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Pop!_OS 22.04 now available with updated Ubuntu base and new features
Canonical just released Ubuntu Linux 22.04 last week, with a slew of new features and
an extended support period of five years.
Pop!_OS, one of the more popular desktop Linux distributions based on Ubuntu, has now released
an update with the new Ubuntu version as the foundation.
Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu and uses many of Ubuntu’s packages and default applications,
but with a customized version of the Gnome desktop environment that System76 calls ‘Cosmic’.
There are a few other changes too, like built-in drivers for Nvidia graphics cards (if you
install using the Nvidia PC installer) and a custom app store.
The new release improves the experience for automatic updates, which can now be optionally
scheduled for a certain day and time.
The automatic updates work for Debian, Flatpak, and Nix packages, so the settings panel is
a one-stop shop for managing how most applications and system components are updated.
However, automatic updates are still turned off by default.
System76 added a new Support panel in the Settings app, which has quick links to documentation
articles, the community support chat, professional support (for people who have purchased System76
computers), and log files.
The revamped Pop!_Shop app store is available, with a more responsive interface, progress
bars on Update and Install buttons, and a new ‘Recently Updated’ home page section
that highlights applications that just published new updates.
The general desktop experience has been updated with improved multi-monitor support, more
HiDPI optimizations, and faster performance.
System76 also switched the audio system to PipeWire, instead of the older PulseAudio
system used by Ubuntu and many other Linux systems.
The changeover shouldn’t break any software, but your mileage may vary.
:: More ::
System76 has made Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS available to download.
The latest version of the flagship Linux distro from this US-based computer vendor is based
on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
It inherits much of that release’s foundations, including the lift to GNOME 42, but adds its
own ‘Cosmic’ desktop experience and other embellishments.
In this post we detail what’s new in Pop OS 22.04, show you some screenshots of its
(starry) new look, and provide a link to download Pop OS 22.04 so you can try it out for yourself
(and no: you don’t need to own a System76 laptop or desktop to use it).
Pop OS 22.04: New Features
Pop OS 22.04 retains the GNOME-based COSMIC desktop experience.
This provides a tranche of (optional) tiling options, a non-full screen app launcher, a
searchable quick launcher, and vertically managed workspaces.
These, with the exception of minor workspaces tweaks, are as featured in previous releases.
But there are “new” things to see elsewhere.
New update schedule options are now available in the Settings > OS Upgrade & Recovery panel.
Here Pop users can dial down to schedule a specific date and time for their system to
handle updates to repo, Flatpak, and Nix software:
In a nod to Linux Mint, update notifications are now shown weekly by default.
Those who want to see them sooner (or less often) can adjust the frequency.
Update notifications don’t show at all if automatic updates are enabled (though this
setting isn’t default).
Pop OS 22.04 also introduces a new ‘Support’ panel in the Settings app.
From here, ‘Popnauts’ can get help with their system, find links to community chat,
submit support tickets to System76 (only on System76 hardware, of course), and generate
log files to help with troubleshooting:
Pop!_Shop, the distro’s default software manager, now touts an ‘improved storefront’
able to showcase recently updated apps.
The client also picks up notable backend code tweaks, improves the reliability of package
operations, and gains responsive design tweaks to improve its appearance during tiling.
Other changes in Pop!_OS 22.04 include an improved workspaces view with HiDPI fixes,
increased performance, and ‘better multi-monitor support’; limiting the max capacity of the
journald log to 1GB; and following Ubuntu and GNOME by making RDP the default for Remote
Desktop usage.
Pop!_OS 22.04 defaults to PipeWire for audio processing.
Any software designed to work with PulseAudio is compatible with PipeWire.
System76 say “this change will open up the door for better audio quality, control, and
customization going forward”.
A newer Linux kernel is provided than that found in Ubuntu 22.04.
System76 endeavour to issue new kernel versions as software updates more frequently than Ubuntu
does.
At launch, Pop OS 22.04 includes Linux 5.16, but Linux 5.17 is expected to roll out in
the coming months.
Finally, in a move something gamers in particular will appreciate, the “System76 Scheduler
optimizes performance by directing resources to the window in focus” — nice!
You can download Pop!_OS 22.04 from the System76 website.
Two .iso images are provided: one for users with NVIDIA graphics hardware, and one for
Intel/AMD and anything else.
Make sure you download the correct one for your hardware to get the best possible experience.
Pop!_OS system requirements mandate a 64-bit processor, plus a minimum of 4GB RAM and 16GB
storage.
Alternatively, it is possible to upgrade to Pop OS 22.04 from 21.10 in-place, directly,
with no fresh install required.
See the linked guide or refer to the System76 website for more details on how to upgrade
safely.
Pop!_OS 22.04 Summary New ‘Support’ section in Settings
More control over updates & upgrades GNOME 42 + COSMIC UX
Linux Kernel 5.16 (at launch) New System76 scheduler
Smoother Pop!_Shop PipeWire as default audio handler
Improved Workspace view
:: More ::
Pop!_OS is a desktop distribution featuring the GNOME desktop, it is based on Ubuntu and
developed by System76.
The company's latest release is Pop!_OS 22.04 which is a long-term support (LTS) edition.
"Automatic updates: update and upgrade Pop!_OS automatically from the 'OS Upgrade & Recovery'
panel in Settings; minimize interruption by scheduling what day and time you want your
computer to perform the updates; scheduled automatic updates include support for Debian,
Flatpak and Nix packages; to reduce distractions, notifications for available updates are set
to show weekly by default; the frequency can also be set to daily or monthly notifications;
notifications won't show if you have automatic updates enabled; automatic updates are turned
off by default; at the bottom of the Settings menu, you'll find the new Support panel - here,
you'll have quick access to troubleshooting resources such as: documentation articles
for both Pop!_OS and System76 hardware on the support page; the community support chat....
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