Linux Mint 19.1 ‘Tessa’ New Features and Release Date

The second point release in the Linux Mint 19 will be named “Tessa.” Linux Mint 19.1 is expected to be released around Nov-Dec of this year. It will receive security updates and support until 2023.

Being a point update, Linux Mint 19 users will be able to upgrade via the Update Manager without much hassle. Here are the new features arriving in Tessa.

Best New Features of Linux Mint 19.1 ‘Tessa’

1. Cinnamon 4.0 – New Desktop Layout

After updating to Linux Mint 19.1, you will notice a new welcome screen in which you’ll be asked to choose your favorite desktop layout, including “Traditional” and “Modern” layouts. The new Modern layout will feature a large panel with a small system tray inspired by Windows 10.

New Desktop Layout in Linux Mint 19.1 Tessa

Sharper Icons: One of the things which Linux Mint lagged for a while is the blurry look of the icons. These days they are an absolute no-go. The development team has decided to use strict larger icon sizes to guarantee icons looked crisp.

2. Icing Task Manager

Icing Task Manager will now be integrated into Cinnamon itself. For those new to this applet, it is a cool app that will add app grouping and thumbnail capability to the Window list.

Icing Task Manager

Icing General Settings

3. New Mint-Y Dark theme

The default theme of Mint will receive some much-needed appearance enhancement. Tessa will include a new Mint-Y dark theme by default. By default, Cinnamon will apply a dark large 40px panel.

Panel Height

The theme’s contrast is being dramatically increased for a sharper look. The screenshot below shows the Xed text editor using the Mint-Y theme as it was in Mint 19 (on the left) and how it looks in 19.1. Icons also now look darker than before.

Linux Mint 19.1 Theme Improvement

4. Update Manager

You can now update the mainline kernels from the Update Manager.

That’s all we have to know so far. This article will be updated as and when we come across new features. Stay tuned!