

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

10 snips
Jun 14, 2025 โข 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 โข 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.

May 31, 2025 โข 25min
SteamOS "destroys" Windows, kernel 6.15, Nice Firefox changes
SteamOS has outperformed Windows in gaming performance, battery life, and usability, making waves among gamers. The release of Linux kernel 6.15 brings exciting updates, including improved Nvidia drivers. Firefox has revamped its search and URL bar for better user experience while introducing faster uploads and customization options. Meanwhile, XFCE's integration of Wayland marks a significant advancement in Linux. Plus, Tuxedo unveils its new powerhouse laptop, and Peertube launches a crowdfunding initiative to enhance mobile app capabilities.

10 snips
May 24, 2025 โข 27min
Fedora and GNOME remove X.org, Microsoft open sources WSL
Fedora and GNOME bid farewell to X11 as they embrace Wayland, signaling a major shift in the Linux landscape. Microsoft surprises everyone by open-sourcing the Windows Subsystem for Linux, alongside its new open-source text editor. Mozilla shuts down Pocket and Fakespot, refocusing on improving Firefox. Meanwhile, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 rolls out with exciting features like enhanced AI tools. And Nvidia updates its Wayland roadmap, addressing user challenges while improving the dual-boot experience with Windows.

7 snips
May 17, 2025 โข 26min
Plasma 6.4 beta, BIG Web Search changes, AI isn't fair use
Explore the beta release of Plasma 6.4, showcasing exciting updates and a sleek new theme engine. Microsoft has closed its Bing Search API, reshaping the search engine landscape. The US Copyright Office declares AI isnโt fair use, stirring controversy. Discover initiatives to help Windows users transition to Linux, as well as the launch of the Orion browser with cutting-edge technology. Meanwhile, Valve introduces a simplified compatibility rating for SteamOS, raising questions about game performance assessments.

May 10, 2025 โข 26min
GNOME's new leadership, Mint themes libadwaita, OpenSUSE ditches Deepin
Exciting changes are brewing in the Linux landscape! GNOME welcomes a new director while Mint integrates a fresh theming approach for GNOME apps. OpenSUSE has taken a bold step by removing the Deepin desktop due to security concerns. Meanwhile, Ubuntu gears up to implement a Rust-based alternative to 'sudo' for heightened security. The KDE community is working on a unified design system for better consistency, and a new Linux distro inspired by Windows 11 has emerged from a Microsoft employee. Plus, Peertube launches its mobile app!

11 snips
May 3, 2025 โข 26min
KDE planning big changes, Wikipedia adopts AI, OpenSUSE leaps into the future
The KDE community is revitalizing its environment with exciting updates and a fresh support model. Wikipedia is set to embrace AI, aiming to enhance content moderation while putting human oversight at the forefront. OpenSUSE Leap 16 is also on the horizon, promising substantial advancements. Meanwhile, Firefox rolls out new features, including improved profile management and security enhancements. Financial challenges loom for some open-source initiatives, highlighting the ongoing need for support in the tech community.

10 snips
Apr 26, 2025 โข 26min
OpenAI wants to buy Chrome, final COSMIC alpha, Fedora could drop X11 entirely
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02:12 OpenAI would buy Chrome if Google had to sell it
https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/ai/chatgpt-chief-says-openai-would-buy-chrome-if-google-is-selling
https://www.theverge.com/news/652746/google-samsung-gemini-default-placement-antitrust-trial
04:46 Final Cosmic alpha is here
https://blog.system76.com/post/cosmic-alpha-7-never-been-beta
07:23 Fedora 43 proposal to drop GNOME X11 entirely
https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Changes/WaylandOnlyGNOME
https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-session/-/merge_requests/99
09:33 GNOME STF progress report is HUGE
https://blogs.gnome.org/tbernard/2025/04/11/gnome-stf-2024/
13:12 Steam will drop 5 year old distros
https://linuxiac.com/steam-will-stop-working-on-outdated-linux-systems-this-august/
14:51 NVK adds support for older Nvidia GPUs
https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/04/mesa-nvk-nvidia-vulkan-driver-now-vulkan-1-4-conformant-on-maxwell-pascal-and-volta-gpus/
16:41 Ubuntu moves forward with Rust core utilities
https://discourse.ubuntu.com/t/migration-to-rust-coreutils-in-25-10/59708
https://alexgaynor.net/2025/mar/22/coreutils-in-rust/
19:14 Linux beats Windows again on recent AMD CPUs
https://www.phoronix.com/review/ryzen-ai-7-pro-360-windows-linux/5
20:55 Chrome wonโt ditch third party cookies
https://digiday.com/media/google-chrome-will-now-continue-to-use-third-party-cookies/
23:00 Owner of IGN & CNET sue OpenAI
https://www.theverge.com/news/656044/ziff-davis-sues-openai-ign-cnet-pcmag
๐ป Get a Linux computer from our sponsor, Tuxedo๐ป
https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/en#
๐ Support the show here: ๐
Patreon supporters get the daily Linux & Open Source audio show!
https://www.patreon.com/thelinuxexperiment
Or you can support me with a one time donation:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thelinuxexp
https://liberapay.com/TheLinuxExperiment/
๐ Buy TLE Merch: ๐
https://the-linux-experiment.creator-spring.com/
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๐๏ธ Leave your feedback here: ๐๏ธ
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Apr 19, 2025 โข 25min
Fedora 42, Manjaro Immutable, Arco Linux shuts down
Discover the exciting release of Fedora 42, boasting improved features and reliability. Dive into the alpha launch of Manjaro's immutable version as it takes a bold step forward. Unfortunately, the community bids farewell to Arco Linux. Also, check out the new Ubuntu 25.04 and its enhancements. Don't miss advancements in KDE Gear 25.04 and LXQT 2.2. Finally, learn about Nvidiaโs innovative drivers that elevate gaming experiences while navigating the evolving tech landscape amidst Google's antitrust challenges.

Apr 12, 2025 โข 24min
Firefox's AI summary, Wayland restores windows, Framework 12 preorders open
Discover the new AI summary feature in Firefox that extracts article highlights, raising questions about content authenticity. Wayland introduces a protocol to restore window sizes and positions, making multitasking smoother. Preorders for the Framework Laptop 12 are now open, promising innovative hardware. Meanwhile, Microsoftโs AI has pinpointed vulnerabilities in bootloaders, showcasing the power of artificial intelligence in security. Nvidia takes a leap by open sourcing its PhysX and Flow SDK, enhancing gaming realism.


