Canonical releases a new version of its operating system every six months. It can be a long time, and sometimes you are using a somewhat old version of the desktop. For that reason, KDE has its Backports repository, from which you can install the latest versions of Plasma, KDE Gear and Frameworks almost as soon as they are released. Now, based on KDE, Lubuntu has announced its own Backports repository.
By definition, a Backports repository it is the one that has new software that they «bring back», that is, they make available previous versions. For example, if LXQt 1.1 includes a new feature and they add it to 0.17.0 as well, that is backporting. What the Lubuntu developers have in mind is not to bring features, but the whole software. Thus, Lubuntu 22.04 users will be able to install LXQt 1.1, and not stick to the current 0.17.0.
Lubuntu's Backports repository is in beta
As we read in the release note:
Our Backports PPA is modeled after Kubuntu's. It exists to provide the latest LXQt desktop stack on top of a stable Ubuntu base. (The concept could also be considered similar to KDE Neon).
As time goes on, our development focus will continue to be on new releases, and we plan to land and test changes there before pushing them to Backports. That said, this is a perfect middle ground between stability and new features that users of all experience levels will be able to enjoy.
Especially the users of the LTS versions, we must take into account that when using what this new repository offers, the latest is being used, so expected to be less stable that what they are wearing. Although 0.17.0 has its time, it is more stable than the current LXQt 1.1.
To add the repository just open a terminal and type:
Once added, the updates will appear like the rest. In theory, it can be added to any Ubuntu-based distribution.
It is also mentioned that the repository is in beta phase, and that the stable version will be released on July 19. If you don't need a 100% stable computer, and the latest is, I've always added the KDE one and I've never had any problems, so it's worth it.