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.
I’m Nick, I’ve been making Linux and Open Source related videos on YouTube since 2018, with a sizeable following of more than 300 000 subscribers. I’ve been using Linux since 2006, starting with Ubuntu (like most people), and I have 12 years of experience in project management and UX, and that’s 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.
I’m Nick, I’ve been making Linux and Open Source related videos on YouTube since 2018, with a sizeable following of more than 300 000 subscribers. I’ve been using Linux since 2006, starting with Ubuntu (like most people), and I have 12 years of experience in project management and UX, and that’s the lens I use to view the progress of our Linux desktops and open source applications!
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Jan 4, 2025 • 24min
Github's fake stars, Nvidia's $700M open source bet, KDE looks healthy
The podcast dives into the challenges facing GitHub, revealing a concerning trend of fake stars that could endanger users. It also highlights the vibrant health of the KDE development community. A significant discussion centers around NVIDIA's ambitious $700 million investment in open source technologies, aiming to enhance AI capabilities. Meanwhile, the Linux gaming market continues to grow, and Mozilla introduces an AI assistant. The decline of the X.org project is alarming, while the transition of the Bottles app to Rust signals a promising change.
Dec 28, 2024 • 20min
Open Source worth $7B, no Apple search, custom kernels no longer useful
Open source software is now valued at a staggering $7 billion, with potential investments soaring even higher. Meanwhile, Apple clarifies its choice not to develop a search engine, prioritizing user privacy instead. Custom kernels are becoming obsolete as improvements in Linux streamline performance. Exciting advancements are on the horizon with Wayland introducing clipboard and workspace protocols, plus Home Assistant releasing its first voice hardware. On top of that, SerpentOS has entered its alpha stage, signaling more innovation in the open-source landscape.
Dec 21, 2024 • 29min
Lenovo will use SteamOS, EU investigates TikTok, Mozilla focuses on Ads and AI
Lenovo is set to launch its first SteamOS device, the Legion Go S, in collaboration with Valve, signaling a shift in the gaming landscape. Meanwhile, the EU is investigating TikTok over potential election interference, raising questions about tech regulation. Mozilla is shifting focus towards AI and advertising, showcasing impressive revenue growth. Lastly, XFCE 4.20 has been released, while Android sees a new beta featuring a functional Linux terminal, enhancing its development possibilities.
Dec 14, 2024 • 29min
Flathub separates from GNOME, Arch gets 500K€, Firefox drops Do Not track
Flathub is embarking on an exciting journey towards independence from GNOME. Arch Linux has scored a stunning half a million euros in funding, setting a new precedent. In a surprising move, Firefox has decided to drop its Do Not Track feature, sparking debates over user privacy. The allure of TikTok's potential ban is heating up, raising eyebrows around security concerns. Meanwhile, gamers can look forward to performance boosts with new anti-sync drivers, while a novel post-open source model aims to ensure developers get compensated.
Dec 7, 2024 • 28min
KDE gets big donations, Discord supports Wayland, SteamOS devices coming
KDE's recent fundraising efforts have made waves, bringing significant donations to the open-source community. Discord has finally embraced Wayland support, enhancing its audio and video capabilities. Exciting news for gamers: SteamOS is set to expand beyond its original devices. Meanwhile, Wayland color management is on the horizon, promising a more vibrant user experience. Intel showcases new Arc GPUs with Linux support, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the Linux ecosystem.
Nov 30, 2024 • 31min
Steam Controller 2 design leak, bcacheFS ban, Wayland in Wine
Exciting design leaks for the Steam Controller 2 reveal ergonomic features aimed at enhancing user comfort. BcacheFS faces a setback as its code is blocked for this kernel cycle. Wine's latest update brings the Wayland driver to the forefront, promising smoother operations. The launch of elementary OS 8 and enhancements in the Cinnamon desktop environment make waves in the Linux community. Plus, a new tool addressing data privacy takes center stage alongside SUSE's rebranding efforts. Dive into the latest innovations transforming the Linux gaming landscape!
Nov 23, 2024 • 31min
Google breakup, bcacheFS acts like ReiserFS, Steam Controller 2
The U.S. DOJ is pushing for Google to sell Chrome, which could shake up the tech landscape. Tensions rise in the Linux community as BcacheFS faces uncertainty, drawing parallels with ReiserFS's removal. Exciting news emerges with Valve reportedly developing a Steam Controller 2, sparking gaming innovation discussions. The release of Linux kernel 6.12 brings real-time capabilities and improves support for gaming handhelds. Additionally, Tuxedo and Arch Linux make headlines with significant licensing changes for drivers and package sources.
Nov 16, 2024 • 33min
Nvidia roadmap for Linux, Tuxedo Driver issue, Ubuntu 25.04
Nvidia unveils its Wayland roadmap, promising better support for multi-monitor setups. A kernel developer critiques Tuxedo Drivers, raising concerns with GPL licensing. Ubuntu 25.04 hints at exciting updates, particularly in its installer and accessibility features. Meanwhile, a study reveals that AI struggles to grasp real-world understanding. Gaming also gets a boost with DXVK 2.5, enhancing DirectX performance on Linux, as Valve works to fix persistent bugs in the Steam client.
Nov 9, 2024 • 33min
KDE and GNOME OS, Manjaro telemetry & Mozilla layoffs
Discover the exciting developments with KDE and GNOME as they plan to launch their own OS. Dive into Manjaro's controversial telemetry plans and the implications for user privacy. The tech world is shaken by Mozilla's decision to lay off a significant portion of its workforce. Learn how Fedora KDE is now on equal footing with GNOME and how Linux Mint is partnering with Framework to enhance user experience. Plus, find out about Proton Sarek's initiative to enable gaming on older PCs!
Nov 2, 2024 • 29min
AI isn't Open Source, Fedora 41, Apex blocks Linux
The podcast dives into the latest definition of open-source AI, highlighting a lack of transparency from major tech companies. Linus Torvalds critiques AI as mostly marketing, prompting reflection on its true impact. Exciting updates reveal Fedora 41 and Tuxedo OS 4, showcasing their new features. However, a significant blow to Linux gamers occurs as Apex Legends blocks access, raising concerns over anti-cheat software and security. The gaming community is urged to discuss greater transparency in these tools.
