There’s a lot of new and exciting stuff in the Linux and open-source world. Cosmic Alpha, Linux 6.7, and a new SteamOS device are making waves. And let’s not forget about the progress with aahi on Apple silicon β some impressive advancements. As for Wayland, it’s causing some headaches for developers. But overall, the future of Linux gaming looks bright, especially with the updates to the open-source NVK drivers and the new Steam device. So, hold on to your seats β big things are coming! π
Key Takeaways:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Cosmic Alpha | On track for alpha release at the end of March with a focus on customization and fine-tuning. |
| Wayland Reflection | Wayland forces applications to work in a specific way, constraining user experience. |
| Linux Kernel 6.7 | Released with notable features including bcachefs file system, Nvidia GSP firmware, and more. |
| Linux Mint 21.3 | Introduces experimental Wayland session and other updates for a better user experience. |
| aahi for Apple Silicon | Gains full support for HDMI output, h264 DRM content, Wi-Fi 6, and touch support for MacBook Pros. |
| GNOME 46 | Includes improvements in the window manager, Shell, and advancements towards a smoother experience. |
| SteamOS device | A new SteamOS-powered device announced by aano offers an alternative gaming platform. |
| Open Source NVK Drivers | Updates include a new pipeline Shader cache for reduced load times and improved performance. |
| Tuxedo Computers | Offers hardware that ships with Linux out of the box, customizable with full Linux support. |
π« Cosmic Alpha Updates
Cosmic is on track for an alpha release by the end of March, focusing on customization and fine-tuning β¨. The release will include a new terminal app, GPU rendering, custom command utility, and other features. Wayland is a topic of debate, as it constrains user experience but aims to bring more applications to Linux in a specific way.
| Features |
|---|
| New terminal app with GPU rendering |
| Custom command utility for displays |
| Working on adding hybrid graphic support |
| Improving the tiling of auto tiling features |
π‘ Wayland Reflection
Wayland forces applications to work in a specific way, constraining their user experience. Developers are facing challenges in porting to Linux due to these constraints, and the issue of missing Wayland protocols raises questions about its compatibility and security.
π§ Linux Kernel 6.7 Release
The Linux Kernel 6.7 introduces notable features such as the bcachefs file system, Nvidia GSP firmware, and dropped support for the Intel Itanium ia64. Virtualization improvements and input device support enhancements are also part of the update, promising a rich experience for Linux users.
π Linux Mint 21.3 Experimental Whan
Linux Mint 21.3 brings the new experimental Wayland session, extending support for context menu actions, better power, sound applets, and new touchpad gestures. Additionally, an unstable version of Mint allows users to explore new features and technologies.
π aahi for Apple Silicon Updates
The aahi project for Apple silicon devices gains significant upgrades, including full support for HDMI output, h264 DRM content, Wi-Fi 6, 6E support, and touchpad improvements, making it a viable daily driver for Apple devices.
That’s just a brief summary of the exciting developments in the Linux and open-source world this week. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage of these advancements!
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