Canonical has announced the beta release of Ubuntu 19.10 Desktop, Server, and Cloud products. The release, dubbed Eoan Ermine, is expected to see its final release on October 17, 2019. According to the company, the beta images are free of most “showstopper” bugs and is representative of the features intended to ship with the final release.
In its announcement, Canonical said that the beta release includes images not only for the main Ubuntu Desktop, Server, and Cloud products but also for other spins including Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, UbuntuKylin, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Studio, and Xubuntu. Each version includes its own unique desktop environment, suited for different purposes; for example, Lubuntu and Xubuntu are suited to low-end computers while Ubuntu and Kubuntu will perform better on more powerful machines.
With the new update, users should expect to see new updated core packages including Linux kernel 5.3 and GNOME 3.34. There’s also a new light Yaru GTK theme and a selection of new wallpapers, great if you’re getting a bit tired of the existing look of Ubuntu.
Ubuntu 19.10 is the final release before Canonical launches Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. With it being an inter-LTS release, Ubuntu 19.10 will get updates for just nine months until July 2020. Ubuntu 20.04 on the other hand, could potentially receive security updates until 2030 if Canonical chooses to support it for 10 years like it has decided to do with Ubuntu 18.04 LTS.