Wondering what to expect in Linux Mint 21.2 when it’s released this June?
Well, wonder no more! Linux Mint lead Clem Lefebvre has shared a details on the team has planned for Linux Mint 21.1. For one, it now has a codename: “Victoria” (if you haven’t cottoned on to it yet, each version of Linux Mint gets given a “human” codename because …Well, I’m not really sure why).
Clem also confirms that the Linux Mint 21.2 release date is pencilled in for late June. This date isn’t a surprise as it’s with when previous Linux Mint releases have appeared.
As per tradition, Linux Mint 21.1 will be available in 3 versions: one using the Cinnamon desktop; one shipping the MATE desktop; and one opting for the Xfce desktop — the latest Xfce 4.18 release to be exact.
“Tell us something we couldn’t guess for ourselves”, no-one shouts at me (but probably should).
Okay, so new features planned for Linux Mint 21.1 include a slate of improvements to the Slick Greeter login screen, including support for multiple keyboard layouts (accessed from an indicator), and auto-enabling tap-to-click by default if, well, the user can tap-to-click.
Personally, I tap to click everything — well, everything but the spell-check button, right? 😉
Additionally, Linux Mint’s login screen is going to support configurable layouts in Onboard, the on-screen keyboard; improve keyboard navigation (so you can reposition the caret in typed passwords using your arrow keys); show a button for toggling password visibility (cos hey, I make typos); and allow scrolling in the session picker.
Rounding out Slick Greeter’s slick improvement will, Mint say, be support for Wayland sessions — interesting!
Linux Mint 21.1 also promises to put a bunch of photo-related improvements in frame. HEIF and AVIF images are going to supported out of the box; Xreader will preview Adobe Illustrator files (.ai); and the Pix photo manager is being rebased atop a newer version of gThumb, an uplift that adds a TON of improvements.
Chances are there’ll be more besides this, but for now this is the “known” knowns. Also known is that Linux Mint 21.2 ‘Victoria’ will remain based on top of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Linux kernel 5.15.
Are there any specific changes or improvements you want to see in Linux Mint 21.2? Share ’em down in the comments — just keep things civil and constructive!
