Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Codenamed Xenial Xerus, Daily Builds Available for Download

Just like every other Ubuntu Release, Ubuntu 15.10 Wily Werewolf is followed by the start of the development cycle of the next Ubuntu release. As a result, the development of Ubuntu 16.04 LTS has started.

Canonical has codenamed the upcoming Ubuntu version as Xenial Xerus and it’s the next Long-Term Support release.

After Wily Werewolf, the naming of Ubuntu 16.04 LTS as Xenial Xerus and a name beginning with the letter “X” comes with no surprise. Xenial means hospitable or friendly and Xerus stands for a ground squirrel.

Announcing the name on the Canonical blog, Ubuntu founder Mark Shuttleworth explains more about it:

What fortunate timing that our next LTS should be X, because “xenial” means “friendly” relations between hosts and guests.

And “Xerus”, the African ground squirrels, are among the most social animals in my home country. They are fast, feisty, friendly and known for their enormous… courage. That sounds just about right. With great… courage… comes great opportunity.

It should be noted that Ubuntu 16.04 is expected to be the last version of Ubuntu that will ship with the standard X server by default. Ubuntu founder has described Utopic, Vivid and Wily as “three intense releases, packed with innovation” and hoped that Ubuntu 16.04 LTS will bring the threads together.

Also read: 10 Best Features of Ubuntu 15.10 Wily Werewolf

The Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Xenial Xerus is now based on Linux 4.3 Release Candidate 7 and you can download the first Live ISO images for the Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Xenial Xerus. However, we hope that the final build of Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Xenial Xerus will be based on Linux kernel 4.4.

What are your expectations with Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Xenial Xerus? Tell us in the comments below.

You can download the Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Xenial Xerus images right now from the links below:

Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Daily Build

Also read: Our 42% PCs in China Are Running Military-developed Ubuntu Kylin, Says Dell