After all the news and waiting, Ubuntu 21.04 Hirsute Hippo Beta release is finally available to download. Unlike previous Ubuntu beta releases that came with tons of visual and internal changes, this release is rather very plain.
In this article, let’s look at the latest Ubuntu 21.04 Beta features and how you can update to the same from Ubuntu 20.04, 19, and 18 versions if you can’t wait until the stable release. Let’s get started.
Hirsute Hippo Features: What’s New?
The absence of GNOME 40 is disappointing, but hey! It comes with GNOME 40 apps, at least. Do verify to check out ourGNOME 40 new features in Fedora 34 Betaarticle.
Ubuntu now uses Wayland as the default session. For starters, it is a replacement for X.org’s windowing system, which was developed in 1984 and is still used a lot. Here are some benefits of Wayland over X.org.
Some of the other features that Ubuntu 21.04 comes with are; Pipewire support and the ability to change the power profile mode.
Apart from that, it also comes with a new set of preloaded wallpapers if you’re interested in that. Ubuntu 21.04 is also available in other flavors like Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Kubuntu, Ubuntu MATE, and Xubuntu.
How To Update To Ubuntu 21.04 From Older Versions
Updating to Ubuntu 21.04 is quite simple.Please note that you’ll need to clean install Ubuntu 21.04 stable it’s out.
From the app menu, find and open theSoftware and Updatesapp.
Head over to theUpdatessection and in theNotify me of a new Ubuntu versiondropdown, select theFor any new versionoption and close the app.
Open up the terminal app and type the following commandsudo apt update && sudo apt dist-upgradeAuthenticate by typing your password and typey, and hit enter in the terminal if asked.Wait patiently until the whole update process’s done.
Now, type the commandupdate-manager -dBy this, you’re telling Ubuntu to look for a development version, i.e., Ubuntu 21.04 in this case.
After theSoftware Updaterfinishes checking for updates, it’ll show you a message that reads.The software is up-to-date. However, Ubuntu 20.10 is now available (you have “your Ubuntu version”)Click on upgrade. The process might take 30-45 minutes to complete depending on your internet’s speed.
Once the installation’s done, you’ll be asked to restart the computer, and the next thing you’ll see is Hirsute Hippo’s awkwardly beautiful default wallpaper.
What do you think of Hirsute Hippo and its features? Do share your thoughts in the comments section below.
