(Linux news in previous posts)
FOSS NEWS
Google stops using Pixel phones as reference devices for testing, device trees are missing from Android 16 source code release, making it harder for custom rom devs to port their roms to Pixel devices:
https://www.androidauthority.com/google-not-killing-aosp-3566882/
(Google doing their regular "boil the frog" thing... They started with giving Android app devs the option to block sideloading, then they announce to make the development process fully private, only push final releases to AOSP code base, and now this... We desperately need mobile Linux to become an Android replacement! (Although I don't really see that happening any time soon unfortunately.))
Mozilla shuts down the Orbit AI add-on for Firefox, replicates its functionality with built-in features:
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/06/orbit-by-mozilla-shutting-down-june-26-2025
(Yay, more AI crap to the browser... More work for LibreWolf devs to remove all that crap...)
Linux Foundation launches FAIR package manager for WordPress, with API replacement and decentralized package management:
https://news.itsfoss.com/linux-foundation-launches-fair-package-manager/
LibreOffice 25.8 beta available with performance improvements, new functions for Calc, command to insert a paragraph break before tables in Writer, support for importing encrypted hybrid PDFs, etc.:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/LibreOffice-25.8-Beta-1
FreeBSD 14.3 released with backported improvements from 15, ZFS support updated against OpenZFS 2.2.7, driver and package updates:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/FreeBSD-14.3-Released
Audacity 3.7.4 released with improved effect preview, studio fade out and waveform rendering, other bug fixes:
https://9to5linux.com/audacity-3-7-4-improves-effect-preview-studio-fade-out-and-waveform-rendering
Gitea 1.24 released with enforced Git configs, option for admins to enforce 2FA for their users, anonymous access to private and unlisted repositories, revamped file tree and Material icons, etc.:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/6/gitea-1-24-adds-enforced-git-configs-2fa-mandate-enhanced-anonymous-repo-access/
Danish government ditches Microsoft products for FOSS alternatives like Linux and LibreOffice:
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/06/denmark-government-replaces-microsoft-with-linux-libreoffice
(more Linux news in original post)
Linux kernel 6.14 reaches EOL, upgrading to 6.15 recommended:
https://9to5linux.com/linux-kernel-6-14-reaches-end-of-life-its-time-to-upgrade-to-linux-kernel-6-15
Linux kernel 6.15.2 released to fix serious CPU idle power regression:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-6.15.2-Released
Intel and RADV Radeon Vulkan drivers add initial VP9 decoding support:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Intel-ANV-VP9-Vulkan-Video
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Mesa-RADV-Merges-VP9
DXVK 2.6.2 released with improvements for various video games, new DXVK_FILTER_DEVICE_UUID environment variable, d3d9.hide{Amd,Intel,Nvidia}Gpu configuration options, etc.:
https://9to5linux.com/dxvk-2-6-2-improves-support-for-rocketbirds-2-red-orchestra-ostfront-and-more
Wayland Protocols 1.45 released with background effects, pointer warp, experimental protocol for Session Management, etc.:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Wayland-Protocols-1.45
GNU nano 8.5 released with saved anchors, new keystrokes, improved syntax highlighting etc.:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/6/gnu-nano-8-5-sigourney-brings-saved-anchors-new-keystrokes-and-improved-syntax-coloring/
(FOSS news in comment)
This week's Linux and FOSS news:
LINUX NEWS
Ubuntu 24.10 will reach EOL on July 10, upgrading to 25.04 is recommended:
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/06/ubuntu-24-10-oracular-oriole-eol-july-2025
Ubuntu 25.10 (shipping GNOME 49) will remove GNOME X11 session:
https://9to5linux.com/ubuntu-25-10-questing-quokka-to-remove-the-gnome-on-xorg-x11-session
Linux Mint 20 reached EOL, upgrading to 22 is recommended:
https://news.itsfoss.com/linux-mint-20-eol/
Linux Mint 22.2 adds out-of-the-box fingerprint authentication support with Fingwit app:
https://9to5linux.com/linux-mint-22-2-will-feature-fingerprint-authentication-with-fingwit-app
Nitrux drops the Plasma-based NX desktop for Hyprland, due to the discontinuation of Plasma LTS released:
https://9to5linux.com/nitrux-linux-drops-its-kde-plasma-based-nx-desktop-for-hyprland
(It's a bit weird choice that they ditched a full DE for a standalone compositor, which is tiling in fact, and requires editing some config files manually, not sure if DE users want that.)
