J_K9 @ Linux

Metisse: A Work of Art

January 27, 2007 on 2:45 am | In Linux, Desktop Environments & Window Managers |

On first look, you would think that Metisse is just ‘another 3D desktop,’ like XGL/Compiz or AIGLX/Beryl. It goes beyond the static and unexciting desktops that most of us are used to and, like the previously mentioned 3D desktops, adds a bit of spice to the mixture. However, in the words of the developers themselves: “This is not a 3D desktop.” Instead of providing cool and arguably useless effects to show off the potential of the Linux desktop and to satisfy our thirst for eye candy, the Metisse project aims to allow researchers to “design and implement innovative window management techniques.” Metisse is currently being used to improve the user’s experience and increase their productivity: the copy-and-paste video shows one such example. While it could be argued that this feature could have been implemented in Beryl or Compiz, this is just one way in which Metisse’s developers are changing the way people use their desktops, for the better. It also differs in that it (apparently) runs as a secondary X server rather than on a modified one (such as in XGL’s case) or a patched one (like AIGLX) - I shall have to verify this though.

User Interface Façades are another example of what Metisse might allow: users will be able to radically customise the environment of many of their favourite applications to suit their needs, placing their most used functions or features in an appropriate and accessible place. As you can see, each feature of the Metisse project is a step towards the revolutionisation of the desktop experience.

Mandriva has always been one of the main newbie distros, focusing on ease-of-use and a complete environment. Why, then, would the team choose to integrate Metisse into one of their 2007 releases (available from one of their mirrors)? According to them, it’s because Metisse “differs from a classic 3D desktop (”the cube”) in the way that it offers innovative windows interactions, thus enforcing work efficiency.” Mandriva recognise that Metisse could revolutionarise the way users interact with the operating system and they’re enjoying the head-start. Let’s hope that any bugs get ironed out and that more excellent, intuitive and new features appear

I plan to test out the Metisse release of Mandriva later today, so keep your heads up for a review. But, in the meantime, check out the Metisse videos!