Image

Xojo has just rolled out its latest release, Xojo 2025 Release 1, and it’s packed with features that developers have been eagerly waiting for. This major update introduces support for running Xojo on Linux ARM, including Raspberry Pi, brings drag-and-drop functionality to the Web framework, and simplifies app deployment with the ability to directly submit apps to the macOS and iOS App Stores.

Here’s a quick overview of what’s new in Xojo 2025r1:

1. Linux ARM IDE Support

Xojo 2025r1 now allows developers to run the Xojo IDE on Linux ARM devices, including popular platforms like Raspberry Pi. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for developers who want to create apps for ARM-based devices without the usual complexity. Whether you’re building for a Raspberry Pi or other ARM devices, this update makes it easier than ever to get started.

2. Web Drag and Drop

One of the standout features in this release is the addition of drag-and-drop support for web applications. Now, developers can easily drag and drop visual controls in their web projects, making it simpler to create interactive, user-friendly web applications. Plus, the WebListBox has been enhanced with support for editable cells, checkboxes, and row reordering via dragging. No JavaScript required!

3. Direct App Store Publishing

Xojo has also streamlined the process of publishing apps. With this update, developers can now directly submit macOS and iOS apps to App Store Connect right from the Xojo IDE. This eliminates the need for multiple steps and makes it much easier to get apps into the App Store, saving valuable time during the development process.

4. New Desktop and Mobile Features

This release isn’t just about web and Linux updates. Xojo 2025r1 brings some great improvements for desktop and mobile apps as well. On the desktop side, all projects now include a default window menu for macOS apps. On the mobile side, Xojo has introduced new features for Android and iOS, including support for ColorGroup and Dark Mode on Android, and a new MobileColorPicker for iOS to simplify color selection.

5. Performance and IDE Enhancements

Xojo’s IDE has also been improved in several key areas. There’s now an option to hide toolbar captions, and the toolbar has been made smaller on Windows. The IDE on Windows and Linux now features modern Bootstrap icons, and the Documentation window toolbar is more compact. In the code editor, developers can now quickly navigate to variable declarations with a simple Cmd/Ctrl + Double-click. Plus, performance for complex container layouts in the Layout Editor has been enhanced.

What Does This Mean for Developers?

Xojo 2025r1 brings significant improvements across all the platforms that Xojo supports, from desktop and mobile to web and Linux. The added Linux ARM support opens up new opportunities for Raspberry Pi and ARM-based device development, while the drag-and-drop functionality for web projects will make it easier to create modern, interactive web apps. The ability to publish directly to the App Store is a game-changer for macOS and iOS developers, reducing the friction of app distribution.

How to Get Started

Xojo is free for learning and development, as well as for building apps for Linux and Raspberry Pi. If you’re ready to dive into cross-platform development, paid licenses start at $99 for a single-platform desktop license, and $399 for cross-platform desktop, mobile, or web development. For professional developers who need additional resources and support, Xojo Pro and Pro Plus licenses start at $799. You can also find special pricing for educators and students.

Download Xojo 2025r1 today at xojo.com.

Final Thoughts

With each new release, Xojo continues to make cross-platform development more accessible and efficient. The 2025r1 release is no exception, delivering key updates that simplify the development process and open up new possibilities for developers working on a variety of platforms. Whether you’re a Raspberry Pi enthusiast or a mobile app developer, Xojo 2025r1 has something for you.

Xojo ARM

If you’re an avid user of GNOME Shell extensions then a) you’re in good company, and b) you’ll be familiar with Matt Jakeman’s terrific Extension Manager app since it makes finding, installing and managing GNOME extensions terrifically easy. This week Extension Manager received a small-ish update. I was going to cover the changes in my next Linux Release Roundup at the end of the month, but with GNOME 48 out—cue the “does my favourite extension still work” panic—it feels fitting to let the update stand in a solo spotlight. Especially since Extension Manager‘s Flatpak build now depends on the GNOME […]

You're reading Extension Manager Update Brings UI Buffs, Support for GNOME 48, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

by George Whittaker

For decades, Linux distributions have relied on native packaging formats like DEB and RPM to distribute software. These formats are deeply integrated into the Linux ecosystem, tied closely to the distribution's package manager and system architecture. But over the last few years, two newer technologies—Flatpak and Snap—have emerged, promising a universal packaging model that could revolutionize Linux app distribution.

