What’s New in LXQt 2.1?
The LXQt 2.1 release, expected in mid-November, introduces exciting features, especially for users eager to try the Wayland environment. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the features and improvements coming in LXQt 2.1, from Wayland session support to styling upgrades and various fixes.Wayland Session: Stepping Into the Future
New Package: lxqt-wayland-session
LXQt 2.1 introduces the lxqt-wayland-session package, which can be installed optionally. True to LXQt’s “modular” philosophy, this feature won’t be enabled unless users specifically choose it. With this package active, users will see new options in Session Settings that allow running the Wayland session.
Wayland Compatibility and Compositor Choices
Users can now select a Wayland compositor, similar to choosing a window manager under X11. Supported compositors include Hyprland, Labwc, kwin, Niri, Sway, River, and Wayfire—all provided with basic configuration files. LXQt also supports Wayland-compatible screen lockers such as swaylock, waylock, and hyprlock.
More Flexible Panel Backends
LXQt 2.1 offers three dedicated panel backends: xcb (for X11), general wlroots, and kwin_wayland. The kwin_wayland backend includes additional features like workspace switching, moving windows across workspaces, and handling urgency hints, making window and workspace management smoother and more intuitive.
Adjustments for Application Compatibility
Certain applications may not work on Wayland (like redshift and some clipboard managers) and can be configured to start only in X11. Meanwhile, Wayland-specific apps like kanshi and xdg-desktop-portal-wlr can be run directly through the compositor.
Styling Improvements in LXQt 2.1
Adaptive Palette Colors and Icon Size
Now, LXQt supports automatic palette color changes when themes are switched. Tooltip colors on the desktop and within other apps can be customized based on the selected palette. Toolbar icon sizes can also be configured, making navigation easier and visually more consistent.
Taskbar and Menu Item Updates
Several taskbar issues have been resolved, such as the shifting of taskbar icons when opening or closing windows. In QTerminal, icons and text for “Split Terminal” menu items have been updated for better clarity. The font in the clock, which was unreadable in some themes like “KDE-Plasma” and “Leech,” has also been fixed.
Various Fixes and Enhancements
Search and Notification Features
The Fancy Menu now supports searching for executable names, making it easier to find specific applications. The Do Not Disturb mode has also been integrated into the notification tray icon for quick access to mute notifications.
Desktop Settings and File Management
New settings in PCManFM-Qt allow users to display remote file thumbnails. In the file properties dialog, truncated labels have been fixed, and a new shortcut (Ctrl-Shift-A) has been added for invert selection on the desktop.
Improvements in Monitor Settings and Pavucontrol-Qt
Monitor settings now remember previous window sizes, providing a consistent user experience. Additionally, the offset limit in the pavucontrol-qt spin-box has been fixed to stay within proper bounds.
Testing LXQt 2.1 Before the Official Release
For those interested in testing LXQt 2.1 ahead of the official release, it can be built from source or by creating specific distribution packages (such as AUR for Arch Linux). The development team encourages feedback from testers to help identify and resolve potential issues.
Conclusion
The LXQt 2.1 release brings fresh features, especially with full support for Wayland sessions. With enhanced styling, improved application compatibility, and various fixes, LXQt 2.1 promises a more stable and intuitive user experience. This release marks an important step for LXQt in supporting future technologies, particularly for users transitioning to the Wayland environment.
