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China's open-source AI DeepSeek is a competitor to OpenAI (Image source: Imagen3)

China's free open-source AI DeepSeek is a serious threat to OpenAI's ChatGPT and other AI models

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, initially planned to develop artificial intelligence on an open-source basis. However, no source code for current OpenAI models has been made available thus far. DeepSeek from China takes a comp...

Marc Herter, 27 Jan 2025 18:57

Solus 4.7 Endurance now available (Image source: Solus)

Desktop-focused Solus 4.7 brings a new software center and improved video card support

Available with several desktop choices, including Budgie and Xfce, the rolling release distro Solus returns with version 4.7 Endurance. Only available for 64-bit hardware, Solus 4.7 includes multiple package updates, a new softwar...

Codrut Nistor, 27 Jan 2025 17:26

The Quintus is a new smartphone with Google-free Android (Image source: Volla Phone)

Volla Phone Quintus privacy-focused smartphone ditches Google and runs on Ubuntu Touch or Android

The Volla Phone Quintus is now available and aims to entice buyers with its focus on privacy. The smartphone runs on either Android or Ubuntu Touch and foregoes all Google services, if desired.

Silvio Werner, 24 Jan 2025 21:27

Inside the FlippenHeimer (Image Source: Erwin Ried)

Update | FlippenHeimer: A Flipper Zero Geiger counter that is now on sale

Flipper Zero users searching for exotic sensor mods for their devices are in luck: The FlippenHeimer is now on sale. This Geiger counter mod provides insight into surrounding radioactivity and has received glowing reviews. Update:...

Stephen Pereyra, 21 Jan 2025 05:35

Linux Mint 22.1 "Xia" now available (Image source: Linux Mint)

Linux Mint 22.1 launches with new power modes, updated APT packaging, and more

Carrying the codename "Xia" and to be supported until 2029, Linux Mint 22.1 arrived yesterday with modernized APT dependencies by transitioning to Aptkit and Captain, Power-saver and Balanced modes (Performance mode only on suppor...

Codrut Nistor, 17 Jan 2025 12:08

Tuxedo OS 20250115 launches with KDE 6.2.5 and Vim 9.1 (Image source: Tuxedo Computers)

Tuxedo OS 20250115 launches with KDE Plasma 6.2.5, Vim 9.1, and more

Although it comes with the same Linux kernel as its predecessor, namely 6.11, the latest Tuxedo OS update sports the latest KDE Plasma update, as well as Vim 9.1, QT 6.8.1, and Firefox 134.0.1. The LibreOffice package also got a m...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Jan 2025 13:26

When manufacturers drop support for otherwise functional hardware, projects like OpenWRT are there to help keep you secure (Image Source: Amazon)

This Tailscale, Docker and Wireguard equipped router is OpenWRT compatible and blows away the competition on features and price

CheckMag When I got the notification that my Nighthawk R7000 reached "end of life" I started down the rabbit hole of looking to install custom firmware to keep what is otherwise perfectly functioning hardware secure. While I didn't manage ...

David Devey, 15 Jan 2025 12:29

MX Linux 23.5 out with Xfce 4.20 and new kernel options (Image source: MX Linux)

MX Linux 23.5 launches with Xfce 4.20 and updated kernel options

Based on the Debian 12.9 "Bookworm" base, MX Linux 23.5 includes the Xfce 4.20 core packages and multiple other updates, including visual tweaks and security fixes. The Xfce, KDE, and Fluxbox ISOs come with the 6.1.123 kernel, whi...

Codrut Nistor, 14 Jan 2025 15:55

Debian-based Tails 6.11 update launches (Image source: Generated using DALL·E 3)

Debian-based Tails 6.11 fixes several serious security issues

The Irish Debian-based live Linux distro focused on providing solid Internet anonymity and security is back with version 6.11. This release of Tails comes with several critical security fixes, as well as the ability to detect corr...

Codrut Nistor, 10 Jan 2025 11:46

Gauss64 hall effect keyboard with open-source firmware

Open-source Hall-effect gaming keyboard project targets Wooting hype with feature-rich library, web-based software

An enterprising developer has released an open-source Hall-effect keyboard library for custom gaming keyboards. The project features custom firmware, browser-based configuration software, and a 1,000 Hz polling rate, making it sui...

