Today, Deepin, a Debian-based Linux distribution developed by the Chinese company Deepin Technology, has pleased its users with the brand-new Deepin 23.
The new release shines with updated aesthetics and numerous functional enhancements catering to new and seasoned users, so let’s look at all the novelties.
Deepin 23 Highlights
Before diving into the new features, I want to highlight that the issue we faced in the RC version has been fixed, so a big shout-out to the development team for their hard work.
Enhanced Core System Features
Deepin 23 debuts with an overhauled system repository that supports newer hardware architectures, including ARM64, RISC-V, and LoongArch64, which promises improved stability and security across various devices.
It is also worth mentioning that introducing a new repository for version 23 has seen the upgrade of over 8,000 core packages.
A New Update Mechanisms
The release introduces “Atomic Updates,” a new installation and upgrade mechanism designed to minimize disk space usage during updates and provide a flexible, robust system backup and rollback capability. This feature is a game-changer for users prioritizing system stability and security during upgrades.
Linyaps: Bridging Gaps Between Platforms
Deepin 23 also introduces “Linyaps,” an innovative packaging system that allows applications to be packaged once and distributed across multiple platforms.
Yes, you can consider it another alternative to Flatpak or Snaps. It is a separate question whether the Linux ecosystem needs it and how much continuity it will get.
Its main goal is to simplify application deployment and enhance system stability by preventing conflicts between application and system dependencies.
DDE: Where Elegance Meets Usability
We now come to Deepin’s main striking featureโits in-house-backed Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE), which has seen a comprehensive makeover in version 23. The release introduces a new taskbar, launcher, and an array of polished and eye-catching personalization themes.
System management and user interaction enhancements promise a seamless transition for users upgrading from other systems. The Control Center and taskbar redesign optimize user experience with a more logical layout and intuitive interaction capabilities.
Cross-Device Collaboration
Deepin 23 extends its functionality with improved cross-device collaboration features, enabling easier file and operation sharing across multiple devices and systems. These features include support for file transfers, clipboard sharing, and cursor sharing between Deepin and other operating systems such as Windows.
Cloud Sync and AI Integration
The new release enhances its cloud sync capabilities, now supporting the synchronization of browser data and calendar schedules, thus providing a more integrated user experience across different devices.
Additionally, Deepin V23 integrates UOS AI, which connects to AI models to enhance daily tasks with capabilities like image editing, email management, and global search within the operating system.
Conclusion
Deepin 23 stands out for its impressive design and meticulous attention to detail, making it an excellent choice for new Linux users looking for an attractive, seamless, out-of-the-box experience.
Certainly, this ranks it alongside the top Linux distributions when we talk about aesthetics. Moreover, the system comes with a full suite of applications, many of which are in-house developed, covering virtually the entire spectrum of needs of the average desktop user.
However, if you’re a seasoned Linux enthusiast who enjoys messing around under the hood, Deepin might not be the ideal fit for you. In any case, we recommend you try it out.
Visit the release announcement for all the details about the new Deepin 23. The installation ISO images are available on the project’s website’s download section.
Lastly, the Deepin installer requires at least 64GB of disk space, so keep this in mind before installing. Additionally, since the distribution is a bit heavy, ensure that your hardware is fairly recent to take full advantage of its features and aesthetics.
