The Openstream #56 – Juli/August 2023

• Schweizer Kaffeeröster 2023, SEO-Überschriften
• Umstellung auf Google Analytics 4 ein Muss, AI for WordPress
• MindValley AI Summit: Wie du als Content-Creator mit KI dein kreatives Potenzial entfesselst
• Dystopian Algorithms, The Power of Open Source
• NFT-Kunstkollektion der Schweizer Frauen-Nati, Steuerzahlungen in Bitcoin und Ether
• Ensuring Trust in the Crypto Landscape
• WordPress, WooCommerce und Magento Updates, WooCommerce Roadmap
• Recap WordPress Zürich Meetup Q2/2023 #WP20
• Web2 und Web3 Events in Bern, Friedrichshafen, Maryland, New York und Zürich

Liebe Leser:innen

Unser Kunde Henauer Kaffee darf in diesem Jahr vom deutschen Kaffee-Fachmagazin «crema» die Auszeichnung «Schweizer Röster des Jahres 2023» entgegennehmen. Eine unabhängige Jury hat dazu das Qualitätsniveau der Roh- und Röstkaffees, die Sortimentsvielfalt, die Nachhaltigkeit des Unternehmens sowie seine Serviceleistungen bewertet.

«Dieser Titel ist eine grosse Anerkennung für uns und unser mehr als 125-jähriges Röst-Handwerk«, sagt Philipp Henauer. Gemeinsam mit seiner Schwester Stefanie Henauer führen sie den Betrieb im Zürcher Unterland. «An erster Stelle gilt unser grösster Dank den Menschen, die uns hierhin gebracht haben, allen voran unsere Kunden, die uns tagtäglich ihr Vertrauen schenken, den unermüdlichen Kaffeebauern, welche uns mit so herausragenden Kaffees versorgen sowie unseren Mitarbeitern, die stets aufs Neue Grossartiges leisten und unsern Erfolg ausmachen.»

Openstream entwickelt Online Shops wie den von Henauer Kaffee ab 2500 CHF. Zudem bieten wir auch Baukastensysteme ab 29 CHF/Monat für diejenigen, die mit einem No-Code Tool ihre Website oder ihren Webshop selbst entwickeln möchten, supported von einer E-Commerce Partnerin mit langjähriger Erfahrung und Schweizer Service Qualität. Im Gegensatz zu Shopify, bietet WooCommerce unter anderem die Freiheit den Serverstandort in der Schweiz zu wählen (Stichwort: Datenschutz), sowie mehr Flexibilität bei der Integration von Schweizer Zahlungsanbietern und anderen Integration wie z.B. der Swiss ID.

Hier eine Übersicht der umfangreichen Funktionen von WooCommerce, die zudem durch kostenlose, kommerzielle und von Openstream entwickelten Plugins (Zusatzmodule) erweitert werden kann.

Weitere Themen in diesem Newsletter

• SEO-Überschriften
• Umstellung auf Google Analytics 4 (GA4) ein Muss
• AI for WordPress
• Dystopian Algorithms
• The Power of Open Source
• NFT-Kunstkollektion der Schweizer Frauen-Nati
• Steuerzahlungen in Bitcoin und Ether
• Ensuring Trust in the Crypto Landscape
• WordPress 6.2.1 Maintenance and Security Release
• WordPress 6.2.2 Security Release
• WooCommerce 7.7.1 Fix Release
• WooCommerce 7.8 Release
• WooCommerce 7.8.1 Fix Release
• WooCommerce 7.8.2 Fix Release
• WooCommerce 7.9 Release
• WooCommerce Public Roadmap
• Magento 2.4.6-p1, 2.4.5-p3 and 2.4.4-p4 Security Releases
• Recap WordPress Zürich Q2/2023 Meetup #WP20

Events in dieser Ausgabe

• Crypto Mondays: Blockchain for a Greener Future
• How to build strong communities for Web3 startups?
• WordPress-Würstchen – WP Geek meets Grillgenie
• WordCamp US 2023 + WordPress Community Summit
• Digital Festival + HackZurich
• Meet Magento New York

Wir wünschen gute Unterhaltung und wünschen euch einen angenehmen Sommer!

Herzliche Grüsse
Nick & Co.

P.S. Don’t forget to cut yourself and others some slack!

Look, everyone has their demons, in work, family, friends, no-friends, health, finances, even SEO, or just general chaos. The one who "has it all figured out"? They do too. Cut folks some slack.

