Planet News Roundup

This is a roundup of articles from the openSUSE community listed on planet.opensuse.org.

The below featured highlights listed on the community’s blog feed aggregator are from Jan. 9 to Jan. 15.

Blogs this week highlight a strong mix of KDE desktop development, openSUSE security work, gaming on Linux, and thoughtful reflections on software sustainability and AI.

Coverage includes multiple Plasma updates and previews, KDE Frameworks and Gear release planning, an openSUSE security retrospectives, Tumbleweed snapshot reviews, and discussions on reducing e-waste through responsible software policies.

Here is a summary and links for each post:

KDE Express Episode 63: Year-End Special – KDE Express 25.12

The KDE Blog shares the latest episode of KDE Express, a community-driven video series that recaps KDE developments and highlights from December 2025. Episode 63 features a festive year-end review, covering major releases like Plasma 6.5 updates, early previews of Plasma 6.6, and reflections on KDE’s progress in accessibility, theming, and application maturity. The hosts also thank contributors and users alike, setting an optimistic tone for KDE’s roadmap heading into 2026.

My 12 Desktop Fridays of 2025

The KDE Blog celebrates a year of community creativity with a curated showcase of the author’s favorite “Desktop Friday” (#ViernesDeEscritorio) setups from 2025. Each entry highlights unique KDE Plasma customizations. The post serves as both a nostalgic recap and an inspiration for users looking to personalize their own Linux workspaces in 2026.

KDE Gear 26.04 Release Schedule Announced

The KDE Blog outlines the official release timeline for KDE Gear 26.04. Key milestones include the feature freeze and first beta on March 5 followed by the release candidate on March 27. The final code tagging on April 9, and the stable release on April 16.

SUSE Security Team Spotlight – Autumn 2025

The SUSE Security Team provides a detailed retrospective on their autumn 2025 activities to include covering code reviews, vulnerability disclosures, and security hardening efforts across multiple projects.

Plasma 6.6 Beta Released

The KDE Blog announces the beta release of Plasma 6.6. The version is expected to include further panel customization options, smoother animations, and deeper integration with KDE’s ecosystem of apps and frameworks.

Fifth Update for Plasma 6.5 Released

The KDE Blog announces the fifth maintenance update for Plasma 6.5. The update is strongly recommended for all Plasma 6.5 users, as it refines the desktop experience without altering core functionality.

Changes in the syslog-ng Elasticsearch Destination

Peter Czanik details recent improvements to syslog-ng’s Elasticsearch integration. The update aligns the driver’s behavior with modern Elasticsearch practices and improves compatibility with existing configurations. Documentation gaps have also been addressed by incorporating clearer configuration logic directly inspired by recent OpenSearch destination updates in syslog-ng 4.11.0.

Pixel Wheels 1.0.0 Released

Victorhck announces the stable 1.0.0 release of Pixel Wheels, which is an open-source, retro-style arcade racing game built with libGDX and fully compatible with Linux. The game features local multiplayer support, procedurally generated tracks, and a charming pixel-art aesthetic, all under a permissive Apache 2.0 license. Designed to be lightweight and accessible, Pixel Wheels is now considered feature-complete and ready for use.

3 Native Real-Time Strategy (RTS) Games for Linux

The KDE Blog showcases three native real-time strategy games that run natively on Linux. The list includes both classic and modern titles that leverage open-source engines or are fully developed for Linux. These games demonstrate that Linux continues to be a viable platform for RTS enthusiasts who value freedom and cross-platform play.

Set Up a Timer and Much More in KDE Plasma

Victorhck explores the versatility of KDE Plasma’s built-in timer and stopwatch utilities, showing how they integrate seamlessly into the desktop workflow via the Digital Clock widget or standalone apps. Beyond basic timing functions, he demonstrates advanced features like custom alarms, recurring notifications, and keyboard shortcuts that enhance productivity.

Software Policies Can Fuel Waste

The openSUSE News team examines how restrictive software policies like forced obsolescence, lack of long-term support, and vendor lock-in—contribute to electronic waste and environmental harm. The article advocates for a more responsible approach to software design and deployment.

FutureofGamming.com – A New Hub for Open Gaming Insights

NintyFan introduces FutureofGamming.com, a new website dedicated to exploring the future of gaming with a focus on open-source technologies, Linux compatibility, and community-driven development. The platform aims to cover game porting efforts, performance benchmarks on open systems, and interviews with indie developers embracing open ecosystems.

Update Your Windows 10—Switch to Linux

The KDE Blog encourages Windows 10 users facing the end of official support to consider migrating to Linux as a secure, modern, and user-friendly alternative. The post highlights KDE Plasma’s polished desktop experience, strong hardware compatibility, and seamless integration with everyday tools. It also provides practical tips for trying Linux without immediately abandoning Windows, such as using live USBs or dual-boot setups.

An Internet Artisan Facing the AI Prompt

Victorhck reflects on maintaining a personal blog in the age of AI, rejecting the idea of using AI to generate or suggest content for his posts. He contrasts the deliberate, skill-based craft of traditional computing with the convenience (and opacity) of large language models, expressing both admiration for AI’s power and concern over its impact on deep technical understanding.

Car of the Year Edition Arrives in Plasma This Week

The KDE Blog announces a “Car of the Year” themed edition for this week, featuring custom wallpapers, widgets, and system sounds inspired by automotive design. The limited-time release celebrates KDE’s tradition of playful seasonal and event-based desktop themes. There is also a video on how Mercedes is using QT.

Twenty-Second Update of KDE Frameworks 6

The KDE Blog reports on the release of KDE Frameworks 6.22, the twenty-second monthly update since the major transition from Qt5/KF5 to Qt6/KF6 in February 2024. This update continues KDE’s commitment to delivering predictable, incremental improvements that underpin Plasma 6 and KDE applications. The post also introduces a new series explaining the 83 libraries that make up KDE Frameworks, which is categorized into four tiers based on dependency complexity and functionality.

OpenCV 4.13.0: Performance, Robustness, and Maturity for Production Computer Vision

Alessandro de Oliveira Faria highlights the release of OpenCV 4.13.0, emphasizing its enhanced performance, improved stability, and expanded support for production-grade computer vision applications. The article details deep optimizations across x86, ARM, RISC-V, and other platforms, and improvements to classic algorithms and DNN modules. It also notes enhanced bindings (Python, JavaScript, Java), better video and codec support, and future-oriented features like CUDA 13.0 compatibility.

openSUSE Tumbleweed Weekly Review – Week 2 of 2026

Victorhck and dimstar summarize the openSUSE Tumbleweed snapshots released during the second week of January 2026. The updates include key package upgrades such as GCC 14, systemd 257, and Mesa 25.0, alongside routine maintenance and security fixes.

View more blogs or learn to publish your own on planet.opensuse.org.