A new media player and system monitoring utility are set to debut in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, named ‘Resolute Raccoon’, slated for release on April 23, 2026. The media player, Showtime, will replace Totem, while Resources will take over from GNOME System Monitor for process management and hardware monitoring.
The decision to introduce these changes continues the trend of updating Ubuntu’s default applications, following the introduction of Papers in version 25.04 and the switch to Ptyxis (terminal) and Loupe (image viewer) in 25.10. Canonical’s Jean Baptiste Lallement noted that this initiative aims to deliver a more modern, consistent, and user-friendly experience that seamlessly integrates with the existing desktop environment.
Showtime Media Player
Showtime, which features an immersive user interface, has been designated as the new default video player. While Totem served as Ubuntu’s primary video player since 2004, it has been relegated to the ‘expanded’ installation option since 2023. Showtime is predicted to be a more appealing choice for most users, especially as it becomes part of GNOME’s Core Apps with its inclusion in GNOME 49.
Users interested in trying Showtime can already install it on Ubuntu 25.10 via the command line:
sudo apt install showtimeResources System Monitor
Resources, on the other hand, is more notable as it is not a GNOME Core App but a community-developed tool. Endorsed by the GNOME Circle group for meeting specific quality standards, it provides a straightforward interface to monitor hardware usage and manage running processes.
Lallement highlighted Resources‘ superior accessibility features as a critical reason for its selection over other popular alternatives. Users can try out the latest version of Resources by installing it directly from Flathub, which is the recommended method for obtaining this application.
Keeping Old Favorites
For those who prefer the older applications, Totem and GNOME System Monitor will remain available in the Ubuntu archives. Upgrading to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS will not automatically remove these old apps, allowing users to keep them if desired.
For further details about the new applications: