I’m working with a side project: GlaciaOS, basically an Ubuntu remix that’s all about bringing back the best bits of the old Unity desktop and making them feel fresh and actually usable today.
Quick rundown of the cool stuff:
New control settings application (merge of tweak tools with the old settings application);
Removed the scopes and respective RPC’s from the dash. Now only shows the installed applications and the search is local, for reducing search lag;
Added two new file explorer features (nemo). 1) “Open in editor“, where you can open the current folder on your favorite code editor or IDE; 2) sending&receiving files via ssh.
Reviewed several indicators (Bluetooth, datetime, session)
The whole point? Make the desktop feel like yours again – fast, elegant, no BS, respects your privacy and doesn’t waste your time.
It’s still early days (alpha-ish builds), but I’m sharing because I’d love feedback from anyone who misses Unity.
It’s nice to see a new remix featuring the Unity desktop. But…. wouldn’t it have been better to join forces with the Ubuntu Unity team and help them out to fix the official flavor? They need all the help they can get.
I have been testing in virtmanager on two completely different systems and can change the screen resolution when logged in but the settings do not stick on reboot.
The unity tweak app does not load if installed.
The workspaces feature works properly when enabled with the correct keyboard controls without having to install compiz-settings-manager and tweaking.
No font size controls seem to be available.
Overall I like it but I am not a developer so removed the coding feature.
