Tech News Digest – May 15, 2025

📢 The tech blog that's not just for techies... but if you're not a techie, you might get lost!
[$] LWN.net Weekly Edition for May 15, 2025
Category: Linux
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 15 May 2025 00:59:14 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the article in 2 sentences:
The LWN.net Weekly Edition includes news on various open-source projects such as Home Assistant, YaST, and Flatpak, as well as coverage from the LSFMM+BPF 2025 conference. The edition also features briefs on topics like screen security, Guix on Codeberg, and Podman 5.5.0, along with announcements on newsletters, conferences, and other updates.
Inside this week's LWN.net Weekly Edition:
Front: Home Assistant; YaST; bpfilter; Flatpak; More LSFMM+BPF 2025 coverage.
Briefs: Screen security; Guix on Codeberg; Postgres I/O; GNOME executive director; Nextcloud blog; Podman 5.5.0; OSL sustainability; Quotes; ...
Announcements: Newsletters, conferences, security updates, patches, and more.
[Read more](https://lwn.net/Articles/1020448/)
[$] The future of Flatpak
Category: Linux
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 19:18:51 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
At the Linux Application Summit, Sebastian Wick reported that Flatpak, an application-packaging format, is doing well by many metrics, with popularity among upstream developers and users. However, he expressed concern about the project's stagnation and lack of reviewers to handle code beyond basic maintenance, which may hinder its further development.
At the Linux Application Summit (LAS) in April, Sebastian Wick said that, by many metrics, Flatpak is doing great. The Flatpak application-packaging format is popular with upstream developers, and with many users. More and more applications are being published in the Flathub application store, and the format is even being adopted by Linux distributions like Fedora. However, he worried that work on the Flatpak project itself had stagnated, and that there were too few developers able to review and merge code beyond basic maintenance.
[Read more](https://lwn.net/Articles/1020571/)
Podman 5.5.0 released
Category: Linux
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 17:37:05 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
Podman version 5.5.0 has been released, featuring new commands such as podman machine cp
to copy files into a running Podman VM, podman artifact extract
to copy contents of an OCI artifact to disk, and the option --mount=artifact
to mount OCI artifacts into containers. The release announcement provides a full list of improvements and bug fixes included in this version.
Version 5.5.0 of the Podman container-management tool has been released. Notable features include the addition of a podman machine cp command to copy files into a running Podman VM, a podman artifact extract command to copy contents of an OCI artifact to disk, and a --mount=artifact option to mount OCI artifacts into containers. See the release announcement for a full list of improvements and bug fixes.
[Read more](https://lwn.net/Articles/1021217/)
[$] Faster firewalls with bpfilter
Category: Linux
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 17:22:47 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
Many devices on a network will eventually need to filter traffic, making performance optimization crucial in this domain. The Bpfilter project aims to improve packet filtering using Berkeley Packet Filter (BPF), which has the potential to be faster than other mechanisms.
From servers in a data center to desktop computers, many devices communicating on a network will eventually have to filter network traffic, whether it's for security or performance reasons. As a result, this is a domain where a lot of work is put into improving performance: a tiny performance improvement can have considerable gains. Bpfilter is a project that allows for packet filtering to easily be done with BPF, which can be faster than other mechanisms.
[Read more](https://lwn.net/Articles/1017705/)
Security updates for Wednesday
Category: Linux
Tags: Linux, Red Hat
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 13:08:26 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the security updates in 2 sentences:
Multiple Linux distributions have issued security updates to address vulnerabilities in various packages, including browsers, libraries, and applications. The affected distributions include AlmaLinux, Arch Linux, Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, Mageia, Oracle, Red Hat, Slackware, SUSE, and Ubuntu, with a total of over 50 individual package updates across the different distributions.
Security updates have been issued by AlmaLinux (emacs, firefox, gnutls, java-17-openjdk, java-21-openjdk, osbuild-composer, python39:3.9, and thunderbird), Arch Linux (screen), Debian (varnish), Fedora (chromium), Gentoo (Atop, FreeType, and Spidermonkey), Mageia (java-1.8.0-openjdk, java-11-openjdk, java-17-openjdk, java-latest-openjdk and postgresql15, postgresql13), Oracle (389-ds-base, emacs, firefox, kernel, libsoup, libtiff, mod_auth_openidc:2.3, nodejs:20, nodejs:22, osbuild-composer, python39:3.9, qemu-kvm, ruby, ruby:3.1, ruby:3.3, and thunderbird), Red Hat (.NET 8.0, .NET 9.0, avahi, buildah, corosync, delve and golang, exiv2, expat, firefox, ghostscript, gimp, git, grafana, gvisor-tap-vsock, java-21-openjdk, kernel, kernel-rt, libarchive, libjpeg-turbo, libsoup, libsoup3, libxslt, mod_auth_openidc, nginx, nginx:1.22, nginx:1.24, nodejs22, nodejs:20, nodejs:22, opentelemetry-collector, osbuild-composer, perl, php, php:8.2, php:8.3, podman, python-jinja2, redis, redis:7, rhc, ruby:2.5, skopeo, sqlite, thunderbird, tomcat, tomcat9, valkey, vim, xorg-x11-server-Xwayland, xterm, xz, yelp, and yggdrasil), Slackware (screen), SUSE (apparmor, dirmngr, gimp, golang-github-prometheus-node_exporter, java-11-openj9, java-17-openj9, java-21-openj9, libxmp-devel, python311-Django4, rabbitmq-server313, rke2, and transfig), and Ubuntu (abseil and open-vm-tools).
Read more
Libreboot 25.04 Open-Source Boot Firmware Released
Category: Linux Today
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 15 May 2025 10:03:05 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
Libreboot 25.04, also known as "Corny Calamity", has been released with a new versioning scheme and broad distro support. This open-source boot firmware update debuted on April 25, 2023.
Libreboot 25.04 "Corny Calamity" open-source boot firmware debuts with a new YY.MM versioning scheme, broad distro support, and more.
The post Libreboot 25.04 Open-Source Boot Firmware Released appeared first on Linux Today.
[Read more](https://www.linuxtoday.com/blog/libreboot-25-04-open-source-boot-firmware-released/)
Interview with Carl Richell, Founder of System76, about COSMIC Desktop, Pop!_OS, & more
Category: Linux Today
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 15 May 2025 10:01:42 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
System76 CEO Carl Richell discussed the company's mission, the future of their Linux-based operating system Pop!_OS, and the development of COSMIC desktop environment, which is built using Rust. The interview appeared on Linux Today, providing an in-depth look at System76's goals and plans for their products.
We sat down with Carl Richell, CEO of System76, for an in-depth conversation about the company’s mission, the future of Pop!_OS, and the development of their new Rust-based COSMIC desktop environment
The post Interview with Carl Richell, Founder of System76, about COSMIC Desktop, Pop!_OS, & more appeared first on Linux Today.
[Read more](https://www.linuxtoday.com/blog/interview-with-carl-richell-founder-of-system76-about-cosmic-desktop-pop_os-more/)
Fastfetch 2.42 System Information Tool Fixes Virtual Disk Bug
Category: Linux Today
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 15 May 2025 09:59:23 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the article in 2 sentences:
The Fastfetch system information tool has been updated to version 2.42, which includes improvements such as BIOS name normalization on OpenBSD and enhanced CPU and Wi-Fi support across BSD systems. The update also fixes a virtual disk bug, according to the release announcement.
Fastfetch 2.42 system information tool adds BIOS name normalization on OpenBSD, plus CPU and Wi-Fi improvements across BSD systems.
The post Fastfetch 2.42 System Information Tool Fixes Virtual Disk Bug appeared first on Linux Today.
[Read more](https://www.linuxtoday.com/blog/fastfetch-2-42-system-information-tool-fixes-virtual-disk-bug/)
jdSystemMonitor is a desktop-independent system monitor for Linux
Category: Linux Today
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 15 May 2025 09:58:21 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
JdSystemMonitor is an advanced system monitoring tool for Linux that provides detailed information about the system, focusing on process management. It is designed to be desktop-independent, making it accessible regardless of the desktop environment used.
jdSystemMonitor is billed as an advanced, desktop-independent system monitor for Linux. It aims to provide as much information about your system as possible, focusing on process management.
The post jdSystemMonitor is a desktop-independent system monitor for Linux appeared first on Linux Today.
