There’s something special happening in the GNOMEverse.
No, it’s not another shell redesign (you can relax). It’s something softer, subtler, and surprisingly delightful: the rise of sleek, single-purpose apps that don’t just work well—they look damn good doing it. We’re talking about a new generation of GNOME applications, built on libadwaita , wrapped in buttery-smooth GNOME Human Interface Guidelines , and practically humming with the philosophy of “software should respect your time, your eyes, and your CPU.”
And in 2025, this movement is no longer just promising—it’s fully bloomed. Whether you’re on Fedora, Ubuntu, GNOME OS, or just a sucker for pretty pixels, these are some of the best GNOME-style apps that will have you installing Flatpak updates just for the UI glow-up.
Let’s dive in.
Amberol
Music players got weird somewhere along the way. Library management, playlist algorithms, social features nobody asked for. Sure, streaming is everywhere now, but some of us still have local music we actually own. Amberol says screw all that complexity – point it at your music folder and it plays your music. That’s it.
No database to maintain, no tags to fix, no “building library” progress bars. Just a clean interface that stays out of your way.
And it’s gorgeous – the whole UI shifts colors based on your album art with this gradient effect that genuinely looks modern and premium. Written in Rust with GTK4, it breaks every stereotype about Linux apps looking dated or clunky.
It just plays what you give it—and it does so with a sleek, borderless UI that melts into your GNOME setup like it was always meant to be there. It’s the kind of app that invites you to slow down and enjoy the album art instead of wrestling with playlists.
Amberol – Flathub
Why use Ubuntu as your primary Operating System?
Mission Center
If you’ve ever opened Task Manager on Windows and actually understood what you were looking at, Mission Center will feel like home. It’s basically a GUI for things like htop and xkill – tools that work great but aren’t exactly welcoming for newcomers.
It shows you what’s happening on your system – CPU, RAM, disk, network, even GPU usage – in a way that actually makes sense. Want to know what’s hammering your video encoder or why your GPU memory is maxed? It’s right there. Drive health via SMART data? Yep. Per-process network usage? Got it.
The whole thing is written in Rust and uses OpenGL for rendering graphs, so it’s fast without being a resource hog itself. No cryptic process names, no wondering why your fan just kicked into overdrive. Just clear, useful information when you need it, with the ability to actually kill misbehaving processes without opening a terminal.
- Mission Center – Flathub
Packets
Here’s the best part about Packets: you don’t need to install anything on your phone. If you’ve got an Android device with Quick Share (and you probably do), Packets just works. No hunting through the Play Store, no “install this app first,” no setting up accounts. Turn on Quick Shar e on your phone, open Packets on your Linux machine, send files.
It uses Bluetooth for discovery and Wi-Fi for the actual transfer, with end-to-end encryption built in. Drag and drop files, or use the Nautilus plugin to right-click and send. Works Linux-to-Linux too if that’s your setup.
Apple users, Think AirDrop, but better—and without the Apple tax. Anyone with an Android phone can send files to your Linux desktop without installing anything extra. LocalSend is another solid option if you need cross-platform support beyond Android, but it requires installing apps on all your devices. Packets keeps it dead simple – one install, done.
The days of wrestling with USB cables just to move a photo are over as Packet brings Android’s native Quick Share protocol to Linux, wrapped in gorgeous libadwaita styling.
- Packets – Flathub
Gradia
Ever needed to quickly mark up a screenshot to show someone what you mean? Circle a button, add an arrow, blur out sensitive info? Gradia does all that without making you open a full image editor.
It’s built for people doing tutorials, tech support, bug reports, or documentation. Add arrows, draw boxes, drop in text labels, pixelate passwords or emails – all the annotation tools you actually need. You can reposition everything after you place it, so no need to be pixel-perfect on the first try.
The real hook though? It makes your screenshots look professional. Drop them on gradient backgrounds, add padding and shadows, adjust aspect ratios for different platforms. If you’re documenting software or writing how-tos, this app saves you from bouncing between three different tools.
Bonus: it recently added a code snippet generator with syntax highlighting, perfect for technical blogs and documentation.
- Gradia – Flathub
Bottles
Let’s be real: you probably won’t need this. Linux has come far enough that most tasks have native solutions. But sometimes – sometimes – you hit that one Windows-only app that doesn’t have an alternative. Maybe it’s some proprietary work software, maybe it’s that old game, maybe it’s just stubborn vendor lock-in.
That’s where Bottles comes in. No rebooting into a dual-boot setup, no hunting for a Windows PC, no virtual machine overhead. Just install the app and run it.
Bottles takes Wine (which has been doing the heavy lifting since 1993) and wraps it in an interface that doesn’t require a computer science degree. Each app lives in its own isolated “bottle” with its own configuration, so nothing steps on each other. No terminal commands, no troubleshooting cryptic error messages.
For anyone worried about ditching Windows because of that one app – this is your safety net. The learning curve isn’t steep anymore. Linux gets real work done now, and when it doesn’t, Bottles fills the gap.
- Bottles – Flathub
One GNOME to Theme Them All
What ties all these apps together isn’t just their polish—it’s their shared DNA. They’re all built with libadwaita, GNOME’s toolkit for building apps that don’t just work across devices—they feel native, unified, and purpose-built. Whether it’s the subtle transitions, the spacing, or that satisfying little bounce on window resize, these apps embody GNOME’s modern vision of “simple, focused, human-centered software.”
The libadwaita revolution isn’t just about prettier buttons (though they are undeniably gorgeous). It’s about creating an ecosystem where every application feels like it belongs, where switching between apps doesn’t feel like traveling between different decades of design philosophy. In a world of bloated feature lists and tabbed chaos, GNOME’s new app wave is a breath of fresh air. They don’t try to be everything. They just try to be right. And most of the time, they nail it.
Because life’s too short for ugly software—and too long for apps that don’t respect your time.
I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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