With version 22.2 now available , the Linux Mint project has shifted its focus to the next version. Looking at the calendar, we should have it in our hands by the end of December or the beginning of January, so we still have to wait. However, we won't have to wait to learn about the new features that will be coming, as Clem Lefebvre publishes monthly updates on the progress being made. The October update, corresponding to September's releases, mentions some interesting changes.
To avoid altering the original order of the notes, we'll start talking about keyboard layers that will be improved in the next version of Cinnamon, which should arrive before Linux Mint 22.3. Until now, the keyboard settings and its applet only handled traditional layouts. In the future, traditional layouts and IBus input methods will be presented side-by-side in the keyboard settings, as if they were equal.
Linux Mint and its new menu
Continuing with keyboards, the virtual keyboard displayed on screen is no longer based on libcaribou ; it's now implemented in the upcoming Cinnamon. This brings support for IM (Image Interface) and layer switching directly on the on-screen keyboard. Previously, keyboard management was handled by libghonekbd and only worked in Xorg. This new option will make it work in Wayland as well.
The Cinnamon application menu has been redesigned , as you can see in the edited screenshot above. It now has a sidebar with sections for your avatar, places, and favorite applications. It's useful, but it's something that amuses a user like me, who has had something similar in KDE for a long time and would prefer it weren't there. As I always say, it's better to have too many options than too few.
The system buttons have been moved from the top to the right of the search bar . In the apps section, the description now appears below the app name. The Section category has been made smaller and less visible to focus attention on the apps themselves. In preferences, you can hide certain items to make the menu smaller or to dedicate the sidebar to showing only places, shortcuts, and favorites.
All of these changes will be coming to the Cinnamon release of Linux Mint, and are expected to arrive alongside 22.3.