Brian Fagioli

As more users look for alternatives to Microsoft Windows 11, SparkyLinux's latest update, Sparky 2024.08 is thankfully released. This Linux-based operating system has proven to be a compelling choice for those looking to ditch Windows.

This update enhances the Debian testing line-based semi-rolling distribution. It now features home partition encryption in its CLI Installer, the lightweight Midori browser as the default web browsing option, and regular package updates.

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Google has introduced the Pixel Watch 3, an updated version of its smartwatch that features a new Loss of Pulse Detection capability. This safety feature is designed to automatically contact emergency services if it detects that the wearer’s heart has stopped.

The Pixel Watch 3 enhances its previous models with several improved features. It is available in two sizes, 41mm and a new 45mm option, with displays that achieve a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits. This improvement ensures visibility in bright light conditions and adjusts to lower brightness in darker settings.

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Earlier today, Google introduced the latest Pixel 9 smartphones. And now, the search giant reveals the Pixel Buds Pro 2 equipped with enhanced design and technology for a superior audio experience.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are 24 percent lighter and 27 percent smaller than their predecessors and incorporate the new Tensor A1 chip. This chip enables industry-leading audio performance and robust Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that is twice as effective as the previous model. This ANC adapts to ambient noise up to three million times per second, designed to deliver clear sound in various environments.

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Google has released its latest smartphone series, the Pixel 9, which includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. These devices incorporate the latest Google AI technology and are powered by the new Tensor G4 processor, aimed at improving user experience.

The design of the Pixel 9 series features an updated camera setup and uses durable materials for construction. The Pro models offer two different screen sizes and are equipped with advanced Super Actua displays and a 42 MP front camera designed to enhance selfie quality under various lighting conditions.

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SMART Modular Technologies, a part of SGH, has just unveiled its newest product -- DDR5 Registered DIMMs (RDIMMs) with a special coating. These RDIMMs are perfect for liquid immersion cooling systems in data centers. They combine the super-fast DDR5 tech with some important protective features, so your data center equipment can stay reliable and last longer in tough conditions.

Arthur Sainio, DRAM Product Director at SMART, emphasized the dual benefits of this product, stating, "Our new DDR5 RDIMMs with conformal coating merge top-tier performance with robust reliability, setting a new standard for immersion-cooled data centers. This fusion enhances the modules' durability in harsh environments while catering to the computing demands of high-performance applications."

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Plugable has officially unveiled the newly redesigned UD-6950PDH docking station, tailored to enhance productivity for Apple users. Following extensive customer feedback and leveraging the latest technology, this latest version sports a sleek space gray aluminum chassis, ensuring seamless integration with Apple's product line.

The standout feature of the UD-6950PDH is its capability to support two additional displays on any Mac with a Max, Pro, or base M1, M2, M3, and the upcoming M4 processors. This is made possible with just a single installation of the DisplayLink driver, setting it apart from many other docking solutions on the market.

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Google has stepped up its commitment to youth mental health by announcing an additional $10 million in funding for leading nonprofits, including The Rare Impact Fund, DonorsChoose, The JED Foundation, Child Mind Institute, and The Steve Fund. This new initiative boosts Google's total investment in youth digital wellbeing and online safety to $25 million.

The funding aims to introduce mental health training and resources to one million high school students across the U.S. Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, has already funded all existing mental health projects from high school teachers on DonorsChoose. Furthermore, it will provide up to $500 for new projects and a $200 credit for teachers who participate in one of the nine new mental health training courses created by Google in collaboration with youth mental health experts.

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The anticipated first point-release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, crucial for enabling release upgrades from earlier versions, has been officially delayed. Initially scheduled for August 19, the update has been pushed back to August 29 due to the discovery of several high-impact issues during the final stages of preparation. This delay will affect users planning to upgrade from the previous LTS version, who are advised to wait until these issues are resolved to ensure a smooth transition.

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, has not specified the exact nature of the issues but emphasized that the delay is a precaution to maintain stability and security. The development team is actively working on fixes, and further updates are expected as the new release date approaches.

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Microsoft's ongoing updates to its supported Windows operating systems, which includes both Windows 11 and Windows 10, are taking a sad turn with the deprecation of Paint 3D. You see, this app is set to be removed from the Microsoft Store by November 4, 2024.

Initially introduced as a part of the creators update, Paint 3D allowed users to craft three-dimensional images easily but did not become as essential to user workflows as anticipated. And so, Microsoft is killing this app.

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Microsoft researchers have revealed a series of medium-severity vulnerabilities within OpenVPN, an essential open-source VPN solution embedded in myriad routers, PCs, and smart devices worldwide. The vulnerabilities, if exploited, could allow attackers to execute remote code and escalate privileges, gaining unauthorized access to potentially millions of devices.

The research team demonstrated how these vulnerabilities could be chained together to form a potent attack sequence, culminating in attackers taking complete control over affected devices. This complex attack vector requires user authentication and a sophisticated understanding of OpenVPN’s architecture, highlighting the need for robust security measures.

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TUXEDO Computers has unveiled the InfinityFlex 14, a 3-in-1 Linux convertible PC that stands as a compelling alternative to Windows 11 convertible laptops. This device is designed to accommodate various user needs by seamlessly transitioning between a laptop, tablet, and touch monitor.

The InfinityFlex 14 integrates a 14-inch matte touchscreen with a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels in a 16:10 aspect ratio, offering 400 nits of brightness and full sRGB color gamut coverage. It's well-suited for both indoor and outdoor use, featuring MPP 2.0 pen support with 4096 pressure levels for detailed and precise touch inputs.

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Keychron has introduced the K2 HE through a Kickstarter campaign, a new 75 percent layout magnetic switch keyboard aimed at providing extensive customization. The anticipated delivery for the K2 HE is in October 2024.

With a starting price of $125, the K2 HE expands on the popular Keychron K2 series by incorporating Hall Effect magnetic functions and Gateron Double-rail magnetic switches, which enable precise adjustments to actuation points. This feature is particularly beneficial for users requiring responsive keyboard actions, such as gamers.

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ADLINK has announced its latest addition, the SBC35 Series of 3.5-inch single board computers (SBC), designed for space-limited environments. This new series comprises two models: the SBC35-RPL, which utilizes the 13th Gen Intel Core processors, and the SBC35-ALN, which features the Intel N97 processor for energy efficiency.

Each model is constructed in a compact 146x102mm form factor, aiming to support diverse applications across automation, transportation, medical industries, and smart city projects. The SBC35-RPL can support up to 64GB DDR5 4800MHz RAM and four independent displays, whereas the SBC35-ALN accommodates up to 16GB RAM and three displays.

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Samsung has just enhanced its USB flash drive lineup by introducing 512GB capacities for its BAR Plus and FIT Plus models, and a new USB Type-C option.

The new 512GB versions promise impressive read speeds of up to 400 MB/s and write speeds up to 110 MB/s. This capability allows users to transfer large files such as a 3GB 4K UHD video to a PC in about 10 seconds. The drives are versatile, supporting a broad range of devices through their USB 3.2 Gen1 interface, and are backward compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. They also support various operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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As Windows 11 continues to face criticism over its system demands and privacy concerns, many users are exploring alternatives. Linux distributions offer compelling options that not only match but often surpass the Windows experience in performance, customization, and security.

Here are the top three Linux distributions that you should consider when switching from Microsoft Windows 11.

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