Operating Systems
Ongoing coverage on Operating Systems.
Latest coverage
What to expect from Google I/O 2026
Google I/O 2026 is scheduled for May 19-20, with AI advancements across products like Gemini and Android expected to be a major focus. The event will also likely feature updates on Android 17, the potential unification of ChromeOS and Android into 'Aluminium OS', and possibly new AI models like Gemini 4 and Veo. While hardware announcements are less certain, there's speculation about potential Android XR devices or a tease of the Google Pixel 11 lineup.
SteamOS 3.8.2 Beta brings fixes for security issues, trackpad on Legion Go and Borderlands 2
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.2 Beta, introducing fixes for security vulnerabilities, trackpad issues on the Legion Go, and a crash bug in Borderlands 2. The update also includes general stability improvements, enhanced controller support for various handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and GPD Win 5, and updates to the KDE Plasma desktop environment to version 6.4.3 with Wayland as the default.
Morning Tech Bits
Linux Kernel version 7.0 has been released. Microsoft has increased the FAT32 partition size limit from 32 GB to 2 TB in a beta version of Windows 11.
These custom Linux lock screens styled after Minecraft, NieR Automata, and Genshin Impact are single-handedly eroding my…
A Redditor has created custom Linux lock screens inspired by popular games such as Minecraft, NieR Automata, and Genshin Impact. These designs offer a unique way for users to personalize their operating system's login interface, with the Dotfiles available on Github. The article also touches on the author's personal preference for Windows despite the appeal of Linux customization.
Nearly here! Microsoft ups the partition size limit of FAT32 from 32 GB to 2 TB in the latest beta of Windows 11
Microsoft has increased the FAT32 partition size limit in the latest beta of Windows 11, allowing users to format drives up to 2 TB instead of the previous 32 GB limit. This change, available in build 26220.8165 for Insider Preview members, simplifies the process for users who need larger FAT32 partitions for older hardware or specific setups.
A maverick hacker got Mac OS X running on a Wii
Developer Bryan Keller has successfully ported Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah) to run on a Nintendo Wii console. Motivated by skepticism, Keller developed a custom boot loader and drivers to overcome the technical challenges, demonstrating the Wii's hackability and its PowerPC architecture's similarity to older Macs.
Xbox Ally handhelds are finally getting thumb stick mouse controls, but I'm hoping it's not a desktop mode…
The ASUS ROG Ally handheld is receiving a new 'Gamepad Cursor' feature for Windows Insiders, allowing the left thumbstick to control the mouse. While this aims to improve desktop navigation on the Windows 11-based device, the author expresses hope that it leads to a more console-like experience rather than just another desktop workaround.
Evening Mobilization
iOS 26.5 is set to introduce new features and has a confirmed release date, according to 9to5Mac. Separately, a repairability report indicates that Google Pixel devices outperform iPhones and Samsung phones in this regard. Additionally, Car Keys in Wallet functionality has expanded to include two major vehicle brands.
From the C: to the /Mnt/s, Linux is better than ever for PC gaming – and easier to switch to from Windows
Linux has become a viable and accessible alternative to Windows for PC gaming, largely due to improvements in compatibility layers like Proton and the popularity of devices like the Steam Deck. While challenges remain, particularly with anti-cheat software, various distributions and tools now make it easier for users to switch and enjoy a wide range of games.
Evening Tech Bits
Microsoft is phasing out the Control Panel in Windows, directing users towards the modern Settings app. Meanwhile, Samsung is experiencing a significant profit increase, estimated at over eight times last year's figures, driven by the current memory chip market conditions.
28 years after the final Intel 486 desktop CPUs rolled off assembly lines, Linux is finally dropping support for it
Linux kernel maintainers are beginning to phase out support for Intel's 486 platform, a move initiated by Linus Torvalds who believes the hardware is no longer relevant for kernel development. A patch expected in Linux 7.1 will remove the remaining code, with developers like Ingo Molnar noting it will benefit future kernel development without impacting current users.
Apple iOS 26.5 public beta is now available
Apple has released the first public beta for iOS 26.5, introducing features like "Suggested Places" in Apple Maps and the expansion of ads within the Maps app. The company also confirmed that ads will be clearly marked and will not compromise user privacy. Additionally, end-to-end encryption for RCS messages is being tested in this beta.
43% of you have, or will be switching to gaming on Linux this year, but more surprising than that over a quarter of you…
A poll indicates that 29% of respondents have switched to gaming on Linux, with an additional 14% planning to do so this year, largely due to Valve's Steam Deck and the Proton compatibility layer. Key barriers to wider adoption include issues with kernel-level anti-cheat support in multiplayer games.
Linux has gotten a 3% usage bump in a month, latest Steam hardware survey suggests - though, it's still miles off Windows
The latest Steam hardware survey indicates a slight increase in Linux usage among gamers, reaching 5.33% in March, a jump from 2.23% in February. Despite this growth, Linux usage remains significantly lower than Windows, which holds 92.33% of the market share. Arch Linux, Linux Mint, and Ubuntu Core are the leading Linux variants mentioned.
Steam survey shows Linux hitting an all-time high with gamers
The March 2026 Steam Hardware & Software Survey indicates Linux has reached an all-time high of 5.33% market share, surpassing macOS. This surge, largely driven by the Steam Deck's popularity and Valve's efforts to make Linux more user-friendly, represents a significant milestone for Linux gaming.
Linux installs jump to over 5% of gamers on the latest Steam Hardware Survey while the RTX 5070 reverts to the norm
The latest Steam Hardware Survey for March shows a significant increase in Linux adoption among gamers, jumping to 5.33%, while Windows 11 usage also rose at the expense of Windows 10. GPU statistics have normalized after a suspicious spike for the Nvidia RTX 5070 in February, with the RTX 3060 returning to the top spot.
Linux smashes past 5% on the Steam Survey for the first time
Linux has surpassed 5% of users on the Steam Hardware & Software Survey for March 2026, marking a new all-time high. This growth is attributed to Valve's efforts with Proton, SteamOS, and the Steam Deck. The survey also detailed the top Linux distributions, with SteamOS Holo and an unnamed distribution showing significant usage.
Apple turns 50 today: here's what it does better than PC (no foolin')
Apple celebrates its 50th anniversary, highlighting its strengths in silicon design and integrated hardware-software ecosystems, particularly with its M-series chips. While PC gaming remains a weak point, advancements in Arm architecture and translation layers suggest a growing potential for gaming on Apple devices.
What to expect from WWDC 2026
Apple is expected to prioritize stability improvements for its operating systems at WWDC 2026. The event will also feature a significantly revamped version of Siri, focusing on enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities.
What to expect from WWDC 2026
Apple's WWDC 2026, scheduled for June 8-12, is expected to focus on stability improvements and AI advancements across its operating systems. Rumors suggest a significant overhaul for Siri, potentially transforming it into a more chatbot-like assistant with enhanced contextual awareness and cross-app functionality, possibly leveraging Google's Gemini models. Updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS will also reportedly include performance boosts and bug fixes, with a potential system-wide slider for adjusting visual effects.