The GNOME Project has released the beta version of the upcoming GNOME 47 desktop environment series, packed with numerous changes and enhancements. This significant update is now available for public testing, offering a glimpse into the future of the popular open-source desktop environment.
Hardware Encoding for Screen Recordings
One of the notable additions is support for hardware encoding for screen recordings, allowing for smoother and more efficient video capture. This feature is particularly useful for content creators and developers who rely on screen recording for tutorials, demos, and bug reporting.
Tablet Tool Enhancements
GNOME 47 beta also introduces improved support for tablet tools, including keybindings and actions. This update is designed to enhance the overall tablet experience, making it more intuitive and responsive.
Placement and Focus Logic for Always-On-Top Windows
The beta release includes implementation of placement and focus logic for always-on-top windows, ensuring that these windows behave as expected and don’t interfere with other desktop activities.
Sticky Behavior and Notification Portal Updates
GNOME 47 beta improves the sticky behavior with transient dialogs, making them more reliable and less intrusive. Additionally, the notification portal now uses the GTK protocol, providing a more consistent and streamlined notification experience.
Epiphany Web Browser Updates
The Epiphany (GNOME Web) web browser has received significant attention during the beta cycle, with new features like autofill support, bookmarks search bar, Privacy Report, and improved sorting and UI for bookmarks. Epiphany 47 beta also brings back the ability to set an image as wallpaper when installed as a Flatpak.
Other Notable Changes
GNOME Calendar now allows importing ICS files via drag-and-drop, and GNOME Console features an expanded preferences dialog. GNOME Initial Setup has been refreshed with a new Password page and removed the Privacy page. GNOME Software received a plugin for easier installation of DKMS and akmods keys with Secure Boot enabled.
The GNOME 47 beta desktop environment is a significant step forward, offering numerous improvements and new features. With its focus on hardware encoding, tablet tool enhancements, and placement and focus logic, this update is poised to enhance the overall desktop experience. As the beta cycle continues, we can expect even more refinements and bug fixes before the final release on September 18th, 2024.
