Features the latest MATE 1.20 desktop environment

Apr 22, 2019 13:59 GMT  ·  By

The Ubuntu MATE 19.04 operating system has been released as part of the Ubuntu 19.04 (Disco Dingo) operating system series, a release that adds latest software updates and some interesting new features.

Powered by the stable and well-tested MATE 1.20.4 desktop environment with some improvements and new features from the MATE 1.22 release, which needs more testing to be eligible for inclusion in future Ubuntu MATE release, the Ubuntu MATE 19.04 (Disco Dingo) operating system adds major improvements for owners of AMD Radeon and Nvidia graphics cards.

"During the Ubuntu 18.10 development cycle the Linux kernel, firmware, Mesa and Vulkan were all updated to ensure we offered the best possible support for sipping AMD GPUs. During the 19.04 cycle AMD support has been uplifted again but we have also improved the “out of box” experience for NVIDIA GPU owner," said project lead Martin Wimpress in the release announcement.

During the installation, users will be able to install the Nvidia proprietary drivers for Linux for an out-of-the-box Nvidia GPU experience on hybrid graphics laptops by selecting the "Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats" option from the installer. The Nvidia drivers will be configured post-install.

Additionally, Ubuntu MATE 19.04 features a special applet that will only appear for users with laptops that support hybrid graphics, such as Nvidia and Intel. The brand new MATE Optimus Hybrid Graphics applet can be easily spotted on the top panel by the Nvidia logo, allowing you to easily and quickly switch between the dedicated Nvidia GPU and the on-board Intel GPU.

Ubuntu MATE 19.04 for GPD Pocket and GPD Pocket 2 is here

Apart from the hardware improvements for Nvidia GPU owners and hybrid laptop users, the Ubuntu MATE 19.04 release updates various of its components, including the MATE Dock Applet to version 0.88, which adds new visual options for fans of the old Unity 7 desktop, support for Remote Desktop Awareness (RDA) technology, as well as support for the GPD Pocket and GPD Pocket 2 mini computers.

Under the hood, Ubuntu MATE 19.04 is powered by the Linux 5.0 kernel and ships with Mozilla Firefox 66.0.3 as default web browser, LibreOffice 6.2.2.2 as default office suite, Mozilla Thunderbird 60.6.1 as default email and news client, as well as VLC 3.0.6 as default media player. You can download Ubuntu MATE 19.04 right now through our free software portal. Ubuntu MATE 19.04 is supported for nine months, until January 2020.

MATE Optimus indicator
MATE Optimus indicator
Selecting third-party drivers
Selecting third-party drivers

Ubuntu MATE 19.04 (3 Images)

Ubuntu MATE 19.04
MATE Optimus indicatorSelecting third-party drivers
Open gallery