VirtualBox 7.1 Released with Some Refreshed Look and Feel

Oracle has just released the final version of VirtualBox 7.1, a significant update to its open-source and cross-platform virtualization software. This release boasts a redesigned user interface and a suite of new features that aim to enhance both user experience and functionality.

A Refreshed Look and Feel:

One of the most noticeable changes in VirtualBox 7.1 is its revamped user interface, built using the modern Qt 6 framework. This move allows for greater flexibility and customization, providing users with a cleaner and more intuitive experience. The updated GUI offers two distinct user levels:

• Basic: This level provides a simplified interface suitable for beginners, focusing on essential functions and reducing clutter.

• Experienced: This level unlocks the full range of VirtualBox's features, catering to advanced users who require greater control and customization.

This dual-level approach ensures that both novice and experienced users can find a comfortable and productive environment within the VirtualBox interface.

Improved Functionality and Performance:

Beyond aesthetics, VirtualBox 7.1 introduces a range of functional enhancements:

• Wayland Support: This update brings Wayland support for clipboard sharing between Linux guests and hosts, significantly enhancing cross-platform integration.

• Enhanced NAT Engine: The new NAT engine offers robust IPv6 support, expanding the networking capabilities of virtual machines.

• ARM Virtualization: VirtualBox 7.1 now supports ARM virtualization for Linux and BSD virtual machines running on Apple Silicon hosts, extending its reach to the latest Mac hardware.

• Oracle Cloud Integration: The integration with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) has been enhanced with new features like cloning and resetting compute instances. The performance dashboard now provides detailed resource usage information for local virtual machines.

• Screen Recording Boost: VirtualBox 7.1 delivers significant performance improvements for screen recording functionality across all supported platforms.

Enhanced Security and Stability:

The release also addresses crucial aspects of security and stability:

• Updated Extension Pack: The Oracle VirtualBox Extension Pack has been updated to adjust the PUEL license, removing the duplicate evaluation option and streamlining the licensing process.

• New MS DB/KEX Certificates: Newly created virtual machines now benefit from the inclusion of MS DB/KEX certificates, further strengthening security.

• Enhanced Remote Desktop Integration: The remote desktop integration has been upgraded to enable TLS support with self-signed certificates. The system automatically issues a new certificate before the old one expires, preventing potential security vulnerabilities.

Download and Experience the Upgrade:

VirtualBox 7.1 is available for download now, offering binaries for popular Linux distributions like Debian, Fedora, openSUSE, Oracle Linux, and Ubuntu. A universal installer is also available for other distributions. For the complete virtualization experience, remember to download the VirtualBox 7.1 Oracle VirtualBox Extension Pack alongside the core software.

In Conclusion:

VirtualBox 7.1 represents a significant leap forward for the popular virtualization software. The updated UI, enhanced functionality, and improved security features make it a more user-friendly and powerful platform for creating and managing virtual machines. Whether you're a seasoned virtual machine user or a curious newcomer, VirtualBox 7.1 is worth exploring for its modern features and capabilities.