[Read more](https://www.linuxtoday.com/%category%/jdsystemmonitor-is-a-desktop-independent-system-monitor-for-linux/)
Learning Shell Scripting: A Guide from Newbies to System Administrator
Category: Linux Today
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 15 May 2025 09:56:22 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
This guide covers everything you need to know about shell scripting, from basic concepts to advanced techniques used by system administrators. The guide is intended for both beginners and experienced system administrators, providing a comprehensive resource for learning shell scripting.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from absolute basics to more advanced scripting concepts that system administrators use every day.
The post Learning Shell Scripting: A Guide from Newbies to System Administrator appeared first on Linux Today.
[Read more](https://www.linuxtoday.com/blog/learning-shell-scripting-a-guide-from-newbies-to-system-administrator/)
Apple is placing warnings on EU apps that don’t use App Store payments
Category: The Verge
Tags: General
Published: 2025-05-15T06:03:33-04:00
TL;DR: Apple is adding a red warning symbol and a message to certain iOS apps' App Store listings if they support alternative payment options, which could scare off European users who are required by law to have multiple payment choices. The red icon and warning message are specifically targeting apps like Instacar that don't use Apple's proprietary payment method, according to Daring Fireball's John Gruber.
Apple is trying to dissuade Europeans from using iOS apps that support alternative payment options by making them look scary. Daring Fireball’s John Gruber spotted that a red exclamation mark icon is being prominently displayed on the App Store listing for Instacar, alongside a message warning users that it doesn’t use Apple’s “private and secure […]
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Leica can now style your iPhone photos to mimic a pro photographer
Category: The Verge
Tags: General
Published: 2025-05-15T04:00:00-04:00
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
Leica is introducing "Artist Looks" to its Lux camera app for iPhones, which applies celebrity-inspired filters to photos. The first Artist Look is modeled after the style of photographer Greg Williams, allowing users to easily add his aesthetic to their images with just one click.
Leica is bringing a new kind of filter effect called “Artist Looks” to its Lux camera app for iPhones, with the first one adjusting your photos to resemble the style and body of work of celebrity photographer Greg Williams. Artist Looks, like the other color and black-and-white looks in Leica’s app, are essentially one-click filter […]
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This modern cassette boombox will lure you in with glowing VU meters
Category: The Verge
Tags: General
Published: 2025-05-15T03:00:00-04:00
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
We Are Rewind has released a larger boombox version, the GB-001, which combines modern features like wireless headphones support and rechargeable batteries with a classic cassette player design. The €449 (approximately $500 USD) portable stereo can function as both a Bluetooth speaker and a retro-style boombox.
We Are Rewind, a Paris-based company that has relaunched the cassette player with modern features like support for wireless headphones and rechargeable batteries, has announced a larger boombox version. Streamlining the design of the portable stereos that were popular in the ‘80s, the €449 (around $500 USD) GB-001 can function as a Bluetooth speaker and […]
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EA is bringing employees back to the office three days per week
Category: The Verge
Tags: General
Published: 2025-05-14T19:33:38-04:00
TL;DR: EA is introducing a hybrid work model where employees are expected to return to the office three days per week, according to emails sent by CEO Andrew Wilson and President Laura Miele. Additionally, the company will be reducing remote hiring, indicating a shift towards in-person collaboration and potentially impacting its ability to attract talent from diverse locations.
EA is asking employees to return to the office for three days per week under a hybrid model – and it sounds like the company will be significantly reducing remote hiring. CEO Andrew Wilson and president of EA Entertainment and technology Laura Miele sent emails to staff about the change, IGN reports. Kotaku’s Ethan Gach […]
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SoundCloud changes its TOS again after an AI uproar
Category: The Verge
Tags: General
Published: 2025-05-14T19:14:46-04:00
TL;DR: SoundCloud is clarifying that it has never used artist content to train artificial intelligence (AI) models and is making a formal commitment to use AI on the platform only with the consent, transparency, and control of the artists involved. This update comes after artists reported changes to SoundCloud's terms last year that raised concerns about how their music was being used.
Music-sharing platform SoundCloud is saying it “has never used artist content to train AI models,” and that it’s “making a formal commitment that any use of AI on SoundCloud will be based on consent, transparency, and artist control.” The update comes several days after artists reported that changes made last year to its terms of […]
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For the first time in the US, a rotating detonation rocket engine takes flight
Category: Ars Technica
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 22:47:06 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the statement in 2 sentences:
The development of hypersonics is crucial for the United States to maintain its competitive edge against other nations. Hypersonic technology, which involves flying at speeds above Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), is seen as essential for national security and economic advantages.
