[Feature Request] Newer and Powerful Desktop Handler

[koldbyte]

Currently, Nemo handles the desktop and its icons.
Its very rudimentary and needs a overhaul. Desktop Icons are cumbersome to organize and align in grids properly.
I am suggesting a newer Desktop Handler that will not just help in tidying icons but will also help in adding advanced features like grouping of desktop icons(similar to android), better grids, advanced background management.

Newer Handler may also help in optimizing the functionality of desklets.
I believe HTML and CSS3 may form the core of the this handler and so live wallpapers may also be possible without much work.
There are many sources of inspirations for functionality like Android, KDE etc.

Please share your opinions on the current desktop handler and if a newer desktop handler is a necessary change for cinnamon.

[anandrkris]

linuxmint/nemo#108 Discussed here.

[koldbyte]

@anandrkris There have been many similar feature requests regarding desktop features.
But not much has improved.
Most importantly, I wanted to request for the feature of grouping of icons similar to how android does.
It will help radically in organizing icons.

But I think it will be a hard work if its done within Nemo. So, I suggested a new desktop handler.
Instead of letting Nemo handles the desktop, Cinnamon can be extended to manage the desktop. It will not just help squash longstanding problems but will also allow for newer features to be implemented. Features like per workspace icon sets may also be possible.
Moreover, Nemo can work as desktop handler as a fallback (or in Cinnamon 2d maybe).

[anandrkris]

#3303
#2075

HTML / Live wallpapers references

#3278

organize app icons into folder on desktop

I think, this can be safely closed as there are other requests that mention your desired features?

[ghost]

+1.

[koldbyte]

I am closing this issue as most of the things I requested are being discussed in other issues. But still I would like to emphasize the need for decoupling the Nemo and "Desktop". This could help a lot to add new and innovative features which might not be possible to add through Nemo.
Desktop is a very important element of a DE and this thing is at the very core of the DE design.
So, I believe it will need a lot of thinking and activity.
Thanks.