Linux-based postmarketOS v24.06: A Revolution in Device Flexibility

postmarketOS v24.06 is a game-changer for Linux enthusiasts seeking control and flexibility on their devices. This release offers stability improvements and automated testing, challenging the dominance of Android and iOS. The allure of Linux lies in its freedom from account setups, cloud storage, bloatware, and invasive AI trends. Instead, it focuses on free software, user control, and extending device usability beyond vendor support. This release includes ports previously exclusive to bleeding-edge versions, now available in the stable release. Devices may only boot Linux, but offer unique use cases like running a web server on an old phone powered by a solar charger. The software stack is based on Alpine Linux 3.20, featuring updated user interfaces like GNOME Shell on Mobile 46_git20240610 with new features for smoother UI. KDE Plasma Mobile 6.0.5 brings customizable homescreens and app drawers. Phosh 0.39 adds app overview folders and better notch handling. Sxmo 1.16.3 improves suspension control and device configurations. Notable changes include new keyboard mappings for Chromebooks and GPU acceleration for Samsung Chromebook. Users can install interfaces like cage and moonlight, with logbookd as the default logger. MSM8953 devices see improvements in modem functionality and GPS. Non-free firmware is now installed by default, and osk-sdl is replaced with unl0kr. PulseAudio is no longer a hard dependency, allowing for PipeWire experiments. Kernel upgrades, improvements, and bug fixes are implemented across all devices. The number of supported devices has increased to 50, including Lenovo ThinkPad X13s and Microsoft Surface RT. "Testing" category devices are included in the stable release, enabling up-to-date Linux distribution on older hardware. Despite some remaining issues like SSH connectivity on PinePhone and Wi-Fi problems on Fairphone 4, postmarketOS v24.06 showcases the power of community-driven development in expanding Linux support. Download it now for a new level of device freedom.