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Linux Lite 8.0 “Hematite” Launches with Linux Kernel 7.0, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Base
Based on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon) and powered by Linux kernel 7.0, Linux Lite 8.0 (codename Hematite) introduces Calamares as the default graphical installer, replacing Ubuntu’s Ubiquity desktop installer, support for the DEB822 sources format, and an OEM installer for hardware vendors.
Linux Lite 8.0 also ports all the in-house Lite applications to GTK4 for a modern Linux app experience, along with a new default theme for a fresh new look and a new Plymouth boot splash theme featuring a script-based animated feather spinner.
An update (by Roy)
Ji M:
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Linux Lite 8.0 Released! High Performance Kernel & Ubuntu 26.04 Base
After a month of RC testing, GNU/Linux Lite 8.0 was finally released today! GNU/Linux Lite 8.0, code-name Hematite, is a lightweight GNU/Linux Distribution that features XFCE Desktop 4.20 with custom themes and core apps, high performance custom Kernel 7.0, and Ubuntu 26.04 package base.
Notebookcheck:
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Beginner-friendly Linux Lite 8.0 sports a new installer and kernels, much more - Notebookcheck News
Based on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Linux Lite 8.0 is a refresh of a distro that has been around for no less than 14 years. Codenamed Hematite, it uses Xfce with LightDM to provide a pleasant and reliable visual user experience. In this release, all custom apps have been translated into no fewer than 22 languages, and all GUI apps were ported to GTK4 (from GTK3/WebKit2).
In addition to the above, Linux Lite 8.0 also comes with Calamares instead of Ubiquity, Firefox becomes the default web browser once again, Python moves from 3.12 to 3.14.4+, Btop replaces Htop, an expanded Lite Software app replaces Synaptic Package Manager, the desktop is translated into 23 languages, JPEG-XL files work out-of-the-box, the Dirty Frag vulnerability is no longer an issue, and the OEM installer for hardware vendors got translated into no less than 25 languages.
Official:
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Linux Lite 8.0 Final Released
Linux Lite 8.0 Final is now available for download.
To every person who filed a bug report, shared feedback, and has stuck with us - this release is dedicated to you.
Series 8 represents 14 years of community-driven purpose culminating in Linux Lite's largest development cycle ever: a brand-new installer, new performance driven kernels, end-to-end GTK4 theming, plentiful customisation, a Game Center that gives you all the tools you need to get up and running in minutes, a slew of new in-house applications and unprecedented translation coverage at every level of the system. Series 8 will continue to build on this foundation with improved usability, expanded applications, more choice, more control and ongoing performance refinements to our custom kernels. Thank you. Genuinely.
See below for more details.
The Register:
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Linux Lite 8.0 sheds Chrome, slims down, and finds its name fits better than ever
Linux Lite 8.0 is now available, rebuilt atop Ubuntu 26.04 and with its custom helper apps rewritten around GTK4.
It arrives almost exactly two years after we looked at Linux Lite 7, itself two years after Linux Lite 6.0. The regularity of the release cycle is a sign of its maturity: the project is now 14 years old.
Version 8 is based on Ubuntu 26.04 Resolute Raccoon, but it eliminates the vexed question that many distros pose: which desktop to use. Linux Lite uses version 4.20 of the Xfce desktop, which in our opinion is an excellent choice.
gHacks:
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Linux Lite 8.0 Released With Ubuntu 26.04 Base, GTK4 Helper Apps, and Firefox Replacing Chrome - gHacks Tech News
Linux Lite 8.0 has been released. The new version is based on Ubuntu 26.04 Resolute Raccoon and comes with Xfce 4.20 as its desktop environment.
Following its usual pattern, Linux Lite's major updates are tied to new Ubuntu LTS releases, with version 8 arriving about two years after Linux Lite 7.
Key changes include rewritten helper applications that now use GTK4, Firefox replacing Google Chrome as the default browser, and the Calamares installer replacing Canonical's Ubiquity.
The update also supports in-place upgrades from Linux Lite 7.x to 8.x. The new release has a download size roughly 410MB smaller than its predecessor.