So I’m compiling data for a near future project with Fedora Silverblue & Fedora Kinoite in a mixed rollout environment.
Fedora Silverblue has the initial Welcome screen + Tour as is expected with the Gnome release ( Fedora WS included)
This is the lead up to installing third-party repos which to many new users, is the bane of their first experience : Typical replies
“How do I get Nvidia drivers, Can’t play video, where do I get apps, how do I get XYZ app” etc…
Which has been remedied with the inclusion of a toggle to install Third party repos. Which also includes Flathub. Flatpaks being pivitol to the Silverblue experience.
After Log In :
But the repo cannot be queried from Software Center and you do need to install it from Flathub :
or the Terminal :
So going to Flathub and installing the repo is still required :
Is this a bug in Fedora Silverblue? Something to have another pair of eyes to look at seeing as Flatpaks are crucial to the Silverblue experience. (Fedora Flatpaks are available as expected)
Fedora Kinoite brought a different experience . . .
While after install and reboot of the machine, I was immediately greeted with a log in :
Upon log in, I’m straight way on the desktop and notice the icon on the bottom right corner with an up arrow :
So my assumptions of this being the “Software Center / Updater” where found :
After install and a reboot, going back to the Desktop, and finding the Discover GUI once again, looking to install apps, and possibly to a full upgarde of installed packages, I’m left with just the Discover GUI and access to the Fedora Flatpak repo.
While this is ok, there are some app in the repo to use straight way, there was no inclination of adding 3rd Party repos for drivers or Flathub like in Gnome’s initial landing page.
Is this a feature that can be added to Fedora Kinoite?
Not just for serviceability of apps and drivers, but for consistency with the Main Fedora distribution, Silverblue. This would create an “Ease of Use” environment for the user and more seamless update process.
Upon searching Discover I found the ability to add Flathub from the settings :
This really brought the app to life. Also, showing up Gnome’s Software Center in search queries as a better tool for finding apps. ( More on this later… )
This was an observation of initial installs of both Silverblue & Kinoite. I think a more consistent experience should be implemented by the parties involved. If the main distro experience has options available, the Spins should adhere to as well.
As someone who has never used a KDE Spin, but has been on Fedora for a while, My expectations fell short. Fortunately, I am aware of what and where in respect to packages and drivers, but many will not or will not be compelled to search and dismiss the experience. (More on this to follow… )
This post is a reflection point, possibly the powers that be can chime in on what will happen in the future or help needed to complete these task & features. My team is looking forward to their rollout, and another party a review. Thanks for your hard work !