The Floating Mini Panel GNOME Shell extension has received an update featuring a new ‘auto placement’ functionality, designed to minimize the hassle of positioning the panel. The extension allows users to transform the GNOME’s Top Bar into a mobile ‘widget’ that can float above other windows, be hidden temporarily, and displays only essential items.
In its previous update, the Floating Mini Panel introduced a "drawer" where icons and applets can be stored until needed, along with a ‘shelf’ area for frequently accessed items.
The latest update brings significant improvements, including code optimization, compatibility with GNOME 46 (now supporting Ubuntu 24.04 LTS), visual enhancements, and most notably, an auto-positioning feature.
When in mini-mode, users can hold down the shift key and click to relocate the applet on the screen. A new menu that appears with a long right-click on the handle allows for additional customization. The dynamic border corners improve aesthetics by ensuring that when the panel is tucked into a screen corner, no small section of wallpaper is visible, creating a seamless look.