Intel’s NPU Driver for Linux is Now Available on the Snap Store
Canonical has put the official Linux Intel NPU driver on the Snap Store. The new Intel NPU Driver snap “bundles many components 
including device firmware, a user space driver and compiler, and an application to validate the user mode driver and compiler”. Or to put it another way: everything needs to harness the AI inference accelerators now built-in to the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (‘Meteor Lake’ and above). The catch (for now) is that the Intel NPU Driver snap is currently in beta, ergo rock-solid reliability isn’t currently a given. It should also go without saying (but I’ll
#News #Ai/Ml #Intel #SnapApps
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/intels-npu-driver-for-linux-is-now-available-on-the-snap-store
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Readies Linux Kernel 6.12 Support + More
Oracle has released the second maintenance update for the latest VirtualBox 7.1 series. VirtualBox 7.1.4 includes a small set of improvements, bug fixes, and stability enhancements to this open-source, cross-platform virtualisation tool, though new major new features are included. Among the changes are 2 which affect the Linux Guest Additions package (installing this enables Linux VMs to integrate better with the underlying host OS and hardware, be it a Linux, macOS, Windows, or Solaris host). Firstly, Linux Guest Additions picks up initial support for the upcoming Linux kernel 6.12 release, which due out in the next few months. Adding initial
#News #AppUpdates #VirtualMachines #Virtualbox
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/virtualbox-7-1-4-readies-linux-kernel-6-12-support-more
Ubuntu 25.04 Codename Revealed
The codename for Ubuntu 25.04 has been revealed. Another feathered bird follows the Ubuntu 24.10 ‘Oracular Oriole’, and since codenames are alphabetical (as of Ubuntu 6.06 LTS; restarted at ‘A’ with 17.10), it means Ubuntu 25.04 will begin with the letter ‘P’. Praying for a Piquant Pelican? You’ll be perplexed to learn that was not picked. Pining for a Percipient Peacock? You’ll be put-out to hear that got passed over too. Prefer the sound of a Plucky Puffin? You’ll be pleased! Yes, Ubuntu 25.04 is the ‘Plucky Puffin’. Ubuntu 25.04 Codename Meaning “Plucky” is an adjective often used to refer
#News
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/ubuntu-25-04-codename-revealed
Inkscape 1.4 is Out with Epic New Features
When it comes to open-source vector graphics software there’s perhaps nothing else as well known or as well made for the task than Inkscape – and a brand new version is now released. Inkscape 1.4 adds a crop of new features and improves accessibility buffs, with bug fixes, code cleanups, stability tweaks, and performance tune-ups (including faster extensions) also included. A new Filter Gallery dialog is, Inkscape say, “your new entry point into the world of filters. Head to the Filters menu to find it and your favorites more easily, with previews by category or by typing key words in
#News
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/inkscape-1-4-new-features
How to Upgrade to Ubuntu 24.10 from 24.04 LTS
With the latest release stacked with new features, you may be looking to upgrade to Ubuntu 24.10 from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS but wondering exactly how. Well, in this post I show (though in some cases, remind) you how. “I just wait for Ubuntu to tell me, right?” – no. As Ubuntu 24.04 is a long-term support (LTS) release it will NOT ask you if you want to upgrade to Ubuntu 24.10. LTS releases are configured to only notify of new LTS releases (next one is due 2026) and Ubuntu 24.10 is a short-term release. Fret not; you can still do
#HowTo #Ubuntu24_10
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/how-to-upgrade-to-ubuntu-24-10
Spotify Controls GNOME Extension is Ideal for Music Addicts
GNOME Shell shows now playing info in the notification shade, out of view but there when you want to check in. Most users like this approach, but perhaps you don’t? Personally, I do like seeing media info (album art, artist name, track title) in the top bar. If I listen to a playlist like Spotify Discover I can see which song/artist is playing by looking at the top of the screen. I find that easier than interrupting my workflow by having to switch apps or click on the notification shade to take a peek. Plus, having ‘now playing’ info on
#News #GnomeExtensions #Spotify
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/spotify-controls-gnome-extension-top-bar
KDE neon Users Can Now Upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04
KDE neon users can now upgrade to rebase their systems on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. For those unfamiliar with it, KDE neon is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution that is something of a reference platform for KDE Plasma. It’s available in User, Testing, Unstable, and Developer editions. KDE neon (User Edition) is the ‘stable’ version but still described as suiting ‘adventurous KDE enthusiasts’ rather than those seeking a rock-solid, totally-reliable distro. KDE neon isn’t tested as a distro as throughly as, say, Kubuntu. But if you want the benefits of the Ubuntu 24.04 package set with the latest KDE Plasma 6.2 release
#News #Kde #KdeNeon #Ubuntu24_04Lts
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/kde-neon-rebased-on-ubuntu-24-04
Ubuntu 24.10 is Now Available to Download
