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
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.
11 snips
Oct 4, 2025 โข 29min
The end of F-Droid? Red Hat hacked, new Linux Kernel
A recent change in Google's Android developer registration may threaten F-Droidโs mission. Meanwhile, hackers breached Red Hat's GitLab, exposing customer data. Linux kernel 6.17 has been released, boasting enhancements like Intel and AMD improvements. openSUSE Leap 16 introduces a new installer and better migration tools. KDE Plasma 6.5 beta features sleek UI updates and Wayland enhancements. Artix has dropped GNOME support due to systemd reliance, while Fedora proposes a draft policy for AI contributions. Plus, Linux Mint and NixOS see significant updates and governance debates.
14 snips
Sep 26, 2025 โข 23min
The Cosmic & PopOS beta are here, Cookie banners could go away
The Cosmic beta of Pop!_OS has finally dropped, introducing a sleek Wayland-only desktop environment. Exciting proposals for multikernel Linux architectures could reshape how kernels operate efficiently. Meanwhile, a new open-sourced filesystem aims for massive data redundancy. In tech policy, the EU is working to simplify cookie consent, potentially reducing annoying banners. Plus, a US-only TikTok deal raises questions about control and data handling, while Microsoft is venturing into an AI content marketplace.
Sep 20, 2025 โข 25min
Some KDE drama, Fedora 43, Ubuntu 25.10 & GNOME 49
Get the scoop on recent drama surrounding KDE and the departure of Jonathan Riddell. Discover the quality-of-life improvements in GNOME 49 and the key features of Fedora 43 and Ubuntu 25.10 betas, including fresh apps and visual tweaks. Dive into performance hiccups with Rust utilities in Ubuntu. Plus, hear about Linux Mint's roadmap focusing on Wayland, AMD halting AMDVLK for RADV, and Mageia's ongoing infrastructure challenges.
