LibreOffice 26.8 recorded over one million installer downloads in a week after The Document Foundation emphasized the release contains no built-in generative AI features, citing privacy and user-control concerns. TDF published principles (local execution, no telemetry, no vendor lock-in, optional plugins) for any future AI integration and recommends community plugins instead.
The author used a slow countryside vacation to combat 'brainrot' by cutting distractions, reading several books, and rekindling a hobbyist interest in math and physics through self-study, resulting in increased intellectual engagement. They reflect on habit changes, the role of AI and digital dopamine, and uncertainty about career implications but enjoy learning for its own sake.