Spotify Linux Client (Finally) Fixes Missing Artwork Bug, Improves Speed
An update to the official Spotify Linux client is rolling out. Spotify doesn’t publish change-logs for Linux client updates but a couple of very noticeable improvements come bundled up in the latest build. Such as? For quite a while now Spotify’s MPRIS integration hasn’t been able to show album/track artwork due to a malformed URL on Spotify’s end (which no-one was in a hurry to fix). Although this was purely a cosmetic issue — music played fine and player controls still worked — the absence of album art did irritate enough folks for a slog of third-party workarounds, extensions, and 
#News
Linux Mint’s New Website is Live (And Yes, It Looks Fresh)
A brand-new Linux Mint website has gone live. Mint devs said that a revamped homepage was in the work, even inviting the community to get involved in shaping the form and function of it. All of that hardwork has paid off as the new Linux Mint website is online. And it’s looking great: As well as making an attractive first impression to potential new users, the new Linux Mint website cleanly conveys the core reasons why people find this particular Linux distro a solid alternative to other operating systems, like Microsoft Windows. From Mint’s famed “out of the box” experience
#Community #News #LinuxMint
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/09/linux-mints-new-website-goes-live-and-yes-it-looks-fresh
Ubuntu Wants to Make Firefox Snap the Default in 21.10
Ubuntu is making the Firefox Snap package the default for new installations of Ubuntu 21.10, as well as those upgrading from Ubuntu 21.04. A feature freeze exception request opened to get the Firefox deb package in the Ubuntu ‘seed’ replaced with the Snap version states: “Per Canonical’s distribution agreement with Mozilla, we’re making the snap the default installation of firefox on desktop ISOs starting with Ubuntu 21.10”. Firefox is currently distributed via the Ubuntu repo as a deb package. But users who install Ubuntu 21.10 will, once the feature freeze request is granted, find the official Snap version of Firefox
#News #Canonical #Firefox #SnapApps #Snapcraft #Snaps #Ubuntu21_10
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/09/ubuntu-makes-firefox-snap-default
Ubuntu 21.10 Default Wallpaper Revealed
Ubuntu 21.10’s new default wallpaper has been revealed. As expected, the new background doesn’t deviate from the recent trend of sporting a large animal mascot atop a purple and orange backdrop. But unlike unlike most of the recent mascot wallpapers produced this one is not designed using an angular origami style, nor is it composed entirely of circles (Bionic Beaver, Cosmic Cuttlefish, Hirsute Hippo). As well as a new default wallpaper, Ubuntu 21.10 will include the two winners from the recent Ubuntu 21.10 wallpaper contest. Ubuntu 21.10 is due for release in mid October. A beta release is expected next
#News #Wallpaper #Defaultwallpaper #ImpishIndri #Ubuntu21_10
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/09/ubuntu-21-10-default-wallpaper-revealed
Bored of Flat UIs? Check Out the Skeuos GTK Theme
Ever find yourself wishing your GTK theme had a bit more depth to it? If so, check out the Skeuos GTK theme by Daniel Ruiz de Alegría. His sumptuous skin skewers modern expectations by embracing the bevels, drop-shadows, and gradients most modern themes actively avoid. The result is a confident look with visible visual hierarchy to it. Buttons look like buttons, toggles look like toggles, and focused elements have clear presence. You won’t mistake a label for an action here. In this era of ever-flatter UIs it’s surprising how refreshing a splash of “ornamentation” can feel. Not wanting to leave
#Themes #Adwaita #EyeCandy #GtkThemes
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/09/skeuos-gtk-theme-for-linux-is-like-adwaita-with-depth
You Can Still Get Ubuntu 16.04 Security Updates, Here’s How
Did you know it’s possible to get security updates for Ubuntu 16.04 until 2024 without paying for an enterprise Ubuntu support package? ESM is not a reason to never upgrade, it is simply a stop gap I didn’t, not until today when a reader mailed in to tell me that Canonical offers free Ubuntu Advantage for Infrastructure accounts for personal use on up-to 3 machines (active Ubuntu members can use it on up to 50 machines). A gratis Ubuntu Advantage for Infrastructure account includes a couple of things but the most notable is …Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) for EOL releases.
