I tested GNOME's glassy new look - and it's simply spectacular

https://www.zdnet.com/a/img/resize/c25b5dd636172022e97ad93b536848ccf07bc9b4/2026/08/18/88bc625b-a9dc-473e-95cb-e2e718516a21/auraglasshero.jpg?auto=webp&fit=crop&height=675&width=1200

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ZDNET's key takeaways

  • If you want a gorgeous GNOME desktop, install Aura Glass.
  • This glassy desktop can be installed on GNOME 48, 49, and 50.
  • Aura Glass is supported on Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, and CachyOS.

I love a beautiful desktop. In fact, I go to great lengths to beautify my desktops, no matter the environment. Whether it's COSMIC (my current default), KDE Plasma, or Hyprland, I spend time customizing the desktop so it aligns with my aesthetic.

To date, however, GNOME has felt behind the curve in the looks department. I get that, because GNOME strives to be a minimal-looking desktop with maximal usability. But should that preclude GNOME from looking good?

So, when I learned about efforts to give GNOME an Apple-like glassy look, I was genuinely thrilled. Now, post installation, I am stunned by how...

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