Manjaro Linux has announced the release of its latest version, Manjaro 24.1 "Xahea". This new version ships with several significant updates and improvements across different desktop environments, including GNOME, Plasma, and XFCE.
Manjaro 24.1 "Xahea" utilizes Kernel 6.10 and includes the latest drivers. Additionally, 6.6 LTS and 6.1 LTS kernels are offered for users requiring support for older hardware.
In the following sections, we will discuss what's new in Manjaro 24.1 "Xahea".
Table of Contents
GNOME Edition Gets a Major Facelift
The GNOME edition features upgrades to the GNOME 46 series, incorporating various fixes and refinements implemented since its initial release in March 2024. Here are some key highlights:
1. Global Search in Files:
GNOME 46 introduces a global search functionality within the file manager, making it effortless to find files regardless of their location. This feature allows users to search for files by name, content, type, and modification date, even across multiple locations simultaneously.
2. Improved Remote Desktop Experience:
Manjaro 24.1 enhances remote desktop capabilities with a dedicated remote login option for GNOME. This feature enables seamless connection to a GNOME system that's not in use, allowing remote configuration of the system display for an optimised user experience.
3. Reorganised Settings App:
The Settings app receives a structural overhaul for improved navigation. A new System section now houses preferences for Region & Language, Date & Time, Users, Remote Desktop, Secure Shell, and About, while the Apps settings have been consolidated to include Default Apps and Removable Media settings.
4. Performance Enhancements:
GNOME 46 introduces technical refinements that result in a smoother and more responsive desktop experience. Many core GNOME apps have also been upgraded as part of this release.
Plasma Edition Embraces Plasma 6.1
The Plasma edition comes with the latest Plasma 6.1 series, with a number of new features and refinements:
1. Remote Desktop from System Settings:
Plasma 6.1 simplifies remote desktop access by allowing users to initiate remote desktop connections directly from the System Settings app.
2. Revamped Edit Mode:
The Edit Mode, accessible by right-clicking the desktop background, has undergone a visual transformation. A sleek zoom animation now activates when entering Edit Mode, providing a better overview of the desktop elements and simplifying customisation.
3. Improved Session Management:
While still under development, Plasma 6.1 on Wayland introduces a feature that remembers the state of the previous session, similar to its behaviour under X11. This means that open windows from the last session will be restored upon logging back in, streamlining workflow.
XFCE Edition Enhances User Experience
Manjaro's XFCE edition is not left behind, now running on Xfce 4.18 and introducing several notable enhancements:
1. Thunar File Manager Improvements:
The Thunar file manager in Xfce 4.18 introduces new features such as file highlighting and recursive search. File highlighting allows users to assign custom background and text colours to files, making it easier to identify specific files within directories. Recursive search enhances file discovery by searching within subfolders.
2. Panel Customisation:
XFCE users gain greater control over the panel with the ability to configure panel length in pixels and choose whether the panel remains above windows or not.
3. Control Centre Updates:
The Control Centre, which houses system management modules, receives new options within its various modules. For example, users can now disable header bars in dialogues from the Appearance module, toggle the "delete" option in file context menus from the Desktop module, and preselect default multi-monitor behaviour.
Related Read: XFCE 4.20 Aims to Bring Preliminary Wayland Support
Upgrade
Existing users of Manjaro Linux 24 "Wynsdey" can update their installations by executing the command sudo pacman -Syu in a terminal emulator or through the default graphical package manager.
Download Manjaro 24.1 Xahea
Manjaro 24.1 "Xahea" is available in three editions: GNOME, Plasma, and XFCE. Each edition offers both "Full" and "Minimal" installation options. The Minimal versions provide a more streamlined base installation and are available with Linux kernels 6.6 and 6.1.
You can download your preferred edition in the following link:
Resource:
