Brian Fagioli

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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Microsoft is in the FTC’s crosshairs again as the federal agency launches a new antitrust investigation into the tech giant’s sprawling business practices. According to a source familiar with the matter, the FTC has issued a demand for Microsoft to hand over key documents, signaling concerns over the company’s rapid growth, particularly in artificial intelligence. Both Microsoft and the FTC have declined to comment on the investigation, initially reported by Bloomberg.

The probe comes at a pivotal moment for the tech industry and could be a turning point for the Linux community. With Microsoft dominating cloud computing, enterprise software, and gaming, as well as surging ahead in AI with investments in OpenAI and its Copilot platform, the company has left little room for competitors to thrive. But a regulatory shakeup could shift the balance of power, creating a golden opportunity for Linux-based solutions to gain traction.

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Firefox, the web browser that once disrupted Microsoft’s dominance, has turned 20. Officially launched on November 9, 2004, Mozilla’s browser quickly gained attention for introducing features like tabbed browsing and extensions, offering a fresh alternative in an era dominated by Internet Explorer. Over the years, Firefox has remained a go-to choice for users prioritizing privacy and open web standards.

The origin of Firefox’s name is as unique as the browser itself. Mozilla wanted a name that was memorable and tied to nature. The team landed on “fire” and “fox,” later discovering that the term “firefox” is another name for the red panda. This connection has been central to Firefox’s branding ever since.

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Bang & Olufsen has launched the Beoplay Eleven wireless earbuds, building on its Beoplay EX with upgraded performance and luxurious design. The Danish brand aims to redefine its audio lineup with these new earbuds, offering improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), better voice clarity, and an enhanced transparency mode.

The Beoplay Eleven’s ANC technology is a leap forward, providing twice the noise reduction at low frequencies compared to its predecessor. This is combined with improved optimization for various ear shapes, ensuring a tailored fit and superior noise cancellation for users. Six updated microphones deliver a clearer, more natural sound with significantly reduced hiss noise, enhancing transparency for those moments when users need to stay aware of their surroundings. Additionally, the Wind Guard feature in the B&O app effectively filters out wind noise, making outdoor use more pleasant.

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Butterball is at the center of a social media firestorm after PETA resurfaced disturbing footage from 2006 showing severe mistreatment of turkeys at one of its facilities. The footage posted on Instagram, which PETA alleges was secretly recorded by an undercover investigator, depicts turkeys being subjected to violent handling and abuse, sparking outrage across platforms like TikTok.

The video has fueled a wave of criticism on social media, where users are sharing the footage and calling for boycotts of Butterball products. TikTok has been especially active, with users posting videos under hashtags like #BoycottButterball and #FowlPlay. Some TikTokers have documented returning Butterball turkeys to stores, while others are encouraging consumers to reconsider their Thanksgiving dinner traditions. The footage has reignited concerns about animal welfare in food production and whether companies are adequately addressing ethical concerns.

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Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and perhaps, change. While most people are thinking about turkey and pie, maybe it’s time to reconsider something else this holiday season: your operating system. Windows 11 has its fair share of fans, but it’s also riddled with frustrations like mandatory updates and telemetry concerns. This Thanksgiving, why not switch to a more elegant, privacy-respecting alternative? Enter elementary OS 8.

Recently released, elementary OS 8 offers a fresh take on what an operating system can be. Designed with inclusivity, user empowerment, and privacy in mind, it’s a Linux-based system that feels modern and approachable. Unlike Windows 11, it doesn’t force features on you or leave you worried about invasive tracking. Instead, it gives you control while looking great doing it.

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Earlier this year, Google unveiled its Developer Program during I/O, offering no-cost access to a variety of tools, including Gemini for documentation and Cloud Learning credits. The standard membership has since attracted millions of developers. Now, Google is upping the ante with the launch of its Developer Program premium membership, a paid tier aimed at providing developers with enhanced tools and support throughout their development lifecycle.

