elementary OS 8, codenamed "Circe", is now available for download! Built on Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS and powered by Linux Kernel 6.8, elementary OS 8 introduces many key features that enhance privacy, security, multitasking, and inclusivity.
You can download elementary OS 8 from the official elementary OS website, choose to pay what you want, or purchase a computer with it pre-installed from retailers like Laptop with Linux, Star Labs, or Slimbook.
In this blog post, let's take a look at what's new in elementary OS 8.
Table of Contents
Privacy and Security: A Top Priority
The new Secure Session is a major step forward for privacy and security in elementary OS 8. You can choose your preferred session at the time of user login.
By default, the OS uses the Classic Session, where apps behave as they always have. However, you can choose to use the Secure Session, which leverages Wayland to restrict what apps can do. This means apps will need your permission to access things like your microphone, screen, and even individual pixels.
The new Portals system is a key part of this. It acts as a secure intermediary between apps and system features. If an app wants to take a screenshot or record your screen, it needs to use the appropriate Portal and get your consent. I find this reassuring as it gives me more control over my privacy.
AppCenter and Flathub: More Apps Than Ever
AppCenter, the pay-what-you-want app store, has been a highlight of elementary OS since its introduction. In elementary OS 8, Flathub is now included by default. This means you have access to a much wider selection of apps, including those made specifically for elementary OS, Linux in general, and popular cross-platform apps like Discord and Spotify.
AppCenter itself has received some design tweaks, including clearer badges and links to source code and developer sponsorship pages. It's a welcome change that makes it easier to find the information I need about an app.
A New Dock: Multitasking Made Easy
The Dock has been completely rewritten for elementary OS 8. It retains the familiar features from previous versions while adding new ones to enhance multitasking.
For instance, clicking an app icon now consistently focuses or opens a window, even switching workspaces if needed. Middle-clicking an app icon reliably opens a new window, and scrolling over an icon lets you cycle through open windows.
I also appreciate the new window spread feature. Clicking an app icon with multiple windows open displays a spread of those windows, making it easy to select the one I want.
Inclusive Design: A Focus on Accessibility
elementary OS 8 makes significant improvements in accessibility with a focus on improved keyboard navigation and screen reader support. The Onboarding process, installation, and initial setup have been revamped to be more accessible to blind users.
System Settings has also been redesigned with better support for text scaling, screen readers, and right-to-left language layouts. The search functionality has been improved, and setting descriptions are now more user-friendly.
Visual Refresh: A More Modern Look
OS 8 introduces subtle visual refinements that give the OS a more modern feel. The pointers have been redesigned with softer edges and rounder corners while maintaining high contrast.
Multitasking View now features a blurred version of the wallpaper, and workspace cards have rounded corners. Several apps, including Videos and Fonts, have received visual updates for a more modern look.
Hardware Support: Improved and Simplified
elementary OS 8 boasts the latest Hardware Enablement stack from Ubuntu, including Linux 6.8. It also includes Pipewire for improved audio latency and Bluetooth audio quality. This is a welcome update for anyone working with audio on their computer.
Driver management has been moved to System Settings, making it easier to manage drivers, especially for hardware with multiple driver options.
Power settings have been improved, displaying charging levels for both internal and external batteries. You can also set different power profiles based on whether your device is plugged in or running on battery.
Downloading elementary OS 8
You can download elementary OS 8 from the official elementary OS website. The website offers both direct downloads and a torrent magnet link. The website also has a frequently asked questions section and a link to the installation guide.
elementary OS is funded by a pay-what-you-can model, so you can choose to pay any amount for the operating system, including nothing at all. If you would like to support the development of elementary OS, you can also purchase it from the website. You can also support the developers by purchasing apps from the AppCenter app store.
If you would prefer to have elementary OS 8 pre-installed on a computer, you can purchase one from one of elementary's hardware retailers, such as Laptop with Linux, Star Labs, or Slimbook.
Final Thoughts
elementary OS 8 continues the tradition of providing a thoughtful, capable, and ethical alternative to macOS and Windows, prioritizing user privacy, a refined user experience, and a focus on inclusivity.
The latest elementary OS 8 release is a substantial update that brings significant improvements to privacy, security, accessibility, and design. It's clear that a lot of thought and effort has gone into making this release the best one yet.
If you're looking for a user-friendly and stylish operating system that respects your privacy, elementary OS 8 is worth considering.
For more details, see the official release announcement in the link below.
