The KDE Plasma 6.6 Beta 1 has been officially released, showcasing several significant updates across its various components. One of the most prominent updates in this release is the new plasma-login-manager module, which enhances the login experience for users. Additionally, the Aurorae theme engine has received a noteworthy upgrade, now requiring Qt 6.10 and Frameworks version 6.22. This update introduces improved hover effects, better handling of window frame gaps, and enhanced management of SVG backgrounds, making it an exciting upgrade for designers.
The Breeze theme, which is the default visual style for Plasma, has also been updated with features such as improved wallpaper management, the introduction of new backgrounds like Sub-Arctic and Orionids, and the ability to hide specific visual elements during screencasts. The BreezeStyle component has seen changes allowing it to utilize defined contrast values from kdeglobals, enhancing visual coherence.
In addition, the Bluedevil Bluetooth management tool has received various bug fixes and UI enhancements, including a new feature that allows users to forget paired devices more easily. The KDE GTK Config module, which manages font settings for non-KDE applications, has also been improved in this release.
On the application side, Discover, the integrated package manager, has been modernized with a redesigned update page, a smarter search function, and enhanced notifications about available package upgrades. It now also supports font management through the PackageKit system. Furthermore, Flatpak integration has been improved, with a focus on user-friendly status displays when using commands, making it less technical and more accessible for users.
For those using KDE on platforms like OpenBSD, the Info Center module has been updated with bug fixes and feature tweaks that cater specifically to these environments. KMenuEdit, which allows users to edit application menus directly from Plasma, has received UI enhancements to streamline the management of application launchers and menu items.
Lastly, the KDE Window Decoration Library (KDecoration) has been updated to provide users with greater control over window decorations during screencasts, allowing them to choose whether to display or hide these elements.
In summary, KDE Plasma 6.6 Beta 1 introduces a wide array of enhancements across core components and applications, touching on vital areas such as login processes, themes, Bluetooth integration, package management, system configuration, and window handling. This release not only aims to improve user experience but also provides developers with better tools for customization and design, setting the stage for a more polished final release. As the development continues, users can look forward to further optimizations and features leading up to the stable version of KDE Plasma 6.6
The Breeze theme, which is the default visual style for Plasma, has also been updated with features such as improved wallpaper management, the introduction of new backgrounds like Sub-Arctic and Orionids, and the ability to hide specific visual elements during screencasts. The BreezeStyle component has seen changes allowing it to utilize defined contrast values from kdeglobals, enhancing visual coherence.
In addition, the Bluedevil Bluetooth management tool has received various bug fixes and UI enhancements, including a new feature that allows users to forget paired devices more easily. The KDE GTK Config module, which manages font settings for non-KDE applications, has also been improved in this release.
On the application side, Discover, the integrated package manager, has been modernized with a redesigned update page, a smarter search function, and enhanced notifications about available package upgrades. It now also supports font management through the PackageKit system. Furthermore, Flatpak integration has been improved, with a focus on user-friendly status displays when using commands, making it less technical and more accessible for users.
For those using KDE on platforms like OpenBSD, the Info Center module has been updated with bug fixes and feature tweaks that cater specifically to these environments. KMenuEdit, which allows users to edit application menus directly from Plasma, has received UI enhancements to streamline the management of application launchers and menu items.
Lastly, the KDE Window Decoration Library (KDecoration) has been updated to provide users with greater control over window decorations during screencasts, allowing them to choose whether to display or hide these elements.
In summary, KDE Plasma 6.6 Beta 1 introduces a wide array of enhancements across core components and applications, touching on vital areas such as login processes, themes, Bluetooth integration, package management, system configuration, and window handling. This release not only aims to improve user experience but also provides developers with better tools for customization and design, setting the stage for a more polished final release. As the development continues, users can look forward to further optimizations and features leading up to the stable version of KDE Plasma 6.6
KDE Plasma 6.6 Beta 1 released
The KDE Plasma 6.6 beta has been released with several notable updates to various components, including the plasma-login-manager module and Aurorae, the theme engine. The Breeze theme has also been updated with improved wallpaper management, new backgrounds, and changes to BreezeStyle that use defined contrast values for better visual blending.
