Ubuntu 12.04 'Precise Pangolin' Beta 1 Released

Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin Beta 1 has been released today. Lots of new changes have landed since last alpha 2 release.

Beta 1 features 3.2.6 Kernel. The default music player has been switched to Rhythmbox, which again includes the Ubuntu One music store. LibreOffice has been updated to 3.5. Clickpad support has been added. Most Synaptics brand ClickPads are recognized out of the box. Apple MacBook trackpads are recognized as well. Support for Apple Magic Trackpads and more Synaptics brand ClickPads will follow in the next release.

Login Screen

LightDM greeter theme has been improved with much cleaner look. Session chooser is now revealed in a neat dialog menu.

Software Center

Ubuntu Software Center can now recommend relevant apps. This is an opt-in feature.

Ubuntu One

Ubuntu One GTK interface has been replaced by a new Qt interface to maintain consistency across other platforms.

HUD

HUD, new Ubuntu heads-up menus have landed in Unity 3D. HUD menus for Unity 2D are ready as well and will land in Precise just after Beta. To use HUD, just tap ALT key.

New Video Lens

A new video lens has been added to dash providing an easy way to search for local as well online videos.

Twitter Stream Added to Ubiquity Installer

Ubuntu Installer now shows you twitter stream in installer.

Compiz Alert Box

Compiz Config Settings Manager now displays a warning.

Sound Settings New Look

Sound settings panel have been resigned and the interface has been made more intuitive and simpler.

Some indicators can be disabled

Some indicators can be disabled now from system settings (bluetooth, power, sound).

New Tooltips

Tooltips in Unity got a new look.

Dash Controls Match Window Theme

Dash controls on top left corner now match system theme.

New Look System Settings

System Settings have received  a new improved look with monochrome icons, category separators and fixed window size.

Privacy Controls

One major addition to System Settings has been the new Privacy Settings. These settings give you full control on the info that is displayed on dash.

Keyboard Shortcut Overlay

Press and hold Super key to reveal keyboard shortcuts overlay.

New Home Lens

Giant shortcuts icons have been ditched in favor of recent apps and files.

Hide App Suggestions

You can now hide Software Center app suggestions from the dash menu itself.

No Window Dodge Option

Window dodge mode has been removed from Precise. So you either keep the launcher in fixed position or in auto hide mode.

New improved screen edge detection method

To invoke the launcher, you now need to push (or "scroll into") against the left of the screen, rather than hover for X seconds. No more hitting the back button in Firefox and having the launcher pop up in your way.

Improved Multi Monitor Support

Now there is a Unity launcher on every monitor to avoid too much mouse travel.

Other Changes

• Improved ALT+TAB switcher now lets you switch between windows on current workspace
• Genre filter category in the Music Lens now have a 3 column layout
• Window auto-maximise functionality now disabled on monitors with a resolution above 1024 x 600
• Application icons now only display windows from the current workspace in the window spread
• Windows can be resized using overlay scrollbar thumb
• NotifyOSD uses same color as dash
• Classic Gnome support has been improved as indicator applet complete has been ported to GTK3.

Download Ubuntu 12.04 Beta 1