitzer-Vehicle with 155mm artillery gun. The real Eland is a 4-wheel drive armoured car with a 60mm or 90mm quick-firing gun.
See https://youtu.be/SqWPcCSt7BE
#technology #gaming #southafrica #warthunder
Take Control Of MS Flight Sim With Your Smartphone And This Open-Source App
Anyone with more than a passing interest in flight simulators will eventually want to upgrade their experience with a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) setup that has buttons and switches for controlling your virtual aircraft’s assorted systems, which are well supported by games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS). But a traditional HOTAS system can be a bit of an investment, so you might want to thank Vaibhav Sharma for the virtualHOTAS project that brings a configurable HOTAS interface to your phone — just in time to try out that Dune expansion for MSFS.
The phone’s orientation sensors are used as a joystick, and on the screen, there’s both sliders and buttons you can use as in-game controls.
What's interesting with this is that there is no app installed on the phone, so it should work with Android and iOS. The app is an open-source Python app running on the computer, and the computer accesses it via a browser URL. Also, as it is a general interface, it will likely work as a general-purpose interface for other projects as well.
See https://hackaday.com/2024/06/01/take-control-of-ms-flight-sim-with-your-smartphone/
#technology #opensource #gaming
5 Tips to Secure Your GPG Key in Linux
GPG keys are a vital part of verifying your online identity. As such, securing it from bad actors ensures that no one can impersonate you in your communications with other people.
Most of us are probably guilty of just setting our GPG key up once and then just using it, but here are some tips if you want to lock it down a bit further.
If you have not yet set one up, there is also a link at the start of the article for how to do that.
See https://www.maketecheasier.com/secure-gpg-key-in-linux/
#technology #security #GPG
Turning An ATX PSU Into A Variable Bench Supply
Bench power supplies can sometimes be frustratingly expensive and also kind of limited. If you’re enterprising and creative, though, you can create your own bench supply with tons of features, and it doesn’t have to break the bank either.
ATX power supplies work as a great basis for a bench power supply. They have 12 volt, 3.3 volt, and 5 volt rails, and they can supply a ton of current for whatever you might need.
It is usually true that many devices get more fully unlocked regarding features, when open source firmware is applied to them, for example, true for most network routers. This project likewise does unlock some additional functions for an ATX power supply unit.
One caveat here, of course, is you'd be working with voltages so you'd want to be very careful and ensure too that fuses are correctly applied. There is also quite a debate in the comments about whether this is a good idea or not, but that said, I had actually bought an ATX adaptor plug a while ago for a computer power supply to supply 12V for my radios.
See https://hackaday.com/2024/05/23/turning-an-atx-psu-into-a-variable-bench-supply/
#technology #PSU
How to Change Docker’s Default Data Directory
I'm getting ready to do this on my home server as it's main boot drive is a 128 GB SSD, and it is always around 80% full.
This article will guide you through the steps to relocate Docker’s storage path for images, volumes, containers, etc., ensuring that your projects continue smoothly without the hassle of disk space limitations.
See https://linuxiac.com/how-to-change-docker-data-directory/
#technology #docker #selfhosting
LibreOffice has some really excellent getting-started Guides for their open-source Office Suite
There are some good reasons why Microsoft Office gets used widely, and that is often because it comes pre-installed as trialware on Windows PC's, it is pushed into schools and universities with educational discounts, it has massive funding for lobbying governments and sponsoring "digital villages", etc.
But it does create vendor lock-in, stifles innovation through being closed-source, pushes many into being locked into a cloud service with ever-increasing costs, does not use a fully open-standard format (provides limited support for ODF as well, and there was good reason why many governments chose ODF over Docx), makes it difficult to export one's documents cleanly between different applications, and of course has numerous license limitation son how it can be used.
It is certainly not to say that LibreOffice is better in terms of features than MS Office, but I've yet to find something I could not do with LibreOffice that I needed to get done. It is fully open-source, free to use and free to modify and examine, free of restrictions on its use, and is fully cross-platform (not only for the application itself, but also for its documents that can move between platforms and even to other applications using the open ODF format).
But one potential drawback with many open-source projects (including GIMP) is their lack of really good documentation. Good documentation needs to be clear and easy to understand. LibreOffice actually does have very good documentation at the link below. The guides are well-designed and many are over 500 pages each. They cover a Getting Started Guide, Writer Guide (word processing), Calc Guide (spreadsheets), Draw Guide (vector graphics drawing and illustrations), Impress Guide (presentations), and the Math Guide (formula equation editor).
The guides are also available in some other languages and can be downloaded as PDFs to be printed, or even in ODF source format for editing or adapting to one's needs.
See https://documentation.libreoffice.org/en/english-documentation/
#technology #opensource #LibreOffice
