Plasma 6.8, released to mark KDE’s 30th anniversary, is a major desktop update focused on immediate user improvements and long-term platform readiness. It adds accessible features like a built-in “dwell clicker” for pointer-based clicking, wider localization such as Bikram Sambat calendar and Amharic on-screen keyboard, and System Monitor enhancements that let you set CPU affinity per process and view VRAM as a percentage. Remote desktop gains adaptive performance, an Exclusive Mode that provides a virtual locked screen, and bi-directional clipboard sync (dependent on client support). Screen recording now captures system audio and microphone, supports custom virtual-screen resolutions beyond 1920×1080, and produces higher-quality screencasts. Window rules can add shadows and rounded corners to client-side-decorated apps (example: Steam), and new Task Manager shortcuts let power users quickly cycle and move tasks.
Under the hood, Plasma 6.8 advances theming and graphics infrastructure while shaving memory and startup time. Union theming reaches beta, styling both Qt Quick and Qt Widgets so traditional apps like Dolphin and Konsole can match Breeze (opt-in via “Breeze (Union)”). X11 session start is retired in favor of Wayland with XWayland compatibility for legacy apps. Graphics updates include NVIDIA triple buffering by default, improved HDR with ICC profiles, and HLG support. Smaller but practical additions include kscreenctl for scripting displays, Kup backup integration, StrongSwan EAP‑TTLS, finer display positioning, clipboard secrecy clarity, emoji size options, and numerous bug fixes. Live images, packages, and source builds are available, and multiple feedback channels are provided.
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Tiny Little Office is a web-based office suite that includes tools like a word processor, spreadsheet, and calendar, with documents linked as references. It operates without accounts and saves data only if users choose to store it locally, requiring JavaScript to function. (tinylittleoffice.com)
Casey Newton and John Gruber have returned to using X, now owned by Elon Musk, despite its reputation as a right-wing propaganda platform. Musk's ownership has led to increased disinformation, algorithm changes favoring extremism, and a decline in the platform's integrity and safety. (karlbode.com)
Epic Games has launched a new vibe-coded game launcher that is 46% faster than Steam during cold starts, with startup times of 5.47 seconds versus 10.07 seconds. The new client is still developing features to match Steam's functionality, including social panels and account management. (neowin.net)
Petal is an open-source, free remote screen sharing and collaboration tool from the makers of CoScreen, supporting low latency and high resolution. It allows multiple users to share, control, and interact with shared windows simultaneously, with options for cloud hosting, self-hosting, or full customization. (petal.live)
Most online communities in America do not focus on politics, and many members prefer it that way. People value these spaces for connection and socializing rather than political debate. (pewresearch.org)
The .name domain will be permanently expunged next year, prompting users to migrate to other domains. Some users face challenges, such as Microsoft Azure email restrictions, complicating the migration process. (news.ycombinator.com)
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