Kali Linux 2025.2 released with revamped Kali Menu, GNOME 48, KDE Plasma 8.3, 13 new tools (including Azurehound, binwalk3, bloodhound-ce-python etc.):
https://9to5linux.com/kali-linux-2025-2-released-with-revamped-kali-menu-13-new-hacking-tools
GNOME 49 Alpha 0 available with preparations for disabling X11 by default:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/GNOME-49-Alpha-0-Packages
Sway 1.11 released with explicit sync support, support for the ext-image-copy-capture-v1 and ext-image-capture-source-v1 protocols for improved screen capture, support for the alpha-modifier-v1 protocol for setting an alpha multiplier for a surface, etc.:
https://9to5linux.com/sway-1-11-tiling-wayland-compositor-adds-support-for-explicit-synchronization
(More Linux and FOSS news in comments)
(Linux news in original post)
FOSS NEWS
New Swiss law imposed by the Federal Department of Justice and Police would force services like Proton Mail and Threema to build backdoors into their services and hand over personal data in plain text, and might force users to hand over phone number or official ID:
https://news.itsfoss.com/swiss-privacy-bill-controversy/
(Seems like basically all governments around the world are out of control nowadays... Switzerland used to be a rare place with strong privacy laws but now it seems to be gone...)
PeerTube 7.2 released with clearer pagination, customizable columns, enhanced channel selection, improved visibility filters, reorganized video/live publication/update pages, video makers can now provide reasons when applying warnings to videos, improved handling of sensitive videos, etc.:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/6/peertube-7-2-brings-major-video-management-ui-overhaul-and-new-content-warning-tools/
/e/OS 3.0 released with refined parental controls (more control over app installations and screen time), new Murena Find search engine powered by Qwant, speech-to-text messaging support for Murena Workspace, Find My Device via SMS, better tablet support, detailed weekly reports on app tracking, new option to customize app geolocation access and show fake location for certain apps, new Murena Vault cloud storage powered by CryptPad:
https://news.itsfoss.com/e-os-3-0/
First preview release of Organic Maps fork CoMaps is available for Android:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/6/orgnanic-maps-fork-comaps-launches-first-preview-release-but-limited-to-android-users/
Aegis 3.4 released with haptic feedback (device vibration) when token is about to expire, filters across multiple groups, warning prompt when saving any entry with a duplicate name and issuer, etc.:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/6/2fa-app-aegis-3-4-brings-haptic-feedback-multi-group-filters-and-duplicate-entry-warning/
Ente Photos 1.1 released with daily memory notifications, enhanced home screen widgets, video streaming available on all platforms, option to share photos by tapping the icon, etc.:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/6/ente-photos-1-1-brings-daily-memories-expanded-widgets-and-enhanced-sharing-options/
VirtualBox 7.1.10 released with initial support for Linux kernel 6.15 and 6.16, various bug fixes:
https://9to5linux.com/virtualbox-7-1-10-is-out-with-initial-support-for-linux-6-15-and-6-16-kernels
This week's Linux and FOSS news:
LINUX NEWS
Arch project to create new sponsorships policy, which defines two types of sponsorships:
https://news.itsfoss.com/arch-linux-sponsorships/
elementaryOS 8 released with new gesture controller, improved multitasking view, notification when taking a screenshot with a keyboard shortcut, improved dock, etc.:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/6/elementary-os-improves-window-manager-dock-multitasking-screenshot-capture-and-more/
