The unity launcher does auto-hide after some time, are you sure you aren't observing that behavior? Also, could you describe the problem more? I'm not sure how the unity launcher crashing would cause you to have to reboot from the console, as shut down options are available in the top right corner of the screen, separate from the launcher. Are you unable to click the icon in the top right corner of the screen that has the shut down/reboot buttons when the launcher crashes?
** Changed in: unity (Ubuntu) Status: New => Incomplete -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/884691 Title: The new thing on the left constantly crashes To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/unity/+bug/884691/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs