The KDE Project has launched KDE Frameworks 6.8, the latest monthly update to its suite of over 70 add-on libraries for Qt, which offers essential functionalities for KDE applications and the KDE Plasma desktop. This release is relatively modest but includes some noteworthy enhancements aimed at improving user experience and system stability.
One of the key features introduced in this version is the addition of Breeze icons for Typst files, alongside monochrome variants for several symbolic Breeze icons that were previously colorful. This update ensures better consistency in the visual design of icons across various applications.
The KDE Frameworks 6.8 release also focuses on enhancing support for third-party applications, notably improving how they manage file handling. This update reduces the likelihood of file association overwrites that could result in system crashes due to high CPU and memory usage. The new settings prevent files from opening with xdg-open if their mimetype is not suitable.
Additionally, the update addresses several bugs, including:
- Fixing a regression that caused the System Settings application window to forget its size.
- Resolving issues that caused crashes when ejecting CDs in the KDE Plasma desktop environment and associated applications.
- Addressing a problem with the Baloo file indexer that prevented proper indexing of
.obj3D model files.
The update has also improved the behavior of the System Settings app so that it no longer remains open in the background after a user closes the main window while opening a “Get New [stuff]” dialog. Furthermore, it resolves an issue with the “Create New” menu that would improperly list all contents of the user’s home folder.
In a cosmetic enhancement, category icons in the Kickoff application launcher are now symbolic when using the Breeze Dark icon theme. While these updates encompass a range of other changes, detailed information can be found on the release announcement page.
Users are encouraged to check their favorite GNU/Linux distribution’s stable software repositories for the availability of KDE Frameworks 6.8 updates, particularly if they utilize the KDE Plasma desktop or KDE applications.