Matt (It's really me) Hartley

Doer of all things Linux-y. I am the Linux Support Lead at Framework Computer Inc. My opinions here are my own.

Website: https://matthartley.com

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[email protected]

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Last Notes

2026-07-23 18:04:31 GMT

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- Time/Date of browser activity. Obviously, their computer must be on and *you need to have permission*.
- Clickable URLs (exact links) for what they're browsing. Tabled, easy to read and follow)
This has been a godsend for my family as I an make sure, my mom who is in her 80s, is not falling down a phishing rabbit hole. No monitoring software, but, ensuring I do not spot an obvious spoofed URL and need to alert her credit card companies, etc.
CC [@jorge](https://hachyderm.io/@jorge ) (you might find this interesting.

2026-07-23 01:20:46 GMT

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I learned about this from @npub1l3h…5455 on LinkedIn.

2026-07-23 01:18:35 GMT

I'm still mentally unpacking this one. John and I used to exchange occasional emails over Linux in the press. Mostly me trolling. but he ALWAYS replied and I respected his position on tech related issues. This one stings...
Leaving this quote here. It's an oldie.
"In all large corporations, there is a pervasive fear that someone, somewhere is having fun with a computer on company time. Networks help alleviate that fear."
- John C. Dvorak -

2026-07-14 09:47:28 GMT

I Built a Photoreal 1980s Cassette Deck for Linux
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okMfbGdfmco #Linux

2026-07-13 00:22:29 GMT

RE: https://fosstodon.org/@matthartley/116865428130444838
Repo as promised. https://github.com/ctsdownloads/cosmic-cassette-deck
Designed for COSMIC, but, took steps to make it work correctly on any desktop like GNOME or KDE as well.
Build it or install it (RPM, DEB, local Flatpak)
#note1ave…0z4a

2026-07-05 05:19:24 GMT

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Thanks. Wait until I do the next round of tweaks. Cleaning up a transition, requires rewinding the tape, remembering where a tape left off. Plus more. Basically all the joy and frustration that comes with the cassettes. 🤣👍

2026-07-05 04:15:16 GMT

Add a few new features to this, I think we have a winner.
The only gotcha I want to sort out is how I handle multiple songs on the same tape. I have some idea how to do it, but, it needs to present on brand as it were. 🤔
(Sound on to get the whole effect, as mentioned in the other post, this will be posted to GH when I am done)
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/865/414/452/207/420/original/6f94886d22a0ca52.mp4

2026-07-04 17:12:47 GMT

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ohh yeah, sound cards would have been awesome for this!

2026-07-04 16:55:04 GMT

Audible sounds to change channels. It's a form of brilliant engineering I've always wondered about.
Between this and Captain Crunch whistles for long distance access tones, classic technology ALWAYS wowed me.
The long distance 2600 Hz trick stopped working in the 80s. The height of popularity was in the late 60s early 70s I believe.
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/862/725/793/761/972/original/a8284799efa5507f.jpg

2026-07-03 11:51:02 GMT

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Just ran a spool speed check, looks right to me:
[spool] progress=0.544 w_src/TOP=4.72 w_tk/BOTTOM=4.40 -> TOP faster
[spool] progress=0.544 w_src/TOP=4.72 w_tk/BOTTOM=4.40 -> TOP faster
then it evolves over time, idea is to be as close to accurate as possible:
[spool] progress=0.607 w_src/TOP=5.00 w_tk/BOTTOM=4.21 -> TOP faster
[spool] progress=0.607 w_src/TOP=5.00 w_tk/BOTTOM=4.21 -> TOP faster
If my research is right, the accurate cassette physics should be accurate.

2026-07-03 11:38:41 GMT

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An updated preview
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/855/838/915/245/121/original/3cffbf5e444a0002.png

2026-07-03 11:02:00 GMT

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I may be mis-remembering. But I do remember some lower profile Sony Walkman(men?) - but visually, yeah, I think correction is best.

2026-07-03 10:34:32 GMT

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Good eye. In this case, yes, different branded players had different layouts. The one this mimicks from the early 90s had this as a layout design. Most players, the tape would be reversed - think at the time it was the "ultra low profile head" or whatever it was. Good eye.
In the future, once I release it, I'm going to dive into skins. But, because buttons are interactive, it is a bit of grid mapping and making sure the visuals hold when the device buttons are used.

