Ubuntu continues its innovation with the release of a new Ubuntu X Elite Developer Preview, tailored for Qualcomm Snapdragon laptops. This release builds upon Ubuntu 24.10 with the added benefits of Oracular Oriole.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about this preview, from features and supported devices to how you can contribute. Let’s dive in!
What is Ubuntu X Elite Developer Preview?
Ubuntu X Elite Developer Preview is an experimental release designed for developers and early adopters who want to explore cutting-edge features on arm64 platforms.
This time, the focus is to create a single Ubuntu image that “just works” on as many Snapdragon X Elite devices as possible, paving the way for a generic arm64 installer.
What’s New?
- Based on Ubuntu 24.10: Leverages the power of Oracular Oriole for improved stability and performance.
- Broader Compatibility: Expands target devices beyond the previous release.
- Community-Centric: Encourages community contributions to enhance hardware support.
Getting Started
Follow these steps to try the preview:
- Download and Prepare the Installer
- Download the installer image from the official source.
- Flash it to a USB drive using tools like Rufus.
- Configure BIOS
- Disable Secure Boot in BIOS settings.
- Use USB-C ports for better reliability.
- Dual Boot with Windows
- Backup your Windows data.
- Set up dual boot to retain Windows for firmware updates.
- Install Additional Firmware
Extract firmware from your Windows installation using:
bash
sudo apt install qcom-firmware-extract sudo qcom-firmware-extract sudo reboot
Supported Devices
This preview has been successfully tested on the following devices:
- ASUS Vivobook S 15 756
- Dell XPS 13 9345 (32GB & 64GB)
- HP Omnibook X 14 249
- Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 (32GB & 64GB)
- Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 934
Not yet supported:
- Dell Latitude 7455
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
- Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge
If your device is unsupported, your contributions can help expand compatibility!
How to Contribute
Want to contribute? Here’s how:
- Report Bugs
Submit hardware-related bug reports on Launchpad. - Edit LiveFS
Use livefs-editor to modify the image and add support for new hardware. - Build Concept Kernel
Follow official guides to build the Ubuntu kernel for your specific needs. - Enhance Documentation
Contribute to guides and tutorials in Ubuntu forums to assist other users.
Important Disclaimer
This image is experimental and not suitable for production use. It is provided as-is with no warranty or official support.
Acknowledgements
This project is made possible thanks to the open-source community, including:
- #aarch64-laptops on OFTC
- Linaro
- Linux kernel developers
- Companies like Lenovo, Qualcomm, and Dell
Conclusion
Ubuntu X Elite Developer Preview takes Snapdragon platforms to the next level, offering cutting-edge features, community collaboration, and a glimpse into the future of Linux on arm64 devices. If you’re ready for an experimental journey, this is your chance to explore tomorrow’s technology.
