What's New in Gnome 3.20

The famous desktop environment Gnome, for GNU / Linux, appeared a few days ago with the presentation of its new version, which in its 3.20 edition We include a large group of new features that will accompany edition "3" of this system.

Gnome is structured so that your desktop is managed under an elegant and very simple to use concept. Without neglecting the control of the system, much less security.

After six months of work it is known that this latest version of Gnome 3 has been called "Delhi", as a form of recognition to a group of developers from Asia. Since this system, it is worth remembering, is supported by developers internationally. 28933 change points for the system were addressed, but in general we can highlight that there were changes from the software, to the search for files and access to privacy.

Now, we will tell you in more detail the most important changes made for this version 3.20:

OS updates

If we talk about software updates in Gnome, these are always done without complications from the software application. But in this importunity, the new version allows updates from the operating system. Which means that the need to use a command tool or execute a reinstallation of the system, to obtain the new version of this, will be a thing of the past. Now Gnome allows you to have notifications of new versions of the operating system, to later download them. You will be able to have knowledge of the download progress, and to avoid errors or problems with regard to security, this process will be executed when the system is not working. Which makes everything simpler and more comfortable during the process.

Messenger service IRC

Improvements were incorporated in the edition and configuration of the server, as well as the inclusion of servers and rooms for this version 3.20. You will have the option of selecting, from a preliminary list, the server you want to use without having to type an address. In addition to being simpler, the server connections also become more solid because they are automatically thrown. At the same time, you can also access the server properties from the sidebar.

To this new version of the Polari app online service, there were good changes, ranging from being able to paste blocks of text and then share them, to being able to paste images directly into chats so that they can be shared with Imgur.

For the new version of Polari there is support for many basic or traditional IRC qualities; tab implementation for IRC commands, use of the msg command and being able to open IRC links. The management of passwords for the server and keyboard shortcuts was included, a better handling of status messages, so that the chat sound was reduced, and the appearance of the application was improved; including text animations and a new input bar.

Wayland

The work done so that Wayland can be used in Gnome took a little time. Now you can see some great features for this edition. As a next-generation technology, Wayland will allow access to and display of GNU / Linux, can also eliminate graphics glitches and lay the groundwork for more secure applications. But among the new virtues of Wayland we can point out multitouch touchpad gestures, start notifications for enlargements, kinetic scrolling, drag and drop, just to name a few.

If you want to do tests just enter the settings menu on the login screen, and select GNOME on Wayland. It is worth mentioning that some features are not available when running GNOME Wayland. Among them: support for Wacom graphics tablets and screen sharing.

photo editing

For editing photographs were made minor bug fixes and various improvements, but if we talk about new things, the new controls for editing became simpler and more comfortable. For those who care about the original photo, it can be preserved during editing, and if you also want to stop editing, it can be undone without deteriorating the initial photo. Among the options available for editing we find image enhancements, color adjustment, image rotation and of course, editing filters for photography.

A new function was also added, which will allow the export of images to be able to generate copies of them and thus be able to share, print or create backup copies. Among these options, it can be very useful to export a photo in a reduced size, for a lighter load in the email.

File application

For this application a few improvements aimed at presentation and refinement. Performance and interface issues have been improved; the one that is more sensitive and fast. We find more optimized search filters, in addition to being easier to use than those of the previous version.

The files are more compact and easy to understand in relation to the preferences dialog. Adjustments are included for the creation of symbolic links, and the development of recursive search. There will be a sign of permanent file deletion and thumbnails are slightly larger. Finally, an additional level of zoom was incorporated in different views, grid and list.

Media control

Now the media controls are in the notification / clock area. What facilitates the use of music and video applications that are in current process. also the controls of different media applications used at the same time, can be appreciated in the same way as the applications.

The controls show the artist name of the song. Playback can be stopped, restarted, as well as skipping the track, both forward and backward. All under the MPRIS standard.

Shortcuts.

For Gnome 3.20 most applications have direct access windows; files, photos, videos, gedit, constructor, etc. For each of the applications, the direct access window can be opened from the application menu or using the Ctrl + keys or the Ctrl + F1 shortcut.

These shortcut windows are now a way of acquiring information about operating system shortcuts. Each of these windows is in charge of listing the keyboard shortcuts and the multi-touch effect for applications and all their functions. You can find help and search pages with navigation, which will make it easier for you to find shortcuts when you need it.

Finally, it is worth noting that the builder can now build XDG-Apps, a tool that can be installed from the GNOME software. This is something that not only drives the distribution of desktop applications, but also the creation of them.

Gnome 3.20 is coming to us with excellent news. You just need to appreciate them and enjoy them yourself. As additional information as of March 29, Gnome will be included as the default desktop for Fedora 24. So you won't have to wait long to try it!