2026-07-03 07:59:33 GMT

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it is still being ironed out. When ready, I will share the GH repo.

2026-07-03 07:35:44 GMT

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A quick detail on the background art: if you noticed the belt in the Player view is missing a buckle, or the bedroom in the Cassette Rack feels ambiguous, that’s 100% on purpose.
I didn’t want the imagery to lean toward any specific gender. I want this retro space to represent anyone and everyone. Nostalgia is for all of us, so leaving out those gendered markers means this Walkman belongs to everyone.

2026-07-03 07:35:12 GMT

I wanted a music player that was both ridiculous and "felt" like a proper Walkman (Player view)...with accurately moving spools, working buttons at the top of the Walkman that control the functions (ff/rewind, toggle fn to change it to <>) Yes, your keyboard media keys controls work.
I am aiming to be as pure to a cassette deck as I can get it. That means no playlists, no cloud, local music and manual selections from the Music Rack like the rock gods intended. 🤘🎧
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/854/849/580/123/580/original/3c330c4c45662f23.png
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/854/849/606/604/793/original/56901eb1e1c648a8.png

2026-06-27 03:27:54 GMT

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Did this a month ago myself 😂

2026-06-27 02:05:31 GMT

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So true, I get it completely

2026-06-26 22:52:38 GMT

Guilty. I have been known to do this with labeling on ram, Wi-Fi cards and NVMe drives.
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/818/860/308/579/780/original/fe14187bcdfdff17.jpg

2026-06-25 22:34:46 GMT

RE: https://infosec.exchange/@catsalad/116808515493050216
The R/W speeds scream maple syrup I bet!
#note17vs…8mmk

2026-06-14 16:53:47 GMT

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Love that! 😎

2026-05-26 01:29:19 GMT

Crows are such a trip. 😂
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/638/279/884/319/130/original/c55fbdd7ee425acb.mp4

2026-05-15 06:37:18 GMT

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Now I have a new earworm 😂

2026-05-15 06:04:05 GMT

So I set up this camera to watch birds and hummingbirds that have been coming around the bird bath and I have discovered that there are a number of different types of birds that visit.
Additionally, there's a hummingbird that visits which is equally cool. I'll basically thread this and share it here.
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/577/073/372/106/996/original/0d9e4ea4557cd51a.mp4

2026-04-19 17:57:38 GMT

RE: https://mas.to/@skeletor/116432103216858572
Preach it, Skeletor
#note176e…3qr4

2026-04-11 16:55:38 GMT

RE: https://mastodon.opencloud.lu/@BrideOfLinux/116387060206759050
Today's lesson in security.
Dead drop, paper, fire. Stuff sent into the ether regardless of how is just waiting for stuff like this.
Anything else is just "security theater" IMHO.
I wish I could say I was surprised about this report. But, here we are. Signal is more secure, yes. But NOTHING is bullet proof.
#note13pw…zu7r

2026-03-08 21:25:36 GMT

Planning for my retirement in 10+ years. Offline still looks to be a solid play.
Microgreens. HUGE local market gap here. Folks here prefer local, unlike mushrooms and other products grown locally, microgreens is the gap here. We're an agricultural county and folks here have money, expect and pay for local greens.
Just thinking ahead. Could change, but it's something I'm seriously considering as even a moonlight business now. 🤔

2026-03-06 06:32:05 GMT

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I'll take this as a collective win 😄

2026-02-14 04:22:32 GMT

I'm a passionate fan of the Rockford Files. When I heard about a reboot, I was absolutely concerned.
Then I read this. And even as someone who hates reboots, oddly, I'm strangely okay giving this a chance.
Classy of him to do a courtesy check with the family. Shows respect for the show's legacy.
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/david-boreanaz-asked-james-garners-020558107.html

2026-02-10 20:28:50 GMT

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Shared! 🙌

2026-01-30 16:25:47 GMT

RE: https://mastodon.opencloud.lu/@BrideOfLinux/115984957574232525
I have been comparing this to Jitsi. It's absolutely more robust! More features.
#note1wkg…fftn

2026-01-28 18:36:02 GMT

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if you decide to write your own, please tag me because I would love to check that out. That sounds really interesting.

