Brian Fagioli

OpenMandriva has released a new candidate version for its rolling release model, ROME 24.07. This update brings Plasma 6 as the default desktop environment, incorporating various new features and improvements.

This version ensures compatibility between Plasma 5 and Plasma 6 packages, allowing users to choose their preferred environment. It's important to note that ROME 24.07 and the upcoming OMLx Rock 5.1 will be the final versions to include the Plasma 5 desktop, indicating a future shift towards exclusive updates for Plasma 6.

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As fireworks light up the night sky this July 4, consider celebrating Independence Day by declaring your freedom from the tyranny of Windows 11 and switching to Linux. It's what George Washington would want you to do (probably). Even if you're not based in America, you should consider doing it anyway.

Linux, unlike Microsoft's OS which operates under corporate oversight and restrictive licenses, offers a liberating alternative. The open-source nature of it means users can modify, enhance, and distribute their software freely, avoiding the legal and financial constraints associated with proprietary systems. Most distros can be tried out live without needing to be installed, so if you can't get on with one, you can try another without risk.

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Kioxia has announced the start of sample shipments for its new 2Tb Quad-Level-Cell (QLC) memory devices, leveraging its eighth-generation BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory technology. This release represents the highest capacity offering within the industry to date, aimed at addressing the needs of AI and other high-demand applications.

The 2Tb QLC product features a bit density that is approximately 2.3 times higher and a write power efficiency around 70 percent greater than Kioxia's previous fifth-generation QLC device. It includes a 16-die stacked architecture within a compact package size of 11.5 x 13.5mm and a height of 1.5mm, achieving a total capacity of 4TB.

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YEYIAN GAMING has announced the release of the AVANCE Series 25" FHD 240Hz gaming monitor (buy here now). This new addition to YEYIAN's product lineup offers a high refresh rate, fast response time, and enhanced color accuracy, designed to improve the gaming experience. Priced at $139.99, there is currently a $10 clickable coupon.

The AVANCE Series monitor is engineered to provide smooth gameplay through its 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, which help to minimize motion blur and ghosting. It also features a 92 percent sRGB color gamut that displays a wide range of colors for greater visual fidelity.

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Sabrent has launched the Rocket V60 microSDXC Memory Card, designed for photographers, videographers, and digital creators who require high-speed, reliable storage solutions. This memory card supports up to 8K video recording, ensuring smooth capture of high-resolution images and videos, making it suitable for both professional and hobbyist use.

The Rocket V60 offers a capacity of up to 512GB and complies with the V60 standard, which guarantees a minimum write speed of 60MB/s. This feature is essential for uninterrupted 8K video recording. The card also satisfies the A1 standard, ensuring high input/output operations per second (IOPS) for efficient performance across various file types.

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Canonical has introduced Firefighting Support, a service specifically designed for organizations that manage their own infrastructure but require expert assistance for troubleshooting Ubuntu systems. This service, billed annually per node, provides rapid response times and comprehensive support, including Ubuntu Pro.

Firefighting Support ensures that customers receive help from Canonical Managed Solutions engineers within an hour of reporting a high-severity issue, facilitated through video calls. This service also includes Ubuntu Pro + Support, offering 24/7 assistance for selected products without additional fees, ensuring continuous and reliable support.

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Nitrux 3.5.1 "nm" is now available here, delivering an updated, streamlined Linux distribution with a substantial reduction in its ISO file size and a host of performance improvements. This release positions itself as a viable alternative for those currently using Windows 11, offering greater flexibility in hardware support and a strong emphasis on user privacy -- a notable contrast to the often-critiqued privacy policies of Windows.

Key updates in Nitrux 3.5.1 include the latest software such as Firefox version 127.0.2 and updated drivers for NVIDIA and AMD, enhancing graphic performance across a variety of hardware. Additionally, the MESA 3D Graphics Library has been bumped to version 24.1.2. Notably, the OS is powered by the Linux kernel 6.9.7-1 (Liquorix), which enhances its compatibility and performance across various hardware platforms.

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Today, Sabrent launches the HB-C4WP USB-C 3-Port Hub with USB PD 3.0. This hub features one high-speed 5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) USB-A port specifically designed to handle power-intensive devices like external storage drives. Additionally, it includes two 480Mbps (USB 2.0) USB-A ports, perfect for connecting essential peripherals such as keyboards and mice.

