Ubuntu 9.10 Preview: New Theme, Icons
There have been promises of an overhaul to Ubuntu's default theme for quite some time. Ubuntu 9.10, set to be released at the end of this month, will begin delivering on those promises. Below, we take a look at the new system theme and artwork that will debut in Karmic Koala. The touch-ups to Ubuntu's default look in Karmic are a bit short of the complete overhaul that Mark Shuttleworth has alluded to since the time of Hardy's release. But they represent much more than the negligible aesthetic changes that have marked other recent releases. System theme
There have been promises of an overhaul to Ubuntu’s default theme for quite some time. Ubuntu 9.10, set to be released at the end of this month, will begin delivering on those promises. Below, we take a look at the new system theme and artwork that will debut in Karmic Koala.
The touch-ups to Ubuntu’s default look in Karmic are a bit short of the complete overhaul that Mark Shuttleworth has alluded to since the time of Hardy’s release. But they represent much more than the negligible aesthetic changes that have marked other recent releases.
System theme
Although the rusty-orange color scheme that Ubuntu users have known and loved (or not) for years remains prevalent in Karmic’s default wallpaper, Ubuntu 9.10’s window-decorator theme features a dark-brown tone.
Appearance settings
Besides the color change, the window decorations haven’t changed much since previous releases. This is still the “Human” theme, just in a different color.
Icons
The second major aesthetic update in Karmic is a (with few exceptions) totally new set of default icons. Here are some examples:
Applications menu
Places menu
Administration menu
The applets in the system tray have also received a makeover:
System tray
Nor have Nautilus icons been neglected:
Nautilus icons
In my opinion, at least, the new icons, which are more detailed and three-dimensional, are a refreshing update to the simplistic artwork that has predominated in previous Ubuntu releases.
A total overhaul of the Ubuntu look will have to wait for future releases. But for the time being, the touch-ups to Karmic should help placate users who worry that Ubuntu’s default look is ugly and outdated.
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