2026-01-24 06:07:21 GMT

Interesting!
https://secluso.com/index.html
https://github.com/secluso/secluso

2026-01-23 03:49:40 GMT

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Boy, do I feel that. 🫠 And for courses no less. Ooof

2026-01-22 20:19:38 GMT

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Yep, Qute is still around and works great! It's the browser support for EasySpeak (my little weekend project) https://github.com/ctsdownloads/easyspeak?tab=readme-ov-file#easyspeak

2026-01-21 04:10:06 GMT

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Thank you 🙏

2026-01-21 02:39:55 GMT

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Appreciate it 🙂

2026-01-21 02:37:16 GMT

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Ouch! 😅

2026-01-21 02:25:49 GMT

RE: https://fosstodon.org/@fedora/115930661449781984
Thanks for the boost, @npub1hpw…cd0d ☺️
#note1c7d…4dj6

2026-01-20 06:48:09 GMT

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Ah, good to know. Felt too good to be true. 😜

2026-01-20 05:44:39 GMT

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Luck or me being stubborn 😅

2026-01-20 05:24:53 GMT

TIL.
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/115/925/757/248/717/710/original/2746a5515c2f27c9.png

2026-01-20 04:58:47 GMT

RE: https://mastodon.social/@itsfoss/115925495377701362
While I'm glad to hear it.... I dislike Adobe deeply and honestly don't care. To be fair, I'm not the target audience for Photoshop. 😜
#note1gqk…lywj

2026-01-20 04:57:38 GMT

RE: https://chaos.social/@mechko/115922603775962768
Worthwhile, sharing
#note1tdn…nrh9

2026-01-18 22:43:08 GMT

@npub19rn…9l0x Merged on EasySpeak. 🙏 I appreciate your help. 🙂

2026-01-18 20:04:38 GMT

Thanks @npub1hpw…cd0d 🙏for the reshare on LinkedIn. Taking the weekend off, updates coming after next weekend.

2026-01-17 22:12:00 GMT

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This is the rub. Might not be. Should be absolutely, but unclear.

2026-01-17 21:46:28 GMT

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Obviously, this could still be a Google thing where it starts off fine then goes full dark side. But this feels different.

2026-01-17 21:44:43 GMT

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My focus is this action. Not means, the result.
"They’re betting that AI can help to address some of the messiness and toxicity of today’s social media landscape. At the same time, social platforms will need a new set of tools to ensure they’re not taken over by AI bots posing as people."

2026-01-17 21:43:27 GMT

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I'm choosing to give it a chance. Reddit is a dumpster fire and alternatives lack scale.
I realize it may go completely wrong, but my figures are crossed.

2026-01-17 21:42:14 GMT

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I did and I'm waiting to see how it churns out. Less like Reddit felt like this is the end goal.
Could go horribly wrong, but my gut says this might work if they don't blow it.

2026-01-17 21:32:51 GMT

It's back and yes, Kevin is back involved and I "think" he's learned from past mistakes.
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/14/digg-launches-its-new-reddit-rival-to-the-public/
I was among the early adopters the first time. I'm back and will be exploring this again.
My gut tells me this is one to watch, I feel like they got their old flow back.
For you young folks that don't recall classic Digg. Here ya go.
https://digg.com/digg/UbeqUQy

2026-01-17 00:11:56 GMT

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Yeah, I have been around all over the place. lol

2026-01-17 00:10:56 GMT

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"I am internet" 😎 😅

2026-01-16 22:42:45 GMT

Recently someone asked me: "Matt, how long have you been doing this stuff?"
Me: A few minutes.
https://web.archive.org/web/20040630233902/http://www.lockergnome.com/about/staff.phtml
Where does the time go?

