Alpha version of COSMIC desktop environment released for Pop!_OS and other Linux distros

The alpha version of the new COSMIC desktop environment for Pop!_OS and other Linux distributions has been released, introducing new features, customization options, and improvements in performance, stability, and security.

The COSMIC design system, which is still under development, defines the desktop environment's aesthetic and functional guidelines, including typography, colors, theming, spacing, corner radii, and widget usage. Official templates for apps and applets have been finalized to guide developers on best practices within the COSMIC environment. New features in the alpha release include settings for adjusting date, time, and time zone, integrated screen capture functionality, and updated touchpad defaults. The alpha version also underwent preliminary testing to ensure smooth installation and the successful implementation of screen-sharing in video conferencing apps.

Users interested in trying COSMIC can download the Intel/AMD or NVIDIA ISO versions of Pop!_OS, with sha256sum hashes available for file integrity verification. Instructions are also provided for installing COSMIC on other Linux distributions such as Fedora, NixOS, Arch Linux, and openSUSE.