Tech
OPPO Imagine IF Photography Awards 2024 Applications Are Ongoing
The OPPO Imagine IF Photography Awards 2024 applications have begun! Don’t miss the last chance to showcase your talents and win awards. Apply now for details!
![](https://balert.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/oppo-imagine-if-photography-awards-2024-applications-are-ongoing-5KR6FABX.jpg)
OPPO Imagine IF Photo Awards 2024 Applications Are Ongoing!
Applications for the OPPO Imagine IF Photo Awards 2024, organized by OPPO worldwide, are in full swing. So far, more than one million participants from 73 countries and regions have joined this prestigious competition, and applications will close on July 28. This event provides an opportunity to bring together inspiring photographs from all over the world, allowing participants to unleash their imaginations.
OPPO aims to support its users in expanding the limits of their creativity through various themed events. The themes ‘The Road to Paris’ and ‘In Harmony with the World’ aim to promote interaction and understanding among different cultures. In the applications submitted so far, participants have showcased the unique landscapes and cultural traditions of their countries through photographs. Each image, from the vibrant coastal life of Rio de Janeiro to the natural wonders deep within the Amazon rainforest, presents viewers with a new and worth-exploring world.
In addition to the OPPO Imagine IF Photo Awards, OPPO has partnered with Discovery Channel to showcase the diversity and richness of world cultures through the ‘Culture in a Frame’ program, connecting it with photography enthusiasts. This program enables participants to share their cultural heritage with a broader audience.
Don’t miss the opportunity to win awards! Applications for the OPPO Imagine IF Photo Awards 2024 will close on July 28 at 24:00 (UTC+8). This year’s competition will be evaluated by prestigious jury members who are experts in their fields, including contemporary photography icon Steve McCurry, National Geographic Photographer Michael Yamashita, Hasselblad Master Tina Signesdottir Hult, Magnum Photos member Alec Soth, and OPPO Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer Pete Lau. Among the awards offered to participants, there is an opportunity to win up to 24,000 US dollars individually and the chance to exhibit their works at Paris Photo 2024.
If you would like to participate in the OPPO Imagine IF Photo Awards, you can submit your application by visiting the OPPO Imagine IF Photography Project 2024 official website.
Tech
Cardano Activates ‘Chang’ Upgrade: A New Era of Decentralized Governance
Discover the transformative ‘Chang’ upgrade on Cardano, ushering in a new era of decentralized governance. Explore how this significant enhancement empowers users, fosters community engagement, and reshapes the blockchain landscape.
![](https://balert.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cardano-activates-chang-upgrade-a-new-era-of-decentralized-governance-X8I25zvs.jpg)
Cardano Activates “Chang” Upgrade: A New Era of Decentralized Governance
Cardano, the innovative layer-1 blockchain that was launched in 2017 by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson, has officially activated its highly anticipated “Chang” upgrade this past Sunday. This upgrade represents a significant leap toward decentralizing governance within the Cardano ecosystem, a long-planned initiative aimed at empowering its community.
With the implementation of the Chang upgrade, ADA token holders are now granted the ability to influence the future direction of Cardano by electing governance representatives and participating in votes concerning development proposals. The structure of this new community governance is outlined in CIP-1694, which stands for “Cardano Improvement Proposal.” This proposal lays the groundwork for three user-led governance bodies: The Constitutional Committee, Delegate Representatives (dReps), and Stake Pool Operators (SPOs).
In a significant shift, the three foundational entities of Cardano—the Cardano Foundation, Input Output Global (IOHK), and Emurgo—will relinquish their control over triggering chain upgrades or “hard forks.” The responsibility for such actions will now rest with the newly established governance groups, marking a transformative step in the project’s evolution.
Cardano’s move towards a decentralized governance structure aligns it with a growing trend among cryptocurrency projects, aiming to embody the core decentralized ethos of the blockchain industry. This change not only enhances the utility of ADA but may also serve as a strategic measure to mitigate scrutiny from securities regulators.
Despite its current ranking as the 28th largest blockchain according to DeFiLlama, Cardano has maintained a strong presence in the crypto sphere, largely thanks to Hoskinson’s vibrant personality and his habit of outspoken commentary. He was instrumental in creating the Ethereum blockchain in 2014, alongside notable co-founders like Vitalik Buterin, before shifting his focus to establish Cardano as a formidable competitor.
Hard forks—major updates that render previous versions of a blockchain obsolete—are essential for the evolution of any blockchain network. The Chang hard fork is no exception and will be implemented in two distinct phases.