The premium membership offers an impressive lineup of benefits for $299 per year. Among the perks is $500 in Google Cloud credits, which can be used for resources like Gemini Code Assist and Firebase. Members will also receive a Google Cloud certification voucher to validate their expertise and advance their careers. For those eager to hone their skills, unlimited access to the Cloud Skills Boost library includes over 700 hands-on labs, skill badges, and courses.

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TCL has launched its first portable projector -- the Projector A1. It turns walls into vibrant screens, offering an accessible option for enjoying big-screen experiences anywhere.

Chris Hamdorf, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TCL, said, “Our amazing ultra-large TVs offer the best solution for fixed screen entertainment, but we recognize the different needs of consumers, so TCL is dedicated to bringing that superior viewing experience in new ways. Projector A1 is the perfect extension to our lineup as it meets consumers in the places they want to watch, no matter where that is. It represents the convergence of TCL’s innovative technology, combining reliable Wi-Fi and streaming entertainment with award-winning visual and audio capabilities.”

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Raspberry Pi has unveiled the Pico 2 W, a $7 microcontroller that integrates wireless capabilities, building on the success of the previously released Pico 2. Powered by the RP2350 microcontroller and featuring an Infineon CYW43439 modem, this device is tailored for Internet of Things (IoT) enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The RP2350, a successor to the widely celebrated RP2040, introduces several upgrades, including faster cores, expanded memory, floating-point support, optimized power consumption, and enhanced security with Arm TrustZone for Cortex-M. These improvements aim to meet the demands of IoT projects that require local computation and seamless cloud connectivity.

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Chess, the age-old strategy game, continues to inspire advancements in artificial intelligence. Google, known for its AI breakthroughs like AlphaZero, has used chess as a proving ground for cutting-edge technology. AlphaZero famously taught itself to master chess without prior knowledge, showcasing AI’s potential for creative problem-solving. This innovation even extends beyond games, influencing real-world projects like AlphaFold for protein structures and AlphaDev for discovering new algorithms.

Now, as the title sponsor of the World Chess Championship, Google is offering new ways to experience chess, blending history, AI, and creativity. Here’s what’s on the board:

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Western Digital has introduced new storage products under its SanDisk and WD_BLACK brands, designed to meet the needs of professionals, gamers, and everyday users. With a focus on speed, durability, and capacity, these drives aim to handle a variety of data storage demands.

SanDisk has launched two portable SSDs tailored for creators and professionals who need fast, rugged storage on the go. The SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD offers cutting-edge performance, featuring a USB4 interface with read speeds of up to 3,800MB/s and write speeds of 3,700MB/s. Its durable design includes a silicone shell, a forged aluminum chassis, and an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance. The drive is drop-resistant up to two meters. Expected to launch in early 2025, the SanDisk Extreme PRO will be available in 2TB and 4TB models priced at $279.99 and $429.99, respectively.

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TEAMGROUP’s T-FORCE brand has launched its latest SSD, the GA PRO PCIe 5.0, promising lightning-fast read speed of up to 10,000MB/s. This high-performance M.2 drive is designed for gamers and power users who crave insane speed.

At the heart of this SSD is the InnoGrit IG5666 multi-core controller, which balances performance and energy efficiency. Supporting the NVMe 2.0 protocol, the T-FORCE GA PRO is offered in 1TB and 2TB capacities. It features advanced 4K LDPC error correction technology to maintain data integrity and ensure smooth operation, even under heavy workloads. For added security, the drive includes advanced isolation features to safeguard data from potential threats.

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The hybrid cloud is all about flexibility, giving organizations the ability to mix and match tools and platforms to meet their unique needs. Whether it’s pushing forward with cutting-edge innovations like generative AI or simply making IT processes smoother, having options is key. While Linux is often the go-to for hybrid cloud setups, Windows still plays a major role in many organizations. To bridge this gap, Microsoft created the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which lets developers run Linux on Windows without needing a traditional virtual machine.

Now, Red Hat is stepping up to the plate by bringing Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) to WSL. This is a big deal for developers who work in mixed environments. If you’re coding on a Windows machine but deploying to RHEL servers, having the same RHEL environment on both sides just makes sense. It’s all about consistency -- saving time, reducing headaches, and improving workflows.

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