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I tested GNOME's glassy new look - and it's simply spectacular

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Why This Matters

The introduction of Aura Glass transforms GNOME's aesthetic, offering a stunning, modern, and customizable glassy interface that enhances user experience and visual appeal. This development signifies a shift towards more visually engaging Linux desktops, appealing to both enthusiasts and everyday users seeking beauty without sacrificing performance. As GNOME adopts these sleek design elements, it could influence future desktop environments to prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality.

Key Takeaways

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ZDNET's key takeaways

If you want a gorgeous GNOME desktop, install Aura Glass.

This glassy desktop can be installed on GNOME 48, 49, and 50.

Aura Glass is supported on Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, and CachyOS.

I love a beautiful desktop. In fact, I go to great lengths to beautify my desktops, no matter the environment. Whether it's COSMIC (my current default), KDE Plasma, or Hyprland, I spend time customizing the desktop so it aligns with my aesthetic.

To date, however, GNOME has felt behind the curve in the looks department. I get that, because GNOME strives to be a minimal-looking desktop with maximal usability. But should that preclude GNOME from looking good?

So, when I learned about efforts to give GNOME an Apple-like glassy look, I was genuinely thrilled. Now, post installation, I am stunned by how gorgeous it is.

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