Unleashing Ubuntu 2310 'Mantic Minotaur': Extraordinary New Features Await!

Key Takeaways

Ubuntu 23.10 "Mantic Minotaur" will be released on October 12th, 2023, boasting GNOME 45, Kernel 6.5, and a new Flutter-based App Center.

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The minimal installation is the default, but you can opt for the traditional "fully-loaded" Ubuntu installation if desired.

The App Center has been updated and is now based on Flutter, encouraging the use of Snaps instead of traditional DEB files. However, DEB functionality is still accessible, albeit somewhat concealed.

The latest beta build has been installed to provide an insight into what can be expected from the upcoming release of Ubuntu 23.10 "Mantic Minotaur." Enhancements include new wallpapers, Ubuntu's customizations to GNOME, and kernel improvements aimed at enhancing boot and restore times.

The Mantic Minotaur

Ubuntu Linux will be releasing its interim version in Fall 2023. The release is scheduled to take place on October 12th, 2023. This update comes with several exciting features including GNOME 45, Kernel 6.5, and a new App Center based on Flutter technology.

Mantic, the 39th release of Ubuntu, is an interim release. It will receive nine months of support, including bug fixes, hot fixes, and updates. The Ubuntu release pattern consists of three interim releases followed by a Long Term Support release, which is supported for five years. Mantic is the third interim release in the current cycle, indicating that the subsequent release, 24.04, will be a Long Term Support release.

Considering that a Long Term Support version is just around the corner, should you upgrade to this latest interim build, which has a shorter lifespan? To investigate, we installed the Ubuntu 23.10 beta version. Please note that being a beta build, there might be slight variations between the version we tested and the final release.

That said, let’s grab the bull by the horns, and check it out.

Installing Ubuntu 23.10

The Ubuntu ISO has been increasing in size as years go by. To address this issue, a proposal was made to decrease its size by removing the majority of default bundled applications. While users would still have the option to manually install them if desired, the plan aimed to offer a minimal selection of basic applications for the out-of-the-box experience in Ubuntu 23.10.

At first glance, this plan holds some merit. Arch Linux follows a similar approach, but takes it even further. An Arch installation is not only stripped back, but rather minimalistic. This ensures that your new operating system remains free from unnecessary software.

However, Arch and Ubuntu cater to distinct user bases. Ubuntu has always prioritized user-friendliness by providing newcomers to Linux with a functional system pre-installed with a wide range of carefully selected software.

Nevertheless, it seems that someone from Canonical has taken notice of the dissatisfaction among users, as they have decided to reverse their previous stance and reintroduce the option to install a fully-featured version of Ubuntu. However, it is important to note that the installation process still defaults to the installation of the streamlined and lightweight version.

To install the complete version, choose the "Expanded Installation" option. In previous versions, the options included "Normal Installation" and "Minimal Installation," with "Normal Installation" being the default selection.

Kernel 6.5

: Additionally, the Installation Application now includes the option to choose the ZFS file system and TPM-backed Full Disk Encryption under the "Advanced Options". However, it is important to note that both of these features are experimental and not recommended for use on critical systems. They are primarily provided for testers and the curious.

Kernel 6.5 features various bug fixes and security enhancements, along with optimizations specifically targeting systems equipped with high-core Intel Xeon, AMD EPYC, and other multi-core high-end desktop computers and servers. Users with laptops utilizing the AMD Ryzen CPU will experience quicker resume times from the suspended state. Furthermore, the Ryzen 7000 series CPUs will benefit from modifications to the amd64_edac error detection and correction driver, enabling error-correcting memory functionality on ECC-capable motherboards like the ASUS ROG CROSSHAIR X670E Hero motherboard, designed for AMD Ryzen 7000 and AM5 CPUs.

Intel and AMD have submitted code to improve the user experience and stability when using eDP LCD panels with variable refresh rates.

Additionally, the NTFS file system now has the ability to utilize an alternate boot mode in the event of corrupt primary boot records. Furthermore, the EXT4 file system has seen enhancements in throughput for specific data-writing scenarios.

Related: How To Install and Configure ZFS on Ubuntu

GNOME 45

We’ve covered GNOME 45 in depth else where. As usual, Ubuntu includes its own tweaks to Standard GNOME.

Quarter Tiling

GNOME currently allows you to easily resize windows by dragging them to the edge of your desktop. When you hit the desktop edge while dragging a window, it automatically snaps to a size that is half the width of your desktop. You can also make a window cover the entire desktop by doing the same with the top edge.

To enhance this functionality, there is an extension called Tiling Assistant for GNOME. This extension expands the standard GNOME snapping feature by enabling quarter-sized windows to snap to the top or bottom corners of your desktop. By utilizing this feature for each corner of the desktop, you can achieve a somewhat similar experience to a tiling window manager. Tiling Assistant is pre-installed in Ubuntu 23.10.

If you resize a window, the other windows swell or shrink to accommodate it. This isn’t something that will fit into everyone’s workflow, but it's a nice addition.

You can also snap a window to a full-width, half-height by dragging it to the top or bottom edge of the desktop.

Updated App Center

Mantic has an updated App Center. It’s now Flutter-based, with a new layout and a modern, uncluttered feel.

I’ve heard it called the App Store, the Software Center, and the App Center. The tooltip in the dock says “App Center.”

But, interestingly, the tooltip in the Activities Overview reads “Snap-Store.”

Of course, Ubuntu has a strong preference for Snaps and actively promotes their use over traditional DEB files. Initially, I believed that DEB functionality had been completely eliminated. While exploring different application categories and listings, I was unable to find any options for installing applications from DEB files. It seemed like it was solely a choice between using a Snap or not installing the application at all. However, I soon discovered that DEB file installation still exists if you dig deeper. These installations appear in search results with the rather cryptic title "Debian Packages."

One nice touch is the “Manage” screen. This lets you check for updates, apply updates, and to search and review your installed Snap packages.

Related: Here's What's New in GNOME 45

New Wallpapers

Every new release of Ubuntu comes with a fresh collection of wallpapers. The Minotaur's updated attire adheres to the anticipated purple color scheme. Among the assortment, only a single image is a photograph, while the rest are captivating graphic art.

One is a retro 8-bit graphic rendering of our Minotaur mascot.

Software Versions

We have installed the "Expanded Installation" and the "build-essential" package to obtain a list of software versions included in our beta build.

Kernel: 6.5.0-5-generic

LibreOffice: 7.6.1.2

Thunderbird: 115.2.3

Firefox: 117.0.1

Nautilus: (Files) 45.rc

GCC: 13.2.0

binutils: 2.41

glibc: 2.38

GNU Debugger: 14.0.50

Is Ubuntu 23.10 Worth the Upgrade?

If I were still using Ubuntu, I would consider upgrading due to the exceptional improvements in GNOME 45. This, combined with the enhancements to the kernel, particularly for those with high-core CPUs or AMD hardware, makes the upgrade highly advantageous. It is important to note that despite the upcoming LTS build in April 2024, the effort put into upgrading is well justified.

For those planning a fresh installation, it is advisable to carefully select the version that aligns with your requirements. To obtain the ISO file, please refer to the downloads page of Ubuntu 23.10.