10 Awesome New Ubuntu Apps from the Ubuntu App Showdown

Ubuntu App Showdown: A Surge of New Applications

The recently concluded Ubuntu App Showdown spurred the creation of 133 novel applications specifically designed for the Ubuntu operating system.

Availability of these newly developed apps will soon be facilitated through the Ubuntu Software Center, allowing users to easily install and experience them.

Voting and App Selection

A crucial element of the Showdown involves community participation. Users will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred applications.

The outcome of this voting process will ultimately determine which apps are recognized as the winners of the competition.

Notable Applications and Further Exploration

Currently, a diverse range of intriguing applications are generating discussion within the Ubuntu user community.

Interested individuals are encouraged to explore the complete catalog of submissions. Discovering lesser-known, yet valuable, applications is highly probable.

It is anticipated that many hidden gems will be found within the full list of applications.

Fogger

Fogger facilitates the creation of isolated desktop applications from existing web applications.

These applications operate within sandboxed environments, enhancing security and stability.

Application Isolation

Each web app is executed in a dedicated window.

This allows for seamless switching between applications and convenient launching from the application dash, mirroring Ubuntu’s integrated web app functionality.

Availability

Fogger is currently accessible for installation through the Ubuntu Software Center.

Users can readily download and implement this tool to transform web applications into standalone desktop experiences.

The software provides a user-friendly method for integrating web-based services directly into the desktop environment.

This streamlines workflows and offers a more native-like application experience.

By encapsulating web apps, Fogger contributes to a cleaner and more organized desktop setup.

It effectively bridges the gap between web and desktop computing.

LightRead: A Modern RSS Reader for Ubuntu

LightRead represents a streamlined and contemporary RSS feed reader specifically designed for the Ubuntu operating system. It leverages the functionality of Google Reader for seamless subscription synchronization.

Integration with popular web services like Instapaper and Pocket (previously known as Read It Later) further enhances its utility.

Key Features and Installation

The application also provides support for offline reading, allowing access to your feeds even without an internet connection.

Users familiar with the Reeder application for macOS will find LightRead’s interface intuitively similar.

Installation Instructions

Currently, LightRead isn't directly available through the Ubuntu Software Center. Installation can be achieved using the following terminal commands:

• First, add the necessary repository: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:cooperjona/lightread

• Next, update your package lists: sudo apt-get update

• Finally, install LightRead: sudo apt-get install lightread

These commands will successfully install the application on your Ubuntu system.

GWoffice

GWoffice, an acronym for “Google Web Office,” is a desktop application designed to facilitate the editing of Google Docs independent of a web browser.

The software functions by downloading Google Docs files for offline access and subsequently synchronizing any changes made upon each launch.

Furthermore, GWoffice provides the capability to upload specific file types directly to Google Drive through a convenient drag-and-drop interface, utilizing the application’s icon within the Unity dock.

Installation Instructions

Currently, GWoffice is not yet distributed through the Ubuntu Software Center. Therefore, installation requires the use of command-line instructions.

To install GWoffice, execute the following commands sequentially in your terminal:

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tombeckmann/ppa
• sudo apt-get update
• sudo apt-get install gwoffice

These commands will add the necessary repository, update the package list, and then install the GWoffice application.

Following these steps will enable you to utilize Google Docs offline and streamline file uploads to your Google Drive account.

Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish is a system designed to respond to system events by executing user-defined actions automatically. It allows for the creation of rules that trigger specific behaviors based on occurrences within your operating system.

For instance, a rule could be configured to initiate the launch of a particular application whenever connection to a designated Wi-Fi network is established.

Furthermore, the desktop wallpaper can be dynamically altered upon laptop disconnection or reconnection.

Specific audio volume levels can also be automatically set when certain programs are started.

The potential applications are extensive, as the system’s events and actions are combinable in numerous ways. An event can even be set to activate several actions simultaneously.

Installation

Currently, Cuttlefish is not yet available through the Ubuntu Software Center. Installation can be achieved using the command-line interface.

The following commands will add the necessary repository and install the application:

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:noneed4anick/cuttlefish

• sudo apt-get update

• sudo apt-get install cuttlefish

These commands will ensure that the latest version of Cuttlefish is downloaded and installed on your system.

Download Monitor

Download Monitor serves as a valuable tool for users operating under metered internet plans, where data allowances for both uploads and downloads are capped.

The application allows users to visualize their bandwidth consumption through detailed graphs, tracking usage over time.

Furthermore, Download Monitor enables the setting of data quotas, providing alerts when approaching specified limits.