"Hypersonics is one of the critical technologies to remain ahead of our national competitors."
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xAI’s Grok suddenly can’t stop bringing up “white genocide” in South Africa
Category: Ars Technica
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 22:32:14 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
Elon Musk, the owner of X, has long been enthusiastic about a particular topic, which serves as his personal interest or passion. This enthusiasm for the topic can be described as a "hobbyhorse", meaning it is something he enjoys exploring and talking about.
The topic has long been a hobbyhorse of X owner Elon Musk.
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OpenAI adds GPT-4.1 to ChatGPT amid complaints over confusing model lineup
Category: Ars Technica
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 22:16:14 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
Two new AI models have been added to an existing lineup of 7, bringing the total number of options for paid users. This expansion has left some users wondering which model is the best choice for their needs and goals.
Two new AI models join 7 others, leaving some paid users wondering which one is best.
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A dangerous E. coli strain has emerged; a small mutation may explain its rise
Category: Ars Technica
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 21:22:36 +0000
TL;DR: A mysterious mutation has been discovered in E. coli bacteria, although its exact function is unknown. One possibility is that the mutation allows E. coli to evade detection by hiding or becoming less visible when present on lettuce leaves.
It's unclear what the mutation does, but it might make E. coli stealthy on lettuce.
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Google DeepMind creates super-advanced AI that can invent new algorithms
Category: Ars Technica
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 21:01:58 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
AlphaEvolve has successfully optimized efficiency at Google's data centers, resulting in improved performance. Additionally, AlphaEvolve's work has also led to advancements in Google's Tensor chips, which are used for AI-related tasks.
AlphaEvolve has already made Google's data centers more efficient and improved Tensor chips.
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9 Best Mattresses for Back Pain, Tested and Reviewed (2025)
Category: Wired
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 15 May 2025 10:38:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of your text in 2 sentences:
If you're experiencing back pain during sleep or upon waking, these mattresses may be able to provide relief from discomfort. By using one of these mattresses, you could potentially alleviate back pain and start the day feeling more refreshed and comfortable.
Struggling with back pain while you sleep or when you wake up in the morning? These mattresses can help with that.
Read more
Blocked From Selling Off-Brand Ozempic, Telehealth Startups Embrace a Less Effective Drug
Category: Wired
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 15 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000
TL;DR: The FDA has temporarily halted the sale of certain copycat versions of Ozempic and Zepbound, leading to online clinics starting to offer liraglutide, a different type of GLP-1 medication that is injected daily rather than weekly like the original medications. This shift allows patients to still access GLP-1 therapies while the FDA investigates concerns surrounding certain copycat versions of Ozempic and Zepbound.
As the FDA halts the sale of Ozempic and Zepbound copycats, online clinics have begun offering liraglutide, an older GLP-1 medication injected daily instead of weekly.
Read more
Adidas Promo Codes & Deals: 30% Off
Category: Wired
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 15 May 2025 05:00:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
Adidas is offering 30% off on their summer styles and additional discounts for new customers who sign up for their adiClub membership program. By using their coupons and deals, shoppers can enjoy even more savings on their favorite Adidas products.
Enjoy 30% off summer styles, 15% off when you sign up to be an adiClub member, and more with our Adidas coupons and deals.
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Best Bird Feeders With Cameras, Tested and Reviewed (2025)
Category: Wired
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 23:34:55 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
Bird feeders equipped with cameras allow you to observe and learn about the birds visiting your yard. Additionally, these feeders come with connected apps that enable you to view and monitor bird activity remotely.
These bird feeders come with cameras and connected apps to let you see and learn about the birds in your neighborhood.
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SpaceX Tests Starship Fixes After Back-to-Back Failures
Category: Wired
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 23:31:28 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
SpaceX's next Starship launch is potentially just around the corner, with a test of the Raptor engine suggesting that the company has overcome the issues that caused delays in recent flights. The successful test indicates that SpaceX may be ready to launch Starship again soon.
The next Starship launch may come as soon as next week. A test of its Raptor engines suggests SpaceX has resolved the issues that plagued its recent flights.
