LINUX Unplugged

Tristan Ross, the NixOS Release Manager with extensive contributions to the project, discusses the upcoming NixOS 25.05. He highlights exciting new features like support for Cosmic Desktop Alpha 7 and redesigned tooling for easier use. The chat dives into the intricate Nix release process and innovative tools like Mary TTS for text-to-speech synthesis. Tristan emphasizes community engagement and shares insights on setting up personal servers using NixOS, while amusing anecdotes about technology experiences keep the conversation lively.

Discover insights on a self-hosted location tracking tool that prioritizes privacy. The hosts share personal experiences and discuss the importance of open-source solutions like OwnTracks. There's excitement around an upcoming Terminal User Interface Challenge and reflections on recent tech innovations, including hardware management and Rust adoption. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about home automation and community connections while exploring how these technologies enhance travel journaling and data management.

Paulus, the President of the Open Home Foundation and founder of Home Assistant, shares his passion for local control and smart home tech. He dives into the evolution of Home Assistant, focusing on its community-driven approach and innovative hardware integration. The conversation highlights the importance of data security in smart home systems and the thrilling adventures of rescuing a Linux-equipped van. Paulus also discusses the journey towards enhancing user experiences with modular design and the future of IoT device integration.

Carl Richell, CEO of System76, shares his insights at LinuxFest Northwest, marking 25 years of Linux community celebration. He dives into the evolution of the COSMIC desktop environment, highlighting its latest features and design improvements. The discussion also touches on the importance of community connections, the role of informal networking, and challenges faced in the tech industry, including tariff impacts on hardware availability. Additionally, participants engage in lively trivia, enhancing the festive atmosphere of this open-source gathering.

Fedora 42 and Ubuntu 25.04 are here—We break down what's new, what stands out, and what we love most about each release.Sponsored By:Tailscale: Tailscale is a programmable networking software that is private and secure by default - get it free on up to 100 devices! 1Password Extended Access Management: 1Password Extended Access Management is a device trust solution for companies with Okta, and they ensure that if a device isn't trusted and secure, it can't log into your cloud apps. ConfigCat Feature Flags: Manage features and change your software configuration using ConfigCat feature flags, without the need to re-deploy code. Support LINUX UnpluggedLinks:💥 Gets Sats Quick and Easy with Strike📻 LINUX Unplugged on Fountain.FMThe answer is 42! Fedora Linux 42, that is.GNOME 48 Release NotesUbuntu 25.04 (Plucky Puffin)The newest Ubuntu version ushers in ARM64 support for early adoptersUbuntu 25.04 upgrades halted due to Kubuntu users getting a broken desktopJB Gaming DenRetro Game Corps on YouTubePick: Ignition — Ignition is a minimal app for editing autostart entries on Freedesktop-compliant Linux distributions.Ignition on FlathubPick: RecordApps — A desktop application that allows you to record audio from specific applications on Linux. Built with Deno, Svelte, and WebView.Record Apps on Flathub

The hosts critique Apple's declining software quality while celebrating Linux's rise as a strong alternative. Linus Torvalds reflects on Git’s two-decade journey, emphasizing its decentralized nature and the challenges of competitors. The discussion dives into the hardware landscape, debating Linux's compatibility against macOS. Digital security comes to the forefront as they highlight password management and device trust. The show also features a light-hearted gaming banter and creative coding experiments integrating AI.

The hosts dive into the challenge of running the classic game StarCraft on Linux, filled with nostalgia and humor. They share insights on multiplayer strategies and technical triumphs, showcasing the evolution of Linux gaming. The new R36 Max handheld device takes center stage, impressing with its performance and design. The discussion also touches on security concerns in modern workforces and the vibrant contributions from the gaming community, highlighting both the struggles and camaraderie among Linux gamers.

Linux 6.14 brings significant enhancements for gaming, laptops, and file systems, alongside a surprising feature taken from Windows. The hosts dive into the NT-Sync synchronization primitive, optimizing performance for gaming. They also discuss collaborative open-source innovations and the challenges of power management in modern hardware. Preparations for LinuxFest Northwest add excitement, as they seek community feedback and explore intriguing tech projects, making this a must-listen for Linux enthusiasts!

Discover Canonical's bold move to replace traditional core utilities with Rust-based tools in Ubuntu. The discussion highlights the significant implications of this transition for performance and maintainability. Meanwhile, GNOME 48 is unveiled, showcasing its new features aimed at enhancing user experience, especially on older hardware. The conversation delves into the balance between innovative design and user-friendliness in the Linux environment, while also touching on exciting community interactions and tools like Ulauncher that enhance productivity.

Join Kelsey Hightower, a renowned tech speaker, as he dives into the innovative world of Nix and its transformative potential in software development. They discuss the charm of Nix with its reproducibility and security compared to Docker, and share exciting stories from the recent Planet Nix event. The conversation also touches on cryptocurrency essentials and the importance of community engagement, while emphasizing how Nix is reshaping development environments. Expect insightful anecdotes and a glimpse into the vibrant Nix ecosystem!