Native RGB Lighting Control, .deb Installer, App Menu Folders, and Background Apps Improvements #784
Description
What Happened?
Several key features are missing from elementary OS that would significantly improve the user experience:
No native RGB lighting control - There's no built-in way to manage PC RGB lighting (keyboard, mouse, fans, RAM, etc.) from System Settings. Users currently need third-party tools like OpenRGB.
No simple .deb file installation - Double-clicking .deb files doesn't open a native installer. Users must use terminal commands or install third-party tools like Eddy.
Inconsistent uninstall option in Applications Menu - Right-click → Uninstall is sometimes missing or grayed out for installed applications.
No folder organization in Applications Menu - Users cannot create custom folders to organize applications, making it hard to manage many installed apps.
Background apps issues in Dock - While the new Background Portal support is great, clicking background apps only shows the quit option instead of opening the app window. There's no system tray icon support for apps that minimize to background.
Applications Menu display bug - Sometimes installed applications don't appear in the Applications Menu grid view but only show up when using search functionality.
Steps to Reproduce
For RGB Lighting:
Install elementary OS on a PC with RGB hardware (keyboard, mouse, motherboard RGB, RAM, fans)
Open System Settings
Look for RGB lighting or LED control options
Result: No native option exists
For .deb Installation:
Download a .deb file (e.g., from a software website)
Try to double-click the .deb file
Result: No native installer opens, file opens in archive manager instead
Right-click → "Open With" shows no elementary OS installer option
For Applications Menu Uninstall:
Install an application via AppCenter or terminal
Open Applications Menu
Right-click on the installed application
Result: Uninstall option is sometimes grayed out or missing entirely
For Folder Organization:
Open Applications Menu
Try to create a folder to organize apps
Try to drag apps into categories/folders
Result: No folder creation or organization options available
For Background Apps:
Install an app that runs in background (e.g., Telegram, Discord, music player)
Minimize the app to background
Click on the app icon in the Dock's background apps section
Result: Only shows "Quit" button, doesn't open the app window
Expected: Should show system tray icon or allow clicking to reopen window
For Applications Menu Bug:
Install an application via apt install or Flatpak
Installation completes successfully
Open Applications Menu and scroll through all apps
App doesn't appear in the grid view
Search for the app by name in Applications Menu search
Result: App appears in search results but not in the main grid
Expected Behavior
RGB Lighting:
A dedicated panel in System Settings → Hardware or Display for RGB lighting control
Options to change colors, effects (static, breathing, rainbow, reactive, etc.)
Device-specific controls (keyboard, mouse, case fans, RAM)
Animated effects and screen-reactive lighting
Simple on/off toggle per device
Deb Installation:
Double-clicking .deb file should open a native elementary OS installer
Installer should show package info, dependencies, and installation progress
Right-click → "Open With" should show native installer option
Similar experience to AppCenter installations
Applications Menu Uninstall:
Right-click any installed application → "Uninstall" should always be available
Clicking "Uninstall" should remove the application
Works consistently for both Flatpak and APT packages
Shows confirmation dialog before removal
Folder Organization:
Ability to create custom folders in Applications Menu
Drag-and-drop apps into folders
Automatic folder name suggestions based on app categories
Folders expand/collapse when clicked
Similar to GNOME but with elementary design language
Background Apps:
Clicking background apps in Dock should open their window (if they have one)
Apps should be able to show system tray icons
Background apps remain stable and accessible
Visual indicator for apps running in background (like Windows system tray)
Apps can minimize to background and restore from Dock
Applications Menu Display:
All installed applications should appear in Applications Menu immediately after installation
Consistent behavior for Flatpak, APT, and manually installed apps
If refresh is needed, provide a manual refresh option
Apps shouldn't disappear from menu while still being searchable
Host OS
elementary OS 8 (latest stable version)
Image Version
elementary OS 8
Hardware Platform
64-bit AMD/Intel (x86)
Log Output
Hardware Info
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 8400F
Motherboard: ASUS PRIME B650M-K (Socket AM5)
RAM: Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 6000MHz CL36 (AMD EXPO)
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
Storage:
Kingston NV2 1TB NVMe SSD (primary system drive)
Samsung PM981 476.9GB NVMe SSD
Western Digital 232.8GB HDD (boot/EFI partition)
Western Digital 500GB HDD
PSU: nJoy Alpha+ 750W, 80+ Gold, Full Modular
Case: AQIRYS Avior (with ARGB support)
CPU Cooler: AQIRYS Hydra 360 AIO (360mm)
RGB Devices:
Corsair Vengeance RGB RAM modules
AQIRYS Avior case ARGB lighting
AQIRYS Hydra 360 AIO RGB
AURA LED Controller for RGB synchronization
MageGee STAR75 RGB mechanical keyboard
RGB mouse (Logitech)
Peripherals:
Monitor: Samsung Odyssey G3
Keyboard: MageGee STAR75 (mechanical)
Mouse: Logitech (wireless via USB receiver)
Headset: Logitech PRO X Wireless
Microphone: HyperX SoloCast