Each new version of Ubuntu Desktop comes packed with new features and functionality.
It was recently announced the release of the new version of Ubuntu 23.04 "Lunar Lobster", which is classified as an interim release, whose updates are formed within 9 months (support will be provided until January 2024) and along with which the images of the other Ubuntu flavors have also been released.
In this new version that is presented of Ubuntu 23.04 “Lunar Lobster” It comes loaded with a host of package updates, improvements, and more. Among the most important packages that we can find in the new version of Ubuntu 23.04 "Lunar Lobster" is the desktop environment is Gnome 44 along with Linux kernel 6.2, Mesa 22.3.6 and systemd 252.5.
Main news of Ubuntu 23.04 "Lunar Lobster"
On Ubuntu 23.04, Gnome 44 continues to transition apps to use GTK 4 and the libadwaita library. Icon grid content display mode has been added to the file selection dialog, plus numerous changes have been made to the configurator.
Another novelty that we can find is the new installer to install Ubuntu Desktop, which is implemented by default as a plugin to the low-level curtin installer which is already used by the default Ubuntu Server Subiquity installer. The new installer for Ubuntu Desktop is written in Dart and uses the Flutter framework to build the user interface.
The design of the new installer is designed keeping in mind the modern style of the Ubuntu desktop and is designed to provide a consistent installation experience for the entire Ubuntu product line. Ubuntu Server uses a new edition of the Subiquity installer that allows you to download server builds in live mode and quickly install Ubuntu Desktop for server users.
In addition to this in Ubuntu 23.04 and as it had already been announced here on the blog, as of this version Ubuntu stopped supporting Flatpak support in the base distribution and, by default, they excluded the deb flatpak package and the packages to work with the Flatpak format in the Application Installation Center of the base environment. Users of previously installed systems that used Flatpak packages will still be able to use this format after upgrading to Ubuntu 23.04. Non-Flatpak users will only have access to the Snap Store and the distribution's regular repositories, if you want to use the Flatpak format you need to separately install the package to support it.
On the other hand, andThe Steam Snap Pack has been moved to the Stable category, that provides a ready-to-play environment, which allows not to mix necessary dependencies for games with the main system and get a real pre-configured environment that does not require additional configuration. The package includes the latest versions of Proton, Wine and the latest versions of the dependencies necessary to run games (the user does not need to perform manual operations, install a set of 32-bit libraries and connect PPA repositories with additional Mesa drivers).
Also highlighted in this new version of Ubuntu is the management improved package updates in snap format, since whereas previously the user was notified that an instant update was available, but installation required starting Ubuntu software, manipulating the command line, or waiting for the update to install automatically, updates are now downloaded in the background and they are applied as soon as the application associated with them is closed (when you can pause the installation of updates if you wish).
Of the other changes that stand out from this new version:
- In the Ubuntu Dock, application icons are labeled with a counter for unseen notifications generated by the application.
- The official editions of Ubuntu include the Ubuntu Cinnamon build, which offers a Cinnamon user environment built in the classic GNOME 2 style.
- The official Edubuntu build has returned, offering a selection of educational programs for children of different ages.
- Added a new Netboot Minimalist Build, 143MB in size, this build can be used for burning to CD/USB or dynamic booting via UEFI HTTP. The build provides a text menu with which you can select the Ubuntu edition you are interested in, the installation image of which will be loaded into RAM.
Finally, if you are interested in knowing more about it you can check the details In the following link.
Download and get Ubuntu 23.04 "Lunar Lobster"
For those interested in being able to download the new version, they can obtain the installation image from the official website of the distribution, as well as on the pages of the different flavors of Ubuntu or they can choose by the following link.