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Contributor gabbate2011 on Unity

Show window positions in the workspace switcher icon  
Written by zubozrout the 24 Sep 12 at 14:05. Implemented
Unlike Gnome2, Unity does not show window positions in the workspace switcher icon.
I think it would be great if the icon was not static but if it could really show where the windows are opened.

PS. This is not my idea and I am posting this here because someone I spoke with lacks the feature.
29
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#1): Show window positions in the icon.
Written by zubozrout the 24 Sep 12 at 14:05.
Replace static icon with something showing real window positions.
42
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#2): Highlight the current workspace
Written by zubozrout the 25 Sep 12 at 19:01.
In addition the icon should highlight the workspace you are working on.
11
votes
implemented
Selected solution (#3): Highlight current workspace, show windows in icon, and highlight current window.
Written by gabbate2011 the 13 Oct 12 at 20:30.
Highlight current workspace and window, line in gnome. Also showing windows in the workspace icon.

See the 1 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 29 Apr 13 at 16:20) >>

Quadrupled Ubuntu  
Written by dbuday the 2 Oct 12 at 21:58. New
If you`re not a developer or professional workspaces are not very interesting. In fact, they are confusing.
Same backgrounds, same launcher icons and same items on desktops.

1. Why should anyone bother changing workspaces (if you got only one monitor), when you can open bunch of different applications on just one workspace and easily change them via launcher?

2. There is not enough space in launcher for all my apps and games (ask my children) - so what about more launchers?

3. Workspace changer is 1 of just 3 default (and still with no context menu) and irremovable icons in launcher so we should USE IT or lose it.


Footnote: this is extended version of loooong developing idea #93 (http://brainstorm.ubuntu.com/idea/93/)
22
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Solution #1: First thing to see
Written by dbuday the 2 Oct 12 at 21:58.
I know that this is not easy-implementing idea. It requires synchronization between teams.

First thing to see after login could be workspace changer.

- Every workspace got its own name (can be easily changed by user) and number.
- Every workspace got its own background picture
- Every workspace got its own launcher (3 default icons) with its own launcher icons (there can be same icons in different launchers - i will personally like home folder in all four)
- Every workspace got its own desktop - so items left on one workspace`s desktop appear only on that desktop.


By default there could be -Main-, -Office-, -Games- and -Media- workspace, easily renamed and customized.

(And, of course, there must be right-click menu for workspace changer icon in launcher, for quick changing.)
-5
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Solution #2: Use awn
Written by th3pr0ph3t the 1 Nov 12 at 00:11.
Use avant window navigator as alternate launchers.
Launch a different awn depending on the purpose and you're ready to go.
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Solution #3: do something like kde's activites
Written by theQxQ the 18 Mar 13 at 20:28.
solution #1 sounds a lot like kde's activities and workspaces hybrid. I think we should definitely implement kde's activities, but they shouldn't be combined with workspaces. both features should be turned off by default because of the confusion they can cause.

I also think that if activities are implemented, they should be awesome. applications should be able to utilize them. Firefox should change it's bookmarks accordingly. rythmbox can change the default playlists seen. even websites like google drive should be able to implement them to, and show different content mattering on which activity you are on (if you installed it as a web app).

See the 3 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 18 Mar 13 at 20:54) >>

Unity Drag&Drop  
Written by martellc the 30 May 12 at 14:10. New
I want to propose a new way of interacting with files through Drag&Drop in Ubuntu.
In the current behavior, if you move a file to Unity, the apps which cannot handle it are shadowed. On the contrary, the ones which are able to do the desired operation remain active. I really love this new feature and I tried to replace both Drag&Drop and Right click with this new method… Unfortunately, my attemps were unsuccessful:

1) This feature works only for apps in the launcher; So that Unity Drag&Drop can’t be a complete replacement for the right click “Open” and “Open with” menu items
2) If you are writing multiple emails and you want to attach a file to a particular email you can’t. Dropping a file to the email client will always open a new email window
3) If you are chatting with some friends and want to send them something you can’t.
4) You can’t move files to removable devices even if they are displayed in the launcher (At least not in Ubuntu 11.10)

I want to replace the current Drag&Drop Unity feature with an adaptive Unity launcher. Look at the image below for an example.

I also discussed this idea in a post at http://christianmartellini.wordpress.com/2012/05/26/unity-and-the-dragdrop-way/ .

Briefly when you move a file towards the launcher, the latter reacts by changing its contents and shows the actions available on that file (in the proposed design all the actions are grouped together; however, here I split up them into different solutions, so that you can vote the one you like most):
68
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Solution #1: Adaptive Unity Drag&Drop (Applications)
Written by martellc the 30 May 12 at 14:10.
All the apps that can handle the file properly. The launcher could be smart enough to list the default applications together with some context related apps. In the audio file example, if you have a blank CD inserted in your CD drive, the launcher should also display the Brasero Burning Tool icon.
45
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Solution #2: Adaptive Unity Drag&Drop (Emails and IM contacts)
Written by martellc the 1 Jun 12 at 12:02.
In addition to Email and IM client icons (specifically Thunderbird and Empathy) Unity will display thumbnail icons for each person you are chatting and for each email you are writing. This means that you can use drag & drop to attach or send files to a specific person.

38
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Solution #3: Adaptive Unity Drag&Drop (Online accounts)
Written by martellc the 1 Jun 12 at 12:11.
In my opinion, Unity needs to be integrated with Online accounts. Now the question is: “How can the Unity launcher be social and integrate well with online accounts?” I think there are a lot of annoying tasks that often require several steps: uploading a video on Youtube, sharing your new photo album on Facebook are a few examples of that. How can we make these tasks faster? At this point, you probably know the answer: Unity Drag & drop can be the solution for your laziness.
47
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Solution #4: Adaptive Unity Drag&Drop (Devices)
Written by martellc the 1 Jun 12 at 12:20.
All your devices (removable and cloud) should be visible. As I use Ubuntu 11.10, I cannot be sure whether the latest Ubuntu release has solved this issue. Anyway, why can’t you copy a document to an USB stick or Dropbox share using Unity Drag&Drop?
40
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Solution #5: Adaptive Unity Drag&Drop (The "right" folder)
Written by martellc the 2 Jun 12 at 07:34.
As a second improvement I would replace the current home directory icons with a file-type dependent “right” folder: if I drag a video file, the launcher will displays the Video folder (but only if that video isn’t already there). This is also a way to encourage people to use the proper Ubuntu directory structure when organizing contents
41
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Solution #6: Adaptive Unity Drag&Drop (Opened applications)
Written by Faboy the 4 Jun 12 at 12:35.
Sometimes you don't want to open a file, but drop it in an running application (e.g. LibreOffice Writer). If this program is minimized or in the background it's very hard to drag&drop in it.
That's why opened applications have to be listes as well to bring them to the front, when the user is dragging a file to the icon.
6
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Solution #7: Scriptable adaptable launcher
Written by rarkenin the 20 Jun 12 at 14:37.
There should be a config system to edit what icons are shown, and in which categories in order to allow easy customization.
3
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Solution #8: Show thumbnails of opened windows right of icon during drag&drop
Written by JohnnyMcArthur the 14 Aug 12 at 18:35.
When the mouse cursor stays above an icon of a running application during drag&drop, show a row of preview thumbnails of all opened windows. if you then stay above one of these thumbnails, bring this window to front.
(similar idea as solution #6)

This solution could be combined with Idea #29850: "Simplify and speed up switching windows" where the same thumbnails could be used to quickly switch windows of one application to give a consistent experience.

See the 8 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 23 Nov 12 at 11:27) >>

specify order of search results in dash  
Written by ja4 the 6 Jun 12 at 20:59. New
The Unity dash search is a great time-saver. For example, I use it to quickly bring up the calculator by typing "calc". However, LibreOfficeCalc is the 1st result returned and I must hit the down, down, right arrow keys and enter to start calculator.

It would be nice to specify the order of search results. (I now realize I can just type "cal" enter and calculator will appear before LibreOfficeCalc, but the idea may still be useful.)
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Solution #1: Right-click and select "show this as the first result for this search"
Written by ja4 the 6 Jun 12 at 20:59.
Allow user to right-click on search result and select "show this as the first result for this search".
32
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Solution #2: Sort by popularity
Written by Ssdg the 7 Jun 12 at 08:27.
Each time unity launches a tool, it should increment a counter somewhere. Said counter, should be used to sort results, most popular firts.
-8
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Solution #4: Combine Solution #1 and Solution #2
Written by mitterertux the 16 Jun 12 at 11:21.
Make Unity sort results by popularity while allowing users to specify something as "first result for this search". Somebody might use LibreOffice Calc more often than the Calculator, but when searching "calc" still want the Calculator to come up.

See the 5 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 13 Nov 12 at 19:13) >>

Add url, firefox tabs or other like to unity panel  
Written by grek the 22 Sep 12 at 12:25. New
Many users have few favoristes sites / locations - i think will by nice to drag site and put to unity panel - clik reopen it on browser.
Im not yet developer but i think firefox and chromium have dragand drop functions so it can by easy - and very nice for users.
Best way if i can put link as separate button and can create button folder - with more of one links.
If it easy it can by more integrated - last visit pages , favorites , bookmarks. But main drag and drop urt to unity panel i think will by very good
19
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Solution #1: drag and drop unity panel support url
Written by grek the 22 Sep 12 at 12:25.
simpe add to drag and drop observer possible to get

1 firefox tab, chromium tab or other.
2 folder from nautilius or dophin and create link

Add a comment or propose a solution >>

Ubuntu should provide an easy method to customize system sounds  
Written by Porky the 20 Sep 12 at 10:13. New
Third-party softwares may be buggy and manually placing the sound files into the system is a pain. Ubuntu should have an option in the sound system settings to allow users to easily switch sound schemes or change the sounds for certain events.
59
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Solution #1: Add a feature page in the sound system menu to customize sounds
Written by Porky the 20 Sep 12 at 10:13.
Add a page inside the sound system settings GUI that would allow users to easily add and select sound schemes or install/select seperate sounds for each and every sound event.
3
votes
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Solution #3: Equalizer and installable system sounds
Written by JoRijo the 21 Feb 13 at 03:45.
add option to install other system sounds, besides the ones available for alert sounds, and save/load presets.
Add equalizer for system wide and application specific (like there is now for volume), and add save/load presents.

See the 1 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 8 Oct 12 at 20:05) >>

Integrate a User Picture/Photo on Login Screen  
Written by yogeshsehgal99 the 14 Sep 12 at 18:48. New
As a common feature in all OS in 2012 there should be a "USER PROFILE PHOTO / PICTURE ON LOGIN SCREEN IN UBUNTU"
52
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Solution #1: Try to add a picture of user in stable version of Ubuntu 12.10
Written by yogeshsehgal99 the 14 Sep 12 at 18:48.
As the picture makes the login screen more attractive and makes the user feel it could be easy like windows!
This problem is reported by many of the Ubuntu users on net
Add the picture in login screen to promote open source
-21
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Solution #2: In fact i would like a user-selected song/video to be playing on login window
Written by kundan.thakur the 6 Oct 12 at 06:38.
sometimes we just start the pc and go off in the kitchen to bring our cup of coffee so if a song or video plays in the background until login takes place that will be a good addition to ubuntu. of course it must be user selected .
Or may be news from web in the background of the login window.
its asking too much i know

See the 4 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 3 Oct 12 at 23:32) >>

Ubuntu needs a tool that collects feed from websites and applications  
Written by Porky the 20 Sep 12 at 10:25. New
Someone has already proposed the idea of a unity notification center that allows users to see system feeds. What I'm proposing is something more. We need a tool that collects feeds from different websites as well as the system and posts them in a notification center/lens. It should also notify users through a bubble or a popup notification. The world is becoming more dependant on the internet and the web is becoming more social so we need a tool that is integrated into our system that notifies us of anything that needs our attention in our system and on the web; without having to open websites, we can see if there are any notifications awaiting us. Just like iOS has a push notification system as well as badges and Mac OS X has a notification center to allow users to stay updated, Ubuntu should have something similar that rids us of the compulsion of frequentlty checking our applications or social websites.
16
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Solution #1: Unity Notification Center
Written by Porky the 20 Sep 12 at 10:25.
Create a unity notification center (UNC) that is unobtrusive and easy to call and dismiss. We could add our credentials in the UNC and it would check for feeds across several social websites and the installed applications as well as system updates. It would also keep track of past notifications and would allow us to quickly review what happened when we were away. UNC should allow us to easily silence the applications we don't want to be notified about such as music players.

See the 5 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 26 Sep 12 at 07:57) >>

Shotwell should have progress bar in Unity dock  
Written by motang the 24 Sep 12 at 02:57. New
I was uploading an album to Picasaweb when I noticed that Shotwell doesn't have progress bar in the Unity dock. Few apps like Brasero disc burner has it when you burning a DVD or a CD disc, as well as Firefox when you are downloading. It would be great to add a progress bar to Shotwell when you uploading photos to the web.
50
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Solution #1: Progress bar for Shotwell when uploading photos to the web
Written by motang the 24 Sep 12 at 02:57.
Firefox has a progress bar in Unity dock when you are downloading. It would be great to add a progress bar to Shotwell when you uploading photos to the web.

See the 1 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 24 Sep 12 at 11:58) >>

Simplify and speed up switching windows.  
Written by xl_cheese the 14 Jun 12 at 13:30. New
Say I have 3 firefox windows open. I'm randomly switching between them and find it difficult to use the standard unity effect. The three firefox windows are small and it's sometimes difficult to see which one I want.

