An update to Compiz that improves gaming performance is on its way to Ubuntu. Compiz 0.9.8.6, currently in preparation, enables a small feature that improves full-screen OpenGL gaming performance in Unity.
Ubuntu 12.10 introduces a slower window minimising animation so that users have enough time to 'register' where their apps go to. If you're used to using Ubuntu and Unity, or have a serious case of impatience, you may find that it's too slow. But the good news is that you can adjust it - but you will need to get you hands dirty to do so...
Ubuntu developers have decided against the new 'un-minimise' animation present in Ubuntu 12.10, reverting it back to the original effect. The "magic lamp" effect for un-minimising windows was added to Ubuntu 12.10 in late August.
New safeguards have been added to CCSM - the GUI tool for configuring Compiz - to limit damage caused by users unaware of the tools importance. When launching the app in Ubuntu 12.04 a pop-up box warning users of the potential risks from idly playing around with settings therein. The ability to disable the Unity desktop plugin from the main plugin overview in CCSM has also been removed.
The headline to this article might sound inflammatory but it's a question currently being debated on the Ubuntu Desktop mailing list. Ubuntu's Jorge Castro makes the case for 'jettisoning' the tool from the the Ubuntu Universe repositories (i.e. removing it from the Ubuntu Software Centre).
Sam Spilsbury has been the lead of Compiz for as long as I’ve paid attention to it. His blog is one that I follow closely to get a bit of insight into the project. Normally […]
We're looking for a few brave souls to break their computers...
The new look Alt+Tab switcher present in the Ubuntu 11.10 development releases was touched on by Jorge and Ahmed in their weekly ‘Unity Development Update‘ post. If you’re sensible enough to be waiting until October […]
Want to add an 'expose' style button to the Unity Launcher to quickly find the application window you're looking for? Read on...
In spite of best efforts, a weird bug in compiz causing windows to 'become invisible' is still haunting the users. Here is how you can help fix it.
OS X uses them, GNOME 3 uses them, and for the Oneiric Ocelot so will Ubuntu. What am I talking about? These....
I think it is fair to say that the Desktop Cube has been one of Linux's iconic features. The cube provided both an easy way to visualise workspaces as well as a nice bit of eye-candy when using it.
I'm a sucker for detail. In yesterdays update to Ubuntu 11.04's Unity interface the Grid plugin (read 'aero snap') for Compiz added some animated 'effects' when being invoked. Read on to see them in action and why I think they're more than just simple 'bling'...
Love handles. Sounds non-sexy, but boy it is anything but.
In such a short time of development, improvements in speed, aesthetics, usability and more have come to life in the Compiz version of Unity. But what about customization?
The much anticipated alpha release of Banshee for Windows is coming next week. The Windows port is attracting a lot of new contributors, bringing our new Windows effort up to 5 people actively working on […]
Not happy with the default size of the Compiz drop shadows under application windows? Here's how to make them larger.
Bye bye inelegant hacks to achieve 'Aero snap' style window management in Ubuntu, and hello Unity + Compiz with it's very own 'edge snap' plugin. Watch it in action inside.