Exciting developments are on the horizon for Linux gaming, with SteamOS expected to arrive on third-party hardware and a potential Lenovo handheld device. The Raspberry Pi 500 has sparked mixed opinions, raising questions about its role beyond education. Meanwhile, the impact of AI on security reports for FOSS developers is creating a stir. XFCE 4.20 is inching closer to Wayland compatibility, while KDE Plasma's successful donation notifications highlight a thriving open-source community.
The podcast discusses the growing acceptance of Linux for gaming, highlighted by SteamOS's potential expansion on third-party hardware like Lenovo's upcoming handheld device.
Concerns about Microsoft's shift away from kernel-level anti-cheat protocols indicate the complexity of influencing major developers to support Linux gaming platforms.
Deep dives
Predictions for 2025
The episode encourages listeners to send in their predictions for 2025, as the hosts plan to reflect on the past year and the accuracy of their previous forecasts. This interaction adds a fun element to the show, allowing for audience participation and engagement with ongoing conversations about technology and gaming trends. The hosts humorously lament their past failures in prediction-making and suggest they might just use listeners' contributions to avoid making missteps themselves. This playful banter sets the tone for a lively discussion ahead.
SteamOS Expansion and Linux Gaming
Recent advancements in Linux gaming are highlighted, particularly with Valve's SteamOS gaining traction beyond the Steam Deck. The discussion reveals strong rumors about Lenovo potentially launching a handheld device with SteamOS, indicating a growing acceptance and competition against Windows-based devices. The hosts note that SteamOS has showcased better gaming performance compared to Windows on handheld platforms, raising questions about pricing and hardware efficacy. This shift could indicate a broader acceptance of Linux for gaming, creating opportunities for diverse hardware configurations.
Microsoft's Impact on Linux Gaming
The episode addresses Microsoft's plans to move kernel-level anti-cheat systems away from the kernel, which could indirectly benefit Linux gaming. The hosts speculate on how this change might allow developers to better navigate challenges associated with anti-cheat protocols on Linux systems. However, there is skepticism regarding whether this shift will significantly persuade major gaming developers to release titles on Linux platforms, especially given the hesitance of some companies. The conversation underscores the complexities within the gaming sector and the various factors influencing game availability on different operating systems.
Raspberry Pi 500 Discussion
The hosts engage in a debate about the newly released Raspberry Pi 500 and its implications for users and educational environments. While some admire its potential as an accessible tool for kids to learn coding and electronics, others express concerns over its practicality compared to more powerful x86 mini PCs available at similar prices. The discussion highlights the importance of standardized platforms in education, alongside critiques of the Pi's limitations, especially in power and versatility. Ultimately, the hosts recognize the Raspberry Pi's place in educational contexts but question its value for more experienced users or hobbyists.
SteamOS is probably going to ship on 3rd party hardware, there’s a remote chance that games with anti-cheat will work better on Linux, new Raspberry Pi hardware divides opinion among us, AI security reports burden FOSS developers, Xfce gets a bit closer to a Wayland future, KDE Plasma’s donation notification really worked, and more.
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