This is actually the first release in the new series

Jan 23, 2015 12:43 GMT  ·  By

The Ubuntu MATE developers have just released the Ubuntu MATE 15.04 Alpha 2 Linux distribution, which is now available for download and testing. It's the first one in the new development cycle and it comes with quite a few improvements.

Even if Ubuntu MATE is not yet a part of the greater Ubuntu family, that's just a matter of time. In fact, the makers of this distro have been closely following the same release dates as the Ubuntu base, so people are used to see new releases made alongside everyone else. It would have been foolish to ignore Ubuntu MATE, especially since it brings so many improvements.

Also, it's worth pointing out that this is the first release in the 15.04 devel cycle, but it's not really all that important. The fact that it's here now and that we can test it is much more important, especially since the devs have added so much new stuff.

Ubuntu MATE 15.04 Alpha 2 brings default Compiz Support

This flavor is trying, and succeeding, to impress the user with each release. This is not only about a newer base, a few new updates packages, and a new kernel. In fact, with the exception of Kubuntu, it packs the most improvements pound for pound.

The official blog notes that "The Ubuntu MATE 15.04 Alpha2 is now available for download. This release builds on Ubuntu MATE 14.04 and 14.10 and introduces some new features. The observant among you will notice that there was not an Alpha1 because, reasons."

As I said before, there are quite a few improvements. Among the most interesting, users might notice that the distribution finally features default Compiz support, which means more wobbly windows for you.

Also, the Yuyo and Yuyo-Dark themes have been added, MATE Menu and MATE Tweak have been added, X zapping is now available via Ctrl+Alt+Backspace, the GRUB theme activation should now work properly, the Totem (Videos) media player has been replaced with VLC, Caja plugins now work out of the box, and numerous other smaller fixes have been implemented as well.

You can download Ubuntu MATE 15.04 Alpha 2 right now from Softpedia and give it a spin. The Live CD works great and it's a good way to test it.

Ubuntu MATE 15.04 Alpha 2 (10 Images)

Ubuntu MATE 15.04 Alpha 2 desktop
Ubuntu MATE 15.04 Alpha 2 launcherUbuntu MATE 15.04 Alpha 2 apps
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