The 269th edition of the 9to5Linux Weekly Roundup summarizes key developments in the Linux and open source communities for the week ending December 7, 2025. It highlights numerous software updates, distribution releases, and significant announcements. Readers can access details on downloads and news through the roundup.
This installment keeps users informed on major Linux happenings, starting with thanks to supporters. As stated in the publication, "I would like to thank everyone who sent us donations; your generosity is greatly appreciated." It also acknowledges feedback, comments, and social media engagement.
Key highlights include the confirmation that Linux kernel 6.18 will serve as an LTS version, with support extending until December 2027. In contrast, the Linux kernel 5.4 series has reached end of life after more than six years of maintenance. GNU Linux-libre 6.18 has been released for those prioritizing software freedom.
Software updates feature VLC 3.0.22, which adds an AMD GPU Frame Rate Doubler filter and dav1d-all-layers option; Wireshark 4.6.2 for enhanced protocol and capture file support; Audacity 3.7.6 with FFmpeg 8 integration and Spectrogram Wavelet analysis; Calibre 8.16 incorporating additional AI features and fixes; and PeaZip 10.8, which revamps previewing within archives.
Distribution releases encompass Alpine Linux 3.23, equipped with Linux kernel 6.18 LTS, GNOME 49, and KDE Plasma 6.5; Arch Linux's December 2025 ISO featuring Archinstall 3.0.14; Ubuntu Touch OTA-1.1 enabling VoLTE on Fairphone 4 and Volla Phone 22; and Raspberry Pi OS, now supporting safe ejection of USB-connected HDD and NVMe drives.
Other notable items are fwupd 2.0.18 adding Lenovo Legion Go 2 compatibility; GStreamer 1.26.9 improving DeckLink capture cards and Spotify integration; NVIDIA 590 graphics driver in public beta with enhanced Wayland support; TUXEDO Gemini 17 Gen4 Linux laptop launch featuring NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti GPU; and pre-orders opening for the new Jolla Phone as an independent Linux device.
Looking ahead, the roundup anticipates Mozilla Firefox 146, KDE Plasma 6.5.4, Pop!_OS 24.04/COSMIC, and Linux kernel 6.19 release candidate, among others.