Cut yourself some slack.

Give it time. Give yourself time.

— John 🧀 … 🧀 (@JohnMu) July 13, 2023

#SEO

SEO-Überschriften

SEO-Überschriften sind der Schlüssel, um die Aufmerksamkeit der Leser beziehungsweise Webseitenbesucher auf den Inhalt zu lenken. Wichtig ist dabei, dass die Überschriften das Interesse wecken und den Leser dazu animieren, den Text unbedingt lesen zu wollen. Natürlich muss dann auch der Text entsprechend gut und informativ gestaltet sein.

Sind die SEO-Überschriften richtig gewählt und für die Zielgruppe interessant, können diese zu einem besseren Ranking führen. Zum einen verstehen die Suchmaschinen und die Benutzer sofort, um was es geht. Dieser Umstand wird von Google positiv bewertet. Und zum anderen verweilt der Leser bei guten Überschriften und Texten länger auf der Seite, was Google ebenfalls beim Ranking gut bewertet.

#Analytics

Umstellung auf Google Analytics 4 (GA4) ein Muss

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) ist in aller Munde und muss ab dem 1. Juli 2023 zwingend eingerichtet sein, um weiterhin Analysedaten sammeln zu können. Für den einen ist die Umstellung auf Google Analytics 4 ein Kinderspiel. Für den anderen eine Sache, die gemacht werden muss und nicht zu den Lieblingsaufgaben gehört. Gerne unterstützen wir bei der Umstellung, damit auch weiterhin alle Daten korrekt verarbeitet werden.

#ArtificialIntelligence

AI for WordPress

The “Word on the Future: AI for WordPress” online event on May 25, 2023 was kicked-off by Human Made, CEO Tom Willmott. It focused on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in WordPress. Noting a recent surge in AI innovation, he compared it to previous technological shifts, like the advent of mobile, social media, and cloud computing. Tom highlighted the opportunity for WordPress to adapt to these changes and improve its platform.

The event included discussions on AI-powered features and products, presentations from various speakers from different companies who are using AI to enhance their WordPress services, and reflections on the future of WordPress in light of AI.

Tom also announced that Human Made, known for their belief in the power of open-source and the value of the WordPress ecosystem, has been exploring these questions about AI in WordPress through internal R&D and collaborations with their clients. The event also showcased some of this R&D work, with Human Made CTO and co-founder Joe Hoyle demonstrating the new capabilities brought about by integrating AI into WordPress which we summarize in this article.

MindValley AI Summit: Wie du als Content-Creator mit KI dein kreatives Potenzial entfesselst

Die AI Summit von MindeValley vom 14.-16. Juli war eine atemberaubende Serie von Präsentationen über den Benefit von künstlicher Intelligenz in kreativen Unternehmen. Verschiedene Experten zeigten ein breites Spektrum, darunter das Schreiben von Büchern, das Erstellen von Bildern, das Programmieren ohne Programmierkenntnisse, das Produzieren von Kunst und Musik mit KI, die Nutzung von KI für die Erstellung von Inhalten in grossem Umfang, der Aufbau von KI-Communities und die Entwicklung von KI-Anwendungen.

Dystopian Algorithms

50% of AI researchers believe there’s a 10% or greater chance that humans go extinct from our inability to control AI.

Source: 2022 Expert Survey on Progress in AI

In reference to The Social Dilemma, the Center for Humane Technology recently released a presentation by co-founder Aza Raskin and technology ethicist Tristan Harris entitled the AI Dilemma. They discuss how existing AI capabilities already pose severe risks to a functional society, how AI companies are caught in a race to deploy as quickly as possible without adequate safety measures, and what it would mean to upgrade our institutions to a post-AI world.

#OpenSource

The Power of Open Source

WordPress co-founders Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little sat down with Dries Buytaert, founder of Drupal, to discuss their experiences and beliefs regarding open source software, specifically WordPress and Drupal. They reflect on their introduction to open source, the power of collaboration and community, the significance of the GPL license, and the evolution and innovation facilitated by open source. They emphasize the importance of open source in creating a more free and connected world, and express their dedication to contributing to open source in the future.

I think open source is the most powerful idea of our generation.

WordPress Co-Founder Matt Mullenweg

In the second part of the conversation the participants discuss the dominance of WordPress as an open-source platform and its ability to compete against well-funded commercial competitors. Matt mentions that open-source projects like WordPress have an advantage in the long run because they involve more users and improve over time. He believes that proprietary software is an evolutionary dead end and that open source, with its focus on user experience, is the future.

