Open Source 3D Printing Now More Accurate Than Proprietary Printers Too

A milestone has been passed in the Open Source control software for 3D printers, allowing an NZ$800 RepRap to produce higher resolution output than an NZ$25,000 commercial 3D printer using the same basic printing technology. The RepRap is also printing faster than the proprietary offering and uses cheaper, multi-sourced consumables.

Details and images here http://blog.reprap.org/2011/09/tipping-point-of-print-quality-open.html

Catalyst IT Wins South China Morning Post Contract

Wellington open source software firm and NZOSS sponsor Catalyst IT has won a significant Chinese software contract. The South China Morning Post will use Catalyst's Open Source expertise to develop their news website and supporting systems for more than 100,000 subscribers.

Full coverage here:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/5645891/Catalyst-IT-wins-South-China-…

Thoughts on Copyright

It would be fair to say that here at the NZOSS we agree that copyright is a vital legal instrument to ensure that people get credit for their creative endeavours (and can't claim credit for that of others). It is key to free and open source software and free and open culture:

Press Release - NZOSS Completes Another Successful Year

5 August 2011

New Zealand Open Source Society held its 2011 Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 5 August 2011. The meeting took place using a mix of technologies, including IRC and audioconferencing, to ensure that members throughout the country could participate in the meeting. Outgoing President Rachel Hamilton-Williams reported on the Society’s achievements and activities in the last year.

Dave Lane Voted President

The NZOSS AGM has voted Dave Lane President. Dave has been a member since the formation of the NZOSS in 2003. His company Egressive has hosted the NZOSS web site throughout the recent geological disruptions in Christchurch with no downtime. He has served on Council since the formation of the society. The NZOSS itself was formed in the wake of a open letter to Government about Open Source that was published by Dave in 2002. The Open Letter collected over 400 signatures. From a personal point of view I congratulate Dave on stepping into this challenging role.

Android Under Fire

The New Zealand Herald is reporting that Google senior vice president and chief legal officer David Drummond is accusing Microsoft, Apple and Oracle of using patents in an attempt to kill the innovative and popular Android phone operating system. Android is an open source phone operating system based on Linux. It has taken the market by storm, and is now the most popular operating system for smartphones in the world. Ironically Oracle has made use of Linux in it's "unbreakable Linux" campaign.