Introducing Hylki: The Modern Rust-Based Email Client for GNOME
Hylki is a new, modern email client designed specifically for the GNOME desktop, boasting extensive customization options and built using Rust. It aims to provide a fresh alternative to established email clients like Thunderbird and Evolution, alongside newer offerings such as Postcard, Convey, and Letters, which all aspire to modernize the user experience.
The client utilizes a GTK4/libadwaita interface and presents a three-column vertical layout centered around conversation views, which enhances message management. It promises a user-friendly experience, declaring itself to be “fast to open, effortless to read, and private by default.”
Features
Hylki supports connections to various email accounts through GNOME Online Accounts, including manual configurations for POP3/IMAP. Multiple accounts can be managed, either individually or through a unified inbox. The first-run onboarding process is designed to be intuitive and customizable, allowing users to set preferences easily.
The application facilitates standard email functionalities such as conversation threading and inline composing of messages. Users can write in various formats including rich text, Markdown, HTML, or plain text, and even schedule emails to send later. It integrates OpenPGP support for email encryption and signing.
Notable features include:
- A "reader mode" that simplifies email content into plain text.
- A variety of color schemes and alternate app icons.
- A dedicated view for attachments.
- A "focus mode" to reduce visual clutter.
- Integration with GNOME Contacts.
- Single-key shortcuts, gesture support, and background operation.
The client provides a wide spectrum of customization options, enabling users to configure inline message previews and toolbar button orders, as well as manage local filters.
AI Development
Interestingly, Hylki also makes use of AI in its development. The majority of its Rust code was generated using Anthropic’s Claude, under the guidance of a human developer who reviews all output before release. However, it’s noteworthy that Hylki does not include any AI features within the app itself, thereby eliminating risks associated with machine learning errors.
The artwork for the app, including its main icon and logo, is entirely human-created. The name Hylki, which means "capsule" in Icelandic, reflects its design philosophy.
Installation
To install Hylki, users can download it as a Flatpak from either its GitHub page or its official website. Flatpak is not pre-installed on Ubuntu, so users must first install it with:
sudo apt install flatpakNext, add the Flathub repository:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThen, install Hylki:
flatpak install --from https://hylki.hyprlab.co/flatpak/co.hyprlab.Hylki.flatpakrefOnce installed, Hylki can be opened from the application grid. Users are encouraged to authorize their email accounts through GNOME Online Accounts for an added level of security.
In conclusion, whether Hylki surpasses other Geary-like email clients such as Postcard or Convey remains subjective, but given its modern features and design, it certainly warrants a try. It was formerly known as Vireo, but a naming issue prompted the change, so you might have encountered it under its previous name.