ChattChitto

And the next version of Zorin OS is…
20 March, 2019-All, Zorin OS

After a long development cycle, we’re excited to introduce the Beta of the next major version of our operating system: Zorin OS 15. Creating a Linux desktop operating system that’s designed for everyone – not only the engineers & power users – has always been the mission of Zorin OS, ever since the first release nearly 10 years ago. Zorin OS 15 takes this decade-long effort and amplifies it to the next level. Every aspect of the user experience has been re-considered and refined in this new release, from how apps are installed, to how you get work done, to how it interacts with the devices around you. The result is a desktop experience that combines the most powerful desktop technology with the most user-friendly design.

This is a pre-release Beta version which we have created to get your feedback & bug reports on what we’ve built so far.




Zorin Connect

As our phones become powerful and versatile tools for productivity, more of our work is happening between our devices. With the goal of making Zorin OS the best platform for getting things done, we want the transitions between using our devices to be as seamless as possible.

Zorin Connect



Based on GSConnect and KDE Connect, Zorin Connect integrates deeply into the Zorin OS desktop to merge the experience between your computer and Android phone, allowing you to:

Sync your phone’s notifications with your computer
Browse photos from your phone
Reply to SMS messages and view conversations with your contacts
Share files and web links between devices
Use your phone as a remote control for your computer
Control media playback on your computer from your phone, and pause playback automatically when a phone call arrives

All communications are RSA encrypted end-to-end and happen on your WiFi or local network so no data is being sent to the cloud. Zorin Connect can be accessed from the Zorin menu > System Tools > Zorin Connect, and you can download the Android app from here:


Faster performance

Speed has been a top focus in Zorin OS 15, so the desktop runs dramatically smoother on a wide range of hardware, old and new. With the introduction of Gnome Shell 3.30 and the Linux kernel 4.18, performance optimizations have been made at every level of the operating system.



New desktop theme

We’ve refreshed and refined the look and feel of the Zorin OS desktop with a new, more welcoming desktop theme. It’s been designed with clarity and simplicity in mind, minimizing the visual load of the interface so the content takes center stage. New animations make the user experience more delightful and make the desktop feel more fluid. The new desktop theme is available in 6 color variants and in Light & Dark modes, which can be set from the Zorin Appearance app.





Adapts throughout the day

We’ve designed the desktop to better adapt to the environment around you, so using Zorin OS is more comfortable throughout the day.

Zorin Auto Theme is a new feature which automatically switches the desktop theme into Dark mode at sunset and back to light mode after sunrise. You can enable Zorin Auto Theme by opening the Zorin Appearance app and clicking the middle “Background” option in the newly-redesigned Zorin theme switcher.




A new adaptive desktop background option has also been introduced, which automatically changes to match the brightness and colors of the environment at every hour of the day.

Night Light is also new to Zorin OS 15, which gradually reduces the amount of blue light emitted by the screen at night. It can be enabled from the Displays panel in the Settings app.



Not only do these features reduce eye strain and make it more comfortable to use your computer, they also help maintain your body’s natural circadian rhythm, helping you to sleep better and wake up refreshed the next day.

Touch layout

If you have a tablet, convertible laptop or interactive whiteboard, you can now enjoy an all-new desktop interface which has been tailored specifically for touchscreens.

The interface maximizes space for your apps and content, and a slide up from the bottom reveals the panel to switch between apps, open the app grid menu, and access system controls & indicators. Multi-touch gestures make it even easier to navigate the desktop, with a 4 finger swipe up or down to switch between workspaces, and 3 finger pinch revealing the Activities Overview of your running apps and workspaces.

You can switch to the new touch desktop layout with one click from the Zorin Appearance app (the 3rd layout option on the right).




Redesigned apps

With the introduction of the latest LibreOffice 6.2 version, the toolbar design has been refreshed and modernized, so you can work on your documents with a more familiar and intuitive interface.




Other improvements https://zoringroup.com/blog/2019/03/20/ ... rin-os-is/

Admittedly, it looks good, but a beta version?
Hmm.......OK............but...........

It irks me that; once they get it right, you'll have to install an ultimate version for about 20 bucks (unless you want Core). Then, use it for only a couple of years max, before another version is released.
Which.........if I am correct, can't be upgraded*, only a squeaky clean install of a fresh ZorinOS# will be possible.
Oh well.

Therefore, I'm not hugely wowed by Zorin, but yes, its a polished and viable alternative choice of weapon, for sure (if only to impress the rest of the gang at posh, intellectual corporate meets).

What ho!

Small scale Microsoft-esque, "pays fer what ya gets" bunch, methinks



*Like we upgrade Ubuntu 16.04 to 18.04 to 19.04.....giving it a greater shelf life and usability.

Therefore, I'm not hugely wowed by Zorin, but yes, its a polished and viable alternative choice of weapon, for sure (if only to impress the rest of the gang at posh, intellectual corporate meets).

Mobius are you saying that there is another reason for installing/using this version of Zorin?

Not really, but.....
I suppose it could be that we would be spending our bucks on saving Zorins tweakers and devs from joining the food-bank queue's and out of the starvation zone. I mean, keeping and maintaining a project like this has got to be worth shelling out for, yeah?

Its like.......not very Unix/Linux...........

I'm also doubt that many girls will be saying "Phooooar, look at this here ZorinOS! I cant wait to get my hands on that and give it a through workout" for a few dollars, either.

Definitely a system for the yuppie (god, that's old) type that wants a flash toy.

Maybe I am just biased.
No, not maybe, absolutely!