Category: Assistive Technology

Assistive TechnologySoftware Guides

GIMP Development Team Assumes Control of Snap Package Distribution in Major Shift

The GIMP development team has officially assumed control of the application’s Snap package, transitioning it from community maintenance to official project oversight. This move brings the Snap distribution channel under the same co-maintenance model as GIMP’s Flatpak package. Users can now install the verified Snap package directly from the official Snap Store.

Official Transition for GIMP Snap Package

The development team behind GIMP, the renowned free and open-source raster graphics editor, has officially taken control of the application’s Snap package distribution, according to recent reports. This transition marks a significant shift in how one of the most popular Photoshop alternatives is distributed through universal packaging systems on Linux platforms.

by Tyler Brooks P.E
Assistive TechnologyComputing

MSI’s New PC Assembly AI Assistant Faces Criticism for Limited Component Knowledge

MSI has launched an AI-powered PC building assistant designed to help beginners assemble custom computers. However, early testing reportedly reveals significant limitations in budget awareness and component selection expertise, according to industry analysis.

AI PC Building Tool Shows Promise and Limitations

Computer hardware manufacturer Micro-Star International (MSI) has introduced EZ PC Builder, a generative AI chatbot intended to guide users through the process of assembling custom personal computer systems. According to reports, while the tool offers basic assistance, it struggles with nuanced component recommendations and current pricing information that human experts typically provide.

by Tyler Brooks P.E
Assistive TechnologyPolicy

Harris Acknowledges White House EV Summit Oversight of Musk as Misstep, Questions Policy Priorities

Kamala Harris has publicly characterized the White House’s 2021 electric vehicle summit that excluded Tesla CEO Elon Musk as a significant error. The Vice President also expressed concerns about the administration’s prioritization of infrastructure over immediate household needs in recent comments at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit.

White House EV Event Exclusion Draws Criticism

Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly described the decision to exclude Tesla CEO Elon Musk from a 2021 White House electric vehicle event as a “big mistake,” according to her remarks at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, D.C. The event, hosted by President Joe Biden, featured executives from traditional automakers General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis but notably omitted representation from Tesla, despite the company’s exclusive focus on electric vehicle production.

by Tyler Brooks P.E
Assistive TechnologyEnergy

Urban Streetlights Double as EV Charging Stations in Equity-Focused Initiative

Streetlights are being reimagined as electric vehicle charging stations in a groundbreaking initiative led by Penn State researchers. The project focuses on bringing equitable charging access to urban residents who lack private parking options. Early results show significant environmental benefits and faster charging speeds compared to traditional stations.

Streetlights Transformed into EV Charging Infrastructure

Urban streetlights are serving dual purposes as electric vehicle charging stations in an innovative approach to addressing charging infrastructure gaps, according to reports from Penn State researchers. The team has developed a scalable framework that converts existing street lighting into accessible charging points, particularly benefiting apartment dwellers and residents without private parking.

by Megan Carter