Linux & Open Source News

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.

A new phone that can run Android, Linux and Windows on one device is discussed. Photoshop installer and recent versions now run via Wine on Linux. Desktop environments get UI polish and accessibility tweaks. Concerns arise over systemd requirements, snap malware via expired domains, and Nvidia AI training claims. Desktop portal and compiler AI policy changes are also covered.

💻 Get a Linux computer from our sponsor, Tuxedo💻 https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/en# 👏 Support the show here: 👏 Patreon supporters get the daily Linux & Open Source audio show! https://www.patreon.com/thelinuxexperiment Or you can support me with a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thelinuxexp https://liberapay.com/TheLinuxExperiment/ 👕 Buy TLE Merch: 👕 https://the-linux-experiment.creator-spring.com/ 📹 Watch Linux videos: 📹 https://www.youtube.com/thelinuxexperiment 🎙️ Leave your feedback here: 🎙️ https://podcast.thelinuxexp.com 01:52 Budgie 10.10 released, Budgie 11 based on Qt https://buddiesofbudgie.org/blog/state-of-the-budgie-2025 04:43 GNOME 50 alpha drops X11 https://www.phoronix.com/news/GNOME-Mutter-Shell-50-Alpha 07:27 KDE 6.6 beta released https://linuxiac.com/kde-plasma-6-6-beta-released/ 09:40 New GNOME based desktop being researched https://www.gyesme.org/ 11:49 Wikipedia signs deals with AI companies https://apnews.com/article/wikipedia-internet-jimmy-wales-50e796d70152d79a2e0708846f84f6d7 13:21 Mint 22.3 released https://9to5linux.com/linux-mint-22-3-zena-is-now-available-for-download-heres-whats-new 15:08 Orion Browser gets first alpha https://linuxiac.com/orion-browser-takes-first-step-toward-linux-availability/ 16:55 Opera GX coming to Linux https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2026/01/opera-gx-linux-version-being-worked-on 18:47 Firefox 147 brings a lot of good stuff https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2026/01/firefox-147-released 21:04 Pacman replacement being worked on https://itsfoss.com/news/pacman-rust-treatment/ https://alpm.archlinux.page/ 22:52 Nexus mods Linux app discontinued https://www.nexusmods.com/news/15424 https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2026/01/nexus-mods-retire-their-in-development-cross-platform-app-to-focus-back-on-vortex/ 25:05 Even more AMD performance boosts https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2026/01/even-more-amd-ray-tracing-performance-improvements-heading-to-mesa-on-linux/ 27:20 Wine 11 released https://gitlab.winehq.org/wine/wine/-/releases/wine-11.0 💻 Get a Linux computer from our sponsor, Tuxedo💻 https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/en# 👏 Support the show here: 👏 Patreon supporters get the daily Linux & Open Source audio show! https://www.patreon.com/thelinuxexperiment Or you can support me with a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thelinuxexp https://liberapay.com/TheLinuxExperiment/ 👕 Buy TLE Merch: 👕 https://the-linux-experiment.creator-spring.com/ 📹 Watch Linux videos: 📹 https://www.youtube.com/thelinuxexperiment 🎙️ Leave your feedback here: 🎙️ https://podcast.thelinuxexp.com

Linus Torvalds discusses the challenges of integrating AI contributions into the Linux kernel, asserting that banning AI patches is impractical. The EU is pushing for increased support for free and open-source software to bolster digital sovereignty. Proposals emerge from GNOME and Firefox to disable middle-click paste amid user confusion. Major performance improvements for AMD GPUs are also on the table, alongside Google's tightening grip on Android development. Lastly, Loss32 aims to create a Windows-like desktop experience for Linux users.