Julian van der Merwe, 09 Jan 2025 22:43

Venom Linux 20250108 now available (Image source: DistroWatch)

Venom Linux 20250108 launches with the 6.12.8 kernel, Wayland 1.23.1, and more

Targeting experienced users and drawing inspiration from CRUX, Venom Linux has returned with its desktop based on the Openbox window manager alongside a text-mode installer. Version 20250108 sports the 6.12.8 Linux kernel, MESA 24...

Codrut Nistor, 09 Jan 2025 11:27

Bluestar Linux 6.12.8 now live with KDE Plasma 6.2.5 and several package updates (Image source: Bluestar Linux on SourceForge)

Bluestar Linux 6.12.8 comes with the KDE Plasma 6.2.5 bugfix and several package updates

Moving up to the 6.12.8 kernel version, Arch-based Bluestar Linux returns with a minor update. This release includes the bugfix update for KDE Plasma 6, which is labeled 6.2.5, as well as e2fsprogs 1.47.2, which is still in beta a...

Codrut Nistor, 06 Jan 2025 18:11

Free AgiBot World Alpha robotic learning dataset accelerates AI humanoid development. (Image source: AgiBot)

AgiBot releases free humanoid robot training dataset

The AgiBot World Alpha dataset includes trained actions such as folding clothes. Over 100 scenarios, ranging from home to work environments, were trained with humans demonstrating correct outcomes. AI humanoid developers can use t...

David Chien, 30 Dec 2024 21:40

Bluestar Linux 6.12.7 update now available (Image source: Bluestar Linux on SourceForge)

Bluestar Linux is back with update 6.12.7: Firefox 133, LibreOffice 24, the 6.12 kernel, and more

Arch-based German distro Bluestar Linux is back with multiple package updates on top of a new kernel. The kernel version is 6.12.7, while the list of updates includes Firefox 133.0.3, LibreOffice 24.8.4, Vim 9.1, VLC 3.0.21, Pytho...

Codrut Nistor, 30 Dec 2024 19:26

You can now convert your ebooks to quality audiobooks for free (Image Source: Canva -edits)

Open-source ebook to audiobook converter supports a massive 1000+ languages

The aptly named ebook2audiobook project has received a massive update, supporting 1,000 languages. With many more features, the 2.0 update has much more to offer readers.

Stephen Pereyra, 30 Dec 2024 01:20

Cornell University researchers create MouseGoggles Duo 3D VR headset prototype for mice. (Image source: Cornell University)

Cornell researchers develop MouseGoggles Duo 3D VR headset for mice using Raspberry Pi 4

The 3D-printed VR headset for mice runs the Godot game engine using a Raspberry Pi 4. During research experiments, mice can walk virtual worlds endlessly. MouseGoggles also eliminates the tedious task of building real mouse mazes.

David Chien, 29 Dec 2024 22:59

Espressif ESP32 (Image Source Espressif)

Rust-based open-source WiFi stack comes to the ESP32

After clever reverse engineering, engineers liberated the EPS32's once closed-source WiFi stack. Soon, the ESP32 will be capable of several exciting operating modes.

Stephen Pereyra, 29 Dec 2024 17:25

Bruce PCB v1 Smoochiee render (Image Source: PCBWay)

Bruce open-source hacking firmware gets first official PCB

Popular hacking firmware, Bruce, has announced an official PCB. Manufactured by PCBway, this collaboration brings full support for the firmware.

Stephen Pereyra, 28 Dec 2024 06:42

Zenwalk Linux Current 241227 Santa Claus (Image source: Zenwalk GNU Linux)

Slackware-based Zenwalk Linux returns with "Santa Claus" edition

Zenwalk Linux "Santa Claus" edition (current-241227) comes with a few noticeable package updates and new additions, such as Firefox 133, Perl 5.40, Wayland 1.23.1, and more. Overall, it sports the same changes as the latest Slackw...

Codrut Nistor, 27 Dec 2024 23:44

The satellite's speed of ca 30,000 km/h was a big problem. (Image source: ESA)

Online everywhere: World's first direct 5G connection to satellite established

A permanent connection to near-Earth satellites without any other ground-based systems is set to be reality soon. From simple surfing with a smartphone to real-time applications, numerous possibilities are conceivable.

