elementary OS 7.1: A major update focused on user privacy and accessibility enhancements

elementary OS, the Linux distribution renowned for its aesthetics and functionality, has launched version 7.1, eight months after the release of version 7.0. The latest iteration comes with a focus on new personalization options and features aimed at inclusivity and accessibility. It also prioritizes user privacy and consent, with over 200 bug fixes, design changes, and new features in response to user feedback.

elementary OS 7.1 introduces the Background & Autostart Portal, a feature designed to alert users about apps running in the background. It also ensures that apps require user permission before initiating automatic startup upon device activation.

The updated version also enhances the functionality of the AppCenter. It now informs users if an app has the ability to read location, send notifications, or start and run in the background without prior consent. It also alerts users if an app can access system or home folders, alter system settings, or potentially breach the sandbox to obtain arbitrary advanced permissions.

The Sideload feature in the new release maintains user control and awareness during the installation of apps outside the AppCenter. Furthermore, elementary OS 7.1 introduces Housekeeping, a feature designed to protect privacy and free up storage by automatically deleting old files.

In this major update, many accessibility settings have been added or enhanced (access to the screen readers, display and grayscale filters, etc.), and the gesture and mouse navigation have been greatly improved.

Finally, many other new features and enhancement to the login screen, various apps, AppCenter… have also made it to this release, ensuring a fluid use of the operating system and all its software.