Open Source
Ongoing coverage on Open Source.
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Manjaro Linux looks like it's in trouble with the release of the "Manjaro 2.0 Manifesto"
The Manjaro Linux distribution is facing internal turmoil following the release of the "Manjaro 2.0 Manifesto." Developers and community members are expressing dissatisfaction with the current leadership, particularly founder Philip Müller, stating that the project has become overly centralized. They propose splitting the project into a company and a non-profit association to foster a more collaborative environment, and are considering a strike due to stalled progress.
Wizznic - An opensource puzzle game has arrived on the Amiga via Paulthetall
The open-source puzzle game Wizznic, originally created by Dusted for Windows and Linux, has been ported to the Amiga by Paulthetall. This demanding game is available for powerful Amiga devices and features arcade and career modes with 160 levels, as well as a level creator.
Saturday Tech Bits
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for the Canary Channel, version 29550.1000. The article also briefly mentions the release of Debian version 13.4 and highlights eight open-source tools.
Mesa 26.0.2 arrives with more bug-fixes for Linux graphics drivers
Mesa 26.0.2 has been released, providing bug fixes for open-source graphics drivers on Linux. This update addresses issues including build failures, visual glitches in Counter-Strike 2 and Mafia III on AMD hardware, VRAM memory leaks, and compiler assertion failures.
Lutris now being built with Claude AI, developer decides to hide it after backlash
The developer of the game manager Lutris has faced backlash for using AI-generated code from Anthropic's Claude, leading to concerns about trust and copyright in open-source software. The developer initially defended the use of AI as a valuable tool, citing personal health issues, but later removed AI co-authorship from commits, sparking further debate about transparency.
OBS Studio 32.1.0 arrives with WebRTC Simulcast support and a new Audio Mixer
OBS Studio version 32.1.0 has been released, introducing WebRTC Simulcast support and a new Audio Mixer. This update for the free and open-source livestreaming and video recording application also includes numerous improvements and bug fixes for enhanced security, plugin management, and overall stability across platforms like Linux and macOS.
D7VK version 1.5 brings Direct3D 3 support via Vulkan on Linux
The D7VK project has released version 1.5, adding support for Direct3D 3 via Vulkan on Linux, bringing the total supported Direct3D versions to 3, 5, 6, and 7 for use with Wine and Proton. This update includes significant improvements and fixes for various games, such as implementing execute buffers and back buffer/depth write backs, which resolve issues in titles like Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire and SimCity 4.
System76 fighting for open source being excluded from Colorado age checks
System76 is actively campaigning against age verification bills in Colorado, specifically SB26-051, to protect open source software. Founder Carl Richell met with Senator Matt Ball, who suggested excluding open source from the bill, a possibility System76 hopes to extend to California's similar legislation.
NVIDIA is reportedly working on its own open-source AI agent platform
NVIDIA is reportedly developing an open-source AI agent platform called NemoClaw, aimed at enterprise software companies. The platform will allow users to dispatch AI agents for various tasks, with a focus on security for enterprise networks. This initiative follows the trend of AI agents performing autonomous, complex tasks, with former OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger joining OpenAI.
Mesa driver developers discuss expanding profiles and driver tuning for specific apps and games
Valve developer Natalie Vock has proposed improvements to Mesa's app profiles and driver tuning system, currently used by the RADV AMD Vulkan driver. The plan aims to make tuning options more dynamic and easier to manage, potentially expanding to other drivers and incorporating user customization features.
New Release: 0 A.D. Release 28: Boiorix news
Wildfire Games has released version 28, codenamed "Boiorix," for their free, open-source real-time strategy game 0 A.D. This update introduces a new German faction, gendered civilians, direct font rendering, and various engine upgrades. The release also marks the end of the game's Alpha phase, with the developers seeking contributors for video editing, social media, and design.
Industrial-Etival - Free Online Browser Based HTML5 Game
Industrial-Etival is a free, browser-based HTML5 game built with open-source assets and currently in development. The game supports keyboard and mouse controls and is designed to run on a variety of graphics cards, including older NVIDIA and AMD models.
SpaghettiKart the Mario Kart 64 fan-made PC port gets a big upgrade
The Harbour Masters team has released a significant update for SpaghettiKart, their fan-made PC port of Mario Kart 64. This new version introduces a harder CPU difficulty, improved camera systems, an expanded custom track system, and numerous performance and stability enhancements. The project is distributed as open source, with users needing to provide their own game assets.
Lutris v0.5.21 and v0.5.22 arrive with Valve's Sniper runtime support and new game runners
Lutris, an open-source game manager for Linux, has released versions 0.5.21 and 0.5.22. These updates introduce support for Valve's Sniper runtime, new game runners for PS4 and Xenia, and various bug fixes and improvements, including updated Dolphin-emu runner and collapsible sidebar sections.
Godot veteran says 'AI slop' pull requests have become overwhelming
Godot maintainer Rémi Verschelde has voiced concerns about the increasing volume of "AI slop" pull requests generated by large language models. This influx is reportedly draining and demoralizing for the open-source engine's maintainers, who are struggling to identify and process these submissions. Verschelde suggests increased funding for more maintainers is the only viable solution to manage the issue.