Mario Petzold, 25 Dec 2024 01:20

Sid-based siduction 2024.1.0 launches with KDE Plasma 6 while dropping GNOME, MATE, and Cinnamon

Based on Sid (the unstable Debian version), siduction has been around for over a decade with multiple desktop choices. Sadly, version 2024.1.0 discontinues three flavors, namely GNOME, MATE, and Cinnamon. The main highlight is KDE...

Codrut Nistor, 24 Dec 2024 13:40

CachyOS 241221 desktop with CLI window (Image source: CachyOS)

CachyOS 241221 launches with performance improvements, Bluetooth support enabled by default, and more

The 13th release of the year, which is also the last one of 2024, speeds up and further enhances the security provided by CachyOS while also improving compatibility thanks to RustiCL, which replaces the default OpenCL driver. Addi...

Codrut Nistor, 23 Dec 2024 20:14

Grml 2024.12 fluxbox desktop (Image source: Grml.org)

Grml 2024.12 ''Adventgrenze'' drops x86 support and welcomes 64-bit ARM CPUs

Grml, an Austrian Linux distribution based on Debian, has returned with version 2024.12. While it drops x86 support, this update is the first to bring this minimal, live Linux distro to 64-bit ARM hardware. In addition to these, G...

Codrut Nistor, 20 Dec 2024 20:54

Kali Linux 2024.4 drops 32-bit kernel support (Image source: Kali Linux Blog)

Kali Linux 2024.4 launches with GNOME 47 and Python 3.12, drops 32-bit kernel support

The final release of the year sees Kali Linux dropping support for 32-bit kernels while sporting GNOME 47 and Python 3.12. Additionally, the update labeled 2024.4 comes with 14 new tools, a major refresh to the Kali NetHunter stor...

Codrut Nistor, 17 Dec 2024 20:49

Meta debuts new Metaverse and AI watermarking tools

Meta's Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) team has announced new models for Metaverse applications and watermarking AI-generated content. It also released codebases for Flow Matching and Image Diversity Modeling, among others.

Rohith Bhaskar, 13 Dec 2024 13:42

Gaming with Winlator (Image Source: Retro Tech Dad)

It can run Crysis: Windows gaming on Android featuring the Retroid Pocket 5 and Mini

CheckMag YouTuber Retro Tech Dad has just released a deep dive exploring the viability of PC gaming on Android using the Windows emulator, Winlator. Using a host of different tips and tricks, the results speak for themselves.

Stephen Pereyra, 11 Dec 2024 20:14

PS3 emulation on the Raspberry Pi 5 seems like joke, but the latest RPCS3 build not only boots games but looks surprisingly playable (Image Source: Power.no / RPCS3)

RPCS3 arm64 build brings PS3 emulation to the Raspberry Pi 5

The Raspberry Pi 5 isn't exactly a gaming power house, although it certainly is a popular device for building retro emulation machines. PS2 emulation is spotty at best on the Pi 5, so the idea of running PS3 titles on the same har...

David Devey, 11 Dec 2024 13:35

The XJ9 makes Wi-Fi visible (Image Source: The Though Emporium)

A new open-source radio telescope can see Wi-Fi signals through walls

In their latest video, The Thought Emporium discusses the science and practical applications of the channel's latest and most advanced open-source radio telescope, the XJ9. Featuring a modular design and a host of radio-focused fe...

Stephen Pereyra, 11 Dec 2024 03:56

GNU Shepherd 1.0 released after two decades in development

After more than two decades in development, the service management daemon GNU Shepherd has finally reached the 1.0-labeled milestone. Its highlights include transient and timed services, log rotation, integrated logging, as well a...

Codrut Nistor, 10 Dec 2024 16:16

Window Maker Live 12.8 desktop with GNU Mail (Image source: SourceForge)

Debian-based Window Maker Live 12.8 comes with recompiled packages and GUI enhancements

Integrating Firefox and Thunderbird with GNOME components on top of the Window Maker window manager and a Debian core, Window Maker Live is a live Linux distro that has just moved from version 0.96.0-0 to 12.8. As its name suggest...