#Web3

NFT-Kunstkollektion der Schweizer Frauen-Nati

Die erste gemeinsame NFT-Kunstkollektion des Schweizerische Fussballverband (SFV) und der Credit Suisse mit insgesamt 756 einzigartigen Non-Fungible Tokens, sogenannten NFTs, ist vom 11. Juli bis zum 31. August 2023 exklusiv über die CSX App der Credit Suisse verfügbar. In wenigen Schritten können die NFTs in drei verschiedenen Raritätsstufen ab 150 CHF pro NFT erworben werden – einfach, schnell und sicher. Mit jedem Kauf unterstützt du dabei aktiv die Förderung des Frauenfussballs, denn 100 % der Nettoerlöse gehen sowohl an die Nati-Spielerinnen als auch an ausgewählte Nachwuchsprojekte im Mädchen-Fussball.

Steuerzahlungen in Bitcoin und Ether

Im Juli 2016 führte der Kanton Zug die Möglichkeit ein, Gebühren bis zu 200 Franken direkt am Schalter der Einwohnerkontrolle mit Bitcoin zu begleichen. Seit Februar 2021 können natürliche und juristische Personen, die im Kanton Zug steuerpflichtig sind, ihre Steuerrechnung mit den Kryptowährungen Bitcoin und Ether bezahlen.

Wir sind stolz darauf, dass der Kanton Zug seit Jahren eine Vorreiterrolle in der Nutzung von Kryptowährungen einnimmt. Mit der Erhöhung der Transaktionslimite setzen wir ein weiteres Zeichen für die Akzeptanz und Verbreitung dieser innovativen Zahlungsmethode.

Finanzdirektor Heinz Tännler

Ensuring Trust in the Crypto Landscape

Crypto Mondays Zürich co-founder Elvedin kicked-off the latest event by welcoming everyone and expressing his excitement about the gathering. He mentioned that it was a special day as it was Bitcoin Pizza Day and also the one-year anniversary of Crypto Mondays Zürich. He thanked the pizza sponsor, PizzaDAO, who provided pizzas and drinks for the event. He explained the historical meaning of the Bitcoin Pizza Day event of someone buying a pizza for 10,000 bitcoins in 2010 which would be the equivalent of 238 million Swiss francs at the time of the event in May 2023.

#Updates

WordPress 6.2.1 Maintenance and Security Release

This minor release features 20 bug fixes in Core and 10 bug fixes for the block editor. You can review a summary of the maintenance updates in this release by reading the Release Candidate announcement.

This release also features several security fixes. Because this is a security release, it is recommended that you update your sites immediately. All versions since WordPress 4.1 have also been updated.

WordPress 6.2.2 Security Release

WordPress 6.2.2 was released on May 20, 2023. This minor release addresses 1 bug and 1 security issue. Because this is a security release, it is recommended that you update your sites immediately. All versions since WordPress 5.9 have also been updated. WordPress 6.2.2 is a rapid response release to address a regression in 6.2.1 and further patch a vulnerability addressed in 6.2.1.

The issue above was originally patched in the 6.2.1 release, but needed further hardening here in 6.2.2. The Core team is thankful for the community in their response to 6.2.1 and collaboration on finding the best path forward for proper resolution in 6.2.2. The folks who worked on 6.2.2 are especially appreciative for everyone’s understanding while they worked asynchronously to get this out the door as quickly as possible.

WooCommerce 7.7.1 Fix Release

WooCommerce 7.7.1 was released on May 30, 2023. It introduces a few fixes for issues that were introduced in the 7.7.0 release.

• Fix Mini-Cart block conflict with Page Optimize and Product Bundles (II)
• Move template addition to feature flag

WooCommerce 7.8 Release

WooCommerce 7.8.0 was released on June 13, 2023. This release should be backwards compatible with the previous version. It contains

• 549 commits from 61 contributors in WooCommerce Core.
• 204 commits from 32 contributors in WooCommerce Blocks.

This release continues to support PHP version 7.3. It was recently announced that support for PHP 7.3 will end, beginning with the release of WooCommerce 8.2.0, scheduled for release in October of 2023.