💻 Get a Linux computer from our sponsor, Tuxedo💻 https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/en# 👏 Support the show here: 👏 Patreon supporters get the daily Linux & Open Source audio show! https://www.patreon.com/thelinuxexperiment Or you can support me with a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thelinuxexp https://liberapay.com/TheLinuxExperiment/ 👕 Buy TLE Merch: 👕 https://the-linux-experiment.creator-spring.com/ 📹 Watch Linux videos: 📹 https://www.youtube.com/thelinuxexperiment 🎙️ Leave your feedback here: 🎙️ https://podcast.thelinuxexp.com 02:03 Brand new X11 server in the works https://git.dec05eba.com/phoenix/tree/README.md 04:53 New packaging solution for portable apps https://itsfoss.com/pkgforge/ 08:27 Steam Deck LCD is discontinued https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/12/valve-discontinuing-the-last-steam-deck-lcd-model/ 10:28 Linux Foundation publishes annual report https://linuxiac.com/the-linux-foundation-spent-8-4-million-on-the-linux-kernel-project-in-2025/ 13:15 elementary OS 8.1 released https://blog.elementary.io/os-8-1-available-now/ 16:14 Older AMD GPUs get 30% performance boost https://www.phoronix.com/review/linux-619-amdgpu-radeon/5 17:59 Arch Linux under DDoS attack again https://linuxiac.com/arch-linux-website-hit-by-ddos-and-temporarily-limited-to-ipv6/ 18:47 CachyOS looks at the server now https://cachyos.org/blog/2025-christmas-new-year/ 21:25 Italy fines Apple for their privacy framework https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/italy-fines-apple-116-million-over-app-store-tracking-privacy-practices/ 💻 Get a Linux computer from our sponsor, Tuxedo💻 https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/en# 👏 Support the show here: 👏 Patreon supporters get the daily Linux & Open Source audio show! https://www.patreon.com/thelinuxexperiment Or you can support me with a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thelinuxexp https://liberapay.com/TheLinuxExperiment/ 👕 Buy TLE Merch: 👕 https://the-linux-experiment.creator-spring.com/ 📹 Watch Linux videos: 📹 https://www.youtube.com/thelinuxexperiment 🎙️ Leave your feedback here: 🎙️ https://podcast.thelinuxexp.com

Mozilla's new leadership aims to transform Firefox into an AI-integrated browser, including a controversial global AI kill switch. The community worries about potential ad blocker bans. Plasma 6.6 is set to tackle major Wayland issues, enhancing functionalities like screen mirroring. GNOME takes a stand against AI-generated extensions, while Rust gains a permanent place in the Linux kernel. Denmark explores migrating to a Linux-based system, and notable performance boosts are reported for gaming through NVK Mesa improvements.

The future of open source shines as France scales up Nextcloud adoption across ministries. Meanwhile, a German state celebrates €15 million in annual savings after transitioning to LibreOffice. Excitement builds with Jolla's launch of a new Sailfish Linux smartphone, offering Android app support and a focus on privacy. KDE achieves remarkable fundraising success, while Ubuntu shifts closer to vaniIla GNOME. Notably, major library maintenance issues arise, raising concerns for the ecosystem.

Valve is developing Lepton, a WayDroid-based tool to run Android apps on Steam devices. They also funded FEX to help translate Windows games for ARM. The latest Linux desktop market share hit 11%, igniting discussions on its growth. Linux kernel 6.18 and upcoming 6.19 are set to enhance hardware support and graphics capabilities. Additionally, a vulnerability in KDE Connect raises security concerns. Meanwhile, AlmaLinux targets media production while Fedora transitions to KMScon for better security.

KDE is making a bold move by planning to drop X11 support in 2027, pushing for a full Wayland future despite some lingering issues. Collabora has launched a new desktop office suite, aiming to enhance productivity with a revamped user interface. The Servo engine is also shifting towards corporate sponsorship to fund its development. Meanwhile, Qualcomm's controversial acquisition of Arduino raises concerns about user rights, and Google's Chrome OS is set to evolve into an AI-driven Aluminium OS.

Discover the exciting new design system taking shape at KDE, aimed at streamlining app development. NVIDIA contributes to improved Linux support, focusing on the Nova driver and enhancing DRM and screencasting capabilities. The EU's proposal to weaken privacy protections raises concerns about data usage amid an increased reliance on AI. Zorin OS 18 hits a remarkable milestone with one million downloads in just a month, showcasing its growing popularity in the Linux community.