But are Flatpak and Snap destined to replace native Linux apps entirely? Or are they better seen as complementary solutions addressing long-standing pain points? In this article, we'll explore the origins, benefits, criticisms, adoption trends, and the future of these packaging formats in the Linux world.

Understanding the Packaging Landscape What Are Native Packages?

Traditional Linux software is packaged using system-specific formats. For example:

• .deb for Debian-based systems like Ubuntu and Linux Mint

• .rpm for Red Hat-based systems like Fedora and CentOS

These packages are managed by package managers like apt, dnf, or pacman, depending on the distro. They're tightly integrated with the underlying operating system, often relying on a complex set of shared libraries and system-specific dependencies.

Pros of Native Packaging:

• Smaller package sizes due to shared libraries

• High performance and tight integration

• Established infrastructure and tooling

Cons of Native Packaging:

• Dependency hell: broken packages due to missing or incompatible libraries

• Difficulty in distributing the same app across multiple distros

• Developers must package and test separately for each distro

What Are Flatpak and Snap?

Both Flatpak and Snap aim to solve the distribution problem by allowing developers to package applications once and run them on any major Linux distribution.

Flatpak

• Developed by the GNOME Foundation

• Focus on sandboxing and user privacy

• Applications are installed in user space (no root needed)

• Uses Flathub as the main app repository

Flatpak applications include their own runtime, ensuring that they work consistently across different systems regardless of the host OS's libraries.

Snap

• Developed and maintained by Canonical, the makers of Ubuntu

• Focus on universal packaging and transactional updates

Go to Full Article

Linux Kernel 6.14 has arrived, bringing a clutch of changes to make your computer run more efficiently and more securely than before. Interestingly, Linux 6.14 is one the smallest kernel updates in terms of commits (not lines of code) for some time. It is also the kernel version that will be included in Ubuntu 25.04, released next month. Announcing the promotion to stable on the Linux Kernel Mailing List (LKML) Linus Torvalds explains why this release has landed a day later than expected “So it’s early Monday morning (well – early for me, I’m not really a morning person), and […]

You're reading Linux Kernel 6.14 Delivers Big Boost to Linux Gaming + More, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

Canonical has announced that it now ‘officially supports’ Ubuntu on the NVIDIA Jetson Orin series of computing modules, designed for low-power AI and machine learning applications. The General Availability (GA) of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS for the NVIDIA Jetson Orin brings “optimized performance, out-of-the-box compatibility, and an easy pathway to high-performance AI solutions for AI developers everywhere“, say Canonical. Offering Ubuntu certified images for cutting-edge hardware is something Canonical has been ramping up, and doing so for NVIDIA Jetson modules should provide a lure to developers wanting to leverage them for edge AI, robotics and other uses. Our collaboration with NVIDIA […]

You're reading Ubuntu Adds Official Support for NVIDIA Jetson AI Modules, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

A new version of Miracle-WM, the Mir-based tiling window manager developed by Canonical engineer Matthew Kosarek is out, the first update to be released this year. Miracle-WM 0.5 adds a number of new features, compatibility enhancements, and (at long last) introduces a couple of animations. Yes, animations—remember: Miracle-WM wants to be “a flashy, cozy tiling window manager that absolutely anyone can use, similar to hyprland but with less of a focus on expert users”. Frivolous though they are to some, animations will help realise that goal. Miracle-WM 0.5 changes at-a-glance: On the bug-fixes side: Plus more – see the Miracle-WM GitHub for a comprehensive […]

You're reading Miracle-WM 0.5 Released with Assorted Improvements, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

A new version of Calibre, the Swiss-army knife for e-book management is out, and it brings some notable new features for e-bookworms to dig into. Calibre 8.0.1 boasts improved support for Kobo e-readers, with Calibre now equipped to natively edit, view and convert Kobo’s proprietary KEPUB file format to regular EPUB files for reading on non-Kobo devices and apps (like Calibre itself). Additionally, users of Kobo devices can now use Calibre to convert EPUB to KEPUB automatically when sending books across, saving time and hassle of first converting and then sending. I’ll admit, I hadn’t heard of KEPUB before writing […]

You're reading Calibre Ebook Manager Improves Support for Kobo E-Readers, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