WooCommerce 7.8.1 Fix Release

WooCommerce 7.8.1 was released on June 27, 2023. Here’s what’s new:

• Corrected an issue that caused a failure message to appear when product screen loading is interrupted by an unload.
• Address an issue with the product_type_options filter that could affect compatibility with some extensions.
• WooCommerce Blocks has been updated to 10.2.4 which adds back Filter by Blocks and addresses issues with their translations.

WooCommerce 7.8.2 Fix Release

WooCommerce 7.8.2 was released on July 3, 2023.

This version requires wc-admin-functions into products tracking class. It corrects WooCommerce API failures due to a missing class.

WooCommerce 7.9 Release

WooCommerce 7.9.0 was released on July 17, 2023. This release should be backwards compatible with the previous version. It contains

• 368 commits from 47 contributors in WooCommerce Core.
• 182 commits from 28 contributors in WooCommerce Blocks.

As always, it’s recommended to create a backup of your site and make sure that your theme and any other plugins are compatible before updating.

While 7.9.0 continues to support PHP 7.3, WooCommerce wants to reminds about an announcement they made recently regarding the upcoming change that will require PHP 7.4 beginning with WooCommerce 8.2.0.

WooCommerce Public Roadmap

The WooCommerce Public Roadmap represents the company’s commitment to transparency and collaboration. It was created to provide the developer community with insights into current projects, future plans, and the overall direction of WooCommerce. The roadmap is a living document that details plans for WooCommerce’s core platform and products, allowing developers to see what is being worked on, what’s next in line, and what is being considered for the future.

The roadmap is organized into different categories: Ideation, Now, Next, and Later. Projects in the “Ideation” phase are being planned, but no work has started yet. “Now” refers to projects that are currently underway. “Next” includes projects that WooCommerce is committed to, but hasn’t started yet, while “Later” refers to projects that are being scoped out and are likely to happen, but work hasn’t been scheduled yet.

Magento 2.4.6-p1, 2.4.5-p3 and 2.4.4-p4 Security Releases

Magento 2.4.6-p1

Adobe Commerce 2.4.6-p1 is a security release that provides three security fixes that enhance your Adobe Commerce 2.4.6 or Magento Open Source 2.4.6 deployment. It provides fixes for vulnerabilities that have been identified in previous releases.

Magento 2.4.5-p3

Adobe Commerce 2.4.5-p3 is a security release that provides 13 security fixes that enhance your Adobe Commerce 2.4.5 or Magento Open Source 2.4.5 deployment. It provides fixes for vulnerabilities that have been identified in previous releases.

Magento 2.4.4-p4

Adobe Commerce 2.4.4-p4 is a security release that provides three security fixes that enhance your Adobe Commerce 2.4.4 or Magento Open Source 2.4.4 deployment. It provides fixes for vulnerabilities that have been identified in previous releases.

Magento 1 Security Updates

If you’re still using Magento 1 and don’t want to upgrade to Magento 2, we recommend that you migrate to OpenMage for security reasons. If you have questions about migrating to OpenMage, please leave a comment or get in touch.

#Events

Recap WordPress Zürich Q2/2023 Meetup #WP20

Recap vom 1. Juni 2023

Am 1. Juni feierten wir im Zürcher Westhive Kitchen 20 Jahre WordPress. WordPress ist dreizehn Jahre älter als TikTok (2016), kam vier Jahre vor Tumblr (2007) und dem ersten iPhone (2007) auf den Markt, war etwa ein Jahr vor Facebook auf dem Markt (2004) und ist etwa fünf Wochen älter als Tesla (Juli 2003).

Dieser Rückblick enthält die Audioaufzeichnungen und Slides der Präsentationen, sowie ein paar visuelle Eindrücke des Abends.

Crypto Mondays: Blockchain for a Greener Future

24. Juli 2023 in Zürich

Discover the potential of blockchain technology in the fight against climate change and its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future.
3 leading companies at the forefront of environmental innovation will join the discussion.

1. Hyphen Global AG: Join us as Hyphen presents their groundbreaking atmospheric-based GHG digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) system. Explore how this advanced technology restores trust in carbon credit verification, invigorating the carbon market and increasing financing for climate change mitigation.
2. CEVEN: Discover how CEVEN combines local data acquired through eDNA and remote sensing data from satellites to provide site-specific biodiversity monitoring. Gain insights into how their approach empowers businesses, investors, and nature-based solutions to make informed decisions that preserve biodiversity.
3. Open Forest Protocol (OFP): Learn about OFP’s scalable platform that allows forest projects from around the world to Measure, Report, and Verify (MRV) their forestation data. Explore how OFP creates transparent, immutable, and proof-of-impact data to support inclusive and data-backed financing mechanisms for nature-based climate solutions.

