In this week’s edition of our open source news roundup, we take a look at Automotive Linux, Social 8-Bit, Deep Learning with neural networks, and more!

Open source news roundup for May 7 – 14, 2016

Linux for autos equals rapid innovation for major car makers

Linux already powers many in-car systems such as heads up displays, infotainment systems, and Internet connectivity utilities. It’s only fitting for software companies to join the brigade. Software giants such as Qualcomm Innovation Center and Texas Instruments have joined Automotive Grade Linux (AGL) in an effort to better streamline in-car systems.

Software makers will use a newly created codebase, AGL Unified Code Base, to develop standardized applications for autos. Specifications within the codebase will provide development teams with a standardized approach to communications, security, safety, navigation, and more. Linux is set to become the de facto operating system for the automotive industry.

Dan Cauch, Linux Foundation General Manager, says the demand for connected auto technology is on the rise. He sees the growing demand, among other factors, as a clear indicator of an upcoming connected car revolution. Couch goes on to say automakers are eagar to bring smartphone-like capbilities to connected cars.

8-bit social

The good old days of 8-bit gaming, when there was no autosave, are long gone. They live in our memories and on simulators that can run an entire game inside a web browser. Thankfully, a modern take on an old system can bring 8-bit to life again.

Developer Rachel Weil connected her Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to a server over Wi-Fi, then to a custom game through using the system’s controller port. The result is an 8-bit version of Twitter. The open source code, called Connected NES, is available on GitHub.

Amazon opens deep learning software

Amazon’s Deep Scalable Sparse Tensor Network Engine (DSSTNE) code library is now available under the Apache 2.0 license. The artificial neural network uses lots a of data to infer information from new data. Amazon says DSSTNE is faster than other deep learning libraries currently available. Amazon hopes to extend deep learning innovation by opening DSSTNE up to researchers. DSSTNE is available on GitHub.

Facebook opens Capture The Flag

Resources are scarce for a running security training simulation (like Capture The Flag) at the middle and high school levels. Building and running CTF test environments is a costly endeavor. Facebook has open sourced a complete CTF platform for students, non-profits, and schools to encourage gamified security trianing. The platform comes complete with game maps, team registration, and scoring. Facebook also offers a small repository of ready-made challenges (available upon request).

In other news

Thanks, as always, to Opensource.com staff members and moderators for their help this week. Make sure to check out our event calendar, to see what’s happening next week in open source.