System76 has just released COSMIC Alpha 6, introducing several new features and performance enhancements to improve the overall desktop experience. From accessibility improvements to better workspace management, this update brings significant upgrades that users will appreciate.
What’s New in COSMIC Alpha 6?
1. Desktop Zoom for Better Accessibility
COSMIC now supports Desktop Zoom, allowing users to enlarge their screen using:
- Settings > Accessibility
- Keyboard shortcuts:
Super + =,Super + -, orSuper + Mouse Scroll
This feature improves usability for those with visual impairments, making the desktop more accessible.
2. Improved Accessibility Features
- The Accessibility icon on the login screen now includes:
- Screen Reader: Reads text aloud for visually impaired users.
- Magnifier: Zooms in around the cursor when pressing the Super key.
- Additional features like high-contrast mode and color filters for colorblind users are under development.
3. Desktop Icons Support
Users can now place icons on the desktop, including folders, drives, and Trash. Icon size and spacing can also be adjusted through Desktop View Options.
4. More Display Scaling Options
Users can fine-tune display scaling with 5% to 20% increments beyond the default options. For example, a 125% scale can now be increased to 130%, 135%, 140%, or 145%, improving display flexibility.
5. Enhanced Workspaces Management
- Workspaces now have names and numbers, making navigation more intuitive.
- Minimized windows can now be dragged between workspaces.
- Workspaces adapt better to rotated displays for improved usability.
- Move windows between monitors from the workspace overview.
6. Improved Window Management
- Floating Windows Gravitate to Edges: Windows now snap to screen edges when dragged near them, improving organization.
7. Better Launcher Experience
- Search results in Launcher are now scrollable for easier access.
- Power Off, Restart, and Log Out options now include a countdown timer, similar to the Power applet.
8. File Manager (COSMIC Files) Upgrades
- Auto-complete paths when typing in the search bar.
- Support for password-protected ZIP files for compression and extraction.
- Home and End key support for faster navigation.
- Copy-paste file paths across applications for improved workflow.
9. Clipboard Improvements
Users can now copy-paste with the middle mouse button, making text and file transfers faster and more efficient.
10. Better Media Player
- Folder tree navigation for organizing video files.
- Metadata display showing song titles, albums, artists, and release years.
11. COSMIC Edit Enhancements
- "Revert All Changes" to restore a document to the last saved version.
- Switch tabs with Ctrl+Tab and Ctrl+Shift+Tab for faster navigation.
- Zoom in/out using Ctrl + or Ctrl -.
12. Font Changes for a More Modern Look
- Open Sans replaces Fira Sans as the default UI font for better readability.
- Noto Sans Mono is now the default monospace font.
Performance Optimizations and Reduced Memory Usage
- Better memory management, reducing RAM consumption in COSMIC Files and Workspaces.
- Faster wallpaper rendering and screen settings adjustments.
- Lower CPU usage, especially in file management and workspaces.
Bug Fixes in COSMIC Alpha 6
In addition to new features, this update includes multiple bug fixes:
✅ Workspace preview now remains visible when a monitor is disconnected.
✅ Drag & drop window movement is now more responsive.
✅ Steam no longer crashes when launched.
✅ Screenshot tool now supports vertical displays.
✅ Delete key now works to move desktop files to the Trash.
✅ Fixed COSMIC Terminal freezing when changing font sizes.
✅ NumLock stays enabled between login sessions.
How to Install COSMIC Alpha 6
To try the latest version, users can download it directly from the official COSMIC Alpha 6 page:
For NVIDIA users, it's recommended to use the NVIDIA ISO for the best compatibility.
🚀 Upgrade now and experience the latest improvements in COSMIC Alpha 6!