I've grown to like the extra real estate unity allows, but I don't like having to click/hover/click to switch an app. I simply want to click once. I've also tried the alt tab down arrow method and I can't get used to it.

-4
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Solution #1: Option to ungroup Icons in the Unity bar.
Written by xl_cheese the 14 Jun 12 at 13:30.
I would like an option so that I can have multiple firefox icons in the Unity bar. One for each instance of firefox open. Or any application for that matter. When you hover over the icon it should display a tooltip of the website page title. Then all I have to do is click once to open the window.

A related feature I would like is that if I click the icon to open the window I should be able to click the same icon to minimize the window.
27
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Solution #2: Lens-like listing from the launcher icon
Written by pascalio the 15 Jun 12 at 21:20.
Currently, when hovering over an icon on the launcher bar, there is a lens-like comment instantly appearing next to it that says the name of the application (“Home Folder”, “Firefox Web Browser”....).
The idea would be that, when there are several windows grouped on the same application icon, hovering over the icon will not only say the name, it will also list the windows (vertically or horizontally, to discuss...), identifying them of course by the name of the opened document, web page, or window function (Settings, Preferences, Downloads – for Firefox, for example – etc...) as it would have appeared for example on a gnome-2 panel. This window listing would be immediate, not resource-hungry since it's just the names of the windows, no effect or images or previews, and it should occur by simple hovering: if you don't mean to switch to one of those window, just continue to another icon on the bar, if you do want to take one of them, click on the window name on this
“lens-like” listing. This requires only one click, is not heavy for the system (rendering and all that), and is very clear at once.
But, of course, this solution should by no means replace the current window switching method (window scale, or expo), which has its own great advantages: they should coexist.

(EDIT: perhaps, I used the wrong vocabulary. By "lens" I meant "quicklist" or so: quicklist-like listing, but I think you got the idea...)
10
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Solution #3: Extension of solution #2
Written by pascalio the 29 Jun 12 at 21:25.
Window listing as in #2 may offer another advantage too. Currently, if there are windows of a same app on different workspaces, you cannot get access to the ones on the other workspaces using the unity bar icon (ie: when I have a nautilus window in Workspace 1, another in WS 2 and one in WS 4, clicking the naulilus icon will only get me the nautilus window in the WS I'm in, not possibly take me for example to WS 2 or 4; however, it would immediately take me from WS 1 to WS 2 if I had no nautilus window in 1: this is an incoherence.)
By contrast, in the window listing, there could be added a reference to the instances in other WS's. If we take back the nautilus example, a listing like
"Home \
Documents \
< Workspace 2 > \
Music \
< Workspace 4 > \
/usr/bin "
... Of course, referencing the other WS's should only occur when needed.
This idea is just an extension of solution #2, so please give your vote separately for each of them.
1
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Solution #4: Clicking the launcher icon should switch to the next window when ONLY two window
Written by Lysios the 8 Aug 12 at 17:48.
When you have only two windows of the same application opened, the exposé view is a waste of time. Clicking on the application icon should automatically switch to the other window.

Let's imagine I have two LibO windows opened (Document1 & Document2). I already have a focus on Document1 and I want to switch to Document2.
At the moment, I have to click on LibO icon, find what window is Document2 (not so easy if the documents look the same) and click on it.
My idea is that when focused on Document1, one single click on Libo icon would switch directly to Document2.

PS1: this could come in addition of solution #2 and #3

PS2: could also work with 3 or 4 windows, then a click on the icon would focus the next window of the application
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Solution #5: Open thumbnails of opened windows instead of tooltip
Written by JohnnyMcArthur the 14 Aug 12 at 18:21.
When the mouse cursor stays above an icon of a running application, instead of showing the tooltip with the application name show a row of preview thumbnails of all opened windows (the application name can still be shown as a title above them).

You can click on these thumbnails to activate the window or open the system menu (ie. window-menu) on right click.

These thumbnail windows can also be shown and used to activate another running application during a drag&drop operation (see also Idea #29804: Unity Drag&Drop)

This is similar to solution #2, however showing thumbnails seems to be more intuitive and consistent in user experience to me.
0
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Solution #6: Improve the exposé effect and using the scroll wheel
Written by gruenebohne the 14 Dec 12 at 17:23.
Currently it is difficult to distinguish between windows (especially true for several pdf-files). To help the user the title of the window should be rendered across the preview. Additionally, highlight the currently active window or omit displaying it at all (should the user currently use another window of the same application). This helps, since the user likely does not want to switch back to the same window.

To simplify switching rapidly between windows the user should be able to hover the mouse over the icon and use the mouse wheel to change the active window.

See the 10 comments or propose a solution (latest comment the 29 Aug 12 at 18:05) >>

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