Brian Fagioli

If you’ve been looking for a reason to ditch Windows 11, the latest version of Manjaro Linux, 24.2 Yonada, might just be it. This new release brings updates across its GNOME, Plasma, and XFCE editions, offering a polished experience for both newcomers and seasoned Linux users.

The GNOME edition of Manjaro 24.2 has been updated to the GNOME 47 series, bringing features that put Windows 11’s customization options to shame. For example, users can now choose from a range of accent colors instead of being locked into a single default. Scaling improvements ensure icons and interface elements look sharp and usable, even on older or lower-resolution displays. If you’ve ever been frustrated with screen recording on Windows, Manjaro’s GNOME edition now supports hardware encoding for Intel and AMD GPUs, reducing system strain and providing a smooth recording experience.

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The world of Windows application compatibility on Linux has just reached a new milestone. The Wine team has unveiled Wine 10.0-rc1, the very first release candidate for the highly anticipated Wine 10.0. This isn’t just another update -- it’s the beginning of the yearly code freeze, a crucial period where the team hones the software to perfection. Enthusiasts and developers are encouraged to put this release to the test and report any bugs, ensuring the final 10.0 version shines.

Wine 10.0-rc1 isn’t playing it safe. It brings several key upgrades and features that signal serious progress. Among the highlights, the bundled vkd3d has been updated to version 1.14, promising improved Direct3D 12 support. Meanwhile, the Mono engine has been upgraded to version 9.4.0, delivering better .NET compatibility. There’s also an initial version of a Bluetooth driver, a major leap toward better hardware interaction.

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Lexar has launched two new portable SSDs, the SL300 and ES3, targeting everyday users and professionals who value speed and reliability in data storage. Both drives offer read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of 1000MB/s, claiming to be up to 9.5 times faster than traditional HDDs.

The SL300 and ES3 share nearly identical specifications, with no notable differences apart from their color -- the SL300 comes in black, while the ES3 is silver. Both drives are equipped with double-layer graphite sheets to manage heat during use and feature drop resistance up to 2 meters, making them durable options for those on the move.

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ORICO has launched the MiniMate M4PRO, an external SSD enclosure aimed at users of the 2024 Mac mini and other devices. Built from aluminum alloy and finished in sleek silver, the M4PRO is designed to complement the aesthetics of the Mac mini while providing practical storage expansion for creative professionals and general users.

The MiniMate M4PRO supports SSD capacities ranging from 512GB to 8TB, making it ideal for handling large files or expanding the base storage of devices. Its compact dimensions (127x127x25mm) allow it to sit snugly either underneath or atop the Mac mini, creating a cohesive desktop look.

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ADATA has launched its new SC740 external SSD, which features an integrated USB-C cable for added convenience. It offers read and write speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and 1,000MB/s respectively, along with storage options up to 2TB.

The SC740 is compatible with Android, Windows, macOS, and Apple’s iPhone 16 series, offering support for Apple ProRes video recording. This feature allows users to record and store high-quality videos directly on the SSD, providing additional flexibility for mobile content creation.

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Redfin has introduced a new feature called Redfin Redesign, which allows homeowners and buyers to use AI-powered technology to virtually add holiday decorations to home images. Designed in collaboration with Roomvo, the tool aims to provide inspiration for decorating and staging homes during the holiday season.

The tool lets users quickly apply festive touches like lights and garlands to photos of their home or a listing. Ariel Dos Santos, Redfin’s senior vice president of product and design, stated, “Redfin Redesign’s warm and welcoming designs help buyers envision celebrating special moments in a home and suggest styles that highlight a home’s best features.”

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The AGON by AOC Q27G4XY 27-inch QHD gaming monitor combines gaming performance with built-in Google TV functionality. Featuring a 2560x1440 resolution, 180Hz refresh rate, and 1ms GtG response time, this monitor offers competitive specifications for gaming enthusiasts. Compatibility with AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC ensures smoother gameplay, while HDR10 support enhances color and contrast for a better viewing experience.

With Google TV built into the monitor, users can easily access streaming apps, live TV, and more without switching devices. Google TV’s interface simplifies browsing and searching for content across multiple platforms, while Google Assistant enables hands-free voice control for added convenience.

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Meta has announced an ambitious plan to integrate nuclear energy into its sustainability strategy, aiming to secure up to 4GW of new nuclear generation capacity in the United States by the early 2030s. The goal is to power its growing network of data centers and support artificial intelligence innovation while contributing to grid decarbonization. This initiative, while bold, raises critical questions: can Mark Zuckerberg, the man behind Facebook’s data scandals, be trusted to influence the nuclear energy landscape?

Meta’s Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks nuclear energy developers to deliver scalable and cost-effective projects. Unlike the company’s prior ventures into renewable energy sources like solar and wind, nuclear projects come with higher costs, stricter regulatory oversight, and longer development cycles. Meta claims this step is necessary to meet the energy needs of its sprawling infrastructure and AI growth while advancing clean energy technologies. However, critics argue that giving Zuckerberg’s empire a foothold in nuclear energy raises serious concerns about oversight and safety.

