I love seeing stuff like this. But what really excites me is when these types of 3D models start to represent real cities. Like the ViziCities project[0]. Maybe the idea of Mirror Worlds [1] will eventually become reality.
I understand your sentiment, but I'd warn against judging the project based on one blog post by Ethereum's communications guy. There seems to be some serious crypto/engineering heft behind the project:
Firefox OS is a nice idea, but it’s predicated on open standards: Anyone can take Firefox OS’s additions to HTML5 and produce their own implementation. If developers get on board — at least one Mozilla bigwig has stated that they “want to attract hundreds of thousands of developers” — and lots of open web apps begin to appear, then Google can simply implement the same specification in Chrome, Microsoft can implement it in IE10, and Apple can implement it in Safari. Even if you’re worried about the commercial interests of Apple or Google — or if you’re a carrier trying to extricate yourself — there’s nothing stopping you from installing the Android Open Source Project on your phone.
I think this is where the author contradicts his own argument. Do you know how many small businesses can be created on an open platform such as Firefox OS? It let's individuals and small development teams compete directly against Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, etc. It truly levels the playing field, in my view. Or at least, that's what I hope Firefox OS will be capable of.
As a developer and designer, I (for one) can't wait to try out Firefox OS. If it works well, I'll start using it more. And by all indications I've seen, it will probably work pretty well :)
IMO, you have to consider the audience. Chris probably hasn't had time to build any kind of glossary for 'marketing-slang'. He's probably spent most of his time building the functionality that the new version of LT is displaying today.
The line you highlighted can make plenty of sense if you take the time to think about what each word means. There is no instant gratification for understanding.
What do I mean by that? Google 'REPL' and take the time to learn what that concept means. Do some research and play around with leiningen. I'm really not trying to be rude, but do you know what type of developers LT is aimed at right now? hint: clojure
In my view, the importance of this article is this question: 'Who watches the watchers?'
What does that mean exactly? Well, it seems to me that there are some people (authorities) in the US who would like to use drones for domestic policing and surveillance. While that may not be a bad thing in and of itself, it could be abused by someone who has a desire to abuse others.
So my takeaway is that transparency into domestic drone programs is a good thing. And I, for one, will not trust any domestic agency that wants to use drones without being truly transparent about what they want to use drones for.
If there is another Stephenson book you have been thinking about reading, I would recommend diving in. I haven't read all of them, but I've read many, and have yet to be disappointed. Also check out Daniel Suarez if not familiar with him already. HTH.
[0] https://github.com/robhawkes/vizicities
[1] http://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Worlds-Software-Universe-Shoebo...