OpenSUSE Tumbleweed monthly update brings Linux kernel 6.14.6, QEMU 10.0, KDE Plasma 6.3.5, other updated packages:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/6/opensuse-tumbleweed-update-brings-qemu-10-kde-plasma-6-3-5-and-security-upgrades/
CachyOS update fixes NVIDIA issues by detecting the GPU and atomatically installing the correct driver, brings new boot animation and GRUB theme, Cachy-Browser discontinued, Firefox with custom config becomes the default, Proton-CachyOS is now based on Proton 10:
https://betanews.com/2025/06/01/cachyos-nvidia-fix-steam-deck-support-linux-browser-dropped/
Rocky Linux 9.6 released with enhanced image-building and delivery process, updated images, additional policy rules for SELinux, package updates:
https://9to5linux.com/rocky-linux-9-6-is-available-for-download-based-on-red-hat-enterprise-linux-9-6
UBports 20.04 OTA-9 released with VoLTE support out-of-the-box for more carriers, Waydroid 1.5.1, new font for emojis, support for newer emojis, bug fixes:
https://ubports.com/en/blog/ubports-news-1/post/ubuntu-touch-ota-9-focal-release-3962
Malicious pull requests to the Linux kernel copying Linus Torvalds' patches and re-listing him as the author got prevented:
https://news.itsfoss.com/linus-kernel-broken-pull-request/
(FOSS news in comments)
(Linux news in previous posts of the thread)
FOSS NEWS
PeerTube asks for donations to improve their new mobile app:
https://news.itsfoss.com/peertube-mobile-app-crowdfunding/
Organic Maps got forked due to transparency concerns, inclusion of proprietary components, CoMaps is born as a fully community-driven project:
https://news.itsfoss.com/organic-maps-fork-comaps/
Delta Chat now works in Firefox, no longer depends on Electron/Chromium:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/5/delta-chat-desktop-now-runs-in-firefox-and-no-longer-depends-on-electron-or-chromium/
Firefox 139 released with custom new tab wallpapers and background colors, improved upload speed, full-page translations on extension pages (for moz-extension:// URL scheme only), transparent PNG images stay transparent when pasted into Firefox:
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/05/mozilla-firefox-139-released-new-featuress
Firefox 140 beta available with Unload Tab feature to reduce memory and CPU usage, support for keeping more or fewer pinned vertical tabs in view, “Select All” option for bookmarks on Android:
https://9to5linux.com/firefox-140-enters-beta-testing-as-the-next-esr-extended-support-release-series
Thunderbird 139 released with "Mark as Read" and "Delete" actions for email notifications, enterprise policy implementation to allow granular in-app notification control, support for manually sorting folders in the folder pane, customizable row count for Cards View in the Appearance settings, various bug fixes:
https://9to5linux.com/thunderbird-139-adds-mark-as-read-and-delete-actions-to-email-notifications
OBS Studio 31.1 beta available with Multitrack Video support on Linux and macOS, preview zoom controls, support for additional canvases for Multitrack Video output, AV1 B-frame support for AMF, support for color format/space/range GPU conversion, etc.:
https://9to5linux.com/obs-studio-31-1-promises-multitrack-video-support-on-linux-beta-out-now
VirtualBox 7.2 beta is available with Windows 11 Arm support, GUI improvements, source code available on GitHub:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Oracle-VirtualBox-7.2-Beta
(more Linux news in original post)
GNOME 48.2 released with support for restoring tiled/maximized windows to the correct monitor, fix for the launch of terminal commands from the run dialog, other bug fixes:
https://9to5linux.com/gnome-48-2-desktop-released-with-various-improvements-and-bug-fixes
