AV Linux Multimedia-Focused OS Gets New Stable Release with Meltdown Patches

AV Linux, the open-source GNU/Linux distribution designed for multimedia content creation, has been updated recently to version 2018.4.2, a release that adds Meltdown mitigations, updated components, and various other enhancements. Probably the most important change in the AV Linux 2018.4.2 release is the implementation of the KPTI (Kernel page-table isolation) patch to protect users against the Meltdown security vulnerability, but only for 64-bit installations. The distribution is now powered by the long-term supported Linux 4.9.76 kernel, and users can disable the KPTI patch at boot.

Games: BallisticNG, DEATHPIT 3000, Super Inefficient Golf and More

• Wipeout-inspired racer BallisticNG now has Linux support

  For those who remember Wipeout, the fast-paced futuristic racer you will probably want to take a close look at BallisticNG [Official Site] now it has Linux support. Released alongside update 0.9.4 that also added SteamVR support, which is the last Early Access version of the game. BallisticNG features 17 tracks set in unique locations, with a bunch of them being reversible, 13 different teams each with their own different racer, in-game pickups like mines, 6 different game modes, a single-player campaign as well as split-screen support.

• Sci-fi arena twin-stick shooter 'DEATHPIT 3000' just added Linux support

  Arriving on Linux yesterday, this single-player and co-op shooter sees you and up to four friends take on a sci-fi game-show survival arena and it's actually not bad at all. You can either play by yourself which is quite challenging, but fun or you can do LAN play with up to four people and even two player online support. The developer said the game has been inspired by the likes of Left 4 Dead and Alien Swarm.

• Fire balls in the air using mines in Super Inefficient Golf, stupidly fun

  Super Inefficient Golf is what you get when you combine Golf with many explosions and it's out with Linux support.

• Mr. Friendly is a new nonviolent Doom mod where you help the monsters recover

  Doom, the classic first-person shooter has a huge modding community and it's incredible to see what people make. The latest I came across is a nonviolent mod named Mr. Friendly.

• The final Dungeons 3 DLC is out named Lord of the Kings

• High-speed co-op racer Trailblazers to release on May 8th, with cross-platform multiplayer

  Trailblazers, the unique co-op racer where you paint a racing line on the course is now releasing on May 8th with Linux support.

Nearly 15 million Nintendo Switches are now hackable (other NVIDIA Tegra X1 devices too)

Earlier this year hackers started to show evidence of an exploit that allowed you to load custom software on a Nintendo Switch game console. Theoretically that opens the door for homebrew applications, modified games, or even running an alternate operating system such as a GNU/Linux distribution on Nintendo’s latest game system. It could also make it possible to run pirated games, which is why console makers usually don’t encourage this sort of thing. But now a team of hackers called ReSwitched have described a bootrom vulnerability called Fusée Gelée that makes it possible for anyone to hack a Nintendo Switch… assuming you’re willing to do a little hardware hacking too.

Android Leftovers

• The Moto G6 exposes the identity crisis plaguing Android's top-end

• Mingis on Tech: The lowdown on Android security

• Mingis on Tech: All about Android security

• How to connect your Android phone or tablet to your HDTV

• Android Auto Can Finally See Your Full Contact List

• The 10 Best Android Phones You Can Find in 2018

• Android app allows Amazon to deliver packages to your (compatible) unattended car

• Fortnite mobile: when is the Android release date, what are compatible devices and how do you sign up?