Screenshots: Raspberry Pi gets a new look desktop

Splash screen

The first change you'll notice is the introduction of this splash screen while Raspbian loads, complete with version number in the bottom-right. The Foundation's Long stresses that boot times remain the same.

Image: Raspberry Pi Foundation

Icons

Icons on the taskbar, menu, and file manager have been refreshed.

The Foundation's Long said their new design is businesslike but "with a touch of playfulness".

To create a cleaner interface, icons have also been removed from individual application menus by default.

Another change should make it more obvious when the Pi is not getting enough power or is overheating, thanks to new bolt and thermometer icons.

Image: Raspberry Pi Foundation

Windows

Windows have been revamped too, with the introduction of curved corners, a simpler title bar, new close / minimise / maximise icons, and a much thinner frame.

"The old window design always looked a bit dated compared to what Apple and Microsoft are now shipping, so I was keen to update it," says Long, who adds Windows are now easier to resize.

And while Raspbian keeps its Roboto font, text is now rendered using Infinality, to create a nicer look.

Image: Raspberry Pi Foundation

Login

The login box has been redesigned, with a new look that matches the PIXEL desktop.

PIXEL is, of course, a reference to the tiny dots that make up electronic displays but also stands for Pi Improved Xwindows Environment, Lightweight".

Image: Raspberry Pi Foundation

Stunning backdrops

There are 16 new desktop backgrounds, a selection of stunning landscapes from around the globe.

The backdrops can be swapped using the Appearance Settings application.

Image: Raspberry Pi Foundation

Chromium for Pi

Perhaps the biggest change to the default applications is the replacement of Epiphany web browser with Chromium for Pi, which uses the Pi's hardware to accelerate video playback.

Image: Raspberry Pi Foundation

Remote access

It's now easier to control the Pi from another computer, thanks to the addition of the remote access software RealVNC.

Both the server and viewer are included in PIXEL, to allow the Pi to both be controlled by and control other machines.

Image: Raspberry Pi Foundation

Sense HAT

For those who want to experience what it's like to use the Pi to control hardware, Raspbian now also includes the Sense HAT emulator.

Sense HAT is an add-on board that is bundled with various sensors, a joystick and an LED matrix that the Pi can interact with. The emulator allows you to test code written for Sense HAT without owning a board.

The bundled versions of the drag-and-drop programming tools Scratch and Node-RED have also been updated.

Image: Raspberry Pi Foundation