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EasyOS Scarthgap 6.5 might just be the operating system you didn’t know you needed. As an experimental Linux distribution built with a lightweight and optimized architecture, it offers a fresh approach to desktop computing. With its innovative container technology, streamlined package management, and unique origins in Puppy Linux, EasyOS could serve as a viable alternative to both Windows 11 and traditional Linux distributions, such as Nitrux.

For those frustrated with the resource-heavy nature of Windows 11, EasyOS Scarthgap delivers a more efficient experience. Its foundation in OpenEmbedded ensures minimal bloat, while still providing access to modern applications through AppImage and Flatpak integration. And unlike mainstream Linux distributions that often mirror Windows’ complexity with package management systems like apt or yum, EasyOS simplifies things without compromising functionality.

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MSI has introduced its latest handheld gaming devices, the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+. These devices (available here) are designed to deliver powerful performance and energy efficiency in compact, ergonomic designs. Powered by the next-generation Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2), they also feature advanced cooling technology for extended gaming sessions.

The Claw 8 AI+ sports an 8-inch FHD+ touchscreen with a 1920x1200 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It boasts 100 percent sRGB color accuracy, a brightness of 500 nits, and supports VRR on an IPS-level panel. This ensures a visually stunning experience for gaming and media.

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The tech world is full of rumors about Windows 12, the supposed savior of Microsoft’s operating system lineup. The company has been tight-lipped about details, but leaks suggest it’s aiming to be a more cloud-focused, AI-driven operating system. That all sounds fancy, but here’s the truth -- waiting for Windows 12 might not be the smart play. If you’re tired of the bloat, the constant updates, and the never-ending resource demands, there’s an alternative you can embrace today: Linux.

Microsoft has spent years refining Windows, but with every iteration, it seems to get heavier, slower, and, frankly, more intrusive. Windows 12 promises new features like AI enhancements and tighter cloud integration, but do you really need an AI telling you how to use your PC? For most users, these features feel like unnecessary fluff rather than meaningful improvements. Instead of waiting for an operating system that may or may not meet your needs, you could switch to Linux -- a free, lightweight, and privacy-respecting solution that puts you in control.

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Elon Musk’s Tesla has expanded its entertainment offerings by integrating SiriusXM into its Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck vehicles. This marks the first time SiriusXM has been made available in these popular electric vehicles, which rank among the top-selling EVs in the United States. Owners can now access SiriusXM’s broad catalog of audio content with a one-month free trial requiring no credit card. Subscribers also gain access to the service outside their vehicles via the SiriusXM app and connected devices.

As part of Tesla’s 2024 Holiday Update, this integration provides a SiriusXM experience customized for Tesla’s in-car system. The platform offers a wide array of content, including ad-free music channels spanning all genres and decades, customizable artist stations, and a comprehensive selection of podcasts. Sports fans can enjoy live coverage and analysis from over 20 channels, while news and entertainment are delivered through dozens of talk-focused stations.

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NixOS 24.11 Vicuña is finally here after a brief week-long delay. The Linux distribution, known for its modularity and unique package management system, has been updated with new features, packages, and improvements. NixOS packages aren’t limited to the distribution itself -- they can also be used on other Linux systems and macOS, giving users flexibility beyond the standard installation. This latest release will receive bug fixes and security updates until June 31, 2025.

The development effort behind this version is impressive. A total of 2,669 contributors worked on 49,079 commits to bring this release to life. The team added 8,141 new packages, updated 20,975, and removed 3,970 to maintain security and manageability. Beyond packages, NixOS includes modules and tests that are integral to its functionality. This update introduces 119 new modules while retiring 30. Additionally, 1,706 options were added, and 556 were removed.

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Adlink Technology has introduced its new EMP100 Mini PC, a compact device aimed at both smart retail and industrial sectors. With its small size (13 x 10.7 x 2.8cm) and fanless design, this versatile machine promises to handle tasks like digital signage, IoT applications, and edge computing in space-constrained environments.

Powered by Intel Celeron processors (N6210/J6412), the EMP100 supports dual 4K displays through two HDMI ports, making it a solid option for eye-catching digital signage or interactive kiosks. It also includes IoT connectivity with a single GbE LAN port and offers optional Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Expansion options are available with M.2 slots for storage or wireless modules, allowing for some customization.

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Mozilla has updated its packaging format for Firefox on Linux, moving from .tar.bz2 to .tar.xz. The switch, which uses the LZMA compression algorithm, results in smaller download sizes -- up to 25 percent smaller -- and faster decompression times, improving installation efficiency.

The .tar.xz format is widely supported across modern Linux distributions, ensuring compatibility while saving bandwidth. Current users won’t need to take any action, as Firefox will continue updating as usual. However, the new format is now available for Firefox Nightly and will roll out to Beta and Release channels in the coming weeks.

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