COSMIC Alpha 2 Released with Bluetooth Settings, Much-Improved File Manager
Among the updates introduced in COSMIC Alpha 2, there’s a new Bluetooth page in Settings to let you connect and manage your Bluetooth devices, a new Gallery feature in the COSMIC Files file manager that lets users cycle through images in a folder, and new density options under Settings > Appearance to adjust the spacing between UI elements.
The COSMIC Files file manager also received new Search bar, New Folder, Grid/List view, and Sort by options header items, Sort by Name, Type, Last modified, Date created, and Size options, a ”Recents” view in the sidebar for viewing recent files, and support for previewing files in a context menu before opening.
Original Post:
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System76 COSMIC Alpha 2 Released
System76, the premiere Linux computer manufacturer and creator of the COSMIC desktop environment, has updated COSMIC’s Alpha release to Alpha 2. The latest release includes more Settings pages, the bulk of functionality for COSMIC Files, highly requested window management features, and considerable infrastructure work for screen reader support, as well as some notable bug fixes.
With COSMIC, System76 aims to liberate the computer with a new desktop environment powerful enough to build custom OS experiences — for users, developers, and makers of any device with a screen. So far, COSMIC is available for testing on the following Linux distros...
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COSMIC Desktop Alpha 2 Released, Here's What's New
There’s been a lot of buzz about System76’s COSMIC desktop environment since its initial alpha release in early August. A month and a half later, they launched the second alpha version as part of their Pop!_OS 24.04 Alpha 2 release. As usual, we’re here to give you the first look at what’s new.
The changes are many, including expanded settings pages, significant functionality enhancements for COSMIC Files, highly requested window management features, and substantial infrastructure work for screen reader support. So, without further ado, let’s get on with the review.
The Shiny New COSMIC Linux Desktop Environment Gets Its First Update
COSMIC, the new Linux desktop environment developed by System76, got its very first public release last month. And System76 just announced the second Alpha release of this new desktop environment, which is available for testing now.
The COSMIC Alpha 2 brings some enhancements to the Settings page, adds new features to the Files app, and fixes some bugs to improve performance. COSMIC is meant to eventually replace the custom Gnome environment powering System76’s homegrown Pop!_OS distribution. Its default interface looks a lot like stock Android, and it retains the feel of Gnome. But it’s created completely from scratch (using the modern programming language Rust) to make it more snappy, stable, and secure.
COSMIC DE Alpha 2 Released, This is What's New - OMG! Ubuntu
To make it easy for us all to try out the latest improvements a second alpha build of Pop!_OS 24.04 is also available to download.
Those who installed the first Pop!_OS 24.04 alpha don’t need to re-install. All of the improvements in this post are available as software updates via the COSMIC App Store.
Not that anyone needs to use Pop!_OS to try the COSMIC. This Rust-based DE is also available to test on a wide range of Linux distributions, including Fedora, NixOS, Arch, and Redox OS.
System76 chose to craft its own, brand-new desktop environment to replace GNOME Shell and the myriad of GNOME Shell extensions Pop!_OS was relying on to curate its unique user experience.
GamingOnLinux:
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System76 release COSMIC Alpha 2 | GamingOnLinux
System76 are continuing to expand and improve their new Linux desktop environment, COSMIC, with a second Alpha release now available for testing. Their goal with it, they said, is to "create the best, most consistent and flexible experience for users".
COSMIC started off live as a replacement for GNOME, used in previous Pop!_OS releases (and Ubuntu, Fedora). Some of the differences they've highlighted are the comprehensive theming system with shareable themes, an option for either vertical or horizontal workspaces, integrated and easily accessible tiling system and highly customizable panels (dock and top bar).