Enlightenment desktop environment 0.28 brings NetworkManager module and PipeWire support

The Enlightenment desktop environment has released version 0.28, bringing substantial enhancements to its networking capabilities and multimedia support. The update introduces comprehensive NetworkManager integration, offering users streamlined control over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth connections, and VPNs directly from the desktop. New features include real-time signal strength indicators, security badges, detailed connection information, and saved network management with easy forget buttons. The module also supports automatic detection of both NetworkManager and ConnMan services, traffic monitoring with configurable polling intervals, and improved captive portal handling for public hotspots.

Beyond connectivity, Enlightenment 0.28 expands multimedia flexibility with native PipeWire mixer support running alongside traditional PulseAudio, giving users broader audio device selection and cycling options. An integrated clipboard history module now provides configurable persistent history tracking, addressing a long-requested feature among power users. The release also marks an important milestone with initial NetBSD compatibility, including power management commands and proper signal handling for the BSD platform. Under the hood, developers addressed critical stability concerns, fixing memory safety issues, D-Bus lifecycle problems, shutdown race conditions, and various dialog refresh loops that plagued earlier versions.

These updates represent a significant maturation of Enlightenment's modern infrastructure while maintaining the lightweight efficiency the environment is known for. Users can expect more polished network dialogs, better theme integration, and fewer crashes during suspend/resume cycles. For those who rely on Enlightenment for daily computing, particularly on BSD systems or requiring robust network management, version 0.28 offers compelling reasons to upgrade.