Ubuntu 23.04 ships with GNOME 44 and if, like some, you’d prefer to access MPRIS controls from there, there’s a new extension on hand to help.
Quick Settings Audio Panel is a new GNOME extension designed for GNOME 44. Its task is simple: create a dedicated audio section in the Quick Settings menu and move audio-related controls there.
The master volume slider (and microphone slider, though doesn’t stay permanently visible) are moved into a separate section that at the bottom of the Quick Settings ajar from the rest. The MPRIS control applet also moves from the Notification/Calendar shade and into this bespoke panel.
Additionally, the extension is able to show per-app volume streams (so you can manage the volume of each audio stream independently from the master volume control), and always show the microphone volume slider rather than, as is default, on-demand.
You’re able to fine-tune the behaviour and adjust the layout of items in the audio panel. One (really nice) option merges the new audio panel with the rest of the Quick Settings menu – I like this option as it looks more like it was designed this way.
You’re also able to choose where the audio panel appears: at the bottom of the Quick Settings menu, to the left, right, or top. One “catch” is that you need to disable/enable the extension after making changes in the extension’s settings panel in order for those changes to take effect.
You can find Quick Settings Audio Panel on GNOME extensions, where you’re able to install it on Ubuntu 23.04 or another Linux distribution shipping GNOME 44.
Let me know what you think of it down in the comments – and don’t forget you can send me extension tips at any time through the omg! contact form.