Krita 5.3.3 has been released, featuring 28 bug fixes and new functionality that improves user workflow, such as preventing layers from deselecting during transforms. This update also marks the first stable release of Krita 6.0.3, which utilizes Qt 6 for enhanced HDR and fractional scaling support on Linux Wayland. The update drops 32-bit Windows builds, raises the macOS minimum to Catalina, and introduces in-app Android donations for the first time. Krita continues to evolve from its origins in 1998, now providing robust tools for typography and painting while maintaining its commitment to being a free and open-source application

On July 29, 2026, Greg Kroah-Hartman released Linux Kernel versions 6.1.179, 6.6.146, and 6.12.99, which focus on bug fixes and security enhancements. The updates involved significant changes, with 6.1.179 modifying nearly 15,000 files, and the GPU subsystem receiving the most attention with over a thousand altered files to support various drivers. Networking also saw substantial updates, particularly with Ethernet and wireless drivers, while Rust driver support continues to grow in these stable releases. Users on older kernel branches should be aware that both the 6.1 and 6.6 trees will reach end of life in December 2027, prompting timely updates to newer versions

Debian developers are currently voting on five proposals regarding the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) in their project, with options ranging from a complete ban on AI-assisted contributions to a more permissive framework that emphasizes accountability and disclosure. The proposals reflect ongoing tensions between volunteer reviewer burnout, copyright clarity, and the practical benefits of AI tools that many maintainers already utilize. Enforcement remains a significant challenge across all proposals, with varying degrees of commitment to regulation and ethical considerations. The outcome of this vote will significantly influence Debian's stance on generative AI for the next several years, shaping its policies and community values in the context of technological advancements

Qubes Security Bulletin 116 has announced the release of security updates for four new Xen vulnerabilities (XSA-500, XSA-505, XSA-506, and XSA-507) that pose risks of system memory compromise or sensitive data leakage in Qubes OS. While the default configuration is at moderate risk, administrators with certain workloads should prioritize addressing these vulnerabilities. Users operating on Qubes OS 4.3 can resolve the issues by upgrading to Xen package version 4.19.5-2 and rebooting their systems, and those using Anti Evil Maid protection will need to reseal their secret passphrase due to changes in PCR values. The vulnerabilities affect various systems based on their configuration, with specific risks associated with paravirtualized workloads and untrusted HVM qubes

Canonical has introduced a new rolling virtualization Hardware Enablement stack for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, which allows for upgrades to QEMU, libvirt, EDK2, and SeaBIOS every six months for the first two years. This upgrade cadence addresses the rapid evolution of CPU encryption standards, such as AMD SEV-SNP and Intel TDX, allowing enterprises to access new features without waiting for the traditional two-year LTS update cycle. The new stack is managed through the ubuntu_virt_helper tool, ensuring all components are upgraded together to prevent inconsistencies that could break confidential workloads. This initiative positions Ubuntu as a primary platform for regulated AI and sovereign cloud deployments, aligning with the launch of AMD's EPYC 9006 processors and Instinct MI455X GPU

Liquorix Linux Kernel 7.1-6 has been released, incorporating upstream Linux Kernel 7.1.5 and providing fixes to the custom Project-C scheduler developed by Steven Barrett. The update enhances task placement for modern hybrid processors, benefiting gamers and multimedia creators with its aggressive 1000Hz scheduling and lower input latency. Key improvements include auto-detection for heterogeneous CPU topologies, which allows for more intelligent task management on processors like Intel Meteor Lake and AMD Zen 4/5. The rapid release cycle of the 7.1.x series highlights ongoing development, with six versions launched in just two weeks, and users can find the installation script on the Liquorix website

The Linux Kernel 7.2-rc5 was released on July 26, 2026, featuring a significant networking patch that accounts for over 35% of the updates, aimed at stabilizing the release by August 16. This release candidate prioritizes networking drivers, with USB patches surpassing GPU updates, reflecting a shift in the usual update pattern. Automated tools are increasingly being utilized to uncover hardware-specific audio quirks that may be overlooked by human reviewers, marking a new standard in bug discovery. The development cycle is progressing rapidly, with a stable release anticipated soon, prompting users to consider testing the latest rc5 before committing to production environments

XanMod has released new Linux kernels 7.1.5 and 6.18.40, which include significant security patches and performance optimizations for Debian-based systems. The updates incorporate LLVM ThinLTO compilation, Google BBRv3 congestion control, and address critical security vulnerabilities, particularly in the ksmbd SMB server and NTFS systems. Users are advised to check NVIDIA DKMS driver compatibility before upgrading, as certain driver versions may affect functionality. The installation process is straightforward, with the latest builds tailored for various CPU architectures, while the mainline kernel will receive updates every one to two months, ensuring ongoing security and performance enhancements

Linux Kernel 6.12.98 has been released, featuring a minimal update that includes a single backported patch to fix a file descriptor leak in the ext4 filesystem. This leak could lead to EMFILE errors under specific conditions, especially during cross-filesystem extent moves, although such scenarios are rare in typical workloads. The 6.12.y longterm branch remains supported until December 2028, and users are encouraged to apply this update if they are utilizing this version. Additionally, the 6.12 mainline kernel has introduced significant features such as PREEMPT_RT support and changes to the EEVDF scheduler, enhancing performance and stability for real-time and latency-sensitive applications

KDE Plasma 6.8 has introduced several significant features, including an auto-lock function for Remote Desktop sessions, enhancing security for remote users. The new kscreenctl command-line tool replaces the deprecated kscreen-doctor and allows for better display configuration through scripting. Additionally, the Plasma Login Manager now remembers the last-used session type for each user, improving usability on shared machines. Other updates include improved multi-screen task switching, grouped transaction displays in Discover, and enhanced language search options for new users