Integration with Unity

Seamless integration with Unity’s quicklist functionality is provided, allowing for convenient access to usage statistics directly from the dash.

This integration streamlines the process of monitoring data usage without needing to open the main application window.

Installation Instructions

Currently, while awaiting inclusion in the Ubuntu Software Center, installation can be achieved via the command line.

The following commands will add the necessary repository and install the application:

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:duncanjdavis/download-monitor-submit

• sudo apt-get update

• sudo apt-get install download-monitor

Executing these commands in sequence will successfully install Download Monitor on your system.

NitroShare

NitroShare provides a straightforward method for transferring files between computers connected to the same local network. Any computer running NitroShare will automatically identify other NitroShare-enabled machines on that network.

Notably, NitroShare is also compatible with Windows, facilitating rapid file transfers between Linux and Windows operating systems.

File Transfer Methods

Files can be sent using several convenient approaches. These include utilizing the application indicator menu, right-clicking files within the Nautilus file manager, or simply dragging and dropping them onto the designated “share boxes” on your desktop.

Installation Instructions

Currently, NitroShare is not yet available through the Ubuntu Software Center. Therefore, installation requires the use of the following commands in your terminal.

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:george-edison55/nitroshare – This command adds the necessary repository.

• sudo apt-get update – This updates the package lists.

• sudo apt-get install nitroshare – This installs the NitroShare application.

Executing these commands sequentially will successfully install NitroShare on your Ubuntu system.

Aplomb: Enhance Your Focus

Are you finding yourself spending excessive amounts of time online when your attention should be directed towards work? Aplomb offers a solution by temporarily restricting access to websites that detract from productivity.

A key feature of Aplomb is its deliberate lack of an easy unblocking mechanism within the application itself; this intentional design element aims to reinforce self-discipline and accountability.

Installation Instructions

Currently, Aplomb is not yet directly available through the Ubuntu Software Center. To install it, utilize the following commands in your terminal:

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:snwh/aplomb
• sudo apt-get update
• sudo apt-get install aplomb

These commands will add the necessary repository, update your package list, and then install the Aplomb application on your system.

By employing these steps, you can quickly gain access to a tool designed to improve focus and time management.

Cuckoo

Cuckoo functions as a straightforward alarm application. It’s designed to transform your computer into an alarm clock, or simply provide reminders for tasks you need to complete.

The application offers adjustable alarm sounds and volume controls, while deliberately avoiding unnecessary complexity and a surplus of rarely-used features.

Installation Instructions

Currently, Cuckoo is not yet available through the Ubuntu Software Center. To install it, utilize the following commands in your terminal:

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:john.vrbanac/cuckoo

• sudo apt-get update

• sudo apt-get install cuckoo

These commands will add the necessary repository, update your package list, and then install the Cuckoo application on your system.

Once installed, you can launch Cuckoo and begin configuring your alarms and reminders.

TickIt

For users seeking a straightforward, locally-focused desktop application to oversee their tasks, TickIt presents a viable solution. Unlike many modern to-do list managers, TickIt deliberately avoids integration with any online synchronization services.

This application functions solely as a tool for personal task management, operating directly on the user’s computer. It provides essential features for organization.

Key Features

• Filters allow for focused views of tasks.
• Deadlines enable time-sensitive task tracking.
• Notes facilitate detailed task descriptions.
• Priorities help users concentrate on important items.
• Workspaces offer the ability to create multiple, distinct task lists.

Currently, TickIt is not yet distributed through the Ubuntu Software Center. Installation requires utilizing the command line.

Installation Instructions

The following commands will facilitate the installation of TickIt:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kazade/tickit

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install tickit

Executing these commands in sequence will add the necessary repository, update the package lists, and then install the TickIt application.

MenuLibre

MenuLibre functions as a straightforward menu editor, enabling users to generate new application shortcuts and modify those already in place. Furthermore, it provides the capability to customize the quicklists displayed upon right-clicking a shortcut within the Unity dock.

Beyond compatibility with Ubuntu’s standard Unity desktop environment, MenuLibre also supports Xubuntu’s XFCE and Lubuntu’s LXDE desktops.

Installation Instructions

Currently, MenuLibre is not yet available through the Ubuntu Software Center. To install it, utilize the following commands in your terminal.

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:menulibre-dev/devel

• sudo apt-get update

• sudo apt-get install menulibre

These commands will add the necessary repository, update your package lists, and then install MenuLibre on your system.

The application allows for granular control over desktop menu configurations, offering a user-friendly interface for managing application access.