Ubuntu 20.10 versions with full desktop support for Raspberry Pi

Canonical announced the release of Ubuntu 20.10, which offers a range of user enhancements, new images optimized for Raspberry Pi devices, and micro-cloud support for edge computing infrastructures.

Most of the new features in Ubuntu 20.10 focus on adding support and availability of features on Raspberry Pi devices. In addition to Pi-optimized Ubuntu images, some of the more advanced Raspberry Pi models (especially those with 4GB or 8GB of RAM) support the full Ubuntu desktop experience.

“From the first Raspberry Pi board to the industrial compute module, this first step towards an Ubuntu LTS on Raspberry Pi with long-term support and security updates corresponds to our commitment to expanding access to the best computing and open source features,” he said Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi Trading.

The Raspberry Pi models 2, 3 and 4 are also included in the list of Ubuntu-certified hardware and are thus placed on an equal footing with other OEMs such as Dell, HP and Lenovo, who also certify devices for Ubuntu support.

SEE: Linux service control commands (TechRepublic Premium)

Ubuntu 20.10 also introduces new software that allows developers to deploy Micro Clouds, the Canonical “small clusters of servers that deploy VMs and Kubernetes on the edge when needed, for remote office, branch, warehouse and distribution-oriented infrastructures provides. “”

Canonical’s Micro Cloud Stack on Ubuntu 20.10 combines MAAS provisioning functions, LXD container management, MicroK8 Kubernetes and the Ceph network file system to provide resilient pocket clouds that are used for business-critical workloads in 5G RANs, Industry 4.0 factories, V2X Infrastructures and smart cities are hardened and healthcare facilities, “Canonical said.

In the Ubuntu desktop area, 20.10 adds GNOME 3.38, which brings a number of UI improvements to the Ubuntu experience. The app grid has been tweaked to remove the Frequencies tab and allow apps to be reorganized. The display of the battery percentage can be toggled in the energy settings. Simple private Wi-Fi sharing via auto-generated QR codes has been added and a restart option has been added next to the menu options Log out and Power off.

In addition to these new functions, Ubuntu-certified devices will also receive additional support. This means that large OEMs like Dell and Lenovo can enable more hardware features immediately. Canonical specifically mentions hardware support for biometric identification and full support for on-screen keyboards in 2-in-1 devices such as the Lenovo Yoga and Dell XPS 2-in-1.

SEE: Git Guide for IT Pros (Free PDF) (TechRepublic)

Ubuntu 20.10 is now available for download from the Ubuntu website. Canonical is hosting a YouTube livestream about the Ubuntu 10/20 release on Friday, October 23rd at 12:00 PM EDT. So if you want to learn more, be sure to tune in.

If you want to find out more about Ubuntu 20.10 in the data center, in particular about Ubuntu Server, Charmed OpenStack as well as MAAS and Charmed OpenStack, you can register for a webinar on November 4th.

See also