Read more
[$] LWN.net Weekly Edition for May 15, 2025
Category: LWN.net
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 15 May 2025 00:59:14 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
The LWN.net Weekly Edition features articles on various topics such as Home Assistant, YaST, bpfilter, Flatpak, and more. The edition also includes briefs on screen security, Guix on Codeberg, Postgres I/O, GNOME executive director, Nextcloud blog, Podman 5.5.0, OSL sustainability, quotes, and other announcements.
Inside this week's LWN.net Weekly Edition:
Front: Home Assistant; YaST; bpfilter; Flatpak; More LSFMM+BPF 2025 coverage.
Briefs: Screen security; Guix on Codeberg; Postgres I/O; GNOME executive director; Nextcloud blog; Podman 5.5.0; OSL sustainability; Quotes; ...
Announcements: Newsletters, conferences, security updates, patches, and more.
[Read more](https://lwn.net/Articles/1020448/)
[$] The future of Flatpak
Category: LWN.net
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 19:18:51 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
At the Linux Application Summit, Sebastian Wick reported that Flatpak, an application-packaging format, is doing well with upstream developers and users, with many applications being published in the Flathub store. However, he expressed concern that the project's progress had stalled due to a lack of developers able to review and merge code beyond basic maintenance.
At the Linux Application Summit (LAS) in April, Sebastian Wick said that, by many metrics, Flatpak is doing great. The Flatpak application-packaging format is popular with upstream developers, and with many users. More and more applications are being published in the Flathub application store, and the format is even being adopted by Linux distributions like Fedora. However, he worried that work on the Flatpak project itself had stagnated, and that there were too few developers able to review and merge code beyond basic maintenance.
[Read more](https://lwn.net/Articles/1020571/)
Podman 5.5.0 released
Category: LWN.net
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 17:37:05 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
Podman version 5.5.0 has been released, featuring new commands such as podman machine cp
to copy files into running Podman VMs and podman artifact extract
to extract contents of OCI artifacts to disk. Additionally, the release includes improvements and bug fixes, with a full list available in the release announcement.
Version 5.5.0 of the Podman container-management tool has been released. Notable features include the addition of a podman machine cp command to copy files into a running Podman VM, a podman artifact extract command to copy contents of an OCI artifact to disk, and a --mount=artifact option to mount OCI artifacts into containers. See the release announcement for a full list of improvements and bug fixes.
[Read more](https://lwn.net/Articles/1021217/)
[$] Faster firewalls with bpfilter
Category: LWN.net
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 17:22:47 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
Many devices on a network need to filter traffic for security or performance reasons, making performance optimization crucial in this domain. The Bpfilter project aims to improve packet filtering using BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter), which can be faster than other mechanisms and offer considerable gains.
From servers in a data center to desktop computers, many devices communicating on a network will eventually have to filter network traffic, whether it's for security or performance reasons. As a result, this is a domain where a lot of work is put into improving performance: a tiny performance improvement can have considerable gains. Bpfilter is a project that allows for packet filtering to easily be done with BPF, which can be faster than other mechanisms.
[Read more](https://lwn.net/Articles/1017705/)
Security updates for Wednesday
Category: LWN.net
Tags: Linux, Red Hat
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 13:08:26 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
Multiple Linux distributions have issued security updates to fix various vulnerabilities, including AlmaLinux, Arch Linux, Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, Mageia, Oracle, Red Hat, Slackware, SUSE, and Ubuntu. The updates address issues with software such as Firefox, Java, Python, Thunderbird, Chromium, Varnish, Atop, FreeType, Spidermonkey, and more.
