KaOS is a distribution built from scratch using KDE Plasma as the desktop. There are no other variations because we are focused on providing a great KDE Plasma experience.
The latest release in 2024 will debut KDE Plasma 6.
Yes, it is true that KDE Plasma 6 has not been released yet. However, KaOS KDE Plasma 6 Release Candidate v2.
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Applications that rely on KDE Plasma 5 may be missing from the KaOS repository until the port is available for routine use.
KaOS 2024.01: New features?
The desktop has been updated with an updated look and feel, and several technical improvements.
Here are some important changes:
beginning, Installer now allows you to select any type of file system and automatic partitioningwas limited to manual mode.
To test KaOS, I used the regular “ext4” filesystem rather than the selection here.
This already existed, but I like the fact that you can choose between “Pipewire” or “PulseAudio” during KaOS installation.
The login screen has a new background and Wayland mode is selected by default. You can change it for now. However, we plan to deprecate X11 in the near future.
Not to forget, the distribution's software stack has been updated with FFMPEG 6, Boost/ICU stack, Linux kernel 6.6.14, Systemd 254.9, and new Python/MariaDB packages.
For Plasma 6 desktops, you can expect all the latest available frameworks and packages built on top of Qt 6.6.1.
The installer is also based on Qt 6.
Another interesting addition: a GUI that allows seamless viewing of logs. Quarjardard. No more relying on or learning the journalctl command. Available with default installation.
Not limited to the Midna theme update, the workspace cube desktop effect was added in Plasma 6 to “.window management”. It is not enabled by default, so you can choose to enable it manually.
Technical details are available in the announcement post.
📥 Download KaOS 2024.01
Considering KDE Plasma 6 RC2's distribution features, it may not be the best fit for all users.
However, if you want an independent Linux distribution with early access to the latest KDE Plasma desktop, KaOS should be your best choice.
💬 What do you think about the latest KaOS updates including Plasma 6? Share your thoughts below!
