gnome do from the ppa (bzr rev 209) still can't launch rhythmbox, revelation, file-roller, epiphany, and a slew of other apps, when you type their names directly.
However, when typing other parts of their localized desktop file, it is possible to launch them.
I am using standard, ubuntu-provided applications.
I can launch rhythmbox if I type "lec musi rhy" but not if I type "rhy"
As for the localization part of the problem, the desktop files look like this (I am using a French locale, so I cut only the relevant parts):
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Rhythmbox Music Player
Name[en_CA]=Rhythmbox Music Player
Name[en_GB]=Rhythmbox Music Player
Name[fr]=Lecteur de musique Rhythmbox
Why doesn't it pick up "rhythmbox" *inside* Name[fr] ?
Like I said, this affects the majority of other apps out there when using a non english locale, since the name of the app is not necessarily at the beginning of the desktop file string. Deskbar applet (or gnome's run dialog, fwiw) do not have this problem.
Strange, it should definitely match for "rhy(thmbox)". I will look into this
when I can.