Didn’t get around to trying last year’s elementary OS 8.0 release? No bother as elementary OS 8.0.1 arrived this week, providing an opportune jumping-on point for new users. Based atop the recent Ubuntu 24.04.2 release, elementary OS 8.1 is powered by Linux kernel 6.11, Mesa , etc. The kernel uplift may resolve some of the issues folks who’d tried the previous build with Linux kernel 6.8 had experience. Those (important) foundational fittings aside, elementary devs also spent time fixing, fine-tuning and finessing a few rough edges across the many apps, tools, and home-grown technologies the distro ships with, as elementary […]

You're reading elementary OS 8.0.1 Brings Bug Fixes, New Kernel + More, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

by George Whittaker Introduction

Linux is a powerful operating system favored by developers, system administrators, and power users due to its flexibility and efficiency. However, frequently using long and complex commands can be tedious and error-prone. This is where aliases come into play.

Aliases allow users to create shortcuts for commonly used commands, reducing typing effort and improving workflow efficiency. By customizing commands with aliases, users can speed up tasks and tailor their terminal experience to suit their needs.

In this article, we'll explore how aliases work, the different types of aliases, and how to effectively manage and utilize them. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced Linux user, mastering aliases will significantly enhance your productivity.

What is an Alias in Linux?

An alias in Linux is a user-defined shortcut for a command or a sequence of commands. Instead of typing a long command every time, users can assign a simple keyword to execute it.

For example, the command:

ls -la

displays all files (including hidden ones) in long format. This can be shortened by creating an alias:

alias ll='ls -la'

Now, whenever the user types ll, it will execute ls -la.

Aliases help streamline command-line interactions, minimize errors, and speed up repetitive tasks.

Types of Aliases in Linux

There are two main types of aliases in Linux:

Temporary Aliases

• Exist only during the current terminal session.
• Disappear once the terminal is closed or restarted.

Permanent Aliases

• Stored in shell configuration files (~/.bashrc, ~/.bash_profile, or ~/.zshrc).
• Persist across terminal sessions and system reboots.

Understanding the difference between temporary and permanent aliases is crucial for effective alias management.

Creating Temporary Aliases

Temporary aliases are quick to set up and useful for short-term tasks.

Syntax for Creating a Temporary Alias

alias alias_name='command_to_run'

Examples

1. Shortcut for ls -la:

   alias ll='ls -la'

2. Quick access to git status:

   alias gs='git status'

3. Updating system (for Debian-based systems):

   alias update='sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y'

Go to Full Article

Aloha, GNOME 48 — a new version of the GNOME desktop environment is out with a swathe of new features, UI buffs, and technical integrations that will have plenty of folks clamouring to upgrade. GNOME 48 focuses on improving our daily workflow through a set of conscientious, considered changes The latest version of the ever-evolving desktop environment will ship out-of-the-box in several upcoming Linux distros releases, including Fedora 42 and Ubuntu 25.04, whilst users of rolling release distros may get it sooner. GNOME 48 is the the sort of update users of propriety OSes long for: it’s not screaming for attention […]

You're reading GNOME 48 Release Brings Major New Features, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

by George Whittaker Introduction

In today's digital world, cybersecurity threats are ever-growing, making ethical hacking and penetration testing crucial components of modern security practices. Ethical hacking involves legally testing systems, networks, and applications for vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. Among the various operating systems available, Linux has established itself as the preferred choice for ethical hackers due to its flexibility, security, and extensive toolkit.

This article explores the most powerful ethical hacking tools and penetration testing frameworks available for Linux users, providing a guide to help ethical hackers and penetration testers enhance their skills and secure systems effectively.

Understanding Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing, is the practice of assessing computer systems for security vulnerabilities. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers follow legal and ethical guidelines to identify weaknesses before cybercriminals can exploit them.

Difference Between Ethical Hacking and Malicious Hacking Ethical Hacking Malicious Hacking Authorized and legal Unauthorized and illegal Aims to improve security Aims to exploit security flaws Conducted with consent Conducted without permission Reports vulnerabilities to system owners Exploits vulnerabilities for personal gain The Five Phases of Penetration Testing

1. Reconnaissance – Gathering information about the target system.

2. Scanning – Identifying active hosts, open ports, and vulnerabilities.

3. Exploitation – Attempting to breach the system using known vulnerabilities.

4. Privilege Escalation & Post-Exploitation – Gaining higher privileges and maintaining access.

5. Reporting & Remediation – Documenting findings and suggesting fixes.

Now, let's explore the essential tools used by ethical hackers and penetration testers.

