Elementary OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that features the custom developed Pantheon desktop environment. It’s been designed with non-technical users in mind and is a great introduction to the world of Linux, but also caters to veteran Linux users.
Elementary OS is a 100% free to use with an optional “pay-what-you-want model”. It’s very similar to macOS in terms of UI and usability, and is used by millions of beauty lovers around the world.
What’s New in elementary OS 6
Today, the elementary OS team released version 6 codenamed “Odin” of its operating system, which comes with Kernel version 5.11. Without doubts, elementary OS 6 is one of the most anticipated Linux distributions of 2021. It brings several remarkable improvements to the user experience and the core system.
elementary OS 6 Dark Theme
Elementary OS 6 introduces a dark theme. Users can choose the dark theme either from the Welcome Screen or from the System Settings.
It also offers 10 different accent colors, which will decide the major color component in the official theme. In addition to, you can choose an automatic accent from the wallpaper.
Flatpak Apps
In elementary OS 6 all AppCenter apps are now packaged and distributed as Flatpak. For those who are unfamiliar with Flatpak, it is a modern container format that keeps apps isolated away from each other and your sensitive data.
Also you can control the permissions granted for each app from the application view in the System Settings. These protections are in place for apps installed from AppCenter, but also apply to all apps installed via the built-in side load utility.
New Multi-touch Support in elementary OS 6
One of the most interesting new features in elemntary OS 6 for touchscreen and touchpad users is the new multi-touch support throughout.
A three-finger swipe up smoothly opens the multitasking view, exposing open apps and workspaces. A three-finger swipe left or right smoothly switches between dynamic workspaces making it even faster to jump between tasks.
In addition to the desktop multi-touch gestures many of the elementary OS native apps also support multi-touch actions.
Redesigned Notification System
Elementary OS 6 brings a redesign and under the hood rewrite with richer more capable notifications than ever. Notification bubbles now feature badge capability enabling apps to send richer information like a visual status indicators.
Apps can also now send actions along with notifications, which are displayed as buttons right within the notification bubble. It’s easier than ever to not only be informed by apps but to take quick actions without ever needing to open the app.
New Tasks App
The brand new Tasks app debuts in elementary OS 6 helping you tackle your To-Do list whether it’s stored on your device or synchronized with an online account.
Built-in Firmware Updater
The new release comes with built-in firmware updater powered by the Linux vendor firmware service. It supports devices by hardware manufacturers like Star Labs, Dell, Lenovo, HP, Intel, Logitech, Wacom, 8bitdo and more.
Online Accounts
This new release comes with support for adding Online Accounts from System Settings. Elementary OS 6 now support adding both mail and calendar accounts that support the IMAP and CalDav standards.
Once added, data from these accounts will show up across the system in apps like Mail, Calendar, and Tasks as well as in the Date & Time panel indicator.
Keep in mind some account providers require you to explicitly enable IMAP and CalDav support in your account, and some may require you to use an app password. Refer to your online account provider’s documentation for the exact details.
Other Improvements
Elementary OS 6 also brings refinements and improvements to most of the built-in applications including Web, Files, Music, Calendar, Videos, Camera, Code, Mail, Photos, and Terminal.
For detailed information about all changes, you can refer to the official announcement.
Download elementary OS 6
You can download elementary OS 6 from the elementary project website through a “pay-what-you-want”. If you don’t want to pay anything you need to manually enter “0” in the custom amount box in order for a download link to appear.
Of course, we encourage you to make a small donation to this amazing Linux distribution, if it’s within your means.
Conclusion
Until now users were waiting for this release like anything. Overall, elementary OS 6 is a gorgeous distro replete with a lot of visual appeal.
Thank you to the many developers, both working at elementary OS in a full time capacity and who volunteer. This team has created a wonderful thing. Keep up the great work!
Have you used elementary OS before? Which other reasons would you add to this list? Feel free to share your experience with us in the comments section below.
Elementary OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu . Well, surprise, surprise.
Another relative in a long line of pretenders.
So, instead of all the flag waving, why isn’t there a comparison with Ubuntu or Mint.
Tell us why we might be interested in putting this OS on Ventoy and taking it for a test drive.
Why is this better than Mint, or the 73 other flavours of Ubuntu.
Hi Jed,
Thank you for your comment. The decision whether to use this distribution or another is entirely based on the personal preferences, habits, and needs of each individual Linux user.
Hm, Isn’t it exactly what the article explains ?
It only focuses on what makes elementary different. (Pantheon, pay-xhat-you-want mode, FlatPak centric, for instance).
Ok it’s not exactly stated like that but what would you expect ? a double entry table with 73 distribs ? Go on distrowatch 😉
Yeah Jed