COSMIC Alpha 5, KDE Plasma 6.3 beta, SteamOS beyond Steam Deck & more Linux news
This week in Linux covers several key announcements and releases in the Linux and open-source world:
1. KDE Plasma 6.3 Beta: A new beta release is available for testing, featuring improvements to tablet and input device support (touchpad disabling, stylus pressure curve customization), screen and window management (HDR on SDR displays, reduced blurriness for fractional scaling), desktop and panels (panel cloning), widgets, notifications (missed notification count in Do Not Disturb mode), and Discover (app publisher/verification display). Future 6.4 will include per-virtual-desktop custom tile layouts, and work is underway to enhance Plasma control with home automation integrations (Home Assistant).
2. Chromium Ecosystem Support: The Linux Foundation launched an initiative, “Supporters of Chromium-based Browsers,” to fund and support open development of Chromium, aiming to broaden participation beyond Google’s current dominance. Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Opera are initial supporters.
3. Cosmic Desktop Alpha 5: System76 released Alpha 5 of their Cosmic desktop environment and Pop!_OS, including a new media player, alt-tab improvements, variable refresh rate refinements, and user setting updates. A walkthrough of Alpha 5 is promised in a future video.
4. Refine (GNOME Tweaker): A new application for GNOME users allows customization beyond standard GNOME Tweaks, offering options for appearance, fonts, window centering, modal window attachment, and more. Note: compatibility may vary across different GNOME distributions.
5. Lenovo Legion Go: Officially announced as the first officially licensed SteamOS handheld gaming device outside of Valve. It will be available in May 2025, with both SteamOS and Windows 11 versions.
6. SteamOS Expansion: Valve announced that SteamOS will expand beyond the Steam Deck, starting with the Lenovo Legion Go and with a beta release coming soon to improve compatibility with other handheld devices. Desktop support is not currently planned.
7. Mecca Comet: A modular handheld Linux computer with extensibility for various uses (gaming, phone functionality, car diagnostics via OBD port) was highlighted; Kickstarter launch is pending.
The video also mentions upcoming episodes of Destination Linux and This Week in Linux, including live streams. Sandfly Security is the sponsor.