System76, a Linux hardware firm, has released an alpha version of its Cosmic desktop environment, a GNOME replacement built with Rust and focused on user experience. The Cosmic desktop will be integrated into System76’s Pop!_OS, but it’s also available for other systems, including Fedora and Arch Linux.
Cosmic shows deep attention to tiling, keyboard shortcuts, and panel and dock customization. The desktop environment is designed to be more stable and memory-safe, thanks to its native Rust build. System76 has also emphasized the importance of deeply integrated themes, offering several examples, including a Windows 95-inspired theme and a DOOM-themed desktop.
Customization Options:
While Cosmic is still in its alpha stage, it shows promise with its snappy and cohesive performance. However, it’s not yet production-ready, with many features and settings still missing or non-interactive. The Cosmic team plans to work on settings pages, the Files app, and other refinements before seeking wider adoption across the open-source community.
Next Steps: