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DockBarX 0.41 has just been released, featuring redesigned window previews and menu as well as a close button for the window previews. Before more info on the latest DockBarX, here are some screenshots:

DockBarX 0.41 running in Avant Window Navigator
(DockBarX 0.41 running in Avant Window Navigator)

DockBarX 0.41 - Gnome Panel applet
(DockBarX 0.41 - Gnome Panel applet)

DockBarX 0.41 running in Avant Window Navigator
(DockBarX 0.41 running in Avant Window Navigator - recent items menu)


Matias Särs, the DockBarX developer notes:

In DockbarX 0.41 the looks of the window list and the group button menu change quite a bit. The reason for these changes is the changes that other parts of the linux desktop is going through. Previous versions of DockbarX were made to blend in with gnome 2 and ubuntu notifications. DockbarX 0.41 is made to look more like Untiy, gnome-shell and docks. The new look is also a result of the positive response BigRZA's mockup got a few months back. As you can see for yourselves I've followed it quite closely.


Install DockBarX 0.41 in Ubuntu

The DockBarX repository has not been updated yet, so as usual I've uploaded it to the WebUpd8 PPA (using the original packaging by T. Scott Barnes so many thanks to him!). To add the WebUpd8 PPA and install the latest DockBarX in Ubuntu Karmic, Lucid, Maverick and Natty, use the following commands:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nilarimogard/webupd8
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install dockbarx dockbarx-themes-extra

To also install the Avant Window Navigator DockBarX applet:
sudo apt-get install awn-applet-dockbarx


Important: to use the window previews, you need CompizConfig Settings Manager (sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager) and then check the "KDE Compatibility" plugin in CCSM (System > Preferences > CompizConfig Settings Manager) - yes, even in GNOME. Once you enable this plugin, in DockBarX preferences (Applications > Accessories > DockBarX Preference), on the "Window List" tab, enable "Show Previews".

If you also want blur for the window previews and menu items, in CompizConfig Settings Manager enable the "Blur Windows" plugin, then on its settings, under "Blur filter" select "Gaussian". You can also want to tweak the "Gaussian Radius" or "Gaussian Strength" a bit (to whatever values you like).