The blog post "Everything wrong with MCP" criticizes Mojang's decision to use the MCP (Mod Coder Pack) as the intermediary format for modding Minecraft Java Edition. The author argues that MCP, being community-maintained and reverse-engineered, introduces instability, obfuscates the modding process, complicates debugging, and grants Mojang excessive control over the modding ecosystem. They propose that Mojang should instead release an official modding API based on clean, human-readable source code, which would foster a more stable, accessible, and innovative modding community. This would empower modders with clearer understanding of the game's internals, streamline development, and ultimately benefit players with a richer and more reliable modded experience.
NTATV is a project aiming to port Windows NT 4, along with later versions like Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, to the first-generation Apple TV. This involves creating custom drivers and leveraging the existing PowerPC architecture of the device. The goal is to achieve a functional Windows installation on the Apple TV, providing a unique and retro computing experience. The project is still under development, but progress is being documented, including details on hardware compatibility and the challenges encountered.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and legality of running Windows NT on the original Apple TV, expressing skepticism about its usefulness given the hardware limitations. Some questioned the legality of distributing modified Apple firmware and using copyrighted Windows components. Others were curious about the technical challenges involved, particularly regarding driver support and performance. There was some interest in the project as a nostalgic exploration of older operating systems, but overall the comments were more focused on the project's limitations and potential legal issues than its potential benefits. A few users speculated about alternative approaches, such as using a virtual machine, which might offer a more efficient way to achieve similar results.
Someone modded a PlayStation 1 console by encasing it in a 3D-printed shell resembling a crab. Dubbed the "PlayStacean," this crustacean-inspired creation maintains full functionality while sporting articulated legs, claw-like controllers, and bulging eyestalks. The modder, known online as Emperor Yi, meticulously designed and printed the shell components, carefully integrating them with the original console hardware. The result is a quirky and playful reimagining of the classic gaming system.
Hacker News users generally found the PlayStation crustacean mod amusing and well-executed. Several commenters appreciated the craftsmanship and creativity, with one calling it "peak geek." Some discussed the practicality of the mod, noting the potential heat issues and the impracticality of actually using it. Others jokingly pondered the implications of "carcinization," referencing the evolutionary phenomenon where unrelated crustaceans evolve similar forms, and applying it to the PlayStation's transformation. A few commenters shared their own experiences modding consoles or creating unusual tech projects. The overall tone is lighthearted and appreciative of the whimsical nature of the modification.
A new project introduces a Factorio Learning Environment (FLE), allowing reinforcement learning agents to learn to play and automate tasks within the game Factorio. FLE provides a simplified and controllable interface to the game, enabling researchers to train agents on specific challenges like resource gathering and production. It offers Python bindings, a suite of pre-defined tasks, and performance metrics to evaluate agent progress. The goal is to provide a platform for exploring complex automation problems and advancing reinforcement learning research within a rich and engaging environment.
Hacker News users discussed the potential of the Factorio Learning Environment, with many excited about its applications in reinforcement learning and AI research. Some highlighted the game's complexity as a significant challenge for AI agents, while others pointed out that even partial automation or assistance for players would be valuable. A few users expressed interest in using the environment for their own projects. Several comments focused on technical aspects, such as the choice of Python and the use of a specific library for interfacing with Factorio. The computational cost of running the environment was also a concern. Finally, some users compared the project to other game-based AI research environments, like Minecraft's Malmo.
This video demonstrates building a "faux infinity mirror" effect around a TV screen using recycled materials. The creator utilizes a broken LCD monitor, extracting its backlight and diffuser panel. These are then combined with a one-way mirror film applied to a picture frame and strategically placed LED strips to create the illusion of depth and infinite reflections behind the TV. The project highlights a resourceful way to enhance a standard television's aesthetic using readily available, discarded electronics.
HN commenters largely praised the ingenuity and DIY spirit of the project, with several expressing admiration for the creator's resourcefulness in using recycled materials. Some discussed the technical aspects, questioning the actual contrast ratio achieved and pointing out that "infinity contrast" is a misnomer as true black is impossible without individually controllable pixels like OLED. Others debated the practicality and image quality compared to commercially available projectors, noting potential issues with brightness and resolution. A few users shared similar DIY projection projects they had undertaken or considered. Overall, the sentiment was positive, viewing the project as a fun experiment even if not a practical replacement for a standard TV.