Essential Ethical Hacking Tools for Linux Reconnaissance & Information Gathering

These tools help gather information about a target before launching an attack.

• Nmap (Network Mapper) – A powerful tool for network scanning, host discovery, and port scanning.

Go to Full Article

A big Vivaldi web browser update is rolling out with a set of appreciable improvements long-time users will like, and would-be users may be tempted to try. Vivaldi 7.2 amps up its address bar logic to proffer more relevant results, faster. Search suggestions and search accuracy have been tweaked so that “finding what you need feels seamless”, according to Vivaldi Technologies’ CEO Jon von Tetzchner. Sticking with the speed theme, Vivaldi 7.2 is said to load pages faster—up to 2x as fast for some—thanks to some nifty optimised connection handling work on the backend that reduces latency on domain lookup. […]

You're reading Vivaldi 7.2 Released with Speed Improvements + More, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

GIMP 3.0 has finally arrived after 7 years of development. Discover the best new features including non-destructive editing, a GTK 3 UI, and more.

You're reading GIMP 3.0 Finally Released with a HUGE Set of Changes, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

A few months back Firefox announced it was finally adding support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) after years of ignoring its own user’s requests to do so. If you’re running a recent Firefox Nightly build, you can now flicking the switch on an experimental hidden flag — browser.taskbarTabs.enabled — in the about:config page to enable the feature (which Mozilla is calling Taskbar Tabs). Right now, enabling that flag won’t do anything (on any platform). But the fact the flag has been added ought to mean the feature itself isn’t too far behind. In anticipation, here’s a look at what we might […]

You're reading Firefox is Finally (Re)Adding Support for Web Apps, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

With Ubuntu 25.04 feature freeze now in effect the final licks of polish and paint have begun landing — including an update to Ubuntu’s Yaru theme. The Yaru theme is composed of a modified GTK4/libadwaita stylesheet, GNOME Shell theme, icon pack, and set of system sounds. With visual change and new features in GNOME 48 to account for, the design team working on Yaru have dutifully update the theme to accommodate. Most of the changes are subtle, but Yaru’s oversized icon bug I reported on last month? Fixes to address that issue have—hurrah—made it in. Thus, in 25.04 you might […]

You're reading Ubuntu 25.04 Yaru Theme Update Brings New Icons, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

A ‘fresh new look’ is heading to Bodhi Linux, the Ubuntu-based Linux distribution built around the Moksha desktop, a fork of Enlightenment 17. Noting that the look of recent releases has leaned towards the dark side—no, not that one, Darth—the team has decide to give the next release a lighter visual revamp by making a new theme, called Zenithal, default. “Zenithal, developed by Štefan Uram and based on the Ice theme by Simotek, introduces a polished light aesthetic that brings a fresh energy to Moksha. It also marks a first for Bodhi: windows and dialogs with rounded edges,” they say. Bodhi Linux’s […]

You're reading Bodhi Linux Shows Off New Theme, Revived Modules, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

by George Whittaker Introduction

Home automation has transformed the way we interact with our living spaces, bringing convenience, security, and energy efficiency to our daily lives. From controlling lights and appliances remotely to monitoring security cameras and automating climate control, smart home technology has become increasingly accessible.

However, many commercial home automation systems come with limitations: high costs, privacy concerns, and restricted compatibility. Fortunately, open source software solutions, combined with the power of Ubuntu, offer an alternative—allowing users to create a customizable, cost-effective, and secure smart home ecosystem.

In this guide, we will explore how to set up a home automation system using Ubuntu and open source tools. Whether you're a tech enthusiast looking to build a DIY smart home or simply want more control over your automation setup, this article will provide a step-by-step approach to achieving a fully functional, open source smart living space.

Understanding Home Automation and Open Source What is Home Automation?

Home automation refers to the integration of various smart devices, sensors, and appliances that can be remotely controlled or automated based on predefined conditions. The primary benefits of home automation include:

• Convenience: Control lights, temperature, and appliances remotely.
• Energy Efficiency: Optimize power usage with smart thermostats and automation schedules.
• Security: Use smart locks, cameras, and motion detectors for enhanced safety.
• Customization: Tailor automation workflows to match your lifestyle.

