Manjaro 24.2 “Yonada” Released: A Refined and Feature-Rich Update
Manjaro Linux, the acclaimed Arch-based distribution renowned for its user-centric approach, has announced the release of version 24.2, codenamed “Yonada.” This latest iteration delivers a compelling blend of stability, performance, and cutting-edge features across its flagship desktop environments: GNOME, Plasma, and XFCE.
Building upon its commitment to providing a smooth and accessible Linux experience, Manjaro 24.2 introduces significant enhancements across the board. Users can expect a refined desktop environment, enhanced productivity tools, and improved hardware support.
GNOME 47 Series Refinements
Manjaro’s GNOME edition incorporates updates to the GNOME 47 series, delivering a polished and visually appealing workspace. Key highlights include:
- Personalized Aesthetics: Users can now customize their desktop environment with a wider array of accent colors, moving beyond the traditional blue hue.
- Enhanced Accessibility: GNOME 47’s improved scaling for lower-resolution displays ensures a comfortable user experience across a wider range of hardware.
- Optimized Performance: Hardware-accelerated screen recording, leveraging Intel and AMD GPUs, enables smoother capture of high-quality video content.
- Seamless Remote Collaboration: Persistent remote desktop sessions allow users to reconnect seamlessly to their work environment, even after unexpected disconnections.
- Efficient File Management: GNOME’s file search functionality receives a boost with contextual information and improved indexing, facilitating faster and more accurate file retrieval.
Plasma 6.2: Empowering Creativity
Manjaro’s Plasma edition embraces the latest Plasma 6.2 series, Frameworks 6.8, and KDE Gear 24.08, offering a feature-rich environment tailored for creative professionals and power users alike. Noteworthy additions include:
- Advanced Input Device Support: Enhanced configuration options for drawing tablets provide artists with greater control and precision.
- Professional Color Management: Support for the Wayland color management protocol ensures color accuracy and consistency across multiple displays.
- Granular Power Control: Users gain finer control over power consumption with the ability to override power-hungry applications and adjust individual monitor brightness.
- Accessibility Enhancements: An overhauled Accessibility page in System Settings, featuring colorblindness filters and improved “sticky keys” support, promotes an inclusive user experience.
XFCE 4.18: Subtle Refinements, Significant Impact
Manjaro’s XFCE edition benefits from the inclusion of Xfce 4.18, which introduces a series of subtle yet impactful improvements:
- Thunar File Manager Enhancements: File highlighting with custom colors and recursive search capabilities enhance file organization and retrieval.
- Enhanced Panel Customization: Users can now configure panel length in pixels and opt to keep the panel above windows for a cleaner visual aesthetic.
- Streamlined System Management: The Control Center receives updates across various modules, offering greater control over system settings and preferences.
Performance and Stability
Manjaro 24.2 is built upon Kernel 6.12, incorporating the latest drivers for optimal hardware compatibility and performance. For users with older hardware, Manjaro provides the option to utilize the 6.6 LTS and 6.1 LTS kernels.
Availability
Manjaro 24.2 “Yonada” is available for immediate download from the official Manjaro website. Users are encouraged to explore the comprehensive release notes for a detailed overview of all changes and improvements.
