Elementary OS 8 Explored Ten Standout Features

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The latest iteration of elementary OS, version 8 (“Circe”), has arrived. This post highlights the best new capabilities included in this release.

After almost two years of development following the previous release, elementary OS 8.0, codenamed “Circe,” is now available. Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, launched in April 2024, this version incorporates the most recent Ubuntu base and significant upgrades such as built-in Flatpak support and enhanced security.

Here’s a closer examination.

elementary OS 8 New Features

Core

Built upon Ubuntu 24.04 LTS “Noble” and Linux Kernel 6.8, elementary OS 8 benefits from key updates in these core components. Linux Kernel 6.8 with Ubuntu 24.04 provides the following improvements:

  • CPU, GPU, and SoC Enhancements: New Xe and enhanced i915 drivers improve Intel GPU support. AMD, NVIDIA, and ARM-based systems receive stability and compatibility improvements. Drivers for Raspberry Pi 5, Qualcomm chips, and gaming devices extend hardware support.

  • File System Updates: Features like online fsck for XFS, performance improvements for Ext4, and zoned storage support for F2FS enhance file system resilience, flexibility, and efficiency. New system calls and improved SMB capabilities refine user-space interaction.

  • Memory & Core Improvements: Enhanced Zswap memory management, multi-size Transparent Huge Pages (mTHP), and new tools like KSM Advisor optimize memory and CPU usage. Rust and BPF updates enhance kernel security and modularity.

  • Networking Upgrades: Overhauled data structures improve TCP speeds by 40%, while bpfilter’s removal simplifies networking. Improved support for RISC-V and advanced profiling tools refine system performance and compatibility.

Installer ISO

The ISO size for this release is approximately 3.2 GB. The installer remains largely unchanged, but includes key additions.

elementary OS 8 prioritizes accessibility. Consequently, the installation process and the onboarding application (after the initial boot) provide screen reader support with audio for visually impaired users. This significantly improves the adoption and usability of elementary OS.

Additionally, a disk encryption option is now available in the installer, offering a more secure desktop experience.

Secure Session and Wayland

The lock screen in elementary OS 8 has become more intelligent. In addition to the password field, a gear menu now offers two options: Classic or Secure Session. Selecting Secure Session activates Wayland, a modern display protocol designed with security in mind. Wayland ensures that applications can only access resources with explicit user permission.

In this mode, applications require permission to monitor keystrokes, capture screenshots, or select colours from the screen. This system prioritizes user privacy by default, protecting against untrustworthy behavior.

Secure Session also introduces features like Mixed DPI support, addressing issues with using HiDPI laptops with LoDPI external displays. Improved multi-touch gesture support enhances the experience on touch screens and tablets, resulting in a smoother, more responsive elementary OS 8 experience, even on lower-powered hardware.

AppCenter Meets Flathub

The elementary OS 8 application store now supports Flathub by default, eliminating the need for manual sideloading or configuring alternative stores.

Applications tailored for elementary OS, general Linux software, and cross-platform options like Discord and Spotify are readily available in the AppCenter.

The inclusion of Flathub maintains a strong emphasis on security. Integrated Portals confine applications to secure sandboxes, requiring explicit user consent for access. The AppCenter now features sandbox warnings and expanded permissions settings, reinforcing the security principles of elementary OS.

Intelligent Updates

Updates in elementary OS 8 have been refined. Previously, application and operating system updates were combined in the AppCenter. Now, they are separated into two distinct areas, streamlining the update process:

  • App Updates: Managed within the AppCenter, these updates install quickly while the computer is running and do not require a restart.

  • System Updates: Located in System Settings, these updates are installed offline during a restart, ensuring critical services are properly refreshed without errors.

This separation eliminates confusion, providing clarity on which updates require a reboot, making the update process faster and more intuitive.

The system update mechanism is more efficient and intelligent. During Onboarding, users can opt into automatic downloads for updates and receive notifications for critical security updates, ensuring system security with minimal effort.

The improved error handling system addresses issues that may arise during updates. Additionally, new options in the shutdown dialog allow users to install updates before powering down or skip pending updates if necessary, even when automatic updates are enabled.

Improvised Dock

The design of the Secure Session in elementary OS prompted a complete redesign of the Dock. This redesign provided an opportunity to rethink multitasking. Through surveys, community feedback, and analysis of user interactions, a dock was created that blends familiarity with innovation, resulting in an intuitive and efficient multitasking experience.

The default appearance of the dock has also changed with the addition of a light background, which can be customized in the settings.

