Linux distribution Zorin OS 16.3, based on the Ubuntu package base 04.20, has been released. This release is specifically designed for novice users who are accustomed to working in Windows. To provide a familiar user experience, the distribution offers a special configurator that allows users to customize their desktop to resemble various versions of Windows and MacOS. Additionally, the distribution includes a selection of programs that are similar to those commonly used by Windows users.
One of the key features of Zorin OS 16.3 is the integration of the desktop with smartphones. The distribution comes with the Zorin Connect application, which is based on KDE Connect. This application allows users to seamlessly connect and control their desktop from their smartphones. It also enables users to perform commands on their computer directly from a menu on smartphones running Android 11, 12, and 13. Moreover, Zorin Connect provides expanded capabilities for managing music playback from the Spotify service. Devices based on Android 10 or newer versions of the platform will benefit from automatic recovery of connections. Monochrome icons are supported on devices with Android 13.
In terms of software compatibility, Zorin OS 16.3 supports not only the DEB format and Ubuntu repositories by default, but also the Flatpak, Appimage, and SNAP formats. This allows users to install applications from Flathub and Snap Store catalogs, providing a wider range of software choices.
The ISO image of Zorin OS 16.3 is 2.9 GB in size, and it comes in multiple editions. These include the usual edition based on GNOME, a “Lite” edition with xfce, and options specifically tailored for educational institutions.
The new version of Zorin OS brings various updates and improvements. The packages and user applications have been updated, and it now includes the latest release of Libreoffice (version 7.5). Additionally, the drivers have been updated, and support for NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 4060 TI, and 4060 GPUs has been added.
To facilitate the transition to new releases, Zorin OS 16.3 introduces a new interface called “Zorin Menu → System Tools → Upgrade Zorin”. This feature allows users to upgrade their already installed systems to the latest release without the need to reinstall the entire operating system. It ensures that all additional applications and settings are retained during the upgrade process.
