Now that Solus is a rolling release Linux-based operating system, it always gets the newest and most advanced GNU/Linux technologies, as well as open source software releases. Also, as you might know already, the Solus developers open the gates to more desktop environments and window managers, such as i3 and MATE. An official Solus MATE Edition is expected in the coming weeks, as part of the forthcoming Solus 1.2.1 ISO update, which should bring many goodies and up-to-date components to those who want to deploy the distro on new machines. However, this does not mean that you cannot enjoy the latest MATE 1.16 desktop right now.