# 338: Linux LTS, COSMIC, Discord delays age verify, Firefox 148, Ladybird Browser & more Linux news

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-week-in-linux-66844/338-linux-lts-cosmic-discord-delays-age-verify-firefox-148-ladybird-browser-more-linux-news.md
Podcast: [This Week in Linux](https://stenobird.com/podcast/this-week-in-linux-66844)
Published: 2026-03-02T00:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://thisweekinlinux.fireside.fm/338
Audio file: https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/2389be04-5c79-485e-b1ca-3a5b2cebb006/98cefcab-66d3-4ff5-9201-ffbd48816d9c.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1755

## Resource

Linux kernel stability increases with extended LTS support for several branches, including 6.18. Meanwhile, the Ladybird browser project pivots to Rust to ensure parity with C-based engines.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Extended LTS support for Linux kernels 6.18, 6.12, and 6.6 provides longer stability for enterprise and embedded users
- Practical takeaway: Firefox 148 now includes a simple toggle to disable AI-powered features for privacy-conscious users
- Technical shift: The Ladybird browser project is integrating Rust into its development strategy to maintain engine parity
- Failure mode: Discord has delayed its global age verification rollout following significant user backlash regarding privacy
- Trend observation: The Linux gaming ecosystem continues to expand with NVIDIA hiring for Linux GPU driver improvements

## Topics

Linux Kernel, Open Source, COSMIC Desktop, Firefox, Ladybird Browser, Rust Programming, Linux Gaming, NVIDIA

## Chapters
- 1:00 — Linux LTS Kernels Get Extended: Details on the extended support windows for kernel branches 6.18, 6.12, and 6.6.
- 3:00 — COSMIC Desktop 1.0.8 Released: Updates on the stability and polish of the latest COSMIC Desktop release.
- 5:00 — Discord Age Verification Delayed: Analysis of Discord's decision to pause age verification rollout due to privacy concerns.
- 16:00 — Firefox 148 Released: New features in Firefox 148, including the AI 'kill switch' and improved security APIs.
- 20:00 — ONLYOFFICE 9.3 Released: Overview of new spreadsheet capabilities and PDF tool improvements in ONLYOFFICE.
- 23:00 — Ladybird Browser Project Shifts to Rust: The implications of Ladybird adopting Rust for its web engine development.
- 25:00 — NVIDIA GeForce News: Discussion on NVIDIA's Linux driver hiring and the OpenNow reverse-engineered client.

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## Transcript

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