GNOME 41 Beta is Now Available
The most popular open-source desktop environment is on the cusp of yet another new release, but don’t expect the massive changes found in the previous iteration.
GNOME 40 brought to life some major changes to the desktop environment (such as the horizontal workflow). And although topping that release would be a monumental task, the developers do have some tricks up their sleeve for the soon-to-be-released GNOME 41. And now that the desktop environment is in beta, you can experience those tweaks for yourself.
The big-ticket items for this upcoming release include a new multitasking panel in the Settings window. This new Settings tab allows you to configure Hot Corners, Active Screen Edges, Workspace options, and app switching preferences.
Another new option found in the Settings tool is called Cellular, which allows users to configure mobile connections and modems. This option will only appear when GNOME recognizes the necessary hardware for that purpose.
The GNOME Software tool is also getting a few tweaks, most of which are merely cosmetic. You’ll also find the Power Profiles tool (introduced in GNOME 40) has evolved to make it easier to quickly switch between profiles. Those profiles have also been better integrated into the system. For example, the low power profile is now automatically activated when a laptop battery reaches a low level.
A new remote desktop app, called Connections, has been introduced, which makes it possible to easily connect and switch between multiple remote desktop sessions.
Finally, there have been numerous boosts to the performance of the desktop, so expect it to run even better than GNOME 40 (which should be impressive).
Find out more about what’s been improved and added in the official announcement.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.
-
Budgie 10.10 Scheduled for Q1 2025 with a Surprising Desktop Update
If Budgie is your desktop environment of choice, 2025 is going to be a great year for you.
-
Firefox 134 Offers Improvements for Linux Version
Fans of Linux and Firefox rejoice, as there's a new version available that includes some handy updates.
-
Serpent OS Arrives with a New Alpha Release
After months of silence, Ikey Doherty has released a new alpha for his Serpent OS.
-
HashiCorp Cofounder Unveils Ghostty, a Linux Terminal App
Ghostty is a new Linux terminal app that's fast, feature-rich, and offers a platform-native GUI while remaining cross-platform.
-
Fedora Asahi Remix 41 Available for Apple Silicon
If you have an Apple Silicon Mac and you're hoping to install Fedora, you're in luck because the latest release supports the M1 and M2 chips.
-
Systemd Fixes Bug While Facing New Challenger in GNU Shepherd
The systemd developers have fixed a really nasty bug amid the release of the new GNU Shepherd init system.