“Xgl is an X server architecture layered on top of OpenGL. It is at an early stage in development and a number of important pieces are still missing” … ” Layering X on OpenGL and using a composited desktop opens the door to new features and opportunities”
Thats what freedesktop.org had to say about XGL. Though it says that a number of important pieces are still missing, the Kororaa project has comeup with a LiveCD that demonstrates quite a lot of Eye Candy that is now part of X. Its a perfect answer for those who think that Free Software can never match the graphic orientation of Windows or MacOS. There is also a video that demonstrates the abilities of XGL.
Would I be using it when its included in the regular distributions? Thats a tricky question, Am not sure but I probably would not - most of the GNU/Linux users may not. Being good to look at is important for the first opinion about a system, as you get used to a software its the usability that matters… for me GNU/Linux is already very much usable and I like it the way it is.
But, I would definitely recommend it to someone who makes his decisions based on the Looks and not the usability - something that is true for most of the Windows users 
I am Prasad Sunkari,
co-founder of
One Comment
Nice read. I never even heard of XGL? Must go check it out, sounds really interesting, an X server architecture layered on top of OpenGL!!