Linux Mint unveils new ebook reader, calendar app, and revamped document library

The Linux Mint's development team has released a detailed preview of upcoming enhancements for the distribution's next version, highlighting significant improvements to the desktop experience. The centerpiece of the update is a redesigned document library, named Thingy, which shifts from organizing files by application to categorizing them by file type. Users can now customize the sidebar with predefined document groups, rearrange their order, or create entirely custom collections tied to specific directories, ideal for managing project-based workflows across multiple document types. The library also includes privacy-focused features allowing users to individually remove items or clear the entire recently-opened documents list at once.

Alongside the library overhaul, Linux Mint introduced Xepub, a new EPUB reader designed to replicate the reading experience found on dedicated e-readers like Kindle or Kobo. The application offers chapter navigation, full-text search, bookmarking, and persistent reading position tracking. Notably, Xepub integrates contextual search functionality: selecting any word brings up configurable search options for dictionaries, [Wikipedia] lookups, or translations, while passages can be annotated with customizable highlight colors and accompanying notes. These additions join a newly redesigned calendar application, named Clockenstein, as part of broader efforts to expand the distribution's native multimedia and productivity tooling.

The XApp project, which originated within Linux Mint but has since been adopted by numerous desktop environments and distributions, also received attention with the launch of a new dedicated website aimed at improving discoverability of its apps. While the team continues development on these features, community feedback has surfaced questions about Wayland adoption, particularly around color management for creative professionals. As Linux Mint prepares for its next release, the enhancements signal continued investment in polished, user-focused desktop experiences while maintaining compatibility across diverse workflows.