Why Choose Open Source Solutions?

While commercial smart home platforms such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit provide convenience, they often come with drawbacks:

• Privacy concerns: Many proprietary systems collect and store user data.
• Device lock-in: Some platforms limit device compatibility.
• Subscription costs: Premium features often require ongoing payments.

With open source home automation, users can enjoy full control over their smart home environment while leveraging the flexibility, security, and community-driven innovation of open source software.

Essential Hardware for Ubuntu-Based Home Automation

Before diving into software, let’s discuss the necessary hardware components:

Go to Full Article

The default wallpaper for Ubuntu 25.04 ‘Plucky Puffin’ has been unveiled. Each new Ubuntu release bears a bespoke desktop background and animal mascot, and the upcoming release of the Plucky Puffin proves no exception. Ubuntu 25.04’s default wallpaper makes heavy use of the nautical motifs proffered by its codename animal (a puffin). Avian art is, as per, placed atop a purple gradient background1 with trademark polygonal edge detailing: The “colour” version above is the stock default, but there are 4 variants in total: colour, light, dimmed, and dark (used in dark mode). Users can set any of those as their […]

You're reading Ubuntu 25.04 Default Wallpaper & Mascot Unveiled, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

by George Whittaker Introduction

Virtual Reality (VR) is one of the most revolutionary technologies of the 21st century. From entertainment and gaming to healthcare and education, VR has opened up new avenues for immersion, interaction, and engagement. By allowing users to step into virtual worlds, VR has the potential to reshape how we experience digital content.

When it comes to developing VR experiences, developers have a wide array of tools and platforms to choose from. However, in recent years, Ubuntu, a powerful, open-source Linux-based operating system, has emerged as an attractive option for VR development. Ubuntu Virtual Reality Studio, a suite of VR tools designed to run on Linux, allows developers to create immersive experiences with the flexibility, stability, and performance that Linux is known for.

In this article, we’ll dive into the core features of Ubuntu Virtual Reality Studio and explore how it empowers developers to create cutting-edge VR experiences. From the unique advantages of using Ubuntu for VR to the best tools for development, this guide will help you understand why Ubuntu is quickly becoming a go-to platform for VR creators.

What is Ubuntu Virtual Reality Studio?

Ubuntu Virtual Reality Studio is an ecosystem of software tools, libraries, and utilities tailored to creating Virtual Reality experiences on Ubuntu, a popular Linux-based operating system. It integrates a variety of open-source and proprietary VR tools to help developers design immersive environments, interactivity, and graphics rendering.

Ubuntu's strong performance, security, and compatibility with various VR hardware make it a powerful platform for VR development. The Virtual Reality Studio package enables developers to utilize Ubuntu’s open-source environment to create high-quality virtual experiences for everything from games to simulations and VR training modules.

Ubuntu Virtual Reality Studio provides a flexible, customizable platform, making it an ideal choice for both independent developers and large studios. It includes powerful graphics rendering APIs, integrated support for VR hardware, and compatibility with industry-standard VR engines.

Ubuntu’s Advantage in VR Development Stability and Performance

One of the primary advantages of Ubuntu for VR development is the platform's stability. Linux-based systems, including Ubuntu, are known for their reliability, especially when running complex, resource-intensive applications like VR. For VR to function optimally, developers need a system that can handle large datasets, high frame rates, and real-time rendering without crashing. Ubuntu offers an environment with minimal bloatware, ensuring better performance and stability during development and testing.

Go to Full Article

If you’re an Ubuntu 24.04 LTS user regularly experiencing issues with connecting to audio devices, there’s an important update to the Bluetooth stack rolling out this week. A slew of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS users complained that certain paired Bluetooth audio devices (mainly earbuds/phones) fail to reconnect after a system restart or suspend. Plus, for many noble users reporting bugs, even attempting to manually connect to a previously-paired device following a reboot or suspend fails to connect or stay connected thus requiring the need to remove and re-pair the device to work. —Until the next reboot/suspend. The cause? Based on an […]

You're reading Ubuntu 24.04 Fixes Bluetooth Audio Connection Issues, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.