Bug 432203

Summary:	Show OSD feedback when audio output is disabled via Icons-Only Task Manager Icon
Product:	[Plasma] plasmashell	Reporter:	Norbert Preining <norbert>
Component:	Task Manager and Icons-Only Task Manager widgets	Assignee:	Eike Hein <hein>
Status:	CONFIRMED ---
Severity:	wishlist	CC:	nate, plasma-bugs-null
Priority:	NOR	Keywords:	usability
Version First Reported In:	5.20.90
Target Milestone:	1.0
Platform:	Other
OS:	Linux
Latest Commit:		Version Fixed/Implemented In:
Sentry Crash Report:

Description Norbert Preining 2021-01-27 14:45:28 UTC

SUMMARY

It is too easy to disable audio output by accidentally clicking on the loudspeaker part of the icon in the Icons-Only Task Manager, and there is no visual feedback that audio has been disabled.

I have been hit by this already a few times during video conferences while giving presentations and switching between windows for sharing.


STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. Click on loudspeaker symbol in the icon
2. Stop hearing audio output

OBSERVED RESULT

Silence without warning

EXPECTED RESULT

visual feedback like a OSD coaster telling me that application foobar has been silenced.


SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Linux/KDE Plasma: Debian/unstable with KDE 5.20.90
(available in About System)
KDE Plasma Version: 5.20.90
KDE Frameworks Version: 5.78.0
Qt Version: 5.15.2

Comment 1 Nate Graham 2021-01-27 17:40:21 UTC

There is visual feedback: the icon you just clicked on changes to a "muted" icon, with a red slash through the audio icon. It's pretty subtle though, yeah. Showing an OSD in addition isn't a terrible idea.

Stepping back, we've gotten other complaints about this feature too, from the same perspective (accidentally muting apps). Your proposal is reasonable, but we might want to go even further if the complaints don't stop.

FWIW a workaround is remove the audio indicator entire by unchecking "Mark Applications playing audio" in the Task Manager settings.

Comment 2 Norbert Preining 2021-01-27 23:55:24 UTC

Hi Nate,

thanks for answering, and suggesting the work-around. For now I will deactivate the indicator - two times talking against a wall of silenced video partners was enough - Fortunately company internal, so not a problem it was ;-)