Revamp Your Linux PC with the Latest GNOME 44 Update

GNOME serves as the default desktop environment for countless Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu and Fedora. GNOME 44 has now been released, with changes that will show up in upcoming Linux distro updates.

The development of GNOME 44 has focused primarily on enhancing the Settings app, which is no small feat considering the vast array of options, toggles, and links required for a desktop PC. Taking cues from the challenges faced by Windows 10/11 and macOS Ventura, the accessibility panel has been revamped for greater clarity, and a variety of new options have been added for keyboard features, audio over-amplification, and scrollbars that can always be visible.

The sound panel has also received a facelift, with volume level controls now housed in a separate window. The Mouse & Touchpad section boasts integrated videos that demonstrate each option, along with a new testing window and mouse acceleration setting. The quick settings menu, introduced in the previous update, has been further refined with a new Bluetooth section for connecting and disconnecting devices, along with a list of background apps. Finally, device checks have been reorganized in this update, building on the Device Security section that was added in the last release.

The Files app in GNOME 44 has undergone some notable updates. One of the most awaited features is the grid layout option while selecting a file from another app. Previously, only a list view was available. Additionally, you can now expand folders in the list view within Files, which was removed when the app was rewritten for GTK4. Furthermore, new tab options have been added, including the ability to pin and move tabs between windows, similar to most web browsers.

Numerous small enhancements have been implemented in GNOME 44, resulting in an exceptional desktop experience. Notably, Web (the GNOME browser) is now a GTK4 app, the terminal app boasts a tab overview screen, additional default wallpapers have been included, and Software (the app store) has new organization and cleanup options. For a complete list of updates, the source link below provides the changelog. GNOME 44 is now available, awaiting rollout by Linux distributions such as Fedora, Arch, and Debian. Ubuntu 23.04 (to be released in April) and Fedora 38, both of which are in beta testing, are expected to receive it. Meanwhile, rolling release distributions such as Arch Linux should begin to implement it shortly. To experience vanilla GNOME 44, download a GNOME OS image.