Codrut Nistor, 10 Dec 2024 12:39

Python powered VR game engine (Image Source: DaFluffyPotato)

Game developer builds a custom VR game engine using Python

For most developers, using Python for VR game development does not sound like the most efficient use of the programming language. However, developer DaFluffyPotato met the challenge and discovered some exciting results.

Stephen Pereyra, 10 Dec 2024 07:59

Built-in GPU switching is here (Image Source: Canva and openSUSE -edits)

Gaming on openSUSE gets a huge boost with built-in GPU switching

Linux distro openSUSE has just announced that GPU switching is now built into all of its distributions. Users rejoice, as they no longer have to rely on alternative methods to get the most out of their multi-GPU systems.

Stephen Pereyra, 10 Dec 2024 02:44

Manjaro-driven Slimbook Hero gaming laptop (Image source: Slimbook)

Manjaro 24.2 "Yonada" launches with the latest LTS Linux kernel and multiple updated packages

Arch-based Manjaro Linux is back with an update that relies on the new LTS Linux kernel, which is 6.12. This refresh, with version number 24.2 and known as "Yonada," is available in three editions. These are GNOME 47.2, KDE Plasma...

Codrut Nistor, 09 Dec 2024 20:24

openSUSE Leap Micro 6.1 now available (Source: openSUSE News)

openSUSE Leap Micro 6.1 launches with a new migration tool, soft-reboot support, and more

Since openSUSE Leap Micro 6.1 has arrived, Leap Micro 5.5 has also reached EOL (End of Life). The update comes with a new opensuse-migration-tool, soft-reboot support, 2FA for PAM logins, vhostmd for SAP virtualization, and more. ...

Codrut Nistor, 07 Dec 2024 17:54

Alpine Linux KDE desktop (Image source: /u/grigio on Reddit)

Alpine Linux 3.21.0 brings loongarch64 support and several package updates

Community-developed ultralight Linux distro Alpine is back with version 3.21.0. The first release in the 3.21 stable series comes with loongarch64 CPU support, as well as multiple updated packages, including GNOME 47, GCC 14, PHP ...

Codrut Nistor, 06 Dec 2024 11:05

Terminal inside Banan-OS (Image Source: Bananymous on Github)

Introducing Banan-OS: An all new OS written from scratch in C++

Over the past two years, developer Bananymous has been slowly putting together a UNIX-like OS that is written almost entirely in C++. The OS even supports x86_64 and i686 architectures.

Stephen Pereyra, 06 Dec 2024 00:09

Puppy Linux successor EasyOS is back with several fixes and the 6.6.61 kernel

While remaining an experimental distribution, EasyOS 6.5 is also considered a rather mature piece of code. Its highlights include several fixes, the 6.6.61 Linux kernel, as well as Chromium 130.0.6723.91 compiled in OpenEmbedded. ...

Codrut Nistor, 04 Dec 2024 17:22

Nitrux 3.8.0 db desktop (Image source: Nitrux)

Debian-based Nitrux 3.8.0 launches with updated apps, system installer fixes, and more

Codenamed "db" and using the version number 3.8.0, the latest Nitrux release comes with updated apps such as Firefox 133.0, MESA 24.2.8, some fixes to the system installer, as well as OpenRC reorganization that improves the servic...

Codrut Nistor, 03 Dec 2024 17:46

FreeBSD 14.2 now available with OpenZFS 2.2.6 and multiple optimizations

FreeBSD's third release of the stable/14 branch, labeled 14.2 and dedicated to the memory of Mike Karels, arrives with OpenZFS 2.2.6, OpenSSL 3.0.15, and support in the installer for downloading and installing the needed firmware ...

Codrut Nistor, 03 Dec 2024 13:47

Introducing CapibaraZero (Image Source: CapibaraZero)

CapibaraZero has the hacking skills of the Flipper Zero at a fraction of the cost.

Built on the ESP32-S3, CapibaraZero has arrived to offer an alternative to the popular but expensive Flipper Zero hacking gadget. While less refined than the Flipper Zero, this project maintains much of the same functionality.

Stephen Pereyra, 02 Dec 2024 01:51

kv4p Android update (Image Source: kv4p and Canva -edits)

The kv4p HT ham radio Android app gets even more features

Over the past few weeks, the companion Android app for the popular open-source ham radio transceiver project has received many notable updates. The features list keeps growing as more flexible programming options and an official 1...

