Phoronix·15wLinus Torvalds Confirms The Next Kernel Is Linux 7.0
Linus Torvalds announced that the next kernel version will be Linux 7.0, following the release of Linux 6.19 stable. The version jump is due to Torvalds running out of fingers and toes for counting. The Linux 7.0 merge window opens tomorrow and will run for two weeks, with the stable release expected in mid-April. This version will be included in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.
Phoronix·13wUbuntu 26.04 Begins Its Feature Freeze
Ubuntu 26.04 'Resolute Raccoon' has entered its feature freeze, as announced by Canonical engineer Utkarsh Gupta on behalf of the Ubuntu Release Team. This marks a key milestone in the release cycle, signaling that no new features will be accepted and the focus shifts to stabilization ahead of the final release.
Collections·13wIntroducing the Resolute Raccoon: Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
Canonical has announced Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, codenamed 'Resolute Raccoon,' scheduled for release on April 23, 2026. The codename honors longtime Ubuntu contributor Steve Langasek. Key highlights include a new mascot design by artist Marcus Haslam featuring a black-and-white circular graphic as the default wallpaper, plus nearly 200 community wallpaper submissions. The release has reached its fourth and final monthly test snapshot, which includes Linux kernel 6.19 and GNOME 50 beta components. Upcoming milestones include a UI freeze on March 12, beta release on March 26, and a kernel freeze targeting Linux 7.0 by April 9.
Phoronix·13wsudo-rs Breaks Historical Norms With Now Enabling Password Feedback By Default
sudo-rs, the Rust-based sudo replacement shipping in Ubuntu 26.04, has enabled password feedback (asterisks) by default when entering passwords in the terminal. This breaks decades of Unix tradition where no feedback was shown to avoid revealing password length to shoulder surfers. The upstream developers justified the change as a major UX improvement for new Linux users, noting that virtually all other password interfaces already show asterisks. The change is controversial, with some users upset about the silent default change. Users who want to restore the old behavior can add 'Defaults !pwfeedback' to their sudo configuration.
omg! ubuntu!·14wUbuntu 26.04 Resolute Raccoon Mascot Artwork (SVG Available)
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS 'Resolute Raccoon' official mascot artwork has been released as downloadable SVG files. The geometric design features the raccoon's characteristic masked face and spiral tail in Ubuntu's signature style. The mascot will appear on the default wallpaper and promotional materials leading up to the April 23, 2026 release. SVG files are available for community members to create custom wallpapers and artwork.
omg! ubuntu!·13wDynamic Music Pill puts a slick media controller in your GNOME panel
Dynamic Music Pill is a GNOME Shell extension that adds a pill-shaped media controller to the desktop panel, displaying album art, artist name, track title, and an animated waveform visualizer. Version 20 introduces compact mode, player filtering, and fallback album art support. It works with any MPRIS-compatible player (Spotify, VLC, Rhythmbox, browser-based players) and is compatible with GNOME 45–49, covering Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and later. The extension is highly configurable — colors, transparency, click behavior, panel position — and integrates with Dash to Panel and Dash to Dock. Ubuntu users should note a quirk: it defaults to embedding in the Ubuntu Dock rather than the top panel, requiring a manual settings change.