Canonical has released Multipass 1.16 tools, which aim to simplify the process of installing various versions of Ubuntu in virtual machines across Linux, Windows, and MacOS virtualization systems. This release is significant as it fully opens the project’s code base, including the previously undisclosed component code for organizing work in Windows and MacOS, which is now included in the repository. The code for the project is written in C++ and is distributed under the GPLV3 license. Multipass can be quickly installed in Ubuntu using the Snap package.
Multipass allows developers to easily start the desired version of Ubuntu in a virtual machine with a single command, eliminating the need for additional configurations. It supports launching virtual machines using various tools such as KVM or VirtualBox in Linux, Hyper-V in Windows, and Hyperkit in MacOS. The tool works with a wide range of distributions, including Arch Linux, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, and more.
In addition to simplifying the installation process, Multipass can extract the necessary operating system image independently and retain its current state. It offers features such as using Cloud-Init for configuration, mounting disk sections in a virtual environment, and transferring files between the host system and the virtual machine. The tool also provides complete integration of the virtual machine with the main desktop, adding applications, system menu, and notifications.
The latest update brings several key changes to Multipass, including the ability to launch virtual machines in MacOS and Windows using local or external file links. The graphical interface has been modernized for better control over virtual machines, and the terminal now supports output scaling. Support for ARM architecture on Linux hosts using Qemu has been implemented, along with the option to launch a virtual machine with the “Open Shell” button.
Other improvements include enhanced window management, improved data transfer through the exchange buffer, encryption of GRPC traffic, and the transition of drivers for launching systems using LXD and Libvirt to the outdated category, with plans for their removal in upcoming versions.