Security updates have been issued by AlmaLinux (emacs, firefox, gnutls, java-17-openjdk, java-21-openjdk, osbuild-composer, python39:3.9, and thunderbird), Arch Linux (screen), Debian (varnish), Fedora (chromium), Gentoo (Atop, FreeType, and Spidermonkey), Mageia (java-1.8.0-openjdk, java-11-openjdk, java-17-openjdk, java-latest-openjdk and postgresql15, postgresql13), Oracle (389-ds-base, emacs, firefox, kernel, libsoup, libtiff, mod_auth_openidc:2.3, nodejs:20, nodejs:22, osbuild-composer, python39:3.9, qemu-kvm, ruby, ruby:3.1, ruby:3.3, and thunderbird), Red Hat (.NET 8.0, .NET 9.0, avahi, buildah, corosync, delve and golang, exiv2, expat, firefox, ghostscript, gimp, git, grafana, gvisor-tap-vsock, java-21-openjdk, kernel, kernel-rt, libarchive, libjpeg-turbo, libsoup, libsoup3, libxslt, mod_auth_openidc, nginx, nginx:1.22, nginx:1.24, nodejs22, nodejs:20, nodejs:22, opentelemetry-collector, osbuild-composer, perl, php, php:8.2, php:8.3, podman, python-jinja2, redis, redis:7, rhc, ruby:2.5, skopeo, sqlite, thunderbird, tomcat, tomcat9, valkey, vim, xorg-x11-server-Xwayland, xterm, xz, yelp, and yggdrasil), Slackware (screen), SUSE (apparmor, dirmngr, gimp, golang-github-prometheus-node_exporter, java-11-openj9, java-17-openj9, java-21-openj9, libxmp-devel, python311-Django4, rabbitmq-server313, rke2, and transfig), and Ubuntu (abseil and open-vm-tools).
Read more
Canonical Donating $120,000 to Open Source Projects This Year
Category: OMG! Ubuntu!
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 01:54:40 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
Canonical has committed to donating $120,000 to open source developers building projects and tools that power the Ubuntu ecosystem. This donation aims to support the development of projects and tools that contribute to the success of the Ubuntu platform.
Canonical commits to donating $120k to the open source developers building the projects and tools that help power the Ubuntu ecosystem.
You're reading Canonical Donating $120,000 to Open Source Projects This Year, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
[Read more](https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/05/canonical-commits-funds-open-source-devs)
NordVPN Linux App Updated with New GUI
Category: OMG! Ubuntu!
Tags: General
Published: Tue, 13 May 2025 14:12:49 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the article in 2 sentences:
NordVPN has released an update to its Linux app, adding a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it easier for users to control and configure their secure connections. The GUI provides a visually rich experience and ease of use without compromising advanced features, making it more accessible to Linux users who don't want to use the command-line interface.
NordVPN has announced a major update to its Linux app, adding a much-requested GUI front-end that makes it easier to control, configure and monitor secure connections. Linux users have been able to use an official, comprehensive command-line interface for NordVPN for many years. The addition of a graphical user-interface (which can be used alongside the command-line one) should help the company broaden access to its services by making it easier to use NordVPN without needing to look up commands and type them in. NordVPN say the Linux GUI provides “visually rich elements and ease of use without compromising advanced features. […]
You're reading NordVPN Linux App Updated with New GUI, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
[Read more](https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/05/nordvpn-linux-app-update-adds-gui)
Ubuntu 25.04 Upgrades Have Been Re-Enabled
Category: OMG! Ubuntu!
Tags: General
Published: Mon, 12 May 2025 22:59:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
After initial issues, upgrades to Ubuntu 25.04 have been re-enabled, allowing users to perform in-place upgrades from version 24.10. The upgrade was halted shortly after release due to major bugs affecting different Ubuntu flavors, causing broken desktops and removed packages, but these issues have now been resolved.
If you’ve been itching to do an in-place upgrade to Ubuntu 25.04 from 24.10, your patience has paid off — upgrades have been re-enabled. For those unaware, Ubuntu was forced to halt upgrades to the new Ubuntu 25.04 release a few hours after its release on April 17 after major bugs were reported, affecting users across different Ubuntu flavours were discovered. Users were left with broken desktops (environments, that is – upgrading didn’t smash motherboards); had third-party packages removed that shouldn’t have been, and users on Qt-based flavours couldn’t upgrade using the GUI tool due to missing dependencies. Less Plucky, […]
You're reading Ubuntu 25.04 Upgrades Have Been Re-Enabled, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
[Read more](https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/05/ubuntu-25-04-upgrades-resume-after-bug-fixes)
Kagi’s Orion Browser Linux Port Uses GTK4/libadwaita
Category: OMG! Ubuntu!
Tags: General
Published: Mon, 12 May 2025 14:50:48 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
Kagi, the company behind the Orion web browser, has shared a development screenshot of its Linux build, revealing that it will use GTK4/libadwaita for its GUI. This choice is logical and expected, as GTK4 is a modern toolkit widely used across Linux distros with consistency at its core, and libadwaita provides widgets and other necessary components.