#HowTo #XenialXerus
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/09/ubuntu-16-04-security-updates-esm-for-free
After 14 Years, the Official Ubuntu Podcast is Ending
The hosts of the official Ubuntu Podcast have announced the end of their weekly show. The final episode of the Ubuntu Podcast will be released on Sept 30.
#Community #News #Podcasts #UbuntuPodcast
Firefox 92 Released with Minor Changes, Postpones AVIF Support
Mozilla Firefox 92 release is now available to download. The new update is a modest one containing only minor changes the resurgent web browser, including more secure HTTPS connections and full-range color levels for video playback on, Mozilla say, ‘many systems’. Bookmark toolbar menus (i.e. bookmark folders and overflow menu) now adhere to Firefox’s new ‘Proton’ visual style; certificate error pages have a cleaner, less-gaudy look; and macOS users get to access their OS’s native sharing options from the Firefox File menu. Not the biggest set of changes, but still a welcome crop nonetheless. Heard that Firefox 92 includes AVIF
#Download #News #AppUpdates #Firefox
elementary OS 6 Gets First Post-Release Update
Users of elementary OS 6 should look out for a big set of updates. If you’re one of the 75,000 people who downloaded elementary OS 6 last month you will be likely be keen to know that a clutch of “free fix and feature updates” are rolling out to the system. Notable update highlights include: More compatible apps in App Center App Center shows link to Flathub if no search results Better IMAP account support in Online Accounts Ability to edit accounts in Online Accounts Mail app no longer asks you to save empty drafts Tasks app is now shipped
#News #Elementary
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/09/elementary-os-6-august-update-bug-fixes
SuperTuxKart 1.3 Features New Karts, New Arenas, and Nintendo Switch Support
A new version of famed FOSS racing game SuperTuxKart is nearing release, with a release candidate build now available to download.
#Dev #Download #Gaming #Supertuxkart
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#News #SiteStuff
Linux Kernel 5.14 Released, This is What’s New
Linux Kernel 5.14 has been released — and it’s a rather modest update compared to recent releases. Announcing the latest release, Linux founder Linus Torvalds couldn’t resist poking fun at all of the attention his ‘hobby’ project received for its 30th anniversary last week, remarking: I realize you must all still be busy with all the galas and fancy balls and all the other 30th anniversary events, but at some point you must be getting tired of the constant glitz, the fireworks, and the champagne. That ball gown or tailcoat isn’t the most comfortable thing, either. The celebrations will go
#News #Kernel #LinuxKernel
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/08/linux-kernel-5-14-new-features
How to Upgrade to MATE Desktop 1.26 on Ubuntu
Users of Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and 21.04 can now upgrade to the recent MATE desktop 1.26 release through a dedicated PPA. The ‘Fresh MATE PPA’ is maintained by Ubuntu MATE developers, and is aimed at existing users of Ubuntu MATE who want to install MATE desktop 1.26 on their systems. However, the PPA (and the packages within) are compatible with all Ubuntu flavours, meaning you can add this PPA to install the MATE desktop experience alongside whichever DEs you use at present (just, be careful). The PPA provides updated MATE desktop components (including new versions of core apps like Pluma
#HowTo #News #DesktopEnvironments #MartinWimpress #Matedesktop #Ppas #UbuntuMate
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/08/install-mate-desktop-1-26-on-ubuntu
New Website Launched to Showcase GNOME Apps
Up for discovering some neat new GNOME apps? I expect you are. Indeed, finding cool new Linux software to run is a big reason why people read blogs like this one (we write about GTK apps often). Chances are you’re already familiar with GNOME’s core apps like Nautilus and Calculator as they (usually) come preinstalled in Linux distros that make use of GNOME. But there’s a much wider ecosystem out there — and GNOME wants more people to know about it. Enter the new “Apps For GNOME” website. ‘Apps for GNOME’ Website Launched today, August 27, the new apps.gnome.org website
#Community #Gnome #Website
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/08/new-website-launched-to-showcase-gnome-apps
You Can Now Try the CuteFish Desktop Environment on Ubuntu