2026-01-16 02:14:01 GMT

RE: https://masto.ai/@phoronix/115902280161397307
Yep. Anything I touch these days is either Wayland compatible or I'm not using it.
#note1xgh…0udl

2026-01-15 21:14:36 GMT

RE: https://mastodon.social/@sjvn/115900993782174379
I laugh because it holds sooooo much truth.
#note1fkt…6crt

2026-01-14 21:22:22 GMT

Sometimes, I need a uplift as I am working. So, I pulled out an old extension of mine out of mothballs. I might submit him later.
Bouncy, the Zombie. Play music, he boogies.
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/115/895/541/253/659/938/original/28e28d99d0bfcb3a.mp4

2026-01-14 05:09:05 GMT

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Also I just recommended Bookshop.org to someone for shopping! 😎

2026-01-14 05:08:05 GMT

RE: https://wandering.shop/@leonardr/115888906987170967
This is amazing on like 3 fronts. 👏🙌
Junior opportunity, remote, Bookstore friendly Bookshop.org
#note1m3x…hdul

2026-01-14 02:06:15 GMT

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I've seen my local bookstores promoting this, for ebooks. https://bookshop.org/info/ebooks#EBOOKFAQ

2026-01-14 00:32:59 GMT

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W00T! That is outstanding!

2026-01-13 03:42:48 GMT

RE: https://leo.fm/2026/01/12/uncharted-territory/
@npub1uc6…l2rw This is great! I use a pull down terminal and this is EXACTLY what I was looking for. 🙏 Excited to take it for a test drive.
#note1ewe…8zj3

2026-01-12 20:28:19 GMT

Apparently my old "Waver" roots are popping out today.
FTR, I've done the whole New Wave, Punk, Skater and Metal Head thing in my youth.
But today, this is my old music self for concentrating on work.
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/115/884/005/048/554/860/original/bf464f19cffc0a31.png

2026-01-12 07:28:00 GMT

EasySpeak featured on TWIL with @npub1fqh…crel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vUODgEtsvk&t=196s
Reminder, for the "why is it this way" or "which ____ will it support" or anything else, please start here. https://github.com/ctsdownloads/easyspeak/discussions

2026-01-10 21:41:42 GMT

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You're a great dad and husband. 🙌

2026-01-10 21:25:05 GMT

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It's refreshing to have disagreements about something other than the world burning. 🫠🥲

2026-01-10 21:21:44 GMT

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Haven't been outside of maybe once a year. I keep my shopping online or I'm parked and someone's loading up groceries into my car. 😅
My wife does the mall every month or so, with her friends. I'm happy to remain elsewhere. 😜

2026-01-10 19:52:43 GMT

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Ha! Yeah, I was never a user of it myself. I'm keyboard driven.
But hearing from a number of people that it's a valuable feature some folks swear by.

2026-01-10 19:50:03 GMT

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This echoes @npub13ge…qpyz to a degree. It's a feature and function wired into a workflow.
You both present rationale, thought out perspectives I hadn't considered. Fair. Food for thought...
Also means I may need to feature request myself middle click for EasySpeak in the future. I usually do this as a plugin.

2026-01-10 19:47:03 GMT

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Hmmm, fair. And valid, understandable use case. 😊🙏

2026-01-10 19:46:07 GMT

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Ha! Love the moxy; 😂🙌😜

2026-01-10 18:36:47 GMT

RE: https://linuxmom.net/@vkc/115867723149851024
IMHO, middle click was the mouse approach to punching oneself in the face with every click. It's stupid and I'm delighted to see it disappear.
#note14lx…9yl2

2026-01-09 18:23:47 GMT

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💯

2026-01-09 18:07:52 GMT

RE: https://fosstodon.org/@btp/115866424143297679
Mobile phones across the country right now. I'm so friggin' sick of this timeline.
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/115/866/469/143/045/188/original/a803d5676fdf0cf3.mp4
#note1tpv…vrl4

2026-01-09 12:48:02 GMT

Hey folks, been getting a lot (and I mean a lot) of questions about Easyspeak and it's direction.
Please see here: https://github.com/ctsdownloads/easyspeak/discussions/6
and participate here:
https://github.com/ctsdownloads/easyspeak/discussions
Thanks everyone

2026-01-09 12:44:23 GMT

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Especially this.
https://github.com/ctsdownloads/easyspeak/discussions/6

