A couple of Qt-based applications, favorites among Linux users including those using KDE Plasma, have recently been updated.
Instead of creating individual posts for each update, I’ve decided to combine them into one. Furthermore, these updates are somewhat interconnected (refer to the footnote).
By the way, if you’re a fan (or developer) of Qt or KDE applications, please inform me about any updates or new features through the tip form. Sometimes I’m questioned about why I haven’t discussed the latest versions of X, Y, or Z, which implies I was aware of their release.
Perhaps, this could turn into a regular segment!
Anyway, on the Qt app updates featuring in this roundup…
Haruna 1.2.0
Haruna is a cute (pun intended) media player I’ve written about before. I love the way it looks, the way it surfaces chapter markers in my MKV files, and the fact it offers a solid set of subtitle customization options (I need a large font as I’m supposed to wear glasses).
The newly updated Haruna version 1.2.0 introduces a new feature, a floating bottom toolbar. This toolbar, similar to what is seen in Clapper and the latest version of Celluloid, automatically hides the player controls and progress bar.
With this update, users have the option to bring back the bottom toolbar by hovering the mouse over any area of the main video screen or specifically over the lower section. For those who prefer the traditional setup, the standard fixed footer remains the default setting.
Further enhancements in Haruna 1.2.0 include the removal of docbook, with its contents now integrated into tooltips, and a new feature that allows users to middle-click on the playlist to quickly jump to the currently playing item.
Haruna remains a free, open-source software available for download. You can access the latest release on Flathub. Those looking for an older version can find it in the Ubuntu repositories. It can be installed via the App Center or by running the command sudo apt install haruna in the terminal.
Calligra 4.0
Calligra Office, the Qt-based productivity suite that evolved from KOffice, has completed its transition to Qt 6 and KDE Frameworks 6, introduced numerous new features, and launched a new stable version available for users to explore.
This suite includes multiple applications, although some are updated on a different timeline. The latest release, Calligra 4.0, brings updated versions of Calligra Words (the word processing tool), Sheets (for spreadsheets), Stage (for presentations), and the Karbon vector graphics editor.
Words, Sheets, and Stage have introduced a new sidebar design, streamlined toolbars, and more visually appealing Settings dialogs, along with other minor aesthetic updates.
In Words, a subtle shadow around the document edges makes the text stand out more; Sheets has relocated the cell editor to a top widget for better space management; Stage now supports Wayland for slide tooltips, enhancing functionality.
Opening any of the Calligra applications directly (without loading a document) now presents an improved launcher page that features a redesigned, frameless layout.
Calligra 4.0 is freely available as open-source software. Download the latest release’s source code from the KDE website.
Kdenlive 24.08
Video editors should explore the newest release of the free video editor Kdenlive.
A fresh version has been uploaded to Flathub, though it lacks a description of the updates or enhancements, and as of now, there is no announcement post on the Kdenlive blog — I’m lacking detailed information!
Still, looking over the updated merges for the Kdenlive 24.08 branch, this upgrade features:
- New keyframe curve editor
- Redesigned effect parameter widgets
- New easing methods for fades
- Enhanced Transform effect
I might have overlooked some details, yet these enhancements alone significantly improve this widely-used non-linear video editor.
Kdenlive is a free, open-source program available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can download the newest version for Linux from Flathub, or an AppImage, as well as versions for other systems, from the KDE server.
- Write a video script in Calligra, edit the video in Kdenlive, then watch it back in Haruna