Elementary OS 8 “Circe” Now Officially Released: A New Era Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS 

Elementary OS 8 “Circe” Now Officially Released | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

The elementary OS team has officially launched elementary OS 8, codenamed Circe, built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. This release enhances the user experience with a modern Pantheon desktop environment and introduces a variety of new features.

Elementary OS 8 is powered by the Linux kernel 6.8 and incorporates a new Secure Session aimed at enhancing user privacy. In this mode, applications are constrained and must obtain user consent to access system features, while also offering better support for mixed DPI modes and multi-touch gestures.

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, one of the significant updates includes a redesigned dock that supports productive multitasking and window management. Additionally, the system now uses PipeWire as the default media server, improving audio and video handling.

New features also bring support for four FreeDesktop.org portals: Color Picker, Screenshot, Screencast, and Wallpaper. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, users can adjust permissions for Flatpak apps through the Flatpak Permissions Store, and the AppCenter has been enhanced to highlight apps made specifically for elementary OS.

What are the core highlights of Elementary OS 8?

1. Pantheon Desktop Enhancements
   • Modernized UI: Pantheon, the flagship desktop environment, has been further refined for usability and aesthetics.
   • Quick Settings Menu: Provides faster access to essential controls.
   • Improved Multi-Touch Gestures: Enhanced support for gestures, ensuring a smooth experience on touchpads and touch devices.
   • Mixed DPI Support: Better compatibility with high-resolution and multi-monitor setups.
2. Secure Session for Enhanced Privacy
   • Applications in Secure Session mode must request user consent to access system features.
   • This improves user privacy and adds a layer of security, particularly for sensitive tasks.
3. New Underlying Technologies
   • Linux Kernel 6.8: Offers performance improvements, hardware compatibility, and modern system optimizations.
   • PipeWire as Default Media Server: Replaces PulseAudio, improving audio and video management, particularly for professional users and screencasting.
4. Redesigned Dock and AppCenter
   • The dock has been reimagined to support better multitasking and window management.
   • The AppCenter now highlights applications built specifically for elementary OS, offering curated, Flatpak-based apps.
   • Flatpak Permissions Store: Users can easily manage permissions for Flatpak apps, aligning with elementary OS’s privacy-centric approach.
5. System Updates and Driver Management
   • Updates and driver management have been moved to System Settings.
   • Automatic Updates: Users can now enable automatic download of updates, with the option to install updates during shutdown.
6. Accessibility Improvements
   • Improved keyboard navigation for a seamless experience.
   • Enhanced screen reader support for visually impaired users.
7. FreeDesktop.org Portals Support
   • Added support for key portals:
     • Color Picker
     • Screenshot
     • Screencast
     • Wallpaper Management

Other notable changes encompass a shift of driver management and system updates from the AppCenter to System Settings, allowing for automatic download of updates and options for installing updates during system shutdown. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, the user interface has been modernized with improved keyboard navigation, screen reader support, and a Quick Settings menu.

What are the system requirements?

• Base: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
• Kernel: Linux 6.8
• Media Server: PipeWire
• Installation Method: Live ISO image

For more details about the changes in elementary OS 8, you can read the full announcement and download the OS as a live ISO image from the official website. However, note that there is currently no automated process for upgrading between major versions, although personal data can be preserved during installation of the new version.

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