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
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.
21 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.
20 snips
Sep 13, 2025 โข 25min
Red Hat being eaten by IBM, KDE Linux Alpha, is Budgie dead?
The podcast dives into the tensions of Red Hat's integration into IBM, raising concerns about corporate culture. KDE Linux has released its alpha, sparking curiosity about its future. Budgie receives a minor update but remains in limbo regarding its sustainability. Firefox continues to innovate with AI features while dropping support for 32-bit systems. Additionally, a brief Ubuntu outage causes widespread impact, and the transition of bcachefs signals changes in kernel management.
33 snips
Sep 6, 2025 โข 25min
Cosmic isn't dead, more SteamOS devices, GNOME keeps X11 after all
Discover the latest on the revival of System76's Cosmic Desktop, featuring new accessibility options. GNOME surprisingly decides to keep X11 support for future releases, addressing earlier concerns. Valve hints at new hardware with the trademark for 'Steam Frame' while Lenovo explores SteamOS devices. Meanwhile, the gaming community awaits the elusive Steam Deck 2, which may take longer than expected to arrive. Exciting insights into Linux Mint 22.2 and the prospects of a refined app permission system round out the discussion.
13 snips
Aug 30, 2025 โข 27min
AI used in Linux kernel, Android limits sideloading,new desktop environment
The podcast dives into the intriguing use of AI for patch management in the Linux kernel, showcasing how it's revolutionizing development. It also introduces the new Gershwin Desktop environment, bringing a Mac OS aesthetic to open-source enthusiasts. Listeners learn about the Bazaar app store's debut on Flathub, promising an enhanced app experience. Finally, it addresses Firefoxโs evolving web app capabilities, Vivaldiโs rejection of AI, and the complexities surrounding digital sovereignty and app distribution in the wake of recent Android restrictions.
