The new release includes upgrades across various desktop environments. The flagship Budgie edition features Budgie 10.9.1, which includes several bug fixes and enhancements designed to streamline the user experience. The GNOME edition has been updated to GNOME 46, offering an improved file manager, better online accounts integration, and enhanced remote session capabilities. Meanwhile, the KDE Plasma edition now includes Plasma 6, introducing a better Discover app, Wayland by default, and several tweaks to the system settings.
A significant addition in Ultramarine Linux 40 is the introduction of an XFCE edition. This version provides a near-vanilla XFCE experience with a traditional dock and panel setup, a modern menu with search functionality, and the familiar Materia theme. This edition is particularly well-suited for users with lower-powered devices, aiming to maximize performance without sacrificing aesthetics.
Raspberry Pi users have reasons to celebrate with this release. Ultramarine Linux 40 supports desktop environments for Raspberry Pi 400, with ongoing developments for Raspberry Pi 5 and Zero 2. This makes it a versatile option for those looking to run a full Linux desktop on Raspberry Pi devices. The distribution's developers are also planning to simplify the installation process with a new installer tool called Readymade, replacing the current Anaconda toolchain in future releases.
Another exciting development is the ongoing effort to bring Ultramarine Linux to Chromebooks. This move aligns with the distribution's goal to provide a seamless and enjoyable desktop experience across a variety of hardware platforms.
While the new XFCE edition has been introduced, Ultramarine Linux has decided to retire the Pantheon edition. The developers cited the increasing maintenance burden and a declining user base as the main reasons for this decision. Users looking for an alternative to the Pantheon edition can explore the newly introduced XFCE edition or the existing Budgie, GNOME, and KDE Plasma editions.
The Ultramarine Linux community can look forward to an upgraded documentation and developer resources, ensuring that both users and developers have access to the latest information and support. This is part of the distribution's ongoing commitment to providing a user-friendly and developer-friendly environment.
Ultramarine Linux 40 is available for download from the official website, with options for ARM images and various desktop environments. The distribution continues to be a compelling choice for those seeking a polished and versatile Linux experience, built on the robust foundation of Fedora.