A few months back I reported that Kagi, the company behind the paid, private and privacy-focused search engine of the same time, is porting its Orion web browser to Linux – now we have our first look at how its Linux GUI is shaping up. A recent development screenshot of Orion’s WIP Linux build was shared by Kagi devs—pictured in the hero image above—and it reveals that Orion for Linux will use GTK4/libadwaita for its GUI. A logical (and expected) choice: GTK4 is a modern, widely-used toolkit across Linux distros, with consistency at its core. And libadwaita provides widgets and […]
You're reading Kagi’s Orion Browser Linux Port Uses GTK4/libadwaita, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
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KDE Plasma 6.3.5 Update Available to Kubuntu Users
Category: OMG! Ubuntu!
Tags: General
Published: Sun, 11 May 2025 22:05:43 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
KDE Plasma 6.3.5, a bug-fix release, is now available to Kubuntu 25.04 users through the Kubuntu backports PPA. By adding or enabling this PPA, Kubuntu users can get the update immediately rather than waiting for it to be distributed through usual software channels.
If you’re running Kubuntu 25.04 and want the latest fixes the KDE Plasma 6.3.5 release, you can use the Kubuntu backports PPA to get ’em. KDE Plasma 6.3.5 popped out a few weeks back, serving as the fifth and (likely) final bug-fix release prior to the next major release, KDE Plasma 6.4. Over the weekend, Kubuntu developers announced that the Kubuntu backports PPA has added the requisite packages for Kubuntu 25.04. Thus, Kubuntu users can add (or enable) the PPA to get the update now, rather than wait for the update to filter out through the usual software channels. The […]
You're reading KDE Plasma 6.3.5 Update Available to Kubuntu Users, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.
[Read more](https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/05/kde-plasma-6-3-5-upgrade-ubuntu-25-04)
FOSS Weekly #25.20: KDE Widgets, Deepin Security Issues, New GNOME Player and More Linux Stuff
Category: It's FOSS
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 15 May 2025 04:47:12 GMT
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
openSUSE, an open-source operating system, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Deepin desktop team, likely due to some issue or controversy between the two organizations. The exact nature of their disagreement is unclear, but it appears that openSUSE and the Deepin desktop team are not on good terms.
openSUSE is not happy with Deepin desktop team.
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Handling Indentation in VS Code
Category: It's FOSS
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 14 May 2025 03:14:27 GMT
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
VS Code allows users to customize indentation settings to their preference, offering flexibility with options to set it globally, per project, or per language. This means that users can tailor their indentation style to suit their needs and work habits.
VS Code lets you control indentation your way, whether you want to set it globally, per project, or even per language basis.
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How I Turned My Old Hi-Fi Speakers into Bluetooth Ones with Raspberry Pi
Category: It's FOSS
Tags: General
Published: Sat, 10 May 2025 06:49:14 GMT
TL;DR: Here is a summary of your text in 2 sentences:
You decided to upgrade your old speakers with Bluetooth capabilities driven by curiosity rather than a desire for sustainability. This allowed you to stream music from services like Spotify and other players wirelessly, giving you a new way to enjoy your music.
Curiosity, more than sustainability, drove me to add Bluetooth features to my old speakers and thus play Spotify and other players wirelessly through it.
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FOSS Weekly #25.19: sudo-rs, Terminal Makeover, Kazam 2.0, Mission Center and More Linux Stuff
Category: It's FOSS
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 08 May 2025 05:54:15 GMT
TL;DR: Here is a summary of your request:
Rust is gaining popularity and becoming a staple in many developers' toolboxes, much like cilantro is a essential herb in many cuisines.
Rust is slowly becoming the cilantro of software—either you sprinkle it everywhere, or you’re doing it wrong! 🌿💻
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Enable or Disable Word Wrap in VS Code
Category: It's FOSS
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 07 May 2025 11:06:19 GMT
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
When reading large amounts of code, notes, or files with long lines, being able to toggle word wrap on and off helps prevent eye strain caused by endless horizontal scrolling. This feature saves your eyes from fatigue and makes it easier to read and work with complex texts.
Whether you’re reading long lines of code, markdown notes, or JSON files, knowing how to toggle word wrap on or off can save your eyes from endless horizontal scrolling.
