Reason? Some Gnome 3 developers have uploaded a new mockup which suggests the removal of Application Categories from Gnome Shell dash. This means, when you click on Activities, you will only be presented with a list of icons of applications installed. There will be no categories on the right to quickly filter out applications. To search applications from a list of hundreds of installed apps, you will have to end up typing in the search bar as scrolling through that long list will give you dizziness !
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The new Gnome Shell dash (sans categories). Image courtesy: worldofgnome.org |
There is a big catch when it comes to application categories. These categories help simplify and remember applications easily. For example, I recently remember installing a new desktop recorder application but I do not remember the name. Instead of scrolling through the whole list of applications I would go into the accessories categories and there I would find my application.
The other problem would be applications installed via programs like PlayOnLinux, Wine and CrossOver; for that matter any other program which has sub categories. Where will these options go?
Stringent and non-flexible application categories are already causing headaches in Ubuntu’s Unity dash. This is because, the sub-category options do not show up in the main application list unless and otherwise searched for. But, what will you search for if you don’t remember the option?
If this mockup of Gnome Shell passes the developer’s design boards, expect to see more rants from the likes of Linus Torvalds and many others!
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