Canonical has announced the beta release of its upcoming Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Desktop, Server, and Cloud products. The new beta includes a more recent kernel that supports newer hardware as well as the GNOME 3.36 desktop environment that comes with a slick new lock screen, there’s also the option to switch to dark mode in the Appearance tab in the settings.
Anyone downloading the Ubuntu 20.04 beta should look out for the refreshed Yaru theme which makes the entire desktop look more modern. The theme is also complemented by a new default wallpaper. Aside from the theme and wallpaper, users will notice that the Amazon button which has graced the sidebar for several years is finally gone.
Another major change is that the Snap Store has replaced the old Ubuntu Software tool as the default program for finding and managing packages and snaps but retains the name and logo of Ubuntu Software. For a full list of changes, head over to the Ubuntu Wiki which contains Ubuntu 20.04’s release notes.
The 20.04 beta for other Ubuntu spins including Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, UbuntuKylin, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Studio, and Xubuntu are also available today.
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS will arrive officially on April 25, those on previous versions of Ubuntu will be able to upgrade but only if they’re on a 64-bit installation. Ubuntu 20.04 LTS will be maintained by Canonical for five years until April 2025 while other flavours will get just three years of support.
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