On Destination Linux 490, Rocco joins the crew as we look at the Linux habits that can come back to haunt you, including the problems that can arise around PPAs, repositories, and the choices we make while tinkering with our systems.

But that’s just the beginning.

• A smartwatch you actually own? Ryan introduces the UNA Watch, a smartwatch built around open hardware, open-source software, repairability, hackability, privacy, and user freedom. Could this be the wearable Linux and open-source enthusiasts have been waiting for?

• Linux Kernel 7.3 brings some exciting changes, including improvements for Linux gaming and AMD GPUs with limited VRAM, Ext4 performance, system responsiveness, hardware support, and more.

• Is AI-generated creativity actually art? Community feedback sends us back into the AI art debate with The Moonbeam Patrol, a story written by an open-source AI and brought to life by a human artist.

• OBS Studio 33 vs. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS: Zeb asks why OBS would retire support for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and whether Linux creators should actually be concerned.

• And the chaos doesn't stop when the podcast ends. We kicked off our first Destination Linux community game stream with Jackbox!

Destination Linux is a weekly show where Ryan, Jill, and guests share their passion for Linux and Open Source. Destination Linux is a show for all experience levels, whether you’re a beginner to Linux and Open Source or a long time user, this is the podcast for you. Destination Linux covers a wide range of topics from the latest news, discussions on Linux and Open Source, Linux distributions, Linux applications, security, privacy, AI, gaming on Linux, and unique in-depth interviews with Linux developers and leaders and much more!

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EFF x Destination Linux
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00:00:00 Welcome to Destination Linux
00:02:49 Community Feedback
00:19:26 Destination Linux Live Streams
00:21:05 Thanks to Our Supporters
00:23:09 Linux Habits That Can Break Your System
00:35:40 UNA Watch: An Open-Source Smartwatch
00:50:38 Linux 7.3 Released
01:01:19 OBS Studio 33 Released
01:06:47 Closing Thoughts

Then, things get real as Ryan shares receipts on the Q1 2026 tech layoffs. With nearly 80,000 jobs cut, almost half attributed to AI automation...is the tech industry in a permanent state of reduction, or is this the ultimate opportunity for open-source talent to rise? We discuss how to "own the pipeline" using local AI tools like Ollama.

Plus, we cover the massive release of Linux 7.0 featuring Rust adoption and self-healing filesystems, Google’s "Free Upgrade" push for Windows 10 users to ChromeOS Flex, and Linus Torvalds being his classic, unfiltered self regarding kernel patches.

00:00:00 Welcome to Destination Linux
00:01:20 Community Feedback: Trying Linux in a VM
00:06:58 Sponsored by Sandfly Security
00:11:21 France's Migration to Linux
00:23:42 Tech Industry Layoffs
00:39:51 Open Source AI Solutions
00:53:39 News Roundup: ChromeOS Flex Upgrade for Windows 10 PCs
00:59:20 Digital ID Developments in the UK
01:02:36 Linux 7.0 Released
01:07:13 Linus Torvalds' Still Got It
01:08:35 Closing Thoughts

Show Links & Resources

• Contact the Show: https://deviantairwaves.com/contact/
• Sandfly Security (Sponsor): https://deviantairwaves.com/sandfly
• ZDNet - France Leaves Windows for Linux: https://www.zdnet.com/article/france-leaves-windows-for-linux-desktop/
• Tom's Hardware - Q1 2026 Layoff Data: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/tech-industry-lays-off-nearly-80-000-employees-in-the-first-quarter-of-2026-almost-50-percent-of-affected-positions-cut-due-to-ai
• CNN - Block Layoffs & AI Strategy: https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/26/business/block-layoffs-ai-jack-dorsey
• AI Resources & Layoff Tracker: https://programs.com/resources/ai-layoffs/
• Forbes - Google’s ChromeOS Flex Upgrade: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2026/04/12/googles-free-windows-pc-upgrade-offer-you-must-act-before-its-too-late/
• UK Parliament - Digital ID Briefing: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10369/
• BBC - UK Digital ID Backlash: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3385zrrx73o
• OMG! Ubuntu - Linux 7.0 Features: https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2026/04/linux-7-0-kernel-features
• Phoronix - Linus Torvalds on Linux 7.1 Patches: https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linus-Rejects-Linux-7.1