Open Source News Digest by Utopian.io [11-18/07/2016] - Blockchain Phones, "Batman Ninja", Solar Panels, The Human Brain Project & more

My main job on the weekly Utopian.io Open Source Radio Show on MSP Waves (aired live weekly on Wednesdays at 6PM UTC) is causing mayhem is bringing in the freshest most interesting news from the open source world, and (when possible) adding some commentary to each new item.

Unfortunately, I always find myself rushing through the news items on my list and leaving many of them out in the chaos that is live radio (especially when I am on air). To ensure you still get your weekly dose of what's moving and shaking in the open source ecosystem, I will be posting a weekly digest of open source news included or (unfortunately) left out in my news segment on the show.

This week we have:

• ARM stops being mean to open source rivals
• The Linux Foundation wants to transform the global energy market
• Charité's researchers integrate open-source platform into the 'Human Brain Project'
• Tron (TRX) gives $25,000 to 5 developers who spotted bugs in their open source code
• ​Python language founder steps down
• Quantum computing fund set up for open-source projects
• HTC Blockchain Phone
• Open Source solar panels
• Open Source Animation Software Utilized in Animated Feature Film 'Batman Ninja'

Up in arms! Arm kills off its anti-RISC-V smear site after own staff revolt

ARM, one of the world's biggest processor manufacturers, has recently taken down a smear-site against open source processor architecture RISC-V. Though they claimed they were trying to "start a discussion" by pointing out the flaws of their rivals, it's quite clear they simply made their brand look bad.

Linux Foundation launches open source energy project to ‘transform’ the world’s energy mix

The Linux Foundation announced the launch of a new initiative, LF Energy, established to “speed technological innovation” in the power sector. According to the Linux Foundation, "developing this plumbing upon a common infrastructure would allow energy firms and solution providers to reduce cost and complexity of integrating energy systems".

Charité and BIH develop digital data processing infrastructure

Can you use software to mimic the human brain? A group of scientist are trying to do just that. Charité's Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology is using open source technologies in a project aimed to help design the digital infrastructure of the 'Human Brain Project' (HBP), and the development of what is known as 'brain-inspired computing'. The latter will involve the development of new types of supercomputers which mimic the architecture of the brain. 

I don't know about you, but to be this sounds like the start of a science fiction horror.

Tron (TRX) Gives $25,000 to 5 Developers Who Spotted Bugs in Open-Source Code

No one knows better than us at Utopian.io just how hard it is to get good contributors aboard without a tempting bounty. So it's no wonder Tron cashed out $25,000 in cryptocurrency to reward five developers that "are actively working to redefine the community of Tron".

While @utopian-io can't offer you such a bounty (yet), we do give you a much broader selection of open source projects you can contribute to and be rewarded.

​Python language founder steps down

After almost 30 years of overseeing the development of the world's most popular language, Python, its founder and "Benevolent Dictator For Life" (BDFL), Guido van Rossum, has announced he will be stepping down from the role. He did not appoint a successor, and while the Python community does have a large number of contributors and supporters, this lack of leadership may impact its future.

The Unitary Fund: Get $2,000 for your open source quantum computing project

A new fund aimed at supporting the development of open source projects in quantum computing has been launched and is offering you grants, if you're into high-end innovative quantum computing. The fund was created by William Zeng, head of quantum cloud services for the quantum computing company Rigetti.

Blockchain Phone is Real and it is Arriving

HTC reportedly envisions a phone called Exodus where you hold your own keys, you own your own identity and data, and your phone is the hub. A phone where you can own your identity is a little further in the future, while the one coming by the end of the year will be a phone with a wallet and a partnership with CryptoKitties.

While this may or may not be true, this is not the first attempt at a "crypto-phone" to allow for smooth crypto-transactions, identity encryption and increased security. One such attempt is by an Israeli company called Sirin Labs, who at this point should consider just partnering up with mobile giant HTC in their endeavor.

Amazing solar panel device that could change the world goes open source

Harnessing the power of the sun usually requires large panels and complex construction. This Chinese-Canadian  software/mechanical engineer Eden Full Goh developed an innovative device called SunSaluter from cheap, recycled materials found across the globe, and gave the design to the world as an open source project.

Open Source Animation Software OpenToonz Utilized in Kamikaze Douga's First Animated Feature Film 'Batman Ninja'

Last but not least: open source in entertainment is rarely mentioned, but always worth noting. Especially if the work involved is a film with a name like "Batman Ninja".

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Be sure to tune in next Wednesday, at 6PM UTC on MSP Waves for the Utopian.io Open Source Radio Show with @jedigeiss, @buckydurddle and myself!