If you're a fan of Fedora (and who isn't?), then you'll be happy to know that the beta release is now available for testing.

This new release includes a Gnome desktop with version 51; on the KDE Plasma side of things, you get version 6.7. As far as the kernel is concerned, we're talking version 7.2 and all the associated goodness.

Outside of the fancy new desktop releases, one of the more important items in the release is the switch from in-kernel fbcon console to kmscon, which is a userspace console and terminal emulator that replaces the traditional in-kernel Virtual Terminal (VT) and agetty login prompt. The new kmscon uses Kernel Mode Setting/Direct Rendering Manager (KMS/DRM) to handle graphics output instead of relying on the kernel's more basic text/framebuffer console. This change will vastly improve font and Unicode handling to deliver more modern rendering for Linux.

Also RPM package signature verification is enabled out of the box, which means all unsigned RPM packages will be rejected. Users can disable this feature if desired, but it's there for a reason.

Other changes include Anaconda's added support for Stratis partitioning, ISO images are now built with image-builder, and DNF5 will no longer automatically switch installed packages between vendors during upgrades.

You can download the ISO for Fedora 45 Beta from the official download site and review the official announcement.