The open source GNOME desktop project reaches version 3.10 this month with a significant update featuring new applications, enhancements, and bug fixes.
For developers, there are new GTK widgets, a geo-location framework that will allow location-aware applications, and the ability to define composite widgets using XML.
NOTE: Pronounced "gah-NOHM", GNOME stands for GNU Network Object Model Environment.
The Linux-based GNOME graphical user interface and applications now feature experimental Wayland support — Wayland is intended to be a "simpler replacement" for X (i.e., easier to develop and maintain). Wayland is a protocol for a compositor to talk to its clients as well as a C library implementation of that protocol.
Other highlights for GNOME 3.10 include a reworked system status area, which gives a more focused overview of your system; three new applications (which are technology previews): Maps, Music, and Software; and three new additions to the core set of GNOME applications: Notes, Photos, and Weather.
Also included are new geolocation features, such as automatic time zones and world clocks; the ability to set a custom image on the lock screen; and high-resolution display support.
According to the GNOME Foundation, "Users will see many changes in this release which allows greater customization than in previous releases, such as the ability to customize the background of the lock screen. Other changes include allowing app browsing using pagination instead of scrolling, fine scrolling in applications with precise movements, an enhanced and redesigned login screen, and improvements to user settings. Finally, the system status menu has been redesigned by consolidating many of the smaller menus including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound, brightness, and power into a single drop-down menu providing quick easy access to all."
