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).
Pictured - COSMIC Alpha 2, traditional windows and floating tiles (click to enlarge)
Some of what's new in COSMIC Alpha 2 includes:
- Power & Battery settings.
- More Sound settings.
- New Networking settings.
- New Display settings.
- New Window Management features including focus following the cursor and cursor follows focus.
- Interface density settings to change how spaced-out UI elements are.
- Bluetooth settings.
- Improvements to the file manager.
- + lots and lots of smaller fixes and improvements.
You can download it from their website, which also has links to try it directly on your favourite distro. Read all about what's new in their blog post.
See more from me