Linux 7.3 arrives early in Ubuntu 26.10, and Rust advances in the terminal

Linux 7.3 is the foundation of Ubuntu 26.10 Stonking Stingray, even though this kernel version still has no official release. The distribution started from a release candidate. The kernel's formal announcement is expected for October 18.

The system's final version, in turn, is expected to come out on October 15. In addition, the beta is already available for download.

Besides the kernel, Canonical brought Gnome 51 as the main highlight.

What's new in kernel 7.3

The list pleases those who follow hardware. However, support advances for future AMD processors with Zen 6 architecture.

Compatibility with Intel Panther Lake chips also improved. There is also initial support for the Apple M3 family.

On the storage front, three file systems received optimization. These include Btrfs, Ext4, and XFS.

Games got a specific adjustment. In addition, performance improves in scenarios with low video memory.

Linux with Rust in basic utilities

Here is the change that most affects the terminal. However, the migration of Coreutils to Rust keeps advancing.

Commands like cp, mv, and rm now use the versions from the Uutils project. It is an implementation of GNU Coreutils in that language.

Note what this means for scripts. Subtle differences in behavior between implementations may appear in edge cases.

Therefore, it's worth testing old pipelines before adopting this on a production server.

Gnome 51 changes little in appearance and a lot in use

The new version of the environment was presented in September. However, the focus was on experience, performance, and security.

In addition, the Mutter window manager illustrates this combination well. It makes animations and transitions smoother, reducing the risk of freezing and dropped frames.

The settings area became more organized. In addition, the window layout selector got a more intuitive design.

Fingerprint enrollment also became simpler.

There is also a relevant accessibility feature. However, it reduces motion effects for those who feel discomfort with animation.

The apps that received attention

The Files file manager now shows the number of selected files during drag and drop.

The Papers viewer got a practical function. It makes it easier to insert manual signatures in PDFs and can remove the background from images with a digitized signature.

App Center also advanced. Besides installing and updating applications, it now helps find proprietary drivers, when the machine needs them.

Linux with FIDO2 on login screens

This novelty is of interest to those who handle security. The system now supports authentication via FIDO2 or web on login and lock screens.

Graphics drivers also got version bumps. These include Nvidia 615 and Mesa 26.2.

The application selection includes Firefox 156, LibreOffice 26.8, and Rhythmbox 3.4.9. As always, new wallpapers came along.

How to test and which flavors to consider

To install, just create a USB drive with a tool like Rufus. The same beta link will bring the final version after the announcement.

Those who prefer another environment have alternatives. Kubuntu, Lubuntu, and Ubuntu Mate should receive an equivalent update.

A caveat about production is worth mentioning. This is an intermediate release, with a short support cycle, so servers call for caution.

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