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
Apr 5, 2025 • 29min
Thunderbird's paid service, open source DNA database deleted, EU takes aim at encryption
Thunderbird is introducing a paid service, sparking discussions about monetization in open source. A substantial open source DNA database has been deleted to protect user privacy against potential government misuse. The EU is targeting encryption practices, raising concerns around data security. Additionally, comparisons of Wayland and X11 performance reveal that Wayland excels on larger desktops. Meanwhile, Windows 11 faces criticism for blocking local accounts and pushing users toward Microsoft accounts.
11 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 30min
AI harms Open Source projects, Android goes private
AI bots are putting intense pressure on open source projects, driving costs up for developers and causing resource issues. Meanwhile, Android is shifting to a private development model, affecting custom ROM developers. The release of Linux kernel 6.14 promises boosts for gaming performance. HP is favoring SteamOS for handhelds, aiming for better user experiences. Additionally, Ubuntu's 25.04 beta introduces exciting features, and there's movement towards Rust-based drivers for enhanced GPU access.
Mar 22, 2025 • 27min
EU push for open source, GIMP3 is out, Firefox gets webapps back
GIMP 3 has officially launched, bringing exciting new features to this beloved image editor. Firefox is reintroducing support for web apps, adding a much-anticipated functionality. Meanwhile, the EU is making strides toward digital sovereignty, pushing for a EuroStack to compete with US tech giants. In other news, Pebble smartwatches are making a comeback with two new models, and GNOME 48 has also been released, enhancing the Linux experience. Listen in for a mix of innovation and regulatory developments shaping open-source technology.
11 snips
Mar 15, 2025 • 25min
New Webkit browser for Linux, NVK becomes default, KDE splits X11 code
Exciting new developments in Linux and open source include the introduction of a Webkit-based browser aiming for a subscription model. KDE is splitting its X11 code to focus on Wayland, marking a significant shift in its architecture. The NVK driver replaces Nouveau for better NVIDIA graphics support, while Ubuntu tackles touchscreen issues. In a win for privacy, France rejects a law that would mandate encryption backdoors, emphasizing the importance of secure messaging.
10 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 25min
AMD wins at open source, GNOME makes drastic Wayland progress
AMD has made waves by open-sourcing its entire AI model, fostering community transparency. However, their latest GPUs still face challenges on Linux. Meanwhile, GNOME is enhancing the Wayland experience with global shortcuts and a new cursor shape protocol. Major updates are also on the way for Firefox and Thunderbird. On a security note, Apple stands firm against UK government demands for encryption backdoors. Plus, the brief downtime of FreeDesktop.org could affect many users. Exciting times ahead for the open-source world!
Feb 22, 2025 • 25min
Torvalds says Yes to Rust, Fedora doesn't get Flathub
Linus Torvalds settles the debate on integrating Rust into the Linux kernel, emphasizing maintainers' roles. Fedora faces controversy over its relationship with Flathub, leading to critiques and clarifications on security practices. Exciting updates reveal stable HDR support merged in Wayland and the release of GNOME 48 beta with enhanced features. Meanwhile, Mozilla navigates financial hurdles while exploring open-source AI, and Valve opens up its Team Fortress 2 source code for community engagement.
9 snips
Feb 15, 2025 • 31min
OBS could sue Fedora, GNOME's new site & branding
A brewing legal clash looms as OBS threatens to sue Fedora over its Flatpak packaging. Meanwhile, Fedora plans to pivot away from RPMs in app distribution. GNOME unveils a sleek new website and branding, while updates to GNOME 48 bring better notifications. KDE's Plasma 6.3 debuts alongside efforts for unified theming. On the browser frontier, Firefox is slashing RAM usage, while developers voice frustrations with Google Chrome's restrictive extension policies. All this paints a dynamic landscape in open source and Linux.
10 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 24min
Fedora looks at adding AI, kernel maintainer resigns over Rust issues, GNOME 48 changes
Fedora is exploring the integration of AI into its Workstation, stirring excitement in the community. There’s an ongoing debate about Rust's role in the Linux kernel, leading to some resignations. GNOME 48 introduces new fonts and HDR capabilities, enhancing user experiences. Firefox has launched an AI detection tool, while the Nova open source Nvidia driver sees its first implementation. However, open source projects face challenges with hosting losses as the EU sets regulations to curb high-risk AI uses.
Feb 1, 2025 • 24min
Mesa, Wayland & X.org in trouble, Debian leaves X, GNOME 48 alpha
The podcast dives into the latest challenges facing the Linux community, including the loss of hosting for Mesa, Wayland, and X.org. Debian's ethical stance leads to its exit from Twitter, sparking conversation. The excitement of the GNOME 48 alpha release is explored with new features aimed at enhancing user experience. Additionally, there's concern over the resignation of a key wireless maintainer affecting kernel support. Social media controversies also arise as Facebook blocks Linux-related posts, raising eyebrows in the community.
Jan 25, 2025 • 27min
Intel rediscovers Modular PCs, Arch Survey results, Kernel 6.13
Intel is shaking things up with a focus on modular PCs, aimed at reducing e-waste. Meanwhile, Linux kernel 6.13 has officially launched, featuring improved task prioritization. Deepin 25 is on the horizon, promising major updates for stability. The Arch Linux survey reveals unique user insights that are worth noting. Additionally, Wine 10 enhances support for Windows applications. Exciting times are ahead for Linux enthusiasts, especially with Canonical's advancements in Flutter and AMD's new compositor!
