UbuntuDDE, however, isn’t merely Ubuntu 20.04 with the Deepin desktop slapped on top. Subtle but meaningful design and software decisions have been made. Before we get into that, here’s some of the top-level features:
- Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Base System
- LTS (Long Term Support) with Ubuntu 20.04
- Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE) version 5.0
- Ubuntu Software Center (Support with Snap and APT)
- Stock Deepin software included and preinstalled
- Better support for drivers (such as Nvidia and 3rd party WiFi drivers)
- Linux Kernel version 5.4
- Kwin Window Manager
- Major and minor bug fixes from UbuntuDDE 20.04 Beta
- Future OTA updates
Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed something unique in those bullet points: UbuntuDDE uses the Ubuntu Software Center and not the Deepin AppStore. This was a conscious decision by the developers to both compliment the Ubuntu ecosystem and squash any lingering privacy concerns.
Additionally, this new Linux distribution uses official Ubuntu repositories instead of Deepin ones, and the developers have tasked themselves with maintaining the DDE (Deepin Desktop Environment) packages for Ubuntu.
I gave it a test run last month when the beta was still fresh, and I’m eager to see what refinements have been made since then.
One other thing worth pointing out: I’m a sucker for projects that have polished websites, and UbuntuDDE comes out of the gate with not just a sharp looking portal, but also official support channels within Telegram and IRC, in addition to Forums.
That’s likely because this project’s end goal is gaining the favor of Canonical and becoming an official Ubuntu flavor; right now it’s classified as a “Remix” similar to CinnaBuntu… sorry, I mean Ubuntu Cinnamon Edition.
You can download UbuntuDDE here,