💻 The RAM shortage could last years

Demand for memory chips has surged in recent years, driven by rapid growth in AI technologies and data-intensive applications. This has put increasing pressure on global supply chains, especially for RAM, which is essential for both data centers and everyday devices.

A global RAM shortage is expected to continue for several years, with supply projected to meet only about 60% of demand by the end of 2027. Major manufacturers are working to expand production, but most new facilities won’t be ready until 2027 or later. While output needs to grow by roughly 12% annually to keep up, current plans fall short at around 7.5%.

Much of the new capacity will focus on high-bandwidth memory used in AI data centers, leaving less production for standard DRAM in consumer devices. This imbalance is already driving up prices for products like smartphones, laptops, and gaming devices, and relief may remain limited even as new factories come online.

⛓ More information...

#news

🎙 AERIS-10: Open-Source Phased Array Radar

Traditional phased array radar systems cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, placing them out of reach for most researchers, drone developers, and hobbyists. AERIS-10 solves this by providing a fully open-source, modular 10.5 GHz radar for under a fraction of that cost, making advanced beamforming and pulse compression experimentation accessible.

Features of the project:
➡️Full electronic beam steering (±45°)
➡️360° mechanical rotation
➡️Two versions: 3km range or 20km
➡️On-board FPGA for signal processing
➡️GPS/IMU integration
➡️Python GUI with maps

This hackable platform removes cost barriers to radar experimentation. It will interest university researchers, drone startups, and serious SDR enthusiasts who have PCB assembly and FPGA experience.

⛓ More information...

#projects #radar #fpga #drones

👩‍💻 Canonical releases Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Resolute Raccoon

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS “Resolute Raccoon” has officially launched as Canonical’s latest long-term support release, powered by GNOME 50 and the 👩‍💻 Linux 7.0 kernel. It will receive five years of support (until 2031), with extended security maintenance available up to 2036, making it a stable choice for long-term use.

Key changes and updates:
➡️GNOME 50 (Wayland-only, smoother visuals, better scaling)
➡️Linux 7.0 kernel (improved performance and hardware support)
➡️Built-in AI support (NVIDIA CUDA, AMD ROCm)
➡️Stronger security (TPM disk encryption, Rust-based tools)
➡️Updated system tools and bug fixes (new Resources app, better GPU support)

Overall, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS focuses on modern performance, security, and future-ready technologies like AI, making it an appealing upgrade for both developers and everyday users seeking a reliable, up-to-date Linux system.

⛓ More information...

#news #linux #resoluteraccoon

📺 Air Powered Segment Display

This video documents the creation of a unique air-powered seven-segment display that functions as a clock. It shows how vacuum transistors, latching segments, and multiplexing allow multiple digits to be controlled with limited inputs. Inspired by earlier air-powered robots and microfluidic circuits, the video shows the progression from simple air distribution to full computation, including the accidental creation of pneumatic memory. The final build combines solenoid valves, a microcontroller, and a vacuum pump into a working clock with modes like a stopwatch and simple animations.

⛓ https://youtu.be/E1BLGpE5zH0

#video #projects

🧠 ClawdMeter Token Dashboard

Clawdmeter is a desk dashboard built around the ESP32-S3 and the Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-AMOLED-2.16 board. It monitors Claude Code token usage in real time on a 2.16-inch AMOLED display, helping users keep track of their limits through animated visuals and live statistics.

Features of the project:
➡️ESP32-S3-powered dashboard with a 480×480 AMOLED touchscreen display
➡️Real-time Claude Code token usage monitoring with animated pixel-art visuals
➡️Bluetooth LE connectivity using the NimBLE stack
➡️Built-in BLE HID keyboard support for Claude Code shortcuts
➡️Firmware written in C with 🇳🇱 LVGL-based graphical interface
➡️Portable hardware with WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, microSD slot, IMU, microphones, and optional battery support
➡️Easily portable firmware thanks to clean code structure and resolution-independent constants

Clawdmeter is an interesting project for developers, makers, and Claude Code power users who want a dedicated physical monitor for tracking AI usage. Since it relies mostly on firmware and off-the-shelf hardware, it’s also a practical and approachable ESP32 project for embedded and UI development enthusiasts.

⛓ More information...

#projects #esp32 #claude

👩‍💻 Understanding the Linux Kernel: The Linux Kernel Startup

This article explains how the Linux kernel starts up after a computer is powered on, focusing on the x86_64 architecture. It walks through the boot process step by step, from the bootloader handing control to the kernel to the early initialization of memory, hardware, and CPU features.

Complex topics such as page tables, interrupts, memory encryption, KASLR, and microcode updates are explained in simple and accessible language with creative examples, like comparing the boot process to setting up a space colony.

The article is written in a beginner-friendly style, making difficult low-level operating system concepts easier to understand and more interesting to read. Overall, it serves as an engaging introduction to what happens behind the scenes when Linux boots up and prepares the system to run.

⛓ More information...

#articles #linux

📺 The current state of LLMs in software engineering

Great video which summarizes of what's going on in software engineering when it comes to AI. As a someone who works as a software engineer himself and has been actively using LLMs for the past few years, I can say that they are nowhere close to replacing software engineers.

⛓ https://youtu.be/zfYsSFY4l18

#video #programming

📸 Optocam Zero - Raspberry Pi Zero based compact digital camera

Optocam Zero is a compact DIY digital camera built around a Raspberry Pi Zero and off-the-shelf electronic components. It is designed as a playful, easy-to-build device inspired by toy cameras, with an emphasis on portability and simplicity. The housing is fully 3D printable, making it accessible for makers to reproduce and customize.

Features of the project:
➡️Pocket-sized and easy to carry
➡️Simple, intuitive controls
➡️Autofocus camera with 2592×2592 JPEG capture
➡️1.4-inch LCD preview screen
➡️8 photo filters and GIF recording
➡️Fast wireless image transfer
➡️USB-C charging with swappable battery
➡️Fully 3D-printed enclosure

In summary, Optocam Zero combines the flexibility of DIY electronics with the charm of a compact, toy-like camera. It is best suited for those who want a customizable, portable device that emphasizes fun and experimentation over professional-grade photography.

⛓ More information...

#projects #raspberry