- Phase One: Already live, this phase introduces an Interim Constitutional Committee tasked with temporarily overseeing Cardano’s governance. Caution is paramount in this stage, as the committee’s authority to modify the blockchain’s code is restricted while the broader governance model develops.
- Phase Two: Anticipated to occur within the next 90 days, this phase will empower the new governance bodies fully. According to Giorgio Zinetti, CTO of the Cardano Foundation, “Once everyone is onboard and well-informed, they will be ready to actively participate in governance.”
This upgrade signifies a pivotal moment in Cardano’s roadmap, heralding the commencement of the Voltaire era—an epoch dedicated to achieving full decentralization that has been in the making since the inception of Cardano. Zinetti expressed the significance of this milestone, stating, “I would say it is the biggest event in Cardano history, and it really sets us apart from many other chains.” He further asserted, “I think we are the largest layer-1 blockchain with on-chain governance. While there are smaller players, like Tezos and Polkadot, who have implemented on-chain governance, if there were a leaderboard for real decentralized layer-1s, we would take the top spot.”
Tech
The Rise of Linux: Breaking the Dependency on Windows and the Future
The Rise of Linux: Explore ways to break free from dependence on Windows. Learn about the advantages, freedom, and future potential offered by the open-source world. Start your technological journey with Linux!
![](https://balert.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/the-rise-of-linux-breaking-the-dependency-on-windows-and-the-future-cgan387H.jpg)
The Rise of Linux: Dependency on Windows and Its Future
The recent collapse of Windows due to Crowdstrike’s update issues has once again highlighted how dependent large organizations are on Microsoft’s operating system. However, recent research suggests that Linux could increase its market share to 5% by 2025. So, how is this transition happening?
According to StatCounter’s data for July 2024, Windows still holds the position of the most preferred operating system with a 72% market share. On the other hand, Linux reaching a 4.5% market share indicates an increased willingness among users to turn to alternative systems. This situation is influenced by the growing number of users who are uncomfortable with Microsoft’s operating system and want to either join or leave Apple’s MacOS ecosystem.
- Although Linux’s market share reached 4% in February 2024, it fell to 3.9% in April and May.
- However, with the recent increases, the market share continues to rise, and analyses predict that it could reach 5% by February 2025.
An Alternative Offering Everything for Free
Linux distributions have made significant progress in recent years. In particular, some popular distributions that stand out with their user-friendly interfaces and strong performances include Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS. The vast majority of these distributions are offered to users completely free of charge.
Many users have started to prefer Linux, which offers rich capabilities and a fast user experience, over other operating systems that provide similar features for a fee. If Linux manages to exceed a 10% market share within 2025, a major transformation could occur in the software and operating system world. This could change the course of technological competition and initiate a new era in user preferences.
Tech
Dispute Over Audio Controls Between Spotify and Apple
How does the dispute over audio controls between Spotify and Apple affect the music streaming experience? In this article, explore the background of the conflict between the two giants and its impact on user experience.
![](https://balert.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dispute-over-audio-controls-between-spotify-and-apple-LuquROfX.jpg)
Dispute Over Audio Controls Between Spotify and Apple
The disputes between Spotify and Apple have taken on a new dimension, this time focusing on audio controls. Spotify, the music streaming service, claims that Apple has restricted its ability to adjust audio levels from iOS devices using Spotify Connect technology. This situation negatively impacts the user experience while listening to music. While Spotify states that it is working on a solution, it emphasizes that users should utilize the audio slider in the iOS app.
The company expresses that this issue does not affect Bluetooth or AirPlay connections and is only applicable to iOS users. In a support article published by Spotify, it states, “Apple has stopped the technology that allows Spotify to control the audio on connected devices using the volume buttons on the device.” The article continues, “While we work on a solution with them, you can easily adjust the sound on your connected device using the Spotify app.”
Spotify Connect allows users to synchronize with speakers, televisions, and other devices through the music streaming application. This feature, which works via Bluetooth or WiFi, shows a list of compatible devices when you click the screen/speaker icon in the app’s media player. Once connected, it offers the possibility to have full control over the connected device through the Spotify app. This feature stands out as a much faster and more practical option compared to switching between the settings menu on your phone and the app.
Until recently, this convenience could be accessed using the volume buttons on iPhones. According to a report by TechCrunch, Spotify once again accuses Apple of violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This law aims to prevent “gatekeepers” from engaging in “unfair practices” with their products and services. Ensuring interoperability with operating systems and software features is also among these unfair practices.
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