Beyond simple connectivity, this hub excels with its power delivery capabilities. The USB-C port on the HB-C4WP supports power delivery (PD 3.0) up to 100W, allowing it to charge high-power devices like laptops, ultrabooks, and gaming systems such as the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, alongside smartphones and tablets. This feature is particularly useful for users looking to charge their devices and expand their connectivity at the same time.

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Linux Mint has announced the Beta release of its latest version, Linux Mint 22, codenamed "Wilma." This version is a long-term support release, promising updates until 2029. Linux Mint 22 introduces a ton of enhancements and new features aimed at improving user experience and efficiency on the desktop.

Linux Mint 22 has improved its installation process to better localize the system while conserving disk space. Extra language packages are now removed post-installation, reducing the system's footprint. Additionally, for users installing the system with an internet connection, language packs for the selected language are automatically downloaded. Key languages such as English, German, Spanish, and French, among others, are included on the ISO, negating the need for an internet connection for their installation.

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SK hynix has announced its newest solid-state drive, PCB01, which incorporates the fifth generation of 8-channel PCIe technology. This development is aimed at improving performance metrics such as data processing speed.

The PCB01 SSD features sequential read and write speeds of up to 14GB/s and 12GB/s, respectively, which is notably higher than previous models. These speeds are intended to support operations involving large language models (LLMs) necessary for AI training and inference tasks.

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EndeavourOS is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a special release aptly named "Endeavour.” This unique edition marks a departure from the traditional Neo or Nova series and introduces a host of big updates and fixes that promise to enhance the overall user experience and system stability.

The latest update includes an improved Calamares 24.06.1.2-1 for streamlined installations, Firefox 127.0.1-1 for a secure and fast browsing experience, Linux Kernel 6.9.6.arch1-1 for the latest system improvements, updated Mesa 24.1.2-1 and Nvidia 550.90.07-4 drivers for enhanced graphics performance, and Xorg-server 21.1.13-1 for better display management. KDE Plasma 6.1 is now available for both live and offline installations, offering a refined user interface.

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Debian, the open-source and Linux-based operating system, has released its sixth update to the stable distribution of Debian 12, codenamed "Bookworm." This latest release is a crucial point release that primarily focuses on enhancing security and resolving serious issues identified in earlier versions.

Debian 12.6 encompasses several security corrections and other critical adjustments. Users will appreciate that this update does not necessitate the replacement of existing "Bookworm" media. Instead, after installing from existing media, users can update their packages to the latest versions by connecting to an up-to-date Debian mirror.

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MSI has launched the Stealth 18 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport laptop: a limited-edition device that combines advanced performance with a premium design. The laptop, showcasing a sleek Midnight Black finish and adorned with the AMG pattern, features a chassis made from a magnesium-aluminum alloy that emphasizes durability while maintaining a sophisticated appearance.

The MSI Stealth 18 is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPUs, which provide powerful gaming performance capable of handling demanding games. It also features a 4K Mini LED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors, exceptional contrast, and smooth visuals to enhance the gaming experience.

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Apple’s Vision Pro has officially landed in retail stores across China mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. Celebrations were held as Apple team members introduced the first customers in these locations to the Vision Pro. Participants had the opportunity to engage with the device through exclusive in-store demos, illustrating the potential of spatial computing.

For those eager to experience this technology firsthand, Apple invites customers to schedule personal demos at their local Apple Stores. This initiative allows individuals to explore the Vision Pro’s broad capabilities and envision its impact on their routine digital interactions.

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In a new announcement, Ashley McKissick, Corporate Vice President of Xbox Experiences and Platforms Engineering, shared details of a new collaboration between Xbox and Amazon. This partnership will allow Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in over 25 countries to access games via the Xbox app on select Fire TV devices through cloud gaming. This initiative is set to broaden the ways in which users can enjoy gaming, eliminating the need for a traditional console.

The Xbox app will launch on Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) priced at $59.99 and Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) at $49.99 starting in July. This move is geared towards attracting those new to gaming as well as providing seasoned gamers with a more flexible and cost-effective way to access their games.

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