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.
Iβm Nick, Iβve been making Linux and Open Source related videos on YouTube since 2018, with a sizeable following of more than 300 000 subscribers. Iβve been using Linux since 2006, starting with Ubuntu (like most people), and I have 12 years of experience in project management and UX, and thatβs 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.
Iβm Nick, Iβve been making Linux and Open Source related videos on YouTube since 2018, with a sizeable following of more than 300 000 subscribers. Iβve been using Linux since 2006, starting with Ubuntu (like most people), and I have 12 years of experience in project management and UX, and thatβs the lens I use to view the progress of our Linux desktops and open source applications!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 16, 2025 β’ 27min
Windows 12 sounds like a nightmare, Mint 22.2 beta: Linux Weekly News
Windows 12 raises privacy alarms, prompting discussions on alternatives like Debian 13 and Linux Mint 22.2 beta. Exciting updates include fingerprint authentication and design tweaks in Mint. Google ends Steam support on Chromebooks, while the elementary OS rolls out cool new features. GitHub's CEO resigns, stirring concerns about independence within Microsoftβs ecosystem. The Linux Vendor Firmware Service faces growth challenges, and ethical issues in AI copyright raise questions around creator compensation.
Aug 12, 2025 β’ 26min
GNOME changes things, Linux at 6%, Android loses to Epic
Discover the transformative governance changes in GNOME, focusing on inclusivity and decentralization. The Linux desktop is making waves, achieving a 6% market share, while gaming on Linux sees a rise to nearly 3%. A pivotal antitrust ruling compels Android to open its Play Store, shaking up the tech landscape. Additionally, Chrome's shift to a Wayland backend enhances compatibility, and Nvidia is optimizing performance for a better gaming experience on Linux. Exciting times ahead for the open-source community!
Aug 2, 2025 β’ 29min
Official KDE distro, AUR and third party package problems
Discover the latest in Linux with discussions about the new official KDE distro and its unique features. Explore the troubling rise of malware in the AUR and the challenges developers face with third-party packages, highlighted by the DuckStation incident. Hear about the release of Linux kernel 6.16 and its exciting updates. Learn how Android now runs Linux graphical apps, and catch insights on monetizing open source projects. Finally, delve into the implications of Samsung disabling bootloader unlocking and Opera's complaint against Microsoft Edge.
14 snips
Jul 26, 2025 β’ 33min
Flathub's issues, Steam Console, Malware in the AUR, Clear Linux is gone
Flathub faces ongoing issues, sparking debates about its future in Fedora. Exciting developments are on the horizon with a potential Steam Deck 2 and a dedicated home console from Valve. Meanwhile, the gaming community is alarmed by recent malware discoveries in the AUR. In a surprising turn, Clear Linux has shut down, leaving users seeking alternatives. The podcast highlights these pressing topics while emphasizing the importance of security and innovation in the ever-evolving Linux landscape.
26 snips
Jul 19, 2025 β’ 28min
Google merges Android & Chrome OS, AI slop invades FOSS
Google is merging Android and Chrome OS to create a more seamless experience for users. Meanwhile, concerns arise as AI-generated content invades bug reports in the open-source community. The GNOME Foundation is making strides with enhanced parental controls for Linux PCs, making them family-friendly. PHP is considering license changes to better align with open-source principles. Exciting updates are coming for Haiku OS, and Linux Mint 22.2 is on the horizon, promising new features and improvements.
12 snips
Jul 12, 2025 β’ 27min
Browser extensions sell what you view to AI companies, GNOME funding, Wayback progresses
Discover alarming trends as hundreds of browser extensions leverage AI to harvest your data. The GNOME Foundation is stepping up, funding developers to enhance its projects. Exciting updates surface, including the alpha release of GNOME 49 and Wayback's new home at Freedesktop.org. Meanwhile, Google is pushing its Gemini AI into Android apps, while Chromium browsers promise even faster performance. Tune in for insights on how these developments impact user privacy and the open-source landscape.
12 snips
Jul 5, 2025 β’ 25min
The end for BcacheFS, X11 compatibility layer, Flathub is massive
Big changes in the Linux world are stirring! Linus Torvalds has kicked BcacheFS out of the kernel, a crucial step for the future. The introduction of Wayback offers a bridge between X11 desktops and Wayland, making migrations smoother. Flathub is celebrating a whopping 3 billion downloads, showcasing its impact. On the Nvidia front, they've abandoned older GPU support while also contributing developers to the NOVA project. Plus, the 32-bit architecture debate sees Fedora backtracking amid concerns from the gaming community.
11 snips
Jun 21, 2025 β’ 28min
Big X.org code reverts, giant 16B entries data breach, KDE 6.4
X.org has reversed controversial changes made by a developer, stirring discussions in the community. In a shocking turn, the largest data breach ever has exposed 16 billion logins and passwords, raising alarm for security. KDE has just launched its Plasma 6.4, promising fresh features for users. Meanwhile, a German state continues to ditch Microsoft in favor of open-source alternatives, and the MAUI Shell project has been paused, reflecting ongoing shifts in the tech landscape.
10 snips
Jun 14, 2025 β’ 30min
X11 fork, Denmark moves to Linux, Android gets more locked down
In a recent discussion, the X11 development community has split, creating a fork for questionable reasons. Denmark is making waves by fully transitioning from Microsoft products to Linux and LibreOffice. Meanwhile, Ubuntu and Manjaro are embracing Wayland for improved performance. Google continues to impose stricter controls on Android, raising concerns. On a brighter note, Linux Mint introduces fingerprint support and KDE works on enhancing touchpad gestures, reflecting ongoing innovation in the open-source landscape.
Jun 7, 2025 β’ 27min
Microsoft could fix USB C, GNOME OS is coming for your PC, AMD ditches proprietary drivers
Microsoft is pushing for full USB-C support, simplifying connections for users. GNOME OS is set to become a legitimate distro, aiming to provide a more user-friendly experience. AMD is transitioning to open-source drivers, signaling a big shift in their strategy. Meanwhile, Chrome is breaking speed records, leaving other browsers in the dust. Additionally, Arch Linux introduces a new process for sponsored projects, enhancing community collaboration.
