Linux Mint 22.2 Beta focuses on visual improvements

With a launch date still to be announced, Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara" is set to arrive as a long-term support edition and will be kept around until 2029. Based on the release dates of the previous versions, it wouldn't be surprising to see it launching later this month, or at least before 2026 kicks in. Built on top of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, the latest beta release of Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara" focuses on visual improvements, although there are a few under-the-hood changes as well.

The login screen now sports a blurred background behind the user/session box, while the account box now shows the user avatar (as long as one has been set). The visual themes get various subtle changes, but nothing radical.

The Notes app, also known as Sticky, now comes with rounded corners and Wayland support. However, it should be noted that the Cinnamon Wayland session is still experimental at this time.

The Software Manager app sports an improved welcome screen, as well as help content that explains the difference between Flatpak and system packages.

Moving on, there's a new app, namely Fingwit. Its purpose is to allow the user to manage and configure fingerprints on devices that sport a working fingerprint reader. The IPTV player Hypnotix now sports two new viewing modes. Their names should say it all: Borderless Mode and Theatre Mode.

The list of apps that get minor tweaks and fixes includes Warpinator, GNOME Calendar, Simple Scan, Baobab, Xviewer, and more.

Linux Mint 22.2 Beta can be retrieved from one of the many mirrors available worldwide, but torrent downloads are also available. Those who go with this version will be able to upgrade to the stable release. The editions available are Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE.