The shiny new COSMIC Linux desktop environment receives its first update

COSMIC, the new Linux desktop environment from System76, saw its first public release last month. System76 has just announced the second Alpha version of this new desktop environment, which is now available for testing.

COSMIC Alpha 2 makes some improvements to the Settings page, adds new features to the Files app, and fixes several bugs to improve performance. COSMIC is intended to eventually replace the custom Gnome framework that runs the native Pop!_OS System76 distribution. Its default interface looks very similar to stock Android and retains the Gnome style. But it was built completely from scratch (using the modern Rust programming language) to make it more fast, stable and secure.

The company is also developing an entirely new suite of applications to suit this computing environment. There is a new App Store to replace Pop!_Shop. It includes applications that will run on multiple platforms, including Windows and macOS. One of these pre-installed applications is COSMIC Files, which now has a search bar, multiple sorting options, a “Recent” tab, file previews, zip operations in the context menu, network file support, and a full File menu.

The Settings page is where most of this update is focused. Developers have added a “Power & Battery” page with new power modes (extended, balanced, high performance) and information about the battery of the computer and connected devices. In the “Sound” tab, you can now control Bluetooth volume and adjust input and output audio using presets. There is also a new “Network & Wireless” tab for wired, wireless and VPN connections.

In this release, you’ll find new ways to control and interact with windows on the “Desktop” tab. Firstly, when you move your cursor over a window, it will automatically snap to it after a certain amount of time (the duration is configurable), and if you use a key press to focus a window, the cursor will automatically jump and snap the window to that window.

If you already have the first Alpha version installed on your Pop!_OS, you will receive the update via the COSMIC App Store. Alternatively, you can download and install the ISO file from the System76 website for a fresh installation.

Source: System76