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Render a Guitar Pro Score in Real Time
Category: Fedora Magazine
Tags: General
Published: Mon, 12 May 2025 08:00:21 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
Tuxguitar will be used to render the audio of a Guitar Pro score, which typically includes a complete band score transcribed for multiple instruments. Tuxguitar is a powerful Java/C-based application that can render scores in real-time.
We will use Tuxguitar to render the audio of a Guitar Pro score [5]. Guitar Pro scores are files with a complete band score transcribed (guitars, bass, drums, synths and more). Introduction Tuxguitar is a quite powerful application written in a mixture of Java / C. It is able to render a score in real […]
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Nominate Your Fedora Heroes: Mentor and Contributor Recognition 2025
Category: Fedora Magazine
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 07 May 2025 23:41:42 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
The Fedora Project relies on dedicated contributors who go above and beyond to ensure its success, through tasks such as reviewing code, mentoring new members, writing documentation, and organizing events. The Fedora Project's community is built on the efforts of these quiet champions, without whom the project would not thrive.
The Fedora Project is built on the dedication, mentorship, and relentless efforts of contributors who continuously go above and beyond. From reviewing pull requests to onboarding new community members, from writing documentation to organizing events — it’s these quiet champions who make Fedora thrive. As a part of the Fedora Mentor Summit , we would […]
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Start Planning Fedora 43 Test Days!
Category: Fedora Magazine
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 07 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:
The Fedora project relies on many contributors, including those who participate in Test Days, which are crucial for ensuring the quality of each release. This article outlines the process for proposing and scheduling Test Days, with Fedora 43 development now underway and in need of volunteers to plan and test the new release.
Each Fedora release is only possible thanks to the dedication of many contributors. One of the most important ways you can get involved is by participating in Test Days! This article describes the steps in proposing and scheduling test days. As Fedora 43 development moves ahead, it’s time to start planning and proposing Test Days. […]
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Building your own Atomic (bootc) Desktop
Category: Fedora Magazine
Tags: General
Published: Mon, 05 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:
Bootc and associated tools provide the foundation for creating a personalized desktop, allowing you to build your own custom installation. However, building a custom installation comes with a disclaimer that it may be harder to find support compared to mainstream solutions, and users do so "at their own risk".
Bootc and associated tools provide the basis for building a personalised desktop. This article will describe the process to build your own custom installation. Disclaimer Building and using a custom installation is “at your own risk”. Your installation may be harder to find support for when compared with a mainstream solution. Motivation There has been […]
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Enabling system-wide DNS over TLS
Category: Fedora Magazine
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the article in 2 sentences:
This article provides guidance on how to enable DNS over TLS (DoT) on your system and configure it to start automatically at boot time. Additionally, it offers instructions on setting up encrypted DNS for system installation, which is available in Fedora 43 and can be tried with current Fedora Rawhide.
This article will guide you to enforcing DoT (DNS over TLS) on your running system and at boot time. Support is avaliable in Fedora 42. It will also guide you to set up encrypted DNS for system installation, if you want to try it with current Fedora Rawhide (Fedora 43). Background Traditionally, DNS queries are […]
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Written by

Dallas Spohn
Dallas Spohn
Dallas, a seasoned professional with a diverse background, transitions seamlessly between roles as a systems admin turned developer, technical writer, and curriculum developer at Red Hat. With a knack for unraveling complex concepts, he crafts engaging materials primarily in DocBook, guiding enthusiasts through the intricacies of Red Hat's certification courses. In his earlier days, Dallas's passion for Anime led him to contribute to Anime News Network, channeling his creativity and expertise into captivating content. His contributions extended beyond writing as he interviewed prominent figures in the Anime industry, offering insights into their creative processes and visions. Beyond his professional pursuits, he's a devoted husband and father, cherishing moments with his loved ones. Dallas's journey in the tech industry spans various roles, from a security developer at NTT Security to an operations architect overseeing Linux servers for commercial transcoding. His tenure at esteemed institutions like Goldman Sachs and Lockheed Martin has honed his skills as a systems engineer, instilling in him a deep-rooted understanding of complex systems. An avid FPV pilot, Dallas finds exhilaration in soaring through the skies with his drones, often contemplating the lessons learned from his aerial adventures. His diverse experiences, including serving as a naval submariner aboard the USS Alexandria and pursuing higher education in England, enrich his perspective and fuel his thirst for knowledge.