Kotlin, Compose, Expo SDK 52, and January News

Welcome to this month's edition of Community Orbitals, your go-to newsletter for React Universe insights and updates.

From Native to Multiplatform

Let's kick off with a closer look at Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) and Jetpack Compose. How do they compare, and where do they shine? Our latest blog post unpacks their strengths, how they complement each other, and what they mean for multiplatform development.

Unpacking Kotlin and Compose

Our article highlights KMP's flexible logic-sharing, the native focus of Jetpack Compose, and the cross-platform potential of Compose Multiplatform. From reducing code duplication to creating a smooth developer experience, the piece explores what these tools bring to the table for modern apps.

From Web to Native: Expo's DOM & RSC

Expo is once again raising the bar for bridging web and native development. Following their recent releases of Expo Router and API Routes, they're introducing two solutions: DOM Components and React Server Components (RSC).

In this brand-new podcast episode, Łukasz sits down with Evan Bacon—creator of Expo Router and Engineering Manager at Expo—to discuss how these technologies can redefine how we build universal React Native apps.

What's Up in the Community?

The tech landscape is changing fast. To help you stay on top of the game, our Technology Team has picked top news, releases, and stories from the world of React and React Native.

New Tools & Releases

• In case you missed it, there's a new library in town: FastIO. It's designed to boost I/O operations inside React Native apps. In this Coffee Talk, Mike Grabowski, FastIO's creator and Callstack's CTO, talks about the library. If you're focused on improving app performance, this is a must-listen!
• React Native Testing Library v13 is now a Release Candidate. It includes improved compatibility with modern React Native and enhanced testing utilities. Dive into the RC on GitHub for detailed release notes.
• Node.js JOD is here, bringing several updates such as improved performance for async hooks and better compatibility with newer V8 features. You can explore the full details and changes in the official release notes.
• Welcome Ghostty, a new terminal emulator for macOS and Linux users. It prioritizes simplicity and speed, offering an efficient alternative for developers and power users. Check its features and documentation here.

Other Tech News

• Node.js now offers native support for TypeScript, simplifying workflows for developers. This update removes the need for extra setup, making it easier to build modern, type-safe JavaScript applications.
• A recent update showcases React Native running on the new Android XR. This marks another step toward enhancing cross-platform development and further improving user experiences.
• The Static Hermes update provides a summary of what the Hermes team focused on during the last year. Check this post to learn about the key improvements made.
• Want to build your own AI assistant integrated with Slack in under 5 minutes? Use Byorg AI—a simple, free tool that lets you create a fully functional assistant quickly.
• The create-react-native-library is adding support for creating Nitro Modules, streamlining the process for library creators to bootstrap new modules faster. For an in-depth look at Nitro Modules, check out the React Universe On Air podcast episode featuring Marc Rousavy, where he discusses this powerful new tool that outperforms both Turbo Modules and Expo Modules.

Tech Leadership Insights

As a tech leader, you already have too much on your plate. That's why we've curated a digestible portion of recent insights at the intersection of business and tech.

• Tech Trends 2025 is Deloitte's 16th annual report. This comprehensive piece explores emerging technologies poised to reshape industries, including spatial computing, and advancements in AI. It offers strategic insights into how these trends can be leveraged for competitive advantage.
• What did CIOs read in 2024? This article dives into the reading habits of leading CIOs, showcasing the books and resources that inspire their strategies and decision-making. It provides a unique glimpse into how tech leaders stay informed, and aligned with evolving industry trends.
• Pluralsight provides an overview of technical leadership, detailing the necessary managerial and development experience required. The article reviews skills essential for the position, including adaptability and team management.

We are going to share more good stuff soon, so follow us on socials to stay tuned!