ArduinOS 1.3 emerges as a compelling Linux distribution tailored for users seeking a Windows 11-like experience, especially as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support deadline. This latest release, built upon Ubuntu 25.04, introduces several noteworthy enhancements, including the integration of GNOME 48 and initial support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) displays.
Windows 11-Inspired Interface
ArduinOS 1.3 distinguishes itself with a heavily customized GNOME shell that mirrors the aesthetic and functional elements of Windows 11. This design choice features a centered Start button and pinned applications, offering a familiar environment for users transitioning from Microsoft's operating system. Such an interface can significantly ease the adaptation process for those accustomed to Windows, providing a seamless bridge to the Linux ecosystem.
Integration of GNOME 48
A pivotal component of ArduinOS 1.3 is the incorporation of GNOME 48, the latest iteration of the GNOME desktop environment. GNOME 48 introduces several enhancements:
- Notification Stacking: This feature groups notifications from the same application, streamlining the notification area and preventing it from becoming cluttered. (release.gnome.org)
- Performance Improvements: The introduction of dynamic triple buffering enhances the smoothness of on-screen changes, reducing skipped frames and delivering more fluid animations. (release.gnome.org)
- Enhanced Image Viewer: The updated image viewer now includes basic editing capabilities such as cropping, rotating, and flipping images, catering to users' everyday needs without requiring additional software. (release.gnome.org)
- New Fonts: The adoption of Adwaita Sans and Adwaita Mono fonts offers improved readability and aesthetic appeal, particularly on high-density displays. (release.gnome.org)
- Digital Wellbeing Tools: Features like screen time usage tracking, screen limits, and break reminders promote healthier computing habits, addressing concerns about prolonged screen exposure. (release.gnome.org)
ArduinOS 1.3's support for HDR is a significant advancement, allowing users with compatible displays to experience enhanced color depth and contrast. This feature is particularly beneficial for multimedia applications, providing richer visual content. However, it's important to note that HDR support in GNOME 48 is in its initial stages, and its effectiveness may vary depending on hardware compatibility and application support. (release.gnome.org)
Application Management Enhancements
To simplify software installation and management, ArduinOS 1.3 comes pre-installed with GNOME Software and Flatpak. This combination offers users access to a vast repository of applications, ensuring that essential tools and utilities are readily available. The inclusion of Flatpak also enhances system security by providing sandboxed applications, reducing the risk of system-wide vulnerabilities.
Additional Improvements
The latest release addresses several user experience aspects:
- Clipboard History Shortcut: The introduction of the Super + V shortcut allows users to access their clipboard history efficiently, streamlining workflow and productivity.
- Firefox Localization Fixes: Localization issues in Firefox have been resolved, ensuring a more consistent and user-friendly browsing experience across different languages.
While ArduinOS 1.3 presents a promising alternative for users seeking a Windows-like Linux distribution, there are considerations to keep in mind:
- Limited Recognition: ArduinOS is not yet widely recognized within the Linux community, as evidenced by its absence from Distrowatch's top 100 distributions. This limited visibility may affect the availability of community support and resources.
- Upgrade Limitations: Currently, ArduinOS does not support in-place upgrades between versions. Users must perform fresh installations to transition to newer releases, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming. The development team is reportedly working to address this limitation in future updates.
- Potential Confusion with Arduino: The name "ArduinOS" closely resembles "Arduino," the well-known open-source hardware platform. This similarity can lead to confusion when searching for information or resources online.
ArduinOS 1.3 offers a unique proposition for users seeking a Linux distribution that emulates the Windows 11 experience. Its integration of GNOME 48, HDR support, and user-friendly features make it an attractive option for those transitioning from Windows. However, potential users should weigh the benefits against the current limitations, such as the lack of in-place upgrades and limited community recognition. As the distribution matures and addresses these challenges, it has the potential to become a significant player in the Linux ecosystem, particularly for users seeking familiarity and ease of use.
Source: Neowin ArduinOS 1.3 is a Linux distro that looks like Windows 11, now with GNOME 48 and HDR support