The post details an exploit targeting the Xbox 360's hypervisor, specifically through a vulnerability in the console's update process. By manipulating the order of CB/CD images on a specially crafted USB drive during a system update, the exploit triggers a buffer overflow in the hypervisor's handling of image metadata. This overflow overwrites critical data, allowing the attacker to gain code execution within the hypervisor itself, effectively bypassing the console's security mechanisms and gaining full control of the system. The post specifically focuses on the practical implementation of the exploit, describing the meticulous process of crafting the malicious update package and the challenges encountered in triggering the vulnerability reliably.
HN commenters discuss the technical details of the Xbox 360 hypervisor exploit, praising the author's clear explanation of a complex topic. Several commenters dive into specific aspects like the chosen attack vector, the role of timing, and the intricacies of DMA manipulation. Some express nostalgia for the era of console hacking and the ingenuity involved. Others draw parallels to modern security challenges, highlighting the constant cat-and-mouse game between security researchers and exploit developers. A few commenters also touch upon the legal and ethical considerations of such exploits.
Unleashed Recompiled is a project aiming to create a native PC port of the Xbox 360 version of Sonic Unleashed, considered by many to be the superior version. It uses reverse-engineering and recompilation techniques to achieve this, rather than emulation. This allows for potential enhancements like higher resolutions, improved performance, and mod support not possible with the existing PC port based on the inferior Wii/PS2 version. The project is still in development, but playable builds are available, showcasing progress in recreating the game's functionality and visuals.
Hacker News users discuss the technical challenges and achievements of porting Sonic Unleashed to PC. Several commenters express excitement for the project, particularly its potential to improve the game's performance and visuals beyond the original Xbox 360 version. Some raise concerns about the legal implications of using extracted assets and the potential for a DMCA takedown. Others delve into the technical details of the porting process, discussing the challenges of reverse engineering and recompiling the game's code. One user suggests using a licensed version of the Hedgehog Engine 2 for a hypothetical remake, while another speculates on the game's performance on the Steam Deck. There's also discussion comparing this port to the original PC version of Sonic Generations, with some users expressing hope for similar improvements in performance and stability.
This project aims to port Windows NT 4.0 to the Nintendo GameCube and Wii. It utilizes a custom HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) built upon the already existing Wii and GameCube homebrew scene and leverages existing open-source drivers where possible. While still in its early stages, the project has achieved booting to the NT kernel and displaying the blue screen. Significant challenges remain, including implementing proper drivers for the consoles' unique hardware and optimizing performance. The goal is to eventually create a fully functional NT 4.0 environment on these platforms, showcasing the operating system's adaptability and offering a unique retro-computing experience.
Hacker News users discuss the "entii-for-workcubes" project, expressing fascination with the technical challenge and achievement of porting Windows NT 4 to the GameCube and Wii. Several commenters reminisce about the era of NT 4 and its perceived robustness. Some discuss the limitations of the port, like slow performance and lack of sound, acknowledging the hardware constraints. Others speculate about potential uses, such as retro gaming or running period-specific software. The practicality is questioned, with many recognizing it more as a fun technical exercise than a genuinely useful tool. There's also discussion of the legal implications of using copyrighted BIOS files. The project's clever name, a play on "Nintendo" and "entities," receives positive remarks.
The Minecraft: Legacy Console Edition (LCE), encompassing Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, and PS Vita versions, has been largely decompiled into human-readable C# code. This project, utilizing a modified version of the UWP disassembler Il2CppInspector, has successfully reconstructed much of the game's functionality, including rendering, world generation, and gameplay logic. While incomplete and not intended for redistribution as a playable game, the decompilation provides valuable insights into the inner workings of these older Minecraft versions and opens up possibilities for modding and preservation efforts.
HN commenters discuss the impressive nature of decompiling a closed-source game like Minecraft: Legacy Console Edition, highlighting the technical skill involved in reversing the obfuscated code. Some express excitement about potential modding opportunities this opens up, like bug fixes, performance enhancements, and restored content. Others raise ethical considerations about the legality and potential misuse of decompiled code, particularly concerning copyright infringement and the creation of unauthorized servers. A few commenters also delve into the technical details of the decompilation process, discussing the tools and techniques used, and speculate about the original development practices based on the decompiled code. Some debate the definition of "decompilation" versus "reimplementation" in this context.
A new jailbreak called "WinterBreak" has been released, exploiting a vulnerability present in all currently supported Kindle e-readers. This jailbreak allows users to install custom firmware and software, opening up possibilities like alternative ebook stores, custom fonts, and other enhancements not officially supported by Amazon. The exploit is reliable and relatively easy to execute, requiring only a specially crafted MOBI file to be sideloaded onto the device. This marks a significant development in the Kindle modding community, as previous jailbreaks were often device-specific and quickly patched by Amazon. Users are encouraged to update to the latest Kindle firmware before applying the jailbreak, as WinterBreak supports all current versions.
