Ubuntu 26.04 LTS will default to OpenJDK 25

OpenJDK logo on a yellow background with Raccoon faces.Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ‘Resolute Raccoon’ will use OpenJDK 25 as its default Java version. An expected change as OpenJDK 25 is a long-term support release, as Ubuntu 26.04 is, the bump brings various feature and performance improvements to developers over OpenJDK 21, the default version used in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS through 25.10. On Ubuntu, Java isn’t installed out of the box, but when you install default-jdk or default-jre (directly or indirectly as a dependency needed by other software) those meta-packages point to whichever OpenJDK version Canonical has blessed as current. In Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, that will be OpenJDK 25. Version 25 of OpenJDK, the […]

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Rudra is a new keyboard-driven launcher for GNOME Shell

The world isn’t short on keyboard-based Linux launchers. Albert, Ulauncher, rofi and GNOME Do (if you’re old enough to remember that one) are among those I’ve written about in the past. Rudra is a new spin on this old staple – albeit without the extensibility dedicated quick launchers provide. What’s different here is that it’s implemented as a GNOME Shell extension, not a standalone app. The developer of Rudra, Nark Agni, describes it as a “lightning-fast, keyboard-centric launcher […] designed for power users”. Though inspired by Mac apps like Alfred and Raycast, it is far less capable than those. To […]

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Gentoo Charts a New Path: Moving Away from GitHub Toward Codeberg

Gentoo Charts a New Path: Moving Away from GitHub Toward Codeberg

Introduction

The Gentoo Linux project has begun transitioning parts of its infrastructure away from GitHub and toward Codeberg, a Git hosting platform built on open-source principles. The move reflects growing concerns within parts of the open-source community about centralized hosting, proprietary AI integrations, and long-term platform independence.

While Gentoo has used GitHub for collaboration and code hosting in recent years, maintainers are now signaling a preference for a platform that aligns more closely with their philosophical roots.

Why the Shift?

One of the underlying motivations behind the move involves concerns around Microsoft’s expanding integration of AI tools like Copilot into GitHub’s ecosystem. While Copilot is optional and not mandatory for users, its presence has sparked debate within open-source communities about:

  • Code usage for AI model training

  • Transparency around data handling

  • Vendor control over open-source workflows

  • The long-term independence of community projects

Gentoo, a distribution known for its strong emphasis on freedom, customization, and user control, appears to be taking a cautious approach by diversifying its infrastructure.

Why Codeberg?

Codeberg is a community-driven Git hosting service powered by Forgejo, a fully open-source Git platform. Unlike GitHub, Codeberg operates as a non-profit organization and positions itself as an ethical alternative focused on transparency and sustainability.

Key characteristics include:

  • Open-source infrastructure

  • No proprietary AI tooling baked into the platform

  • Community governance model

  • Emphasis on privacy and minimal tracking

For a project like Gentoo, deeply rooted in open-source philosophy, these factors carry weight.

What This Means for Gentoo Users

For end users, the transition may not immediately change how Gentoo is installed or maintained. However, it could affect:

  • Where source code repositories are officially hosted

  • Where developers submit patches and pull requests

  • Contribution workflows for maintainers

Over time, the move could also reduce dependency on large corporate platforms, ensuring Gentoo retains autonomy over its infrastructure.

A Broader Trend in Open Source

Gentoo is not alone in reassessing its hosting platforms. Across the open-source world, projects have increasingly explored alternatives such as:

  • Codeberg

  • SourceHut

  • Self-hosted Git solutions

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AsteroidOS 2.0 Launches: A Community-Driven Linux Revival for Smartwatches

AsteroidOS 2.0 Launches: A Community-Driven Linux Revival for Smartwatches

The open-source wearable ecosystem just received a major upgrade. AsteroidOS 2.0 has officially been released, bringing new life to Linux-based smartwatches and giving aging hardware a fresh purpose. Built by a passionate community of developers, AsteroidOS continues to push the idea that wearable technology can remain open, customizable, and free from vendor lock-in.

For users who prefer control over their devices, and for those with older smartwatches gathering dust, AsteroidOS 2.0 represents a compelling alternative to proprietary smartwatch platforms.

What Is AsteroidOS?

AsteroidOS is an open-source operating system designed specifically for smartwatches. Originally developed as a replacement for discontinued or unsupported Android Wear devices, the project has grown into a full Linux-based wearable platform.

Unlike closed smartwatch systems, AsteroidOS emphasizes:

  • Privacy-first design

  • Minimal background tracking

  • Full user control

  • Community-driven development

It runs on supported legacy devices and allows users to repurpose smartwatches that manufacturers have long abandoned.

What’s New in AsteroidOS 2.0

Version 2.0 is one of the most significant updates in the project’s history. While the philosophy remains the same, this release introduces meaningful improvements across usability, performance, and compatibility.

Modernized Interface

AsteroidOS 2.0 brings a refreshed UI that feels smoother and more intuitive. Navigation between apps and watch faces is more fluid, and animations have been optimized for improved responsiveness on older hardware.

Improved Power Management

Battery life is critical on wearables. The new release refines power-saving behaviors and background process handling, helping extend usage time between charges, especially important for devices with aging batteries.

Enhanced Bluetooth Connectivity

Connectivity improvements allow more reliable pairing with companion apps, notifications, and syncing features. Stability and compatibility with modern smartphones have been strengthened.

Updated Core Stack

Under the hood, AsteroidOS 2.0 ships with updated components from the Linux ecosystem, ensuring better hardware compatibility and security fixes.

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