Hands On With The Dell XPS 13 Ubuntu Laptop

The Sputnik is Dell's cleverly code-named latest laptop endeavour. It's a Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook that has a line up of hardware that Dell feels will lure developers away from competing vendors. I spent just over a month testing out the Sputnik, having been sent a unit directly from the good folks at Dell. And here are my thoughts...

22 November 2012

[How-to] Install the 13.04 Unity Launcher Design Updates

Along with the recently covered design changes heading (tentatively) to Ubuntu 13.04, came some changes to the Unity launcher. Now, if you're one of these folks who can't wait to get the latest thing I've created a simple little hack for you.

21 November 2012
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Steam Open Linux Beta to 5000 More Gamers

Valve are putting smiles on the faces of Linux-loving gamers, as they announce a widening of access to their Linux Beta client. Some 5000 users who signed up for beta access will be granted access, Valve's Frank Crockett announced to members of the Steam for Linux community on Steam.

21 November 2012

Ubuntu 13.04 Default Wallpaper Revealed

Ubuntu 13.04 has gotten it's new default wallpaper - some 5-ish months ahead of schedule! The design won't shock the socks off anyone; it's the same 'subtle evolution' to the design first introduced in Ubuntu 10.04 - but hey, familiarity can be cool, too.

21 November 2012

Ubuntu Updates Software Center, Update Manager Icons in 13.04

Ubuntu designers have unveiled an updated set of icons for use in Unity. New icons for the Ubuntu Software Center, the Software Updater, and Nautilus have been 'released'.

21 November 2012

An ‘OMG! Ubuntu!’ GNOME Shell Theme

Reader Ryan Davies dropped this little treat in my inbox recently - a GNOME-Shell theme based on the design of this very website!

21 November 2012
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Firefox 17 Released, Adds New Social Feature

Another month, and we're graced by another release of the Firefox web browser. Now on version 17, this latest release introduces a number of new features, including a new social API, larger icons on the 'awesome bar' and, for Windows users, 'click to play' warnings on out-dated plugins.

20 November 2012

[How To] Add a CoverArt Browser to Rhythmbox

Looking for a visually slick way to browse your music collection in Rhythmbox? The following CoverArt Browser plugin might be just what you're after...

19 November 2012

System76 Launch 17″ Ubuntu Gaming Laptop, Dub it ‘Worlds Fastest’

Ubuntu hardware sellers System76 have today unveiled their latest laptop: the Bonobo Extreme. System76's CEO and Founder, Carl Richell, boasts that the Bonobo Extreme is the 'world's fastest Ubuntu laptop', citing Steam's impending Linux arrival as reason for launching a 'new benchmark in gaming performance'.

19 November 2012

[How To] Watch Netflix on Ubuntu

Netflix is up and running on Ubuntu - albeit unofficially, and via the familiar crutch of WINE. Developer Erich Hoover, and Ubuntu blogger 'iheartubuntu' have worked together to bring the worlds most popular movie streaming service to the Linux desktop.

18 November 2012

[How To] Test Spotify’s New Web Player

Spotify have launched a new web-based player for streaming music from their library. Although in beta the web-player puts 18 million tracks at your fingertips regardless of your platform or device.

16 November 2012

Splice: Sudoku in a Petri Dish

If you're not too germophobic or if you like playing God, at the microcosmic level, then you’ll enjoy this microbial puzzle-game. Indie game developer Cipher Prime Studios, bring players into the world of the microscopic. Splice requires players to pull-apart and reconstruct increasingly complex strands of microbes.

15 November 2012