Version 40 was a big release for the GNOME project, revamping the Activities Overview that has defined GNOME for a decade. GNOME 41 builds upon these changes to improve the free desktop for new and experienced users alike. Here are some of the big additions.
An Updated GNOME Software
One of the changes most people are likely to encounter is the revamped GNOME Software. The new version has a more vibrant landing page, with updated app categories.
Each app page offers a more helpful and enticing presentation. Screenshots are front and center, and details about each program come with descriptions that help newcomers know what terms like “proprietary” and various licenses mean.
More experienced users may be pleased to see download sizes given a place of prominence and whether an app scales to both desktop and mobile devices.
Adjust Power Profile in the Status Menu
The status menu now gives you the option to tweak how much power your computer draws. You can enable Power Saver to reduce the strain on your battery to control how much energy you draw from the power grid during peak hours. Or you can enable the Balanced profile when you’re ready to turn on an app or game that needs the extra juice.
GNOME 41 will default to low power usage when on battery power, but apps do have the option to request a particular power profile. You can also toggle your preferences manually.
New Options in System Settings
Various settings that you previously installed GNOME Tweak Tool to customize have made their way into System Settings. You will find them under a new Multitasking panel, which lets you disable the hot corner in the top-left, adjust whether you can resize windows by dragging them to the side, or set a predetermined number of virtual workspaces.
System Settings also contains a Cellular section. It only appears on devices with the necessary hardware, but if you are using GNOME on a phone or cellular-equipped laptop, for example, you can now manage cellular networks like you would in a Wi-Fi one.
Improvements in Apps
As usual, many apps also receive a few new features to coincide with the version bump. Here are some of the highlights for this iteration:
Calendar
Calendar now supports importing ICS files. A nice side-effect of this addition is you can now set Calendar as your default calendar app.
Calls
Calls, the app for placing voice calls from a GNOME-powered device, now lets you add SIP accounts and place VoIP calls.
Connections
Connections is a new app for connecting to remote desktops. You can open and switch between multiple connections at one time. Those already familiar with GNOME Boxes may feel right at home.
Files
The GNOME file manager now comes with the capability to create encrypted ZIP folders. You can find this when you select Compress in the right-click context menu. A password-protected archive is not a bad way to send sensitive information to someone when you aren't using a private form of communication.
Music
Music doesn’t gain any new functionality, but it does have an updated look.
Want to Try Out GNOME 41?
You can take GNOME 41 for a spin right away by downloading the GNOME OS ISO. Note, GNOME OS is not intended for daily use, so you will probably want to use it in a virtual machine such as GNOME Boxes just to take a peek.
Actually using GNOME 41 will take a bit longer. As usual, rolling-release distros like Arch Linux will see it first. Fedora Linux 35 will again be a go-to for people wanting a relatively pure GNOME experience on a more stable foundation. Ubuntu 21.10 will ship with a modified version of GNOME 40 instead, so anyone using Canonical’s distro will have over half a year to wait before receiving these updates in a supported way.
