Zorin OS 17 Beta Released with Quick Settings, Spatial Desktop, and More

posted by Marius Nestor on Dec 04, 2023,
updated Dec 12, 2023

Derived from the long-term supported Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) operating system series, more specifically from the Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS point release with the Linux 6.2 kernel and Mesa 23.0 graphics stack, Zorin OS 17 beta is here to introduce a much refined and modern desktop experience.

Even though it is based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, which uses the GNOME 42 desktop environment series, Zorin OS 17 beta ships with a newer GNOME desktop, namely GNOME 43, featuring Quick Settings, full GTK4 theming, an advanced window-tiling experience, new Power modes, a new screenshot and screen recording experience, as well as a new and refined Activities Overview feature.

Read on

More Updates:

• Zorin OS 17 Beta Unveiled with Striking Improvements

  Zorin OS is a Ubuntu-based distribution built with ease of use and aesthetics in mind. Targeted at desktop users and those migrating from Windows or macOS to Linux, the OS offers the pleasant look and feel of traditional desktop environments, making it an ideal choice for those new to the Linux ecosystem.

  That’s precisely why every new update creates quite a buzz, especially when it’s a major one like the just-unveiled Zorin OS 17 Beta, which gives us a clear preview of what we can expect in the final release.

• Zorin OS 17 Beta revolutionizes the Linux desktop experience with exciting new features and enhancements

  Zorin OS 17 Beta was released today, and the new pre-release version of the operating system is chock full of changes. For instance, the Zorin Menu has undergone a transformation, evolving from a simple launcher to a versatile universal search tool. This enhancement aims to streamline the user experience, allowing for quick access to files, appointments, and more with customizable search settings.

  Zorin OS 17 Beta introduces an improved activities overview, emphasizing ease of use in multitasking. Workspaces are now arranged horizontally and are easily navigable, offering a more intuitive workflow.

• Zorin OS 17 Beta – a first look at what we can enjoy soon on our Linux desktop

  Recently I received another email from the team behind Zorin OS. Many of you will know by now that Zorin OS is high on my list of most favorite Linux distributions, and when I received this email my heart skipped a little beat again. An email from the Zorin team usually means exciting new things I can try out for myself and for all of you. And this time it is about the Beta of Zorin OS 17 in which we get a taste of all the new features and improvements that we can expect for the new major Zorin OS release. So sit back and relax: Zorin OS 17 Beta – a first look at what we can enjoy soon on our Linux desktop.

• Zorin OS 17 Beta Includes New ‘Spatial Desktop’ Features

  Zorin OS 17 sees the Ubuntu-based distro rebase on top of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS but, interestingly, it includes GNOME 43 rather than GNOME 42, which is the version included in Ubuntu 22.04.

  Given the substantial leap from GNOME 3.38 used in previous Zorin OS releases, this version offers much improved performance and several major user experience changes, such as a horizontal workspace switcher, interactive screenshot tool, and button-based Quick Settings menu.

Linux Magazine:

• Zorin OS 17 Beta Available for Testing

  The team behind Zorin OS is proud to announce the release of the beta for version 17 of the popular Linux distribution.

  The developers and designers behind Zorin OS listened to the feedback of the community when creating the new release to bring what they are calling the "greatest and most refined computing experience ever."

  New features found in Zorin OS 17 beta include a universal search in the main menu, which allows you to search for apps, files, calendar appointments, contacts, world clocks, apps that can be installed from the Software store, and even use it as a calculator. It's also possible to customize the search providers within Settings > Search Panel.

It's FOSS News:

• Zorin OS 17 is Redefining the Visual Experience in a Linux Distro

  The next upgrade for one of the most beautiful Linux distributions, Zorin OS, is around the corner.

  Before the release, they have revealed what you get with Zorin 17, along with the availability of its first beta version (for testers).

  Let's get started and see what's in store.

Original:

• A Sneak Peek at Zorin OS 17

  We’re thrilled to finally share our next giant leap with the release of the Zorin OS 17 Beta today.

  This major new release comes packed with exciting new features and improvements to take your computer to a whole new level. We paid close attention to your feedback when designing and crafting Zorin OS 17 to bring you our greatest and most refined computing experience ever.

ZDNet:

• This could be the best GNU/Linux distro of the year (and it's not even close)

  Zorin OS inches closer to taking me away from my go-to distribution Ubuntu Budgie and the first beta release of version 17 only solidifies that.