Ubuntu 24.10 is now available for download after six months of dedicated development. The latest release offers plenty of changes and new features, including the latest GNOME 47 release, more preinstalled tools for developers, and better signalling of background snap app updates. As a short-term release, Ubuntu 24.10 receives 9 months of supports. Users will need to upgrade again by July 2025 to keep getting updates. The next major update, Ubuntu 25.04, is released in April 2025. I showcase the new features in Ubuntu 24.10 in a separate article, so if you want lashing of detail do give that a
#News #Ubuntu24_10
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/ubuntu-24-10-now-available-to-download
Ubuntu Gamer? The Steam Snap Now Runs Better Than Ever
If you’re using Canonical’s Steam snap to game on Ubuntu you may be pleased to hear that a number appreciable performance improvements have begun to filter out. Valve recommend Ubuntu users stick to the official Steam DEB for the best experience but plenty of Ubuntu users prefer the convenience offered by the unofficial Steam snap maintained by Canonical and available to install through App Center. The latest release of snapd, the engine that powers snap apps, includes a couple of changes designed to improve the performance of the Steam snap specifically. Snapd 2.65 notably sees the removal of “all AppArmor
#News
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/ubuntu-gamer-the-steam-snap-now-runs-better-than-ever
KDE Plasma 6.2 Released, This is What’s New
A new major update to the KDE Plasma desktop has been released, and it’s jam-packed with new features, enhancements, and performance-focused improvements. Serving as the third release in the new 6.x series, KDE Plasma 6.2 builds on the foundations introduced in earlier this year in KDE Plasma 6.0 and KDE Plasma 6.1 (the latter being the version of KDE shipping out-of-the-box in the new Kubuntu 24.10 release). KDE developers say of the new update: “Plasma 6 has come into its own over the last two releases. The wrinkles that always come with a major migration have been ironed out, and
#News
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/kde-plasma-6-2-released-this-is-whats-new
Ardour 8.8 (Open Source DAW) Drops Fresh Fixes & Features
Ardour is one of the most popular and powerful open-source digital audio workstations (DAW) around, and a major new update was recently made available. Now, I won’t profess to be some kind of music-making maestro, though I did spend a lot my late teens face-first in FL Studio (formerly Fruity Loops) trying – and failing – to channel my inner Cash Cash (’08 era, before they got big). Ardour 8.8 is the second update to the DAW in 2 weeks because, as the software’s devs explain, “v8.7 was only released a couple of weeks ago, but it turned out to
#News #AppUpdates #Ardour #AudioApps #Daw
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/ardour-daw-updated-with-new-features
NetworkManager 1.50 Released with Compelling Set of Changes
A new version of NetworkManager – used by most Linux distributions (including Ubuntu) to manage wired and wireless network connections – was released this week. NetworkManager 1.50 won’t be included in Ubuntu 24.10 (that ships with v1.48) but I think some of the changes it makes may be worth knowing about all the same. Notably, NetworkManager 1.50 now formally deprecates support for dhclient in favour of its own internal DHCP client. The former is now no longer be built “…unless explicitely (sic) enabled, and will be removed in a future release.” Will this have a major issue? Unlikely; NetworkManager began
#News #AppUpdates #Networkmanager #Nmcli
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/networkmanager-1-50-released
Parabolic, The Open-Source Video Download App, Issues Big Update
There are plenty of ways to download videos from well-known video streaming sites on Ubuntu but I find Parabolic the easiest, least hassle option out there. For those yet to hear about it, Parabolic is a GTK4/libadwaita app for Linux (or a Qt one for Windows) that offers what it describes as a ‘basic frontend’ to yt-dlp. All sites supported by yt-dlp are supported in this app. Paste in a URL, validate, and download. Parabolic lets you download multiple videos simultaneously and save them to popular video or audio formats; sign-in with account details (if needed) and see the credentials to
#News #AppUpdates #Parabolic #SnapApps
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/parabolic-video-downloader-for-linux-updated
Mozilla’s New Branding Looks Even Better Animated
A few months ago I reported that Mozilla is working on a brand revamp that incorporates its original (and rather iconic) dinosaur mascot – although it does kind of look like a flag. An omg! commenter recently pointed me to the website of global design agency Jones Knowles Ritchie, who Mozilla hired to update, refine, and revitalise its brand identity. They’ve worked with all manner of companies, from Burger King to Budweiser – and now web browser maker. Their website has a page showcasing their work on this revamp, and it’s filled with dynamic animations that (I think) showcase the
#News #Design #Mozilla
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/mozillas-new-branding-looks-even-better-animated
PineNote (a Linux-Powered e-Ink Tablet) is Coming Back
Pine64 has announced plans to make for a new production run of its open-source e-ink tablet. The PineNote was announced in 2021, building on the success of its non-SBC devices like the PinePhone (and later Pro model), the PineTab, and PineBook devices. Like most of Pine64’s devices, software support is largely tackled by the community. But only a small run of developer units have so far been produced, primarily bought by developers within the open-source community with the knowledge and impetus to work on getting a modern Linux OS to run on the hardware, and adapt to the e-ink display.
