Ubuntu MATE 23.04 is here! As usual, it is one of the most exciting Ubuntu flavours available.
Not to forget, Ubutu MATE 22.10 included some new MATE desktop feature upgrades along with AI wallpapers being added to the collection.
Let me mention some of the key highlights of this release.
Ubuntu MATE 23.04: What's New?
Some of the biggest Ubuntu MATE changes include:
Dropping Flatpak by default
PipeWire replaces PulseAudio
Linux Kernel 6.2
New wallpapers
Ubuntu MATE was one of the flavours that featured Flatpak support by default.
Of course, users who prefer Flatpak over Snap favored Ubuntu MATE for its out-of-the-box support on Ubuntu MATE 22.10 or older.
Unfortunately, with Ubuntu MATE 23.04, users will have to manually setup Flatpak if they want it. Canonical recently made this decision for all its flavours, if you did not know.
MATE desktop environment has seen some subtle improvements, and gets a minor version bump with MATE 1.26.1 as its version pre-installed. You can also notice some icon updates throughout the system.
Next, with PipeWire as its sound server, you should have no issues with detecting various sound devices/sources.
Of course, Linux Kernel 6.2 should also compliment to that with better hardware compatibility and refinements.
Not to forget, Ubuntu MATE 23.04 adds some cool artwork (AI generated) for background. Thanks to Simon Butcher.
Abhishek Prakash
