System76 has released COSMIC Epoch 1.8.0, which includes significant updates to the Rust-based desktop environment and a major overhaul of the cosmic-comp compositor. Key features of this update include tablet emulation support, improved Bluetooth handling, a fixed audio volume slider, and multi-factor PAM login chaining. The release serves as a coordinated snapshot for various Linux distributions, while also providing enhancements to input handling and user interface elements. Although the update introduces numerous changes, the lack of a unified changelog may make it challenging for end users to discern specific updates, while developers can utilize the detailed changes for packaging and development purposes
COSMIC Epoch 1.8.0 Tagged: System76 Syncs Rust Desktop Stack and Wayland Compositor Overhaul
System76 has tagged COSMIC Epoch 1.8.0, pinning the Rust-based desktop environment to its latest development commits across more than twenty submodules. The release centers on a major overhaul of the cosmic-comp compositor, adding tablet emulation support, libei pasteboard sharing, and a new corner radius protocol for rounded window borders. Outside the compositor, users will find improved Bluetooth alias handling, a fixed audio source volume slider, and multi-factor PAM login chaining in the greeter. While Pop!_OS ships these updates through its internal pipeline, the epoch tag provides Arch, Fedora, NixOS, and other distros with a reliable coordinated snapshot.
