The beta release of Linux Mint 20.3 (“Una”) is now available for testers to install and offer their feedback to the developers. Based on Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS, Linux Mint 20.3 will remain with the 5.4 kernel to ensure stability and be supported for 5 years.

The biggest update to Linux Mint comes by way of the Cinnamon 5.2 desktop. With this new release comes a new app called Thingy, which is a document manager for quick access to recent and favorite documents. Thingy also keeps track of your reading progress of documents.

Other improvements/changes include dark mode support for even more apps (such as Celluloid, GNOME Terminal, Hypnotic, Pix, and XViewer). Hypnotic (the IPTV viewer) now has a search function, so it’s easier to find the TV channels, movies, and series you’re looking for. Hypnotic also supports the Xtream API.

The default Cinnamon theme has also been the recipient of some improvements, including round title bars, bigger buttons, and tinted grey accent colors. You’ll also find the Sticky Notes app has a search function.

The anticipated release for Linux Mint 20.3 is Christmas and will also herald in the new website for the distribution. Do note that Mint 20.2 was late, so if that’s the case with 20.3, don’t be surprised. Whether or not the release is on time will depend on the state of the beta and how quickly any discovered bugs can be fixed.

To find out more about Una, read the official release notes and download a copy of the beta today.