You can now try the CuteFish desktop environment on top of an Ubuntu base, with CuteFish OS Ubuntu. A installable image of the distro is available to download for testing and development purposes. While it can’t be recommended for daily driver status (the desktop environment is under active development) it is nonetheless a great way to sample the promising, Qt-based CuteFish desktop environment. The current .iso is based off of Kubuntu 21.04, but uses the Qt-based CuteFish desktop by default rather the more familiar KDE Plasma. A small selection of KDE software come preinstalled, such text editor Kate, screenshot tool
#Dev #Download #Cutefish #Distros
Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS Released, Available to Download
The third point release of Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is available to download, albeit a few weeks later than was originally intended. This newly spun install images contains all of the security patches, bug fixes, and app updates released to Ubuntu 21.04 since the Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS released was issued back in February. New installer media is a necessary task for a long-term support release as it cuts down considerably on the number of post-install updates required. Or to put it another way: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is supported until 2025. If the install media was not periodically refreshed it would mean
#Download #News #FocalFossa #Lts #PointRelease #Ubuntu20_04Lts
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/08/ubuntu-20-04-3-point-release
Bq, Makers of the First Ubuntu Phone, Have Gone Bust
The company behind the first retail Ubuntu Phone and Ubuntu Tablet has gone bust. Spanish hardware company Bq (also known as Bq Readers) found moderate successful selling a range of Android phones and tablets in Europe. But it gained more attention when it repurposed several of its handsets in 2015 to run Ubuntu Touch, later launching a pair of ‘convergent’ tablets too. The first Bq Ubuntu Phones got a lukewarm reception. Artificial scarcity made the handsets difficult to buy, and the comparatively high cost for lower-end specs dampened enthusiasm. Sales were also (considerably) lower-than-expected, which (one assumes) fed into Bq’s
#News #Bq #UbuntuPhone
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/08/spanish-phone-company-bq-is-no-more
OpenShot Video Editor Gets a Big Ol’ Update
A new version of the OpenShot video editor is now available to download — and it’s boasting some colossal sounding improvements. OpenShot 2.6.0 is the first update to this popular open source video editor this year, but it looks to have been well worth the wait. Bundled up inside the latest build are new ‘computer vision and AI’ effects. These include some impressive-sounding motion tracking and object detection capabilities, plus configurable stabilisation effect to (try to) straighten out any shaky footage. However, there are a few caveats to a few of these effects. The ‘object detector’ effect, for instance, doesn’t
#News #AppUpdates #Openshot #VideoEditors
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/08/openshot-2-60-video-editor-motion-tracking-features
Happy 30th Birthday, Linux!
Linux is now 30 years old! Today, August 25 is the day most (but not all) open-source folk recognise as the famous kernel’s formal founding. It was on this day 30 years ago that a fresh-faced Fin named Linus Torvalds sat down to punch out a small announcement to share it with the Minix newsgroup. The subject? His ‘hobby’ operating system: Hello everybody out there using minix- I’m doing a (free) operating system (just a hobby, won’t be big and professional like gnu) for 386(486) AT clones. This has been brewing since april, and is starting to get ready. I’d like any feedback on
#Event #Birthday
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/08/happy-30th-birthday-linux
These Are The Best New Features in GNOME 41
With the GNOME 41 beta now out, ahead of a stable release in September, I figured it is a good time to run through the various new GNOME 41 features and changes. Y’know, so you can get a taste for what’s coming. GNOME 41 doesn’t include as many desktop layout rejigs as the GNOME 40 release in the spring, but the same sincere commitment to improving the GNOME desktop experience is there all the same. As you are about to see, there is a stack of new features and ‘interesting’ design changes to talk about, so scroll down to swot
#Feature #News #Gnome41
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2021/08/gnome-41-features-and-changes
