Canonical is gearing up for the release of Ubuntu 25.04, also known as Plucky Puffin, on April 17. This new version is a short-term release, which means it will only have support until January 2026. Typically, short-term releases face lower popularity compared to the long-term options, but Plucky Puffin brings some exciting updates worth noting.
One of the standout features in Plucky Puffin is the updated installer, which now supports a more user-friendly dual-boot process and better management of Windows BitLocker-encrypted disks. This refinement enhances Ubuntu’s reputation for being one of the easiest operating systems to install.
Plucky Puffin also sees an upgrade in its desktop environment, utilizing the latest GNOME 48. While not a groundbreaking release, GNOME 48 introduces performance enhancements and new features. A notable addition is the Wellbeing section in Settings, echoing features found on Android. This new section tracks screen time and allows users to set limits and reminders for breaks—an essential tool for anyone who might forget to take a pause from their screens.
Not to be overlooked are enhancements like notification grouping, HDR support, and routine application updates. Also included is GNOME’s new triple buffering feature, which elevates the smoothness of desktop animations and performance.
The overall experience with Plucky Puffin has been consistently stable and user-friendly. Users can expect a familiar interface and reliable performance—hallmarks of Ubuntu that have stood the test of time. The biggest surprise for many users may be the switch from the previous document viewer, Evince, to the new app called Papers, which marks a small but noteworthy change.
Importantly, Ubuntu continues to launch with a minimal set of pre-installed applications, allowing users to curate their experience without being overwhelmed by unnecessary software. The App Center has seen significant improvement, making it straightforward to find and install desired applications.
While not the fastest Linux distribution available, Plucky Puffin performs adequately, feeling snappier than its predecessor, thanks to the updated GNOME and kernel enhancements. Applications open more swiftly, including Firefox, which has improved performance despite its historical slowness.
The critical question potential users might ponder is whether to upgrade to Plucky Puffin upon its release. If you’re utilizing short-term releases for desktop use, making the jump seems worthwhile, especially since upgrading from a short-term to a long-term version is feasible with the do-release-upgrade command. However, if stability is your priority or if intending to deploy Ubuntu on a server, it may be prudent to wait for the next LTS version.
In summary, while Plucky Puffin may not revolutionize the Ubuntu experience, it does offer meaningful improvements and stays true to the familiarity that many users appreciate. The combination of the Wellbeing feature, performance boosts, and continued enhancements in GNOME solidifies its position as a stable choice for users wanting a robust operating system. Ubuntu 25.04 is anticipated as another solid offering from Canonical that balances innovation with established strengths.
For users interested, a daily build of Plucky Puffin is available, or you can wait for the official release. Don’t forget to check out the release notes upon launch for all the details on what’s included.
ChicagoVPS is your gateway to unparalleled hosting solutions. Our state-of-the-art datacenters and powerful network ensures lightning-fast speeds and uninterrupted connectivity for your websites and applications. Whether you’re a startup looking for scalable resources or an enterprise in need of enterprise-grade hosting, our range of plans and customizable solutions guarantee a perfect fit. Trust in ChicagoVPS to deliver excellence, combining unmatched reliability and top-tier support.
For Inquiries or to receive a personalized quote, please reach out to us through our contact form here or email us at sales@chicagovps.net.
