The New version of “elementary OS 8” released which introduces a series of new features and improvements in applications, privacy, security and accessibility. In this new version of the system, the base of the package is updated to Ubuntu 24.04, accompanied by the kernel of linux 6.8, Additionally, PipeWire is set as the default media server.
As for the most notable improvements and new features of elementary OS 8″, we can find the inclusion of two login options, “Classic and Secure”. The session isegura adopts Wayland as default protocol and establishes a permission system that requires user confirmation for applications distributed via Flatpak to access advanced features, such as taking screenshots, changing the desktop background, using location data, or keeping processes running in the background after the window is closed.
Also the secure session Adds support for DPI displays and offers optimized support for multi-touch gestures on touchscreen devices, as well as a smoother and more responsive interface on low-performance devices.
Another new feature in elementary OS 8 is that the system now allows you to configure advanced permissions for Flatpak applications, such as restricting network access, the use of printers, Bluetooth and USB devices, directly from the configurator.
El AppCenter, received improvements, since by enabling by default the Installing Packages from Flathub, in addition to the project's own Flatpak packages. To highlight packages designed specifically for elementary OS, these are now labeled with the "Made for elementary OS" tag. Also, App info pages include new settings for access rights and details about package isolation levels.
Functions related to managing updates and drivers have been moved to the System Configurator, leaving AppCenter to handle updating individual applications. In addition, an option has been added to the Configurator to enable automatic updates, along with a button in the shutdown dialog that allows you to apply accumulated updates before shutting down the system.
Meanwhile The "Dock" was completely redesigned, and now when you click on eAn application icon with multiple windows open, thumbnails of each are displayed. If you want to open a new window of an already active application, you can simply use the middle mouse button. In addition, applications pinned to the Dock can be quickly launched with keyboard combinations such as “Menu + number”, optimizing productivity.
Regarding accessibility improvements, elementary OS 8 features new options for people with visual impairments, since the possibility of is included Enable sound prompts when switching windows with Alt+Tab, as well as a redesign of the screen reader settings and keyboard controls. The System Configurator interface adopts a two-pane layout, optimized for both large and small screens, and adds options such as text scaling, contrast and brightness control, disabling dynamic scroll bars, and an improved search tool within the settings. In addition, the system automatically selects units of measurement based on the user's location.
In terms of energy management, a more detailed display of battery charge and external devices such as wireless keyboards or mice, and the introduction of automatic configuration of energy consumption profiles based on the connected devices and the charge level, which can now be quickly changed from the panel indicator.
Of the other changes:
- The new Quick Settings menu on the Dashboard makes it easy to perform common tasks like enabling dark mode, adjusting text size, showing the on-screen keyboard, or disabling auto-rotation of the screen.
- New keyboard shortcuts have been added.
- New cursor pointer images offer a refreshed design, and when navigating through open windows or virtual desktops, the gray side background has been replaced with an elegant desktop background blur effect, providing a more modern and refined experience.
- The clock size on the login interface and lock screen has been increased, accompanied by a blur effect in the background, giving it a more modern and stylish look.
- The video player received support for customizing the style based on the selected dark or light theme, improving both aesthetics and usability.
- The font management application interface has been revamped, improving performance.
- The web browser now features a more minimalist design.
Finally if you want to know more about this new version system, you can check the details in the original post. The link is this.
Download Elementary OS 8.0
Si You are interested in being able to install this new version on your computer or you want to try it under a virtual machine. All you have to do is visit the distribution's official website and in its download section you can get the system image.