#Hardware #News #LinuxTablets #Pine64
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/pinenote-linux-powered-e-ink-tablet-returns
Audacious 4.4.1 Released with Assorted Minor Improvements
A chorus of improvements are on offer in the newest update to the popular open source, cross-platform Audacious music player. Audacious 4.4.1 builds on the changes introduced in Audacious 4.4 (a release that brought GTK3 and Qt6 UI choices, the return of a dedicated lyrics plugin, and better compatibility with PipeWire) rather than adding any huge new features of its own. But that’s no bad thing; finesse, fix ’em ups, and extended support for existing features are as welcome as gaudy new GUI elements to me. Notable changes include: The change-log also says the PulseAudio plugin is now preferred over
#News
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/audacious-audio-player-updated-with-gtk-wayland-fix
Mozilla Firefox 131 Brings Tab Hover Previews, URL Fragments + More
Mozilla Firefox 131 is now available to download with a small set of improvements in tow. The first change I noticed when opening Firefox 131 is the new icon for the ‘all tabs’ feature1. Previously a small downward pointing arrow, this new—more obvious— icon is a small squarish depiction of a tabbed web browser. The change was made ahead of vertical tabs (upcoming feature) that moves this button to the toolbar if vertical tabs are enabled. Mozilla say “hovering the mouse over an unfocused tab will now display a visual preview of its contents”. Tab hover previews were sort of
#News #AppUpdates #Firefox
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/10/mozilla-firefox-131-released
Raspberry Pi’s New $70 AI Camera Works With All Pi Models
If you’re looking to kick the tyres on some AI image processing/recognition tasks and you own an older Raspberry Pi, the new AI Camera add-on may be of interest. While the $70 Raspberry Pi AI Kit only works with a Raspberry Pi 5, the $70 AI camera works with all of the Raspberry Pi boards which boast the relevant camera connector port (spoiler: most, including the Raspberry Pi Zero and Raspberry Pi 400). This product is the fruits of Raspberry Pi’s ongoing partnership with Sony Semiconductor Solutions, using the latter’s IMX500 image sensor and boasting a 12.3 MP resolution that
#Hardware #News #Ai/Ml #RaspberryPi
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/09/raspberry-pi-ai-camera-goes-on-sale
Linux Mint Gives First Look at New Cinnamon Theme
As revealed last month, Linux Mint is working on an improved default theme for the Cinnamon desktop – and today we got our first look at what’s coming. The way Cinnamon looks in Linux Mint (the distribution) is not the way it looks if you install the Cinnamon desktop yourself on a different distro. There, assuming a theme pack is isn’t pulled in as a dependency, you’ll see the default built-in Cinnamon theme. And it’s that built-in theme that Linux Mint is currently improving. Mint says “the new default theme [is] much darker and contrasted than before. Objects are rounded
#News #Cinnamon #Design #LinuxMint
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/09/linux-mint-new-cinnamon-theme-first-look
Mission Center (Linux System Monitor) Now Reports Fan Info
A major new release of Mission Center, a modern system monitor app for Linux desktops, has been released. Fans of this Rust-based GTK4/libadwaita system monitoring tool (which to address the recurring elephant in the room does have a user interface inspired by—but I’d argue superior to—the Windows system monitor app) will find a lot to like in the latest update. I’m not going to recap all of this tool’s existing features in this post (I’ve covered this app a few times in the past) and instead focus on what’s changed in the latest build, released at the weekend. Mission Center
#News #Amd #AppUpdates #SystemTools
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2024/09/mission-center-linux-app-now-monitors-fans