How to build strong communities for Web3 startups?

25. Juli 2023 in Zürich

Zooming in on entrepreneurship, collaborating with CVA’s (Crypto Valley Association) Startup Working Group to offer fresh insights on building strong communities in the Web3 space.

A group of inspiring and experienced experts have been invited as panelists:

• Fabiola Luna Huerta (CV Labs)
• Josephine Koetter Samvelyan (Swiss NFT Association)
• Yves Boutellier (swissDAO)
• Gesa Feldhusen (Dezentrum & Leu)
• Benedek Orban (Crypto Valley Association, Runtime Machines)

Agenda

• 18:30 – Door opening – Trust Square, Paradeplatz
• 19:00 – Welcome & Introduction by Kinga Pilat, Chair of WIW3CH Entrepreneur Working Group
• 19:05 – Panel discussion: “How to build strong communities for Web3 startups?” moderated by Benedek Orban, Co-Chair of CVA Startup Working Group
• 20:00 – Networking Apèro & Event

Women in Web3 Switzerland

WiW3CH monthly events provide a platform for women to network, connect, share opportunities, gain insights, learn, and collaborate. Our vision is to promote diversity in the Web3 space, and we welcome male colleagues to join us and recognise the leadership and expertise of women, offering new perspectives in this field.

Crypto Valley Association

The Crypto Valley Association is an independent, government-supported association established to take full advantage of Switzerland’s strengths to build the world’s leading blockchain and cryptographic technologies ecosystem.

WordPress-Würstchen – WP Geek meets Grillgenie

27. Juli 2023 in Bern

Netzwerken, Quatschen, Grillen. Die Berner WordPress Community trifft sich im Impact Hub Bern zum Fachsimpeln am Sommer-Grill. Bei Würstchen und Bier hast du Gelegenheit dich über die WordPress-Fragen auszutauschen, die du schon immer mal stellen wolltest.

WordCamp US 2023 + WordPress Community Summit

22.-26. August 2023 in National Harbor, Maryland (USA)

Both the 2023 Community Summit and WordCamp US will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, located in National Harbor, Maryland. Located on the banks of the Potomac River, the Gaylord’s iconic atrium provides sweeping rain-or-shine views of Alexandria, Virginia and is just a quick ride south of Washington, D.C.

WordCamp US is the flagship WordPress event, which is a series of community-organized conferences held worldwide. This particular event, however, focuses on the WordPress community in the United States. It typically gathers WordPress enthusiasts, developers, designers, bloggers, business owners, and other individuals interested in WordPress and its ecosystem.

At WordCamp US, attendees have the opportunity to participate in various sessions, workshops, and talks that cover a wide range of topics related to WordPress. These can include discussions on design, development, security, SEO, marketing, business strategies, and more.

Throughout the conference, attendees can also network with like-minded individuals, connect with industry experts and WordPress contributors, and learn about the latest trends and developments in the WordPress world.

Digital Festival + HackZurich

15.-17. September 2023 in Zürich

Das Digital Festival und der HackZurich ist ein Hotspot für digitale Innovationen. Es erwartet dich ein umfassendes Programm vollgepackt mit informativen Sessions, fachübergreifenden Panels, inspirierenden Talks und unvergesslichen Erlebnissen.

Mit Fokus auf Themen, die sowohl gesellschaftlich als auch geschäftlich relevant sind, wird eine Plattform geschafft, um tief in die aktuellsten Trends und Herausforderungen einzutauchen. Nutze die Gelegenheit, dich mit Gleichgesinnten zu vernetzen und von einem inspirierenden und disziplinübergreifenden Austausch zu profitieren.

Meet Magento New York

10./11. Oktober 2023 in New York

The iconic Meet Magento NYC is back, and in-person! Meet Magento brings its internationally renowned program to the heart of New York City. This will be a strong platform to connect with retailers, brands, service providers, technology enthusiasts, partners, developers and other eCommerce influencers sharing knowledge and best practices around the Magento platform.

In addition to technical discussions about Magento, Meet Magento NYC has specific tracks focused on merchants, trending eCommerce practices and evolutions in hosting and delivery. This is an amazing opportunity to make new connections and promote your business.