Stephen Pereyra, 01 Dec 2024 04:00

Proxmox 3 Backup Server dashboard (Image source: Proxmox)

Open source enterprise backup solution Proxmox 3.3 Backup Server arrives with a new default kernel

Using the Linux kernel 6.8.12-4 as a stable default with 6.11 as an option, Proxmox Backup Server 3.3 sports ZFS 2.2.6 support and is based on the Debian 12.8 "Bookworm" release. The list of changes also includes removable datasto...

Codrut Nistor, 29 Nov 2024 23:36

System updates move to System Settings in elementary OS 8 (Image source: elementary Blog)

Ubuntu-based elementary OS 8 launches with new dock, refined security, and more

Powered by an Ubuntu core and sporting a macOS-inspired design, elementary OS has just moved up to version 8. After 13 years of history, this Linux distro has received a new dock optimized for better multitasking and window manage...

Codrut Nistor, 28 Nov 2024 19:01

Bluesky and Chrome in harmony (Image Source: Canva and Bluesky -edits)

Comment on any web page using Bluesky and a clever new Chrome extension

As Bluesky continues to gain traction as an alternative to X, easier ways of starting a conversation on the platform are popping up. Enter the Bluesky Comments extension for Chrome, which makes commenting on any web page possible....

Stephen Pereyra, 26 Nov 2024 05:19

Proxmox 8.3 Virtual Environment in action (Image source: Proxmox)

Open source virtualization platform Proxmox 8.3 Virtual Environment launches with multiple package updates

Based on Debian 12.8 "Bookworm" and the Linux kernel 6.8.12-4 (with 6.11 as an option), Proxmox Virtual Environment 8.3 comes with multiple package updates, supporting QEMU 9.0.2, LXC 6.0.0, and ZFS 2.2.6. A new "Tag View" for the...

Codrut Nistor, 22 Nov 2024 19:50

Oracle Linux 9 teaser (Image source: Oracle Linux Blog)

Oracle Linux 9.5 comes with OpenJDK 17, .NET 9.0, and more

Not long after its 18th anniversary, Oracle Linux is back with a new update, labeled 9.5. Java moves from OpenJDK 11 to OpenJDK 17, while .NET 9.0 comes with support for C#13 and F#9. Additionally, GCC Toolset 14 is available via ...

Codrut Nistor, 22 Nov 2024 16:08

FreeCAD version 1.0 has finally been released with major quality-of-life improvements. (Image source: FreeCAD - edited)

Free open-source 3D modelling program gets major usability improvements in FreeCAD 1.0 release

After over 22 years in development, FreeCAD 1.0 is finally available, with the latest release bringing much-needed UI tweaks and a new assembly module. The development team says it is dedicated to improving the FreeCAD project, b...

Julian van der Merwe, 21 Nov 2024 20:19

The Epomaker TH40 offers a compact 40% layout with a more familiar layout than many 40% custom mechanical keyboards. (Image source: Julian van der Merwe / Notebookcheck)

Fixing the Epomaker TH40 - 110% effort for a 40% mechanical keyboard

CheckMag The Epomaker TH40 is an excellent affordable entry to the 40% keyboard form factor, but in our recent review, we found that it was impossible to use with the out-of-the-box layers and key bindings. Here's how we set up and optimis...

Julian van der Merwe, 21 Nov 2024 00:11

Updated metal textures and lighting (Image Source: Blender)

Blender 4.3 is here with massive upgrades to its visuals and performance

Blender 4.3 has introduced a massive list of upgrades that impact almost every aspect of the popular open-source program. While the exact details of the update can quickly get technical, here are a few highlights.

Stephen Pereyra, 20 Nov 2024 02:59

AlmaLinux OS 9.5 now available (Image source: AlmaLinux OS)

AlmaLinux OS 9.5 launches with improved security and performance

Codenamed “Teal Serval” and available with the distributed kernel version 5.14.0-503.11.1.el9_5, AlmaLinux OS 9.5 comes with improved security, refined development tooling, as well as performance enhancements. The list of changes ...

Codrut Nistor, 19 Nov 2024 18:28