Add mode READMEs and move Bigscreen app

Add comprehensive READMEs for Bigscreen and Desktop modes, and relocate the Tauri frontend prototype into a new Bigscreen/ subdirectory. This moves package.json/package-lock, src, src-tauri, assets, views, styles and related files into Bigscreen/ to separate the controller-first shell from top-level docs. Update the root README.md to reframe the project as "NebulaOS", describe Bigscreen/Desktop modes, the vision, tech stack and development notes. This reorganizes the repo layout for clearer mode separation and documentation.
This commit is contained in:
Andrew Zambazos
2026-05-21 20:11:18 +12:00
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# NebulaOS Desktop Mode
Desktop Mode is the full Linux desktop experience for NebulaOS.
It exists because NebulaOS should not only be a console-style interface.
It should also be a capable desktop operating system when the user needs one.
Bigscreen Mode is for controller-first gaming and media.
Desktop Mode is for everything else.
---
## Purpose
Desktop Mode gives users access to a normal computer environment.
It is designed for:
* File management
* Web browsing
* Productivity
* Development
* Modding
* Troubleshooting
* Advanced settings
* Desktop gaming
* App management
* System maintenance
NebulaOS should feel simple in Bigscreen Mode, but never locked down.
Desktop Mode is what keeps NebulaOS flexible.
---
## Recommended Foundation
The recommended Desktop Mode foundation is:
* Linux
* KDE Plasma
* SDDM
* Wayland where possible
* X11 fallback where needed
* Custom Nebula theme
* Custom Nebula session entries
KDE Plasma is recommended because it is:
* Highly customizable
* Friendly to Linux gaming workflows
* Themeable
* Mature
* Flexible
* Suitable for both desktop and handheld layouts
---
## Design Direction
Desktop Mode should feel:
* Clean
* Smooth
* Modern
* Minimal
* Polished
* Fast
* Familiar
* Slightly futuristic
The design should take inspiration from the clarity and polish of macOS while keeping the flexibility and openness of Linux.
NebulaOS Desktop Mode should not look like a generic KDE install forever.
The long-term goal is to make it feel like a distinct Nebula desktop experience.
---
## Desktop Mode Responsibilities
Desktop Mode should provide:
* File manager access
* Browser access
* Terminal access
* App launcher
* System settings
* Development tools
* Game modding tools
* Desktop game launching
* Access to Bigscreen Mode
* Advanced troubleshooting tools
---
## Relationship to Bigscreen Mode
NebulaOS has two main sessions:
```text
Nebula Bigscreen
Nebula Desktop
```
### Bigscreen Mode
Used for:
* Controller navigation
* Game launching
* TV use
* Handheld use
* Couch workflows
* Simple settings
* Console-like experience
### Desktop Mode
Used for:
* Mouse and keyboard use
* Advanced configuration
* Development
* File browsing
* Modding
* Productivity
* Troubleshooting
Both modes should feel connected, but they should not try to do the same job.
---
## Session Switching
Long-term, NebulaOS should allow users to switch between modes easily.
Possible flows:
```text
Bigscreen Mode → Power Menu → Switch to Desktop Mode
Desktop Mode → App Launcher → Return to Bigscreen Mode
Login Screen → Choose Nebula Bigscreen or Nebula Desktop
```
The user should never feel trapped in either mode.
---
## KDE Customization Goals
Desktop Mode customization may include:
* Nebula global theme
* Nebula icon theme
* Nebula cursor theme
* Nebula wallpaper set
* Custom SDDM theme
* Custom splash screen
* Custom panel layout
* Custom application launcher
* Custom desktop widgets
* Preinstalled Nebula apps
* Desktop shortcut for Bigscreen Mode
---
## Suggested Desktop Layout
A possible default layout:
```text
Top panel
├── App launcher
├── Active window title
├── System tray
├── Network
├── Audio
├── Battery
└── Clock
Desktop
├── Nebula wallpaper
├── Minimal icons
└── Optional widgets
Dock or bottom panel
├── Browser
├── Files
├── Terminal
├── Settings
├── Nebula Bigscreen
└── Nebula Library
```
---
## Visual Identity
Desktop Mode should share visual DNA with Bigscreen Mode.
Shared elements may include:
* Nebula gradients
* Deep blue and purple tones
* Soft glass panels
* Rounded corners
* Subtle glow
* Clean typography
* Space-inspired wallpapers
* Calm animation
* Consistent icon language
Desktop Mode should be calmer and more practical than Bigscreen Mode, but still recognizably Nebula.
---
## System Tools
Desktop Mode may eventually include Nebula-specific tools such as:
* Nebula Control Center
* Nebula Update Manager
* Nebula Library desktop app
* Nebula Browser
* Nebula Store
* Nebula Settings bridge
* Nebula account/profile manager
* Nebula system diagnostics
---
## Development Goals
Initial Desktop Mode goals:
* Pick KDE Plasma as the base
* Create a Nebula desktop theme
* Create a Nebula SDDM login theme
* Add Bigscreen and Desktop sessions
* Add a launcher shortcut back into Bigscreen Mode
* Keep normal Linux tools available
* Avoid breaking standard KDE functionality
---
## What Desktop Mode Should Avoid
Desktop Mode should avoid:
* Removing normal Linux functionality
* Hiding important system tools
* Making KDE harder to use
* Becoming too console-like
* Depending on Bigscreen Mode to function
* Locking users into one workflow
Desktop Mode should be powerful, normal, and clean.
---
## Success Criteria
Desktop Mode is successful when:
* Users can use NebulaOS like a normal Linux desktop
* KDE feels visually integrated with NebulaOS
* Bigscreen Mode can be launched easily
* Advanced settings are accessible
* Development and troubleshooting are possible
* The desktop feels polished instead of temporary
* The system still feels like one unified OS