Hacker News users discuss the implications of a new Kindle jailbreak, primarily focusing on its potential benefits for accessibility and user control. Some express excitement about features like custom fonts, improved PDF handling, and removing Amazon's advertisements. Others caution about potential downsides, such as voiding the warranty and the possibility of bricking the device. A few users share their past experiences with jailbreaking Kindles, mentioning the benefits they've enjoyed, while others question the long-term practicality and the risk versus reward, especially given the relatively low cost of newer Kindles. Several commenters express concern about Amazon's potential response and the future of jailbreaking Kindles.
The blog post details the process of "softmodding" an original Xbox in 2023 using a JTAG exploit. While hardware methods like soldering a physical modchip are still possible, the author focuses on a software approach leveraging a readily available Xbox debug cable and a PC. This involves booting a specifically crafted exploit image via the debug cable to enable kernel patching and ultimately allow execution of unsigned code. The guide covers necessary tools, resources, and steps involved, including obtaining a suitable exploit image, configuring the Xbox, and transferring necessary files. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks and ethical considerations involved in modifying game consoles.
Hacker News users generally expressed appreciation for the blog post's detailed walkthrough of the Xbox JTAG hacking process. Several commenters reminisced about their own experiences modding original Xboxes, highlighting the nostalgia factor. Some discussed the nuances of the different modchips available and the evolution of Xbox modding over time. A few users also offered additional technical details and corrections, pointing out specific aspects of the process or clarifying information presented in the blog post. One commenter discussed the legal implications of downloading copyrighted Xbox games. Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception to the article, with a mix of nostalgia, technical discussion, and practical advice.
Summary of Comments ( 186 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43676771
Hacker News users generally agreed with the author's criticisms of Minecraft's Marketplace. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes of frustrating experiences with low-quality content, misleading pricing practices, and the predatory nature of some microtransactions targeted at children. The lack of proper moderation and quality control from Microsoft was a recurring theme, with some suggesting it damages the overall Minecraft experience. Others pointed out the irony of Microsoft's approach, contrasting it with their previous stance on open-source and community-driven development. A few commenters argued that the marketplace serves a purpose, providing a platform for creators, though acknowledging the need for better curation. Some also highlighted the role of parents in managing children's spending habits within the game.
The Hacker News post titled "Everything wrong with MCP" (linking to an article criticizing Microsoft's Certified Professional program) has generated several comments discussing the certification's value, relevance, and overall perception within the tech industry.
Several commenters express skepticism about the value of MCP certifications, viewing them as generally meaningless and not indicative of actual skill or competence. One commenter mentions that while some certifications might hold value (e.g., specific cloud provider certifications), MCP is not one of them, highlighting a perceived disconnect between the certification's content and real-world job requirements. Another commenter echoes this sentiment, suggesting that MCP is more of a "participation trophy" than a true measure of expertise. The ease of obtaining the certification is also brought up, further diminishing its perceived value.
The discussion also touches upon the broader issue of certifications in the IT industry. Some commenters argue that certifications are often used as a filtering mechanism by HR departments, even if their technical relevance is questionable. This suggests that while certifications might not reflect actual skills, they can still play a role in the hiring process, especially for entry-level positions. However, there is a consensus that practical experience and demonstrable skills are significantly more valuable than certifications, especially as one progresses in their career.
Another thread in the comments focuses on the evolution of the MCP program over time. Commenters who obtained the certification years ago note that it used to hold more weight, suggesting that its perceived value has declined. One commenter recounts their experience preparing for and passing multiple MCP exams in the past, contrasting it with the current perception of the certification as less rigorous and meaningful.
Finally, some comments criticize the blog post itself, arguing that the author is misrepresenting the purpose of MCP. These commenters suggest that MCP is designed to be a foundational certification, intended as a starting point for further specialization within the Microsoft ecosystem. They argue that the author's criticism is misplaced because they are judging the certification against criteria it was not designed to fulfill.
In summary, the comments on Hacker News reflect a generally negative perception of the MCP certification, questioning its relevance, rigor, and value in the current tech landscape. While some commenters acknowledge its potential use as an entry-level credential or a stepping stone to more specialized certifications, the prevailing sentiment is that practical skills and experience are far more important than holding an MCP certification.