Linux & Open Source News

💻 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.