Each stable release of Ubuntu comes with a new desktop background – it is a trend that has always clung to the OS platform and Ubuntu 16.10 (Yakkety Yak) is no exception in that trend.
The new desktop background image was available for download in full resolution from last week for all existing Ubuntu users, as well as users of other OS platforms. However, starting Sep 10, the default wallpaper for the next Ubuntu release was changed to a new Ubuntu wallpapers package
There are two variants of the wallpaper now. One is the usual orange one that users typically get to see when they first boot into a live Ubuntu session, and there’s a second one in silver just for those who prefer the Radiance desktop theme more than the default ambiance theme.
Not much has changed in the design, though. Especially if you compare it to the Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus) default wallpaper.
Meanwhile, in a related news, the development of Ubuntu 16.10 seems to be proceeding at superb pace.
Canonical is also working on rebasing Yakkety Yak on the forthcoming Linux 4.8 kernel. If things continue moving as planned, odds are high you will have all latest software versions available before the final Beta arrives on September 22.