Take a Sneak Peek: Ubuntu 23.10 BETA Now Available for Testing

There are lots of cool improvements and updates so let’s briefly discuss some of them in this article.  

The Latest Linux Kernel: 6.5

Kernel is an important base for any Linux distro, and the usage of 6.5 version makes this Ubuntu BETA release an extremely powerful solution. With the usage of Kernel 6.5, a huge improvement is made when speaking about the Ubuntu system performance in general and hardware support in particular. This latest kernel version includes such new features as compatibility with MIDI 2.0 and support for WiFi 7. This will definitely raise the general user experience.  

​GNOME 45: A Fresh Desktop Experience

All the Ubuntu users who like GNOME environment will be satisfied with the fact that Ubuntu 23.10 offers the usage of this desktop right from the box. With GNOME 45, you will definitely notice the differences and improved features of this desktop environment. If talking about common features that all GNOME fans expect to have then KMS thread is one of them. This fun addition makes more responsive and smooth interaction within the system.

For image and video processing another awesome option is added, which is YUV support of color in Wayland. A better Ubuntu performance is guaranteed during the dynamic scenarios in particular. For a more enjoyable desktop experience, there are new Adwaita styles and global search in the file manager (Nautilus).

With the popular extension that is called Tiling Assistant, multitasking has become much simpler. This GNOME assistant will help with the customization of the space according to your own preferences and with minimum effort.  

TPM-Backed Disk Encryption

Of course, with any new Ubuntu version users expect a higher level of protection for the system. It is an understandable desire because of all these attacks and info leakages. That’s why, for all the users who would like to test a new experimental feature that is the FDE option. With the implementation of TPM-backed Disk Encryption, there is no need for the manual management of the decryption key, passphrase entry at boot, or considering any other variants for additional protection against attacks.

Of course, you can still choose a traditional method and manage everything with FDE, but those who want can easily test the new variant for system protection.

Moreover, an installer gives the possibility to pick what kind of system you would like a minimal package or a full one.

The Revamped App Center: Discover and Install with Ease

Among the huge variability of all the new features, the most exciting one is App Center. This improved center is an awesome option because of its enhanced app views, great search functionality, sleek layout, and of course the possibility to choose Debian or Snap packages.

Flatpak users will need to accept the fact that most apps are from the Snapcraft store.

The benefit of the new app center is that it needs less RAM. The previous Snap Store app required high memory usage and that bothered lots of users. Also, App Center is more responsive and faster.

As for the visual experience for Ubuntu users, this app is uncluttered and graphically pleasant to look at.

Essential Package and Upgrades

This Ubuntu version includes the best core packages and updates such as:

• Golang 1.21, OpenJDK 17 and 21, NET 7.
• Glibc 2.38, GCC 13.2.0, and binutils 2.41.
• Python 3.11.5, rustc 1.71, Perl 5.36.0, and LLVM 16 (17 version is also available)

This Ubuntu beta version is now available for anyone just visit the official website and download it. However, remember that it is a pre-release variant, so don’t use it for a production machine. Other than that it is a great release that has all the needed features and is smoothly functioning on most of the PCs. Users of GNOME desktop environment will be pleased to get the latest version together with Ubuntu 23.10. So don’t hesitate and start exploring the new Ubuntu version right now, there is so much stuff that is hard to describe but will definitely surprise experienced users as well as new clients of this operating system.