Tuba 0.5 features an array of UI changes, many the result of the new widgets and adaptive capabilities provided by libadwaita 1.4. Naturally this includes the ‘full-height’ sidebar and split-toolbars “made famous” in GNOME 45:
![](https://cyirc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/linux-mastodon-app-tuba-gets-new-features-updates-ui_6510964625761-jpeg.webp)
The new widgets affect the navigation of the app somewhat.
The top toolbar is gone so Tuba’s sidebar is the new home for “Home”, “Notifications”, and “Conversations”, filter along with a labelled “Search” entry. “Preferences”, “Keyboard shortcuts” and “About” items move from the sidebar to the sidebar’s hamburger menu.
Each post in a stream now uses a ‘carded’ look (when the window width is large enough to accommodate it) which, to my eyes if no-one else, looks pretty nice.
![](https://cyirc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/linux-mastodon-app-tuba-gets-new-features-updates-ui_651096471f0f3-jpeg.webp)
There a number of improvements around notifications, too. It’s now possible to disable certain types of notifications (e.g., edits, boosts, new followers, etc). The change-log mentions that now notifications can display action buttons (e.g., reply) where applicable – nice!
The “compose” button has been removed from the top toolbar. It is now located in the bottom-right of main window (it took me a while to find it, but it will be more obvious to Android users as floating buttons are common on that platform).
Other changes:
- Setting to increase emoji size
- New ‘Announcements’ tab
- Support drag and drop images into composer
- Supports pasting clipboard images into composer
- Shorter numerical units (e.g., 1.3k instead of 1324)
- Redesigned media overlay for sensitive media
- Renders ordered lists in posts
- Better styling of blockquotes in posts
- Composer now shows content selector (where supported)
- Media Viewer zoom keyboard shortcuts
- Improved account switcher
- Search results order based on query
Bug fixes, code cleanups, and performance tweaks also feature (as you’d expect of most app updates). For more details check out the change-log on GitHub.
In all, a terrific update to this app. If you’re a maverick Mastodon devotee and you like the idea of using the service in a native GTK app, Tuba is just the ticket.
Install Tuba Mastodon App
Tuba is free, open-source software. You can get the latest release officially from Flathub, linked below. The app is also available elsewhere unofficially, including the AUR.
• Get Tuba on Flathub
Thanks Scotty & Bart!