Linux & Open Source News
The Linux Experiment
Weekly roundup of everything new in the Linux and Open Source world! May contain gaming and privacy related topics.
This is a longer counterpart to the Linux and Open Source news videos available on The Linux Experiment Youtube Channel.
Iโm Nick, Iโve been making Linux and Open Source related videos on YouTube since 2018, with a sizeable following of more than 300 000 subscribers. Iโve been using Linux since 2006, starting with Ubuntu (like most people), and I have 12 years of experience in project management and UX, and thatโs the lens I use to view the progress of our Linux desktops and open source applications!
This is a longer counterpart to the Linux and Open Source news videos available on The Linux Experiment Youtube Channel.
Iโm Nick, Iโve been making Linux and Open Source related videos on YouTube since 2018, with a sizeable following of more than 300 000 subscribers. Iโve been using Linux since 2006, starting with Ubuntu (like most people), and I have 12 years of experience in project management and UX, and thatโs the lens I use to view the progress of our Linux desktops and open source applications!
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Dec 13, 2025 โข 25min
EU keeps moving to Open Source, New Linux smartphone
The future of open source shines as France scales up Nextcloud adoption across ministries. Meanwhile, a German state celebrates โฌ15 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.
5 snips
Dec 6, 2025 โข 28min
Valve builds a Proton for Android apps, Linux is at 11% ?
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.
12 snips
Nov 29, 2025 โข 30min
KDE drops X11 too, New Office Suite for Linux
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.
Nov 22, 2025 โข 28min
KDE's new design, Nvidia finally focuses on Linux, EU caves in to Big Tech
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.
24 snips
Nov 15, 2025 โข 24min
Hybrid GPU support will be fixed, Google walks back sideloading policy
A collaboration between Red Hat and System76 promises to tackle multi-GPU issues, enhancing performance for Linux users. Valve is shaking up the Linux gaming sphere with its new Steam hardware initiatives. Google pivots on its sideloading policy, permitting unverified app installations, but raises concerns about user experience. A spike in donations supports Python following its federal grant rejection, while Rust core utilities edge closer to GNU compatibility. Plus, GNOME introduces new parental control features to manage screen time effectively.
20 snips
Nov 8, 2025 โข 26min
GNOME drops X11, Debian adds Rust dependency, Ubuntu plans
GNOME has officially removed X11 support from Mutter, pushing forward with a full transition to Wayland. Debian is making Rust a mandatory dependency for APT, aiming to enhance memory safety. Meanwhile, Ubuntu outlines ambitious plans for its future desktop, focusing on modularity and Rust integration. Excitingly, Linux gaming has crossed the 3% mark on Steam, showcasing growing support. Lastly, Mozilla faces backlash for its AI bot disrupting community translations, highlighting challenges in tech collaboration.
14 snips
Nov 1, 2025 โข 28min
Python refuses $1.5M grant, Unity's second demise, AUR DDos
Python has made headlines by refusing a $1.5 million grant due to stipulations that didn't align with its values. Unity Desktop faces yet another critical moment, struggling with blockers and a need for more contributors. Meanwhile, the Arch User Repository is under attack again, dealing with DDoS issues. Excitingly, Pop!_OS is set for a mid-December release, while Mozilla plans to enforce data collection transparency for Firefox extensions. Additionally, Ubuntu now offers optimized packages for x86-64v3 architecture, and KDE explains its approach against traditional package models.
11 snips
Oct 25, 2025 โข 29min
Full Linux apps on Android, Plasma 6.5, Zorin OS does big numbers
Exciting advancements are happening in the world of Linux! Android now supports GPU-accelerated Linux apps, making cross-platform usability smoother. KDE Plasma 6.5 introduces impressive UI and performance upgrades. Zorin OS 18 hit a record 100,000 downloads in just 48 hours, appealing to Windows users. Meanwhile, Ubuntu faces issues with Rust coreutils affecting upgrades, and GIMP launches its own official Snap for easier access. Finally, OpenAI unveils its pioneering Atlas browser, blending AI features with intriguing possibilities and concerns.
32 snips
Oct 18, 2025 โข 25min
Finally, some good FOSS smartphone news, new x86 actor
Exciting news in the smartphone world as GrapheneOS expands support beyond Pixels to more devices. The Free Software Foundation's LibrePhone project aims to eliminate proprietary software from modern phones. A new player in the x86 CPU arena is making waves, adding competition to the market. KDE celebrates its 29th birthday with a fundraising initiative. Meanwhile, Windows 10 reaches end of life, prompting users to consider Linux. Plus, Mozilla tests a built-in VPN for Firefox, and an important migration to FOSS email happens in Germany.
10 snips
Oct 11, 2025 โข 26min
Intel reconsiders Open Source, LibrePhone project, Ubuntu 25.10
Intel is shifting its Open Source strategy to focus on competitive advantages after some leadership changes. Ubuntu 25.10 has been released, though it faces issues with Flatpak and AppArmor. The Free Software Foundation has launched the LibrePhone project, aimed at creating fully free smartphone software. Meanwhile, a controversial EU chat control law is meeting opposition in Germany due to privacy concerns. Plus, a new driver patch promises a significant performance boost for Nouveau/NVK GPUs.
