Anatase Linux: a Bazzite maintainer's new immutable distro

Canonical released the Ubuntu 26.10 "Stonking Stingray" beta on October 1, 2026, with the final release due on October 15, 2026, according to the official beta announcement. The beta covers the Desktop, Server, WSL and Cloud images and every official flavour, from Kubuntu to Xubuntu. It arrived about a week behind schedule, as UbuntuHandbook noted.

• Linux 7.3, still a release candidate in the beta.
• GNOME 51, with a window-snapping layout picker, passkey (FIDO2) login and a Reduced Motion setting, according to 9to5Linux.
• Rust coreutils: the core command-line utilities now run on the Rust-based uutils, per 9to5Linux.
• Mesa 26.2 for graphics.

Ubuntu 26.10 is an interim release with nine months of support. If you run Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, supported until May 2031, there is no reason to switch; try the beta in a virtual machine or on a spare PC instead. Download the beta or see every Ubuntu version and its support dates.

Source: Ubuntu 26.10 beta announcement. Also covered by 9to5Linux and Linuxiac.

🎬 Shotcut 26.9 is here!
Major updates for this open-source video editor:
✅ Improved VA-API HEVC hardware encoder on Linux 🐧
✅ FFmpeg 9.0 support
✅ 32-bit float audio pipeline
✅ Faster timeline performance

A new report indicates that Valve is considering a significant structural change to its operating system, potentially splitting SteamOS into two separate branches: one optimized for ARM architecture and another for x86.
Why the Split?
Currently, SteamOS is primarily built around the x86 architecture (used in the Steam Deck and most PCs). However, with the growing interest in ARM-based handhelds and devices (like the Nintendo Switch successors or Windows-on-ARM laptops), Valve may be looking to optimize performance and battery life more effectively for each specific hardware type.
What This Means for Users:
🔹 Better Optimization: Dedicated builds could mean smoother performance and longer battery life on ARM devices.
🔹 Broader Compatibility: An x86-focused version would continue to support the vast library of PC games and existing Steam Deck hardware without compromise.
🔹 Future-Proofing: As more manufacturers enter the handheld gaming market with different chipsets, a split OS could allow Valve to partner with a wider range of hardware makers.
The Bigger Picture
This move aligns with Valve’s broader strategy to make PC gaming more accessible and versatile beyond traditional desktop setups. By tailoring the OS to specific architectures, Valve could strengthen its position as the go-to platform for next-gen handheld gaming.
While nothing is officially confirmed by Valve yet, this development suggests we might see a more modular approach to SteamOS in the near future.