The second and final beta release of Ubuntu 12.10, code name "Quantal Quetzal", is ready for testing: "The Ubuntu team is pleased to announce the final beta release of Ubuntu 12.10 Desktop, Server, Cloud, and Core products. Some of the new features available since beta 1 are: Quantal beta 2 includes the 3.5.0-15.23 Ubuntu Linux kernel which is based on the 3.5.4 upstream Linux kernel; Unity has been updated to version 6.6 which contains the new default web application in the launcher, a new shopping lens, improvements to the dash and multiple bug fixes; GNOME has been updated to 3.5.92 for most components (some to 3.6.0); accessibility is turned on by default." Read the release announcement and release notes for more information.

Unity was updated to version 6.6 including support for
  • Addition of 'More Suggestions' catory which delivers commercial content to the Dash via the 'Unity Shopping Lens'
  • Numerous fixes and refinements to the dash
  • Support addition of webapps in the launcher by default (including Amazon & Ubuntu One Music stores)
  • An updated indicator-messages including a new libmessaging-menu api (deprecating the old libindicate library)
  • All launcher icons (except the BFB and Trash) should now be movable
  • Added the ability to unlock removable-storage icons from the launcher to de-clutter it
  • When in spread mode (Super+W) it's possible to close windows by clicking the close button revealed when hovering over them
  • Gwibber lens now features preview support in the dash
  • Webapps can now trigger package downloads where required by compliant websites visited by the user
  • Additional icons have been added to the filesystem lens to enable dragging and dropping filesystems (such as USB sticks) into the launcher
  • Previews in the video lens now show details for remote Amazon videos
  • Unity and unity-panel have been ported to atk-bridge for accessibility
Other notable updates include:
  • Jockey has been deprecated in favor of a "Drivers" component in software-properties.
  • Libreoffice was updated to 3.6.1 with built-in menubar & HUD support without needing a separate plugin.
  • GNOME has been updated to 3.5.92 for most components (some to 3.6.0)
  • Accessibility is turned on by default.
  • See the release notes for further information.

Download (SHA256):
Ubuntu-12.10-beta2-desktop-i386.iso (751MB, torrent)
Ubuntu-12.10-beta2-desktop-amd64.iso (756MB, torrent)
Ubuntu 12.10 Gnome Remix Beta
Ubuntu 12.10 Beta 2 Cloud Server
Ubuntu 12.10 Beta 2 Netboot
Ubuntu 12.10 Beta 2 Core
Also released today were 12.10 beta 2 CD and DVD images for:
Kubuntu 12.10 beta 2
Lubuntu 12.10 beta 2
Edubuntu 12.10 beta 2
Ubuntu Studio 12.10 beta2
Xubuntu 12.10 beta 2

That's it, Enjoy
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