Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” beta adds fingerprint authentication & better Wayland compatibility

Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” beta is now available, marking the next long-term support release for this distribution and promising maintenance until 2029. Building on this foundation, the release debuts Fingwit, a new XApp dedicated to fingerprint-based authentication, reinforcing both convenience and system security.

Addressing note-taking workflows, Sticky Notes now displays rounded corners, integrate fully with Wayland sessions, and work alongside the newly launched Android companion app, StyncyNotes. This Android integration enables users to synchronize notes across devices.

Following the UI improvements in core components, the login screen has been refined. It now offers a blur effect on the panel and dialog box, and supports the display of user avatars, enhancing the visual experience. Meanwhile, the Hypnotix media streaming app now offers Theater and Borderless modes in addition to its existing full-screen option, and has received performance improvements for smoother playback.

In parallel, theming consistency has been enhanced by patching LibAdwaita to support themes. Several XApps have also been improved, and new artwork enhancements, minor changes, and bug fixes round out this beta release.