Sweden has nominated its demoscene for consideration as part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage. The demoscene, flourishing particularly in the 80s and 90s, is a computer art subculture focused on creating real-time audiovisual presentations called demos, pushing the boundaries of coding and hardware. This nomination recognizes the demoscene's unique blend of programming, music, and graphics as a distinct cultural expression worth preserving and celebrating, acknowledging its historical significance and ongoing community in Sweden.
AMC Theatres will test Deepdub's AI-powered visual dubbing technology with a limited theatrical release of the Swedish film "A Piece of My Heart" ("En del av mitt hjärta"). This technology alters the actors' lip movements on-screen to synchronize with the English-language dub, offering a more immersive and natural viewing experience than traditional dubbing. The test will run in select AMC locations across the US from June 30th to July 6th, providing valuable audience feedback on the technology's effectiveness.
Hacker News users discuss the implications of AI-powered visual dubbing, as described in the linked Engadget article about AMC screening a Swedish film using this technology. Several express skepticism about the quality and believability of AI-generated lip movements, fearing an uncanny valley effect. Some question the need for this approach compared to traditional dubbing or subtitles, citing potential job displacement for voice actors and a preference for authentic performances. Others see potential benefits for accessibility and international distribution, but also raise concerns about the ethical considerations of manipulating actors' likenesses without consent and the potential for misuse of deepfake technology. A few commenters are cautiously optimistic, suggesting that this could be a useful tool if implemented well, while acknowledging the need for further refinement.
Sweden is investigating a newly discovered break in a fiber optic cable in its territorial waters of the Baltic Sea, marking the fourth such incident in the region since October. While the damaged cable primarily served domestic internet traffic for the island of Gotland, authorities are treating the incident seriously given the recent spate of unexplained cable cuts, including those affecting international data and power transmission. The Swedish Security Service is leading the investigation and has not yet determined a cause or identified any suspects, though sabotage is a suspected possibility given the geopolitical context and previous incidents. The damage has not significantly disrupted internet access for Gotland residents.
Hacker News commenters discuss the likelihood of this cable break being another act of sabotage, similar to the Nord Stream pipelines. Several express skepticism of the official explanation of a fishing trawler causing the damage, citing the cable's depth and robust construction. Some speculate about Russian involvement given the geopolitical context, while others suggest the possibility of other state actors or even non-state actors being responsible. The lack of clear evidence and the ongoing investigation are highlighted, with several commenters calling for more transparency and a thorough inquiry before drawing conclusions. A few users also discuss the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure and the potential implications for communication and energy security.
Sweden is considering sending prisoners abroad due to overcrowding in its prisons. This overcrowding is largely attributed to a surge in gang-related crime, which has led to an increased number of convictions and longer sentences. The Swedish government is exploring agreements with other countries to house inmates, specifically focusing on those convicted of crimes committed abroad, and aims to alleviate pressure on its correctional system while potentially reducing costs.
Hacker News commenters discuss the irony of Sweden, known for its progressive social policies, now facing prison overcrowding due to gang violence. Some attribute the rise in crime to integration issues with immigrants, while others point to broader societal factors. Several commenters highlight the seeming contradiction of a country with generous social programs struggling with such a problem. The discussion also touches on the effectiveness of sending inmates abroad, with skepticism about its long-term impact on rehabilitation and reintegration. Some question whether this is a sustainable solution or simply a way to avoid addressing the root causes of the crime wave. A few commenters note the lack of specifics in the article about the plan's logistics and the countries being considered.
Summary of Comments ( 49 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43533362
HN commenters discuss the challenges and potential benefits of recognizing the demoscene as a UNESCO heritage item. Some express skepticism about whether it fits UNESCO's criteria, noting the difficulty of preserving ephemeral digital art and the scene's inherently subversive, counter-cultural nature. Others are more enthusiastic, emphasizing the demoscene's historical significance, technical artistry, and cultural impact, particularly in Sweden. A few commenters suggest alternative preservation strategies, like community-driven archives and emulation, rather than relying on UNESCO. Several also highlight the potential tension between formal recognition and the demoscene's underground ethos.
The Hacker News post "The demoscene as a UNESCO heritage in Sweden" has generated several comments discussing the potential recognition of the demoscene as a cultural heritage. Many commenters express enthusiasm for the idea, highlighting the demoscene's unique blend of technical skill, artistic expression, and community spirit.
One commenter describes the demoscene as a "fascinating subculture" that deserves wider recognition, emphasizing its influence on computer graphics and music. They appreciate the demoscene's focus on pushing the boundaries of hardware and software to create impressive audiovisual experiences. This sentiment is echoed by other users who recall fond memories of experiencing demos and the sense of wonder they evoked.
Some commenters delve into the historical significance of the demoscene, tracing its roots back to the cracking scene of the 1980s and its evolution into a distinct art form. They point out the demoscene's role in fostering creativity and collaboration, particularly in the early days of personal computing. One commenter specifically mentions the importance of preserving the demoscene's history and making it accessible to future generations.
Several comments focus on the technical aspects of the demoscene, admiring the ingenuity and skill involved in creating demos within strict size and hardware limitations. One user draws a parallel between the demoscene and other forms of constrained art, like haiku poetry, where limitations can spur creativity. Others discuss the challenges of preserving demos due to the rapid evolution of technology and the difficulty of emulating older hardware.
A few commenters raise questions about the practicality of UNESCO recognition, wondering how the demoscene's intangible nature would be preserved. They also discuss the potential implications of institutionalization, expressing concerns about the impact on the demoscene's underground culture and independent spirit.
Overall, the comments reflect a strong appreciation for the demoscene and its potential cultural value. While some express reservations about UNESCO recognition, most commenters view it as a positive step towards preserving and celebrating this unique subculture. The thread demonstrates a lively and informed discussion about the demoscene, its history, and its future.