Ubuntu 18.04 LTS release date and features. The first beta of the Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (Bionic Beaver) has now been released, and is available for download! This milestone features images for Kubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu Kylin, Ubuntu MATE, and Xubuntu.
Announcing the release of first Beta of Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Released (Opt-in Flavors), Dustin Krysak writes:
Pre-releases of the Bionic Beaver are *not* encouraged for anyone needing a stable system or anyone who is not comfortable running into occasional, even frequent breakage. They are, however, recommended for Ubuntu flavour developers and those who want to help in testing, reporting, and fixing bugs as we work towards getting this release ready. Beta 1 includes some software updates that are ready for broader testing. However, it is quite an early set of images, so you should expect some bugs.
While these Beta 1 images have been tested and do work, except as noted in the release notes, Ubuntu developers are continuing to improve the Bionic Beaver. In particular, once newer daily images are available, system installation bugs identified in the Beta 1 installer should be verified against the current daily image before being reported in Launchpad. Using an obsolete image to re-report bugs that have already been fixed wastes your time and the time of developers who are busy trying to make 18.04 the best Ubuntu release yet. Always ensure your system is up to date before reporting bugs.
Kubuntu
Kubuntu is the KDE-based flavour of Ubuntu. It uses the KDE Plasma desktop and includes a wide selection of tools from the KDE project.
The Kubuntu 18.04 Beta 1 images can be downloaded from: http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/kubuntu/releases/18.04/beta-1/
Ubuntu Budgie
Ubuntu Budgie is the Budgie Desktop based flavour of Ubuntu. Combines the simplicity and elegance of the Budgie interface to produce a traditional desktop orientated distro with a modern paradigm.
The Ubuntu Budgie 18.04 Beta 1 images can be downloaded from: http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-budgie/releases/18.04/beta-1/
Ubuntu Kylin
Ubuntu Kylin is a flavour of Ubuntu that is more suitable for Chinese users.
The Ubuntu Kylin 18.04 Beta 1 images can be downloaded from: http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntukylin/releases/18.04/beta-1/
Ubuntu MATE
Ubuntu MATE is the MATE Desktop based flavour of Ubuntu. It is ideal for those who want the most out of their computers and prefer a traditional desktop metaphor.
The Ubuntu MATE 18.04 Beta 1 images can be downloaded from: http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-mate/releases/18.04/beta-1/
Xubuntu
Xubuntu is the Xfce Desktop based flavour of Ubuntu. It is perfect for those who want the most out of their desktops, laptops and netbooks with a modern look. It works well on older hardware too.
The Xubuntu 18.04 Beta 1images can be downloaded from: http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/xubuntu/releases/18.04/beta-1/