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
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.
Oct 26, 2024 • 30min
Linux drops Russian maintainers, CoreBoot nonsense & Snap drivers
The Linux kernel has made headlines by dropping several Russian maintainers, igniting discussions on compliance and conflict. A laptop reseller's confrontation with Coreboot raises eyebrows. Intel's new beta NPU driver makes its way to the Snap store, with GNOME showcasing significant improvements for hybrid laptops. The episode also touches on a new SPECTRE-like vulnerability affecting modern CPUs, stirring frustration from Linus Torvalds. Exciting advancements in HDR support and game performance round out the tech talk.
Oct 19, 2024 • 31min
Adblockers are dead, Valve talks Steam Deck 2, Nvidia wants better drivers
Adblockers are facing extinction in Chrome due to new Google policies, raising privacy concerns. Valve teases the next-gen Steam Deck, promising exciting advancements in gaming. Nvidia is working to improve support for hybrid laptops on Linux, while Intel and AMD team up to enhance x86 architecture. There’s also news on boosts for AMD GPU performance and the open-sourcing of Winamp, stirring interest in the Linux gaming community. Tune in for insights into these pivotal developments!
Oct 12, 2024 • 26min
GNOME has money issues, Linux malware & Nvidia driver progress
The financial struggles of the GNOME Foundation take center stage, sparking discussion on its shift to community-led solutions. A sophisticated Linux malware lurking unnoticed raises alarms, highlighting the urgent need for security updates. Exciting news surrounds the release of Ubuntu 24.10, celebrating its 20th anniversary with fresh features. Meanwhile, progress in Nvidia drivers and gaming capabilities on Asahi Linux brings hope to avid gamers. Linux shows impressive CPU performance, yet still grapples with GPU challenges.
Oct 5, 2024 • 36min
Valve & Arch partnership, Nintendo kills Switch emulator, Thunderbird for Android is here
Exciting developments in Linux gaming are on the horizon with a new collaboration between Valve and Arch, focusing on ARM64 support. Meanwhile, Nintendo's aggressive takedown of a popular Switch emulator raises eyebrows in the open-source community. Thunderbird finally makes its debut on Android, promising enhanced features for users. Meanwhile, FreeBSD secures new funding from major tech companies, hinting at better future support. Plus, check out Mozilla's fresh branding that plays on nostalgia!
Sep 28, 2024 • 37min
9.9 out of 10 severity flaw on Linux, ARM64 & Android support in proton, Valve devs want faster Wayland progress
A critical vulnerability in the CUPS printing server poses a severe threat across Linux distributions, with risks of remote code execution. Valve is actively testing ARM64 and Android support for Steam games, while also pushing for faster Wayland development through new protocols. The discussion highlights the ethical dilemmas of the FairSource licensing model, compared to traditional open-source software. Plus, Winamp stirs controversy by releasing its source code under restrictive licensing, igniting debates about the true nature of open source.
Sep 21, 2024 • 43min
Torvalds dismisses Rust haters, Mozilla kills their Mastodon instance, GNOME 47 is out
Linux kernel 6.11 and GNOME 47 have rolled out impressive enhancements, boosting performance and user experience. Torvalds addresses the criticism around Rust's integration into Linux. Meanwhile, Mozilla is shutting down its low-traffic Mastodon instance, and Nextcloud Hub 9 introduces exciting features. The podcast also delves into the fragmented state of Linux gaming and the financial implications of open-source licensing changes, highlighting how companies may not see benefits from moving away from FOSS.
Sep 14, 2024 • 37min
KDE's 3 main goals, Plasma 6.2 beta, Square Enix invests in a Linux OS
KDE outlines its exciting three main goals for the future, aiming to foster application development and community engagement. The new Plasma 6.2 beta is also highlighted, showcasing innovative features. Meanwhile, Square Enix makes waves by investing in Playtron OS, signaling a shift towards Linux gaming. The discussion takes a turn with the critique of a new Linux tablet that boasts great specs but comes with a hefty price tag. Ubuntu is also enhancing Snap permissions, promising more user control over app access.
Sep 7, 2024 • 37min
Linux grows again, KDE overspends (but it's fine), Ubuntu has upgrade problems
Linux desktop market share is on the rise, marking impressive growth. Canonical has halted upgrades to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS due to critical bugs. KDE has intentionally overspent in 2023 as part of a financial strategy, emphasizing long-term sustainability. Exciting updates in Wayland protocols are being implemented, while Intel's new chips are outshining ARM counterparts in performance. Lastly, the podcast touches on Google's interest in the JPEG XL format and the ongoing challenges with Windows on ARM.
