DesktopEnvironment
Latest
KDE 4.10 released with leaner Air theme, more love for mobile devices
There are plenty of Linux desktop environments to choose from, but if KDE has a special place in your heartware, you'll be pleased to know its first 2013 update is out. Making the jump from 4.9 to 4.10 brings various tweaks to Plasma Workspaces, including upped support for high-res displays, a streamlining of the default Air theme, and plenty of behind the scenes adjustments. All running software can now be controlled through a common menu system, search indexes happen faster, and the new Nepomuk Cleaner will help rid those clogged drives of unnecessary data. In addition, printer management has been improved, and the enhanced Dolphin file manager communicates more freely with mobile devices. A thorough, lovingly crafted changelog is available at the source link below, but if you're particularly fond of surprises, then head straight for the download. Happy upgrading!
GNOME 3.6 arrives with new notifications and improved accessibility support
The third update to the third version of Gnome may send numerologists to their calendars, but we're not that way inclined. Instead, the latest bump to the software adds a new Boxes application, a new notification system and an activities overview. It's also chucking in improved accessibility support in addition to the usual raft of tweaks and bug fixes you'd expect from an update like this. It'll be available from your own vendor (or distribution) soon, or you can pick up a live image from the official site straight away.
Gnome-flavored Ubuntu desktop environment coming for purest purists
If you're a Linux user squarely in the Gnome desktop camp and sneer with disdain at the mention of Unity, there's good news -- your preferred flavor is coming, uncontaminated, to Ubuntu. Though "GNOMEBuntu" was originally floated as a name for the new environment, that idea was apparently kiboshed by the Gnome Foundation, leaving "GNOBuntu" and "Gnubuntu" as possible monikers, according to Mutkware. Neither Unity, nor cloud service Ubuntu One will be included in the distro, but you'll find a library of apps pre-installed, including the Epiphany browser and Rhythmbox music player. Customized settings will let you further tweak the purity level to suit your zeal -- so, if you're thinking about grabbing the upcoming alpha, check the source for more info.
GNOME OS plans detailed: desktops and tablets and smartphones, oh my!
That the GNOME devs planned to package their distro of Linux is hardly a secret, but we haven't heard too many details. Now Allan Day, one of the interface and UX designers, has explained not just the goals, but the reasoning behind the move. The foundation has realized a number of things, chief amongst them is that the move towards tablets and smartphones means GNOME needs to become more finger-friendly if it hopes to survive. That doesn't mean that the desktop environment is looking to take on iOS and Android necessarily. GNOME OS is going to be aimed at developers, with the goal stabilizing its associated SDKs and APIs, while refining the user experience. That means not just UI tweaks, but rewritten core apps and a "new model for accessing content." For more details about the Linux stalwart's efforts to maintain relevancy in the face of a quickly evolving market (and the loss of Ubuntu to its in-house Unity UI) hit up the source.
KDE 4.9 arrives, wants to show off its stability
While its austere naming structure may not endear itself to alliteration fans, KDE 4.9 has arrived with a raft of improvements designed to impress Linux users. It's the first release since the formation of the KDE Quality team, tasked with improving the overall slickness of the desktop environment. You'll find changes to Plasma Workspaces, the application stack, the Dolphin file manager and Okular, which can now save and print PDF files. If you're eager to upgrade, the source code is available at the source link and is dedicated to Claire Lotion -- a KDE contributor who passed away earlier this year.
KDE 4.8 released, wants to sashay its way into your computer
Sure, it might not have the marketing flair, nor mindshare of another Linux-based project we know, but that doesn't mean the folks behind KDE haven't been feverishly polishing their take on the perfect desktop environment. That dedication has resulted in version 4.8, which brings forth a bevy of tweaks big and small. Those upgrading will be treated to more layouts in Plasma Workspaces, a new display engine and file-manager, as well as redesigned power management settings. Also on the docket are refinements that improve stability and performance, including groundwork to enable more touch-friendly UIs in the future. Sounds like a win-win to us, so why are you still reading? More info awaits at the source.