2026-01-09 12:42:57 GMT

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Just a reminder for folks here with questions, I put this together to better clarify stuff.
https://github.com/ctsdownloads/easyspeak/discussions

2026-01-09 02:27:38 GMT

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Nicely done 😃

2026-01-08 05:44:37 GMT

Back when online videos were filled with simple joys. I miss 2004 sometimes.
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/115/857/881/890/209/052/original/181bddf120060578.mp4

2026-01-08 05:17:22 GMT

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Hey AI, should I drink Drano for my sniffles? AI: "You're absolutely right."
/End scene

2026-01-08 05:15:07 GMT

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Yes please 🙏😊

2026-01-07 22:22:37 GMT

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Agreed. Unclear why OpenOffice would be included.

2026-01-07 20:05:32 GMT

For #EasySpeak the discussions are open. Feature requests and understanding why I did stuff the way I did it, all here. https://github.com/ctsdownloads/easyspeak/discussions

2026-01-07 19:35:17 GMT

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As for battery, no idea.

2026-01-07 19:34:19 GMT

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ZorinOS should be fine with it. Biggest unknowns are firmware and power management. Saw one person in this thread indicating a freeze when they disconnected power.
Here's what gives me pause.
- buggy ACPI tables
- Some drivers fail to handle PM transitions cleanly
RE: The lid behavior the same person in this thread indicated, did some digging here as well.
- Firmware assumes Windows power policy
- My units for example, stabilize this in firmware. Many other brands do not & slop it.

2026-01-07 00:45:46 GMT

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I can tell a lot of time, care and love when into your project. 😍

2026-01-07 00:42:53 GMT

Folks, this is amazing. Seriously! https://wiki.grannophone.de/index.php?title=The_Grannophone_-_Video_Telephony_Made_Easy
from @npub1w5v…ddfe

2026-01-07 00:39:59 GMT

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Absolutely! Yeah, that looks really neat!

2026-01-07 00:34:26 GMT

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100% for sure :)

2026-01-07 00:33:49 GMT

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Okay, this is interesting. Really interesting. Short answer is maybe? Do me a favor, please file an issue linking to your project. I will add it to my exploration process. I love the idea, but it would be some time off before I can explore this 100%. 🙏

2026-01-07 00:14:53 GMT

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Great questions. It's brand new, still in alpha dev mode, so just mine at this stage. part of the tuning phase is to decide on a path forward for accents and training.

2026-01-06 23:37:11 GMT

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KDE Plasma planned. Still early alpha.

2026-01-06 23:25:35 GMT

In my best Vorlon voice..."and so it begins." Wild, buddy of mine just alerted me to this article. I mean, it's viral on Mastodon at 388 boosts | 420 favorites, but wow, this is flattering and unexpected!
https://www.howtogeek.com/this-new-linux-app-lets-you-control-your-pc-with-your-voice-and-its-free/

2026-01-06 22:41:14 GMT

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Agreed. For me, headphones vs headset. 😅

2026-01-06 20:23:08 GMT

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🤣 👴 👍

2026-01-06 20:12:53 GMT

Folks, wow - this thread is on fire. Thank you and WOW! Holy crap, I apparently did a good thing here.
I am trying to get to everyone's questions. I will circle back again after work if I missed you.
https://fosstodon.org/@matthartley/115848408200131097
#note19fg…dp3n

2026-01-06 20:07:26 GMT

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Longer term, slowly, carefully work with smarter people than me to begin filling in the missing tech stack to accomplish what you describe plus other missing elements.
That said, thank you for this. Seeing your note makes this effort worthwhile. (cont)

2026-01-06 20:07:05 GMT

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I am pretty good with impossible or difficult, but, I need time to understand the landscape, what is mature, what needs lower level dev help, etc.
The immediate plan for EasySpeak is dialing it in, smoothing the rough edges, fine tuning functionality with the plugins (like transcription which is still rough). (cont)

2026-01-06 20:06:53 GMT

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That said, the Linux landscape is spattered with a number of solutions (one of which is used here for a plugin)
All that said, the biggest challenge is the lower level stack matching overall functionality.
I have been fighting for Linux users for 20+ years - literally. (cont)