elementary OS has just released version 8.1, a follow-up to its previous iteration that aims to enhance the user experience further. This new version is grounded in Ubuntu 24.04.2 and incorporates the Linux kernel 6.11, which addresses various issues users faced with the earlier kernel version 6.8.
The development team, led by Danielle Foré, reported that significant efforts were made over the winter to address user feedback and introduce improvements. Here’s an overview of the noteworthy updates and fixes in elementary OS 8.1:
Key Features and Improvements
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AppCenter Enhancements:
- Dark mode support for brand colors and screenshots.
- Metadata includes screenshots where applicable.
- Redesign of the app update release notes dialog.
- Improved search speed.
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Files (File Manager):
- Resolved issues with file path searching, file disappearance on unmounted drives, and keyboard shortcuts.
- Enabled the
admin://URL protocol for admin privilege access and improved drag-and-drop functionality with the Terminal.
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System Settings Updates:
- Configurable notifications allowing users to disable update notifications.
- Updates no longer downloaded on metered connections.
- Accurate display of update size before download and progress bar during downloads.
- Enhancements in network settings, including auto-connect options and background data reduction.
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Various Other Improvements:
- Installer encryption step redesigned for a better experience.
- App context menus have “Keep in Dock” options now.
- A new keyboard shortcut to launch the screenshot app (Super + Print).
- Improvements to AppArmor profiles for enhanced Flatpak support.
For those interested in exploring these features, elementary OS 8.1 is available for download on a pay-what-you-want basis, encouraging user contribution based on the value they derive. The operating system caters to Intel/AMD devices, requiring a 64-bit dual-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 32GB disk space for optimal performance.
To download, visit elementary OS for access to this latest version and experience the enhanced user interface and usability improvements.