Ubuntu 21.04: Yes, there ARE new features - Review + variants

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Ubuntu 21.04 is here! It's definitely not the most feature packed release of the last 2 or 3 years, and there are some disappointing omissions, but there are still a few things to talk about, so let's get into it.

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The first thing of note is that Ubuntu 21.04 uses Wayland by default. Pipewire is also included, so the screen sharing and recording issues of using Wayland are solved for most people.

As an intermediate release, Ubuntu uses the Linux kernel version 5.11. On the installer side, you also get the option to create an recovery key if you decided to encrypt your hard drive.

You'll find a host of updated default apps, as always, with Firefox 87, LibreOffice 7.1 and Thunderbird 78.8.

In terms of Updates, Ubuntu 21.04 is a weird hybrid: it mixes elements from GNOME 40, and elements from GNOME 3.38.5. Now, officially, from the system settings, you'll see the release number is 3.38.5, and the GNOME shell very much reflects that.

In the meantime, they still shipped some new app versions from GNOME 40, the System Monitor with its new tab icons, the Characters app, which is now a responsive app and should be usable on Linux mobile devices, and Disk Usage Analyser. None of the major, day to day apps are updated, though: no Nautilus, no GNOME Software 40 here, you'll get the same versions you used to have on 20.10.

Now, that's not to say that nothing has changed! Apart from the new default wallpaper, which represents this version's codename, Hirsute Hippo, the shell has also been tweaked a little bit.

It's now in dark mode by default. previously, you had white elements when opening the clock applet, or the system menu, now it's all dark mode, and a lot easier on the eyes. The application menus in the top bar, and the quick lists on the dock will also use that dark theme.

You'll also get a little bell icon next to the clock in the top bar to indicate when you have unread notifications, instead of a smal ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ircvlirJEQ