precise pangolin

Step by step, fast and constant, are attributes of Gwibber, in terms of development through an Ubuntu cycle.

One of Ubuntu's most developed applications is definitely Onboard, the default virtual keyboard, that adds serious new features with any release (especially starting with the 0.9.5 version).

Onboard 0.9.7 has just landed in Precise Pangolin, bringing new themes, smart behavior and UI refinements.

What is new in Onboard 0.9.7?

CompizConfig Settings Manager contains lots of configuration settings applyable in Unity, thus becoming a relevant tool for various adjustments and tweaks, and, even though it is not a default application, due to its notoriety and enhanced Unity integration, the developers continue its optimization.

A new CompizConfig Settings Manager version is available in Precise Pangolin, bringing:

The Ubuntu sound theme-related CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS has been stopped, and, starting with today, February 15th, the developers have put together a list of four selected sounds, that are to be subjected to further feedback, needed for deciding which sound is suitable for Ubuntu 12.04's login experience (other sounds, like alerts, etc are probably to be developed later in the Precise cycle).

The Sound indicator allows one to easily adjust the sound volume, play/pause a particular music player (there are numerous media players compatible with Ubuntu's sound menu), turn OFF the sound by middle-clicking on it, furthermore the sound menu contains a handy link to System Settings' sound panel, where in-depth configurations can be tweaked and adjusted.

Also, despite its functionality and discrete presence, there are persons who prefer a clean, simple Unity panel without the Sound indicator.

Unity Coverflow is definitely a surprise on Ubuntu field that triggers serious discussions among various Ubuntu developers, talks aimed at answering mainly one question: Will the Coverflow land in Ubuntu 12.04?

LightDM's Unity greeter has just been enriched with minor but eye-catching theming bits, continuing the Unity integration.

What is new in Unity greeter 0.2.1?

• the password area contains the word Password



• the session dialog (Ubuntu, Ubuntu 2D) features probably an initial theming consistent with the overall look

A new eyecandy view is to probably be integrated into Unity, named Coverflow, a fancy draggable 3D icon view, that is to, on-demand, expose Dash's icons in an horizontal view, easily manageable by drag and scroll.

This totally interesting, fancy addition, Unity Coverflow, has been "conditionally approved", and, is to probably be included in Ubuntu 12.04 if it meets certain design-based parameters (according to Ubuntu's John Lea):

Another week, another step towards the already usual stability and overall improvements in Precise Pangolin.

After the launch of Ubuntu 11.10, there was a consistent amount of bugs related to Compiz, varying from issues like when VSync was enabled/disabled, maximize/minimize bugs, lost focus when maneuvering several windows, low frame rate, windows tearing and ending with an overall unpleasant Unity session, especially after numerous continuous hours of usage, regardless of the used drivers.

The sound menu has just been redesigned in Precise Pangolin, with a completely new interaction approach, marking the actual implementation of the last weeks' mockups.

Under System Settings-->Sound, the "old" Hardware category has been repositioned, the new categories featuring a more simplistic look, yet without any configuration loss.