The Linux Mint development team has taken an important step by publishing the ISO images of the Beta version of the long-awaited Linux Mint 22.1, Also known as «Xia». This preliminary edition, available for download from official mirrors, offers a preview of the many new features and improvements that the user community will soon be able to enjoy. If you are one of those who is always looking for a solid and carefully customized operating system, this version promises not to disappoint you.
This new release, which is expected to be officially released during the 2024 Christmas holidays, is much more than a minor update. Among the most notable new features is the inclusion of the updated desktop Cinnamon 6.4. This version comes loaded with innovative features such as the mode Night Light integrated, a new default theme, more modern native dialogs, and increased Wayland support, something users have been asking for for a long time.
Linux Mint 22.1 beta: a refreshed desktop with Cinnamon 6.4
Cinnamon 6.4 isn't just about aesthetic tweaks. This desktop, which forms the core of the Linux Mint experience, adds simplified settings for sound sovereignty, notification improvements, and optimizations for Nemo, its file manager. Significant adjustments have also been made to Wayland compatibility, paving the way for a smoother and more modern graphical experience.
In addition, the software manager known as Software Manager has received a noticeable speed boost. On the other hand, Bulky, the tool for renaming files in bulk, now allows you to remove accents from file names, a handy utility for organizing documents and projects. Another surprise is the inclusion of support for Thumbnails of .ora files (OpenRaster), which will benefit creative users.
Under the Hood: Ubuntu 24.04 and Linux 6.8
At its core, Linux Mint 22.1 is backed by the operating system Ubuntu LTS 24.04, known as Noble Numbat, and uses the Linux kernel 6.8This means not only stability, but also access to a more modern and efficient set of tools and libraries, essential to maximizing performance. Its nature as a long-term support release ensures security updates until 2029, making it a reliable long-term option.
Although this is a Beta, designed specifically for testing, this version already offers a clear taste of what the final experience will be like. However, It is recommended to avoid its use in production environments due to possible errors and pending adjustments.
The path to the stable version
The Linux Mint team has noted that after about two weeks of public testing, the stable release is expected. This will depend, of course, on the feedback received from users who download this Beta and report problems. Current Linux Mint 22 users will be able to upgrade without complications to this new version when it is available, while those who are still using older versions such as Linux Mint 21 will find here a perfect excuse to make the jump.
As a curious note, the code name "Xia» follows the tradition of female naming that characterizes all versions of Linux Mint. It remains to be confirmed whether other female names will be retained in future iterations.