Ubuntu 24.10 beta comes with GNOME 47 and more

Expected to arrive in the first half of October, Ubuntu 24.10 "Oracular Oriole" will bring several new features, but it will also sport a few celebratory touches here and there. The reason for this is the 20th anniversary of the first Ubuntu release, namely 4.10 "Warty Warthog," which was unleashed in October 2004. Until the anniversary and new release arrive, those interested in testing Ubuntu 24.10 can grab the beta that was released at the end of last week.

Since Ubuntu 21.40 integrates GNOME 47, it also packs a few updated GNOME apps. Thanks to the native accent colors in GNOME 47, Ubuntu users will gain visual consistency across all core apps, as well as third-party pieces of code. The Nautilus file manager gets a visual overhaul, including an info button for searches across non-indexed folders and remote shares, which usually take much longer. This info button shows the progress of the ongoing process. The Disk Usage Analyzer also gets a revamped interface. The under-the-hood changes include Sysprof, a new default system utility for discovering performance issues, and more.

More details about the changes planned for Ubuntu 24.10 can be found in the official release notes. The Ubuntu flavors that will get updated are the following: Edubuntu, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Budgie, MATE, Studio, Unity, Xubuntu, Kylin, and Cinnamon. Those getting started with Ubuntu Server might want to grab Mastering Ubuntu 24.04: The Ultimate Technical Guide to Linux Administration: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS "Noble Numbat". This book is currently available for $9.99 in Kindle format (60% down from $24.90) or in a paperback version (priced at $24.90).