Vine Returns, PS5 Runs Linux, Apple TV Revives “Trying”

Three unrelated moves are shaking up the consumer tech feed this week: a Vine‑style app is back, a PlayStation 5 can now boot Linux, and Apple TV is bringing back a critically praised comedy.

Divine, backed by Jack Dorsey’s nonprofit, revives six‑second looping videos. Andy Nguyen published GitHub steps to run a patched Ubuntu on certain PS5 units, showing GTA V with ray tracing at 60 fps and Spider‑Man at 1440p 60 fps. Apple TV announced a new season of “Trying,” the 96% Rotten Tomatoes comedy, following its Ted Lasso update (TechCrunch; The Verge; 9to5Mac).

Divine’s Six‑Second Comeback

Divine launched to the public this week with a single purpose: let users post six‑second loops without the noise of longer formats. The app mirrors the original Vine’s constraints, forcing creators to condense humor or insight into a bite‑size clip. That discipline produced some of the internet’s most replayable moments in 2013‑2016.

Jack Dorsey’s involvement comes through his nonprofit, which funded the platform’s initial rollout. The backing signals a belief that short loops still have a niche despite TikTok’s dominance. Dorsey’s track record with Twitter’s character limit suggests he values enforced brevity as a design principle.

Early adopters report that Divine’s feed algorithm favors fresh loops over curated playlists. The lack of a recommendation engine means users must actively follow creators to see new content. That design choice could limit viral spread but also keeps the experience uncluttered.

Linux on the PlayStation 5

Andy Nguyen released a step‑by‑step guide on GitHub that lets a subset of PS5 consoles boot a Linux distribution. The method exploits a patched vulnerability, installs Ubuntu, and then launches PC games directly from the console hardware.

The mod is soft: it disappears after a power cycle or restart. That limitation keeps the console’s firmware intact, but it also means the Linux environment is transient. Nguyen demonstrated GTA V with enhanced ray tracing at a stable 60 fps, and Spider‑Man at 1440p and 60 fps, proving the hardware can handle demanding titles.

Running Linux on a closed‑platform console raises security questions. The same vulnerability could be weaponized if left unpatched. Sony has not issued a statement, but the community expects a firmware update to close the hole. Meanwhile, power users see the mod as a proof of concept for extending console utility beyond games.

Apple TV Revives “Trying”

Apple TV confirmed that “Trying,” the comedy that earned a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, will return for a new season. The announcement arrived a day after Apple disclosed Ted Lasso’s season 4 launch date.

“Trying” follows a couple navigating parenthood and career pressure, delivering humor grounded in everyday anxieties. Its critical acclaim gives Apple TV a prestige asset that complements its bigger‑budget shows.

The timing suggests Apple is stacking original content to retain subscribers during a crowded streaming season. By pairing a high‑profile comedy with a beloved sitcom, the service hopes to capture both binge‑watchers and casual viewers.

Industry Context: Platform Longevity and User‑Generated Content

Short‑form video platforms have cycled through hype and decline for a decade. TikTok’s algorithmic feed has set the bar for engagement, yet the original loop constraint still appeals to creators who value instant replay. Divine’s launch tests whether a pure‑loop experience can carve a sustainable audience without algorithmic amplification.

Console modding has a long history, from homebrew on the original PlayStation to Linux on the PS4. Each generation sees enthusiasts pushing hardware beyond its intended use. Nguyen’s PS5 Linux effort continues that tradition, highlighting both the technical curiosity of the community and the ongoing tension between manufacturers and hackers.

Streaming services increasingly revive niche titles with strong critical reception. Apple’s decision to bring back “Trying” mirrors Netflix’s strategy of resurrecting cult favorites to diversify its catalog. The move underscores a broader industry pattern: leveraging existing IP to fill schedule gaps while courting award‑season buzz.

What to Watch

Divine’s user growth will reveal whether six‑second loops can survive in a TikTok‑dominated market. Keep an eye on Sony’s firmware releases for patches that could block the Linux exploit. Finally, track Apple TV’s viewership numbers for the new season of “Trying” and see if the show’s critical cache translates into subscriber retention.

Updates

• 2026-05-12 — iOS 27’s ‘completely rebuilt’ Siri will include a new system-wide search gesture: report (source)
• 2026-05-11 — A Chevron Texas Power Plant Seeks School District Tax Break (source)