Episode 5: Framework Makes the Dreamwork

What we cover

• Breaking down the big Framework announcement and who is upgrading.
• Alex watched a rocket launch!
• Kasm and Proxmox announce an official partnership for on-demand self-hosted VDI.
• Is the Steam Controller's pricing a mistake or a shrewd decision by Valve?
• Quick Bytes:
  • Ubuntu 26.04 LTS "Resolute Racoon"
    • https://linuxconfig.org/ubuntu-26-04-release-date-and-new-features-in-resolute-raccoon
  • Fedora 44 release
    • https://rsvp.fedoraproject.org/releases/f44/
  • Bitwarden CLI Build Pipeline Compromised
    • https://thehackernews.com/2026/04/bitwarden-cli-compromised-in-ongoing.html
  • Cal.com goes closed source
    • https://www.reddit.com/r/selfhosted/comments/1smangt/calcom_uses_fears_of_ai_against_security_as_an/

Framework had a big announcement week. The crew breaks down the new Framework 13 Pro, including its milled-aluminum unibody chassis, Panther Lake and Ryzen AI 300 processor options, LPCAMM2 memory, a touchscreen display, and Ubuntu certification out of the box. We'll talk about whose already bought one, who might buy one, who is torn, and who is staying put. The Framework 16 also gets attention for its new OcuLink eGPU expansion port and we also talk about the Framework Keyboard.

From there the panel unpacks Kasm's official Proxmox partnership and its new Autoscaler, which lets self-hosted VDI sessions spin up on demand instead of sitting idle all day. Stephen shares real-world context from his MSP clients who are already asking for exactly this kind of hosted desktop solution, and the crew debates the over-provisioning math when you're running VDI on finite infrastructure.

The Steam Controller's return at $100 rounds out the main topics, with a dig into its TMR analog sticks, haptic touchpads, and magnetic charging puck — and whether Valve was thinking strategically in pricing the Steam Controller with the (hopefully) upcoming release of the Steam Machine.

Topics: Framework, Framework 13 Pro, Framework 16, OcuLink, eGPU, SpaceX Falcon Heavy, Kasm, Proxmox, VDI, Steam, Steam Controller, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Fedora 42, Bitwarden CLI

Links

• https://www.phoronix.com/news/Framework-Laptop-13-Pro
• https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2026/04/framework-laptop-13-pro-is-selling-out-with-the-linux-version-beating-windows/
• Framework Fan Control: https://ozturkkl.github.io/framework-control/
• https://www.proxmox.com/en/about/company-details/press-releases/kasm-en
• https://store.steampowered.com/news/group/45479024/view/508485755865137686
• https://www.theverge.com/games/918610/valve-steam-controller-review