LXer Linux News

NetworkManager 1.58 has been released today as a major update of this open-source network connection manager for Linux-based operating systems that introduces many new features and improvements.

While AMD ROCm 7.14 released last week as the first production release built off TheRock, there is already more to look forward to moving into the future with the AMD ROCm stack... In particular, SPIR-V with ROCm becoming a reality for unified binaries that can work across graphics architectures/targets, better portability across GPU hardware, and other improvements to the experience in targeting a unified IR.

GNOME is reducing its security vulnerability disclosure deadline from 90 days to 30 days in response to the rise of AI-generated submissions. The new deadline applies to security issues reported on or after August 1, 2026. Previously, GNOME kept security reports confidential for up to 90 days to allow maintainers time to prepare and release fixes before public disclosure. However, GNOME security coordinator Michael Catanzaro notes that the longer window has been ineffective.

Garuda Linux advantages which are provided by btrfs Automated Snapshots :  Creates system snapshots automatically before every update. Uses grub-btrfs for this setup. Allows booting into old snapshots from boot menu. Fixes broken updates easily without using live USBs. Storage Efficiency :   Saves disk space using transparent zstd compression. Increases the lifespan of SSDs.  Loads heavy applications much faster due to compression. Shares free space dynamically between root and home.

Mozilla has released Firefox 153, the latest update to its popular open-source web browser, with improvements in video playback, PDF editing, sharing, privacy indicators, Firefox Labs, and web platform features for developers. The main novelty is HDR video support, currently available only on Windows 10 and 11 with HDR displays connected to AMD or NVIDIA GPUs. Intel and NVIDIA laptop configurations are not yet supported, but Mozilla is working to expand compatibility.

The 301st installment of the 9to5Linux Weekly Roundup is here for the week ending July 19th, 2026, keeping you updated on the most important developments in the Linux world. If you missed last week’s 9to5Linux Weekly Roundup, catch up with everything GNU/Linux/Open Source here. I want to thank everyone who sent us donations; your generosity is greatly appreciated.

If you are looking for a reason to celebrate today, the last of the MPEG-4 Part 2 patents expired today. While the US and EU patents around MPEG-4 Part 2 expired in recent years, until today there remained one patent still active in Brazil. This final patent was BRPI0109962B1 - "process for storing and processing image information from successive images over time". The VIA Licensing Alliance confirmed that this was the final MPEG-4 Visual patent and indeed expiring today, 19 July 2026.

M5Stack broadens embedded lineup with wireless, industrial, and handheld devices Jul 19, 2026 — by Giorgio Mendoza 648 views M5Stack has introduced three compact products addressing wireless IoT development, industrial automation, and portable embedded control. The lineup includes the Stamp-C5 module with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and IEEE 802.15.4 connectivity, the isolated StamPLC IO expansion module, and the lower-cost StickC Plus SE handheld development kit.

Thanks to the work of the open-source community, more ASUS desktop motherboards for Intel Core and AMD Ryzen systems are seeing working sensor monitoring under Linux. With the upcoming Linux 7.3 cycle, several additional ASUS motherboards will now enjoy working sensor monitoring.

GNOME Calendar developer Hari Rana has publicly revisited a months-old dispute with Linux Mint, accusing the distribution of harming upstream projects by shipping outdated and modified software while continuing to use upstream branding and support links. In a strongly worded blog post, Rana described Linux Mint as a “hostile distribution” and provided his account of a GitLab discussion that began back in September 2025 and was closed several months later.