GNOME's new Software application was first introduced six months ago, in version 3.10. Since then it has grown up in a serious way. Performance has been improved across the board, so that common operations like browsing, searching and installing are fast and responsive. The new version also includes a long list of new features, including:

Screenshots of applications, to make it easier to decide if you want to install them. Most applications now have screenshots, and new screenshots are being added every day.

Automatic rating of applications indicate their quality and help you select the best ones.

The ability to install individual software packages, such as those that you have downloaded.

Packages containing software repositories can be installed, and you can now review and remove third party repositories that are in use.

Checking for and installing software updates has also been improved for 3.12. It is now possible to choose to have your computer power off after updates have been installed, and you can also install updates from the system power off button. Software also indicates when the last update check was performed, and allows you to manually check for updates.