Predictable App Behavior

The Dock now offers a more predictable interaction model for managing applications, particularly those with multiple windows:

  • Launching Apps: A single click launches an application if it is not already open.

  • Focusing Windows: For applications with one window open, a single click brings it into focus, regardless of the current workspace.

  • Window Spread: For applications with multiple windows open, a single click displays a window spread, allowing users to select the desired window without entering the Multitasking View.

This approach prevents accidental creation of new windows or minimized applications disappearing in the background.

Window Management

For applications supporting multiple windows, elementary OS 8 provides increased flexibility:

  • Middle-Click for New Windows: Middle-clicking an application icon opens a new window.

  • Scroll to Cycle Windows: Scrolling over an application icon cycles through its open windows.

  • Pinned App Hotkeys: Pinned applications can be launched using custom hotkeys.

Multitasking Swipes and Gestures

Elementary OS 8 introduces multitasking enhancements to refine workflow:

  • Horizontal Swipe Gesture: Users can switch between open windows with a horizontal swipe.

  • Fullscreen App Focus: Hot corners are automatically disabled when a fullscreen application is running in the current workspace.

  • Workspace Scrolling: Scrolling over the panel switches between workspaces.

Settings and Quick Settings

System Settings in elementary OS 8 features a redesign. The new dual-pane layout optimizes space and adapts to various screen sizes. The navigation is intuitive and uncluttered.

This redesign prioritizes accessibility. Improved text scaling, enhanced support for screen readers, seamless keyboard navigation, and optimized layouts for right-to-left languages ensure that System Settings accommodates diverse user needs. Illustrations have also received a contrast boost for improved clarity.

The search function delivers more relevant results. Search results display both the setting name and its path, helping users quickly locate and adjust configurations.

Adding Features, Not Taking Them Away

Elementary OS 8 introduces new features to enhance inclusivity and customization:

  • Always-Visible Scrollbars: Users can enable always-visible scrollbars in Desktop > Appearance.

  • Locale-Based Temperature Units: The Language & Region settings now automatically select the appropriate temperature unit based on location.

  • Enhanced Keyboard Shortcuts: New shortcuts simplify switching between keyboard layouts or using emojis and Unicode characters.

Streamlined and Searchable

Settings menus have been refined, with searchable dropdown options for faster access. Setting descriptions have been revised for clarity, incorporating user feedback. Help text is readily accessible, no longer hidden behind hover interactions.

External links in System Settings have been redesigned with a cleaner interface for accessing help and documentation.

Introducing the Quick Settings Menu

Elementary OS 8 introduces a Quick Settings menu that balances functionality and simplicity. By combining accessibility and session menus, the panel is less cluttered while retaining essential controls.

This menu includes features like Dark Mode and Rotation Lock. Accessibility tools such as the Screen Reader and Onscreen Keyboard are included by default. These tools can be hidden via System Settings > Desktop > Dock & Panel.

Power Settings and Panel

Power Settings in elementary OS 8 provides detailed charging information for the internal battery and connected battery-powered devices. OS 8 can automatically switch power profiles based on whether the device is plugged in or running on battery, optimizing performance when connected to power and conserving battery life when unplugged.

The revamped power menu in the panel allows users to quickly toggle between performance and power-saving modes.

The battery icon in the panel provides more precise battery level readings for mobile computers.

Visual Designs

One of the most visible updates is the redesigned pointers. These have been completely redrawn, enhancing their consistency, precision, and use of colour. The new pointers have softer edges and rounder corners, while retaining the high contrast and legibility required for accessibility.

Multitasking View

The Multitasking View has been updated:

  • Blurred Wallpaper Background: The Multitasking View now uses a blurred version of the wallpaper, dynamically adapting to light or dark modes, instead of a plain dark gray background.

  • Rounded Workspace Cards: Workspace cards now have rounded corners.

  • Updated Workspace Switcher: The switcher at the bottom of the screen aligns with the system’s light and dark modes.

Login/Lock Screen

The login/lock screen now uses a blurred wallpaper, and the time/date display is larger, aligning with the elementary OS 8 aesthetic.

App Updates

Several core applications in OS 8 have received design updates:

  • Videos: The player page has been redesigned to adhere to system’s light and dark mode preferences.

  • Fonts: The new Fonts application offers improved performance.

  • Web 46: Web 46 features a minimal appearance and performance enhancements.

Download

You can download elementary OS from the official website with an optional donation.

Download

Upgrades

There is no direct upgrade path from elementary OS 7.x “Horus” to elementary OS 8 at this time. A fresh installation is recommended for the best experience. Back up your data first.

This release incorporates community feedback, providing user-requested UI features that improve usability and visual appeal.