Linux & Open Source News France moves to open source, modular Linux handheld PC, big Linux gaming progress
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Jan 31, 2026 France plans to replace US platforms with sovereign open source alternatives. A modular clamshell Linux handheld smashes its crowdfunding goal. A new collective aims to coordinate Linux gaming efforts and tooling. Desktop projects push Wayland, Rust compositors, and X11 continuity. NVIDIA launches a native GeForce Now Linux client and mod/compat tools advance Windows game support.
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France Chooses Sovereignty Over Big Tech
- France plans to replace US-made platforms like Teams and Zoom with an open-source French Digital Suite called Visio.
- Nick notes the move is driven by sovereignty concerns but results in wider open source adoption.
Modular Linux Handheld Hits Crowdfunding Goal
- The Comet modular Linux handheld blew past its Kickstarter goal and offers hot-swappable bottom plates for keyboard or gamepad.
- Nick says the base model starts at $189 and it can even support 5G via an NVMe adapter.
Linux Gaming Teams Unite For Shared Infrastructure
- Multiple Linux gaming projects formed the Open Gaming Collective to centralize kernel patches, drivers, and packaging.
- Nick explains this avoids duplicated work while letting distros keep unique user experiences.