UBports has released Ubuntu Touch OTA 2.0, a significant update based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, which includes the upgraded Chromium 134 engine for better web compatibility and added support for new devices like the Zinwa Q25. The update introduces features such as notch avoidance, Widevine DRM support, and a screenshot editor, while also improving mobile data stability and user data encryption. Users will need to follow a mandatory two-step migration process to install the update, which is now available for twenty-one supported devices, including Fairphone and Xiaomi models. Although the update showcases impressive advancements for a community-driven OS, its lack of retail backing and certain streaming restrictions keep it within the enthusiast space

On July 24, 2026, Greg Kroah-Hartman released six long-term support (LTS) kernel versions simultaneously, including the new 6.18.40 branch. The release included a substantial number of patches, with the latest LTS branch receiving 1,624 updates, emphasizing security fixes for critical vulnerabilities such as CVE-2026-46113. Alongside security improvements, various subsystem updates were made, enhancing power management, memory reclaim, and networking. All source tarballs are available at kernel.org, with vendors expected to integrate the patches into their distributions soon

Linux Kernel 7.1.5 has been released by Greg Kroah-Hartman, featuring 2,070 commits from nearly 800 contributors, which includes critical security fixes and resolution of driver deadlocks. Among the highlights are patches addressing a use-after-free race in POSIX CPU timers and a Bluetooth L2CAP flaw that could lead to memory corruption. The release also fixes filesystem deadlocks and updates ALSA driver firmware handling, with the increase in patch volume being attributed to AI-assisted development and faster discovery cycles in the community. As the mainline development continues with 7.2-rc4, observers note that such large stable updates are becoming the norm rather than an exception

KDE neon has released a new daily build featuring Plasma 6.7.3, Frameworks 6.28.0, and Gear 26.04.3, all running on an Ubuntu 24.04 LTS foundation. This update introduces the long-requested per-screen virtual desktops, a quick light/dark mode toggle, improved SMB printing, and enhanced color management capabilities. Additionally, theming has been revamped with the return of the Oxygen suite and a tech preview of the new CSS-based Union engine. This build is aimed at users seeking the latest KDE software on a rolling release model, while also paying tribute to Eric Laffoon, a dedicated KDE supporter who recently passed away

Manjaro Linux has released the third release candidate (RC3) of its upcoming 26.1 version, codenamed "Bian-May," with the GNOME minimal ISO now available for download on SourceForge. This release includes significant updates, such as GNOME 50, KDE Plasma 6.6, and XFCE 4.20, along with improvements like default VRR, fractional scaling, and an enhanced installer partitioning flow. The GNOME variant introduces parental controls and hardware-accelerated remote desktop sessions, while KDE features new theme-saving options and improved screenshot capabilities. Users are encouraged to test the RC3 ISOs and provide feedback before the final stable release, with various download options available for different desktop environments

Tails 7.10 has been released, featuring a new safer shutdown procedure that includes a 60-second confirmation window to prevent accidental data loss, alongside a switch from GNOME Videos to the network-restricted Celluloid video player. The Tor Browser has also been updated to version 15.0.19, incorporating important security fixes from Firefox. This release reflects a rapid development pace, with eleven updates in the 7.x series since January 2026, largely driven by critical kernel vulnerability patches. Additionally, Thunderbird has been removed from the base system and is now available as additional software, while firmware updates have been made to enhance support for newer hardware

Manjaro Linux 26.1 "Bian-May" RC2 has been released as a preview on July 22, 2026, continuing the project's biannual release schedule following the earlier version 26.0 "Anh-Linh." This release includes three kernel options and introduces GNOME 50, which features enhanced parental controls, improved variable refresh rate stability, and better hardware support for NVIDIA users. The KDE Plasma and XFCE editions also receive updates, including theme switching and accessibility options. Overall, this release is seen as polished and user-friendly, making it a strong upgrade for GNOME fans and addressing long-standing issues for NVIDIA users

Bazzite Linux 44.20260721 was released on July 21, featuring an upgraded accelerated kernel and dual Nvidia driver options tailored for gamers. This version incorporates updates from the Open Gaming Collective to enhance compatibility across various gaming-focused Linux distributions while providing GeForce users the flexibility to choose between cutting-edge and stable drivers. The release also includes improvements to the gaming stack, such as new versions of Gamescope and Bazaar, alongside updates to packages like Mesa and KDE Plasma. Despite the improvements, users have reported some issues, such as Flatpak hangs and Nvidia driver quirks, prompting ongoing discussions in the community about potential fixes and future enhancements

Liquorix Kernel 7.1-5 was released on July 19, 2026, merging upstream Linux v7.1.4 and implementing over 40 patches to enhance its custom Project-C scheduler for gaming and multimedia performance. The update reduces the default scheduling timeslice to 2ms and disables split lock detection, prioritizing low-latency task switching while sacrificing some power efficiency and sustained throughput. This kernel is specifically designed for AMD64 and x86_64 hardware, focusing on delivering improved responsiveness for gaming and creative workloads. Installation is straightforward through the provided script, and while it may not drastically boost performance, users will experience smoother system behavior during resource-intensive tasks

The fourth release candidate for Linux Kernel 7.2, released on July 19, 2026, introduces significant features such as Cache-Aware Scheduling, which optimizes CPU task placement and enhances MongoDB performance by up to 100%. The kernel has surpassed 43 million lines of code and has seen a steady influx of patches, aided by AI-assisted bug detection. Notable changes include the removal of the outdated strncpy API, replaced by safer alternatives, and enhancements to graphics and storage support. The stable release of Linux Kernel 7.2 is expected in August 2026, with ongoing efforts to phase out legacy code and improve security features