GNOME Web gets WebKit features page in Settings, where experimental features can be tried out:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/GNOME-Web-Toggle-Features
KDE Plasma 6.5 Beta 2 available with reduced RAM usage by keeping less wallpaper copies, more device types supported by the Bluetooth widget, keyboard shortcuts for changing wallpaper etc.:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Plasma-6.5-Less-Wallpaper-RAM
AlmaLinux 10.0 released with continued for x86-64-v2 (despite RHEL 10 only supporting x86-64-v3), UEFI Secure Boot on ARM platforms, continued SPICE support, tech preview support for KVM virtualization on IBM POWER:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/AlmaLinux-10.0-Released
KaOS 2025.05 released with Linux kernel 6.14, KDE Plasma 6.3.5, Qt 6.9, KDE Gear 25.04.1, KDE Frameworks 6.14, Qt 5 support dropped, updated packages:
https://9to5linux.com/independent-distro-kaos-2025-05-arrives-with-linux-6-14-and-kde-gear-25-04
Xfce's xfwm4 window manager will get built-in Wayland compositor component using wlroots in Xfce 4.22:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Xfce-xfwm4-Merges-Wayland-Code
Rhino Linux launches new community-driven UXBI KDE Plasma 6 port:
https://news.itsfoss.com/rhino-linux-ubxi-kde-desktop/
(Oh no, KDE got unicorned lol)
Out-of-date OpenH264 causing security concerns on Fedora due to a high severity CVE:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Fedora-OpenH264-Security-Woe
(FOSS news in comment)
This week's Linux and FOSS news:
LINUX NEWS
Linux kernel 6.15 released with Rust support for hrtimer and ARMv7, a new setcpuid= boot parameter for x86 CPUs, support for sched_ext to count and report internal events, x86 Intel and AMD PMU enhancements, nested virtualization support for VGICv3 on ARM, support for emulating FEAT_PMUv3 on Apple Silicon, new API to receive information about mount and unmount events of filesystems, support for hardware-wrapped encryption keys in the block layer, support for 48-bit block addressing in the EROFS file system, etc:
https://9to5linux.com/linux-kernel-6-15-officially-released-this-is-whats-new
Linux-libre kernel 6.15 released with Nova Core GPU, Qualcomm iris v4l2, Airoha NPU, Tehuti Networks TN40xx 10G Ethernet, Realtek 8814A Wi-Fi, Apple Silicon SoC touchscreen, Renesas UFS hooks, Spider 1Gb Ethernet,aw88166 audio drivers removed:
https://9to5linux.com/gnu-linux-libre-6-15-kernel-is-out-for-those-who-seek-100-freedom-for-their-pcs
Archinstall 3.0.7 released with option to configure Btrfs snapshot type (Snapper or Timeshift), disk encryption configuration moved into the disk config menu, various bug fixes and improvements:
https://9to5linux.com/archinstall-3-0-7-arch-linux-menu-based-installer-adds-support-for-btrfs-snapshots
Alpine Linux 3.22 released with Linux kernel 6.12 LTS, GNOME 48, KDE Plasma 6.3, LXQt 2.2, gummiboot (systemd-boot) replaced with systemd-efistub, updated packages:
https://9to5linux.com/alpine-linux-3-22-released-with-gnome-48-kde-plasma-6-3-and-lxqt-2-2
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS reached EOL on May 31, upgrade to newer version is recommended, or Ubuntu Pro subscription to get patches until 2030:
https://news.itsfoss.com/ubuntu-20-04-eol/
(Canonical doin the Microsoft thing: charging to keep getting patches)
Canonical to release monthly Ubuntu snapshots:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Monthly-Ubuntu-Snapshots
NVIDIA driver 575 released with NVIDIA Smooth Motion support, support for GLX front buffer rendering on Xwayland, support for the __NV_DISABLE_EXPLICIT_SYNC environment variable to also apply to GLX and Vulkan apps etc:
https://9to5linux.com/nvidia-575-linux-graphics-driver-released-with-support-for-nvidia-smooth-motion
(more Linux and FOSS news in comments)