The KDE Project released the alpha version of the upcoming KDE Plasma 6 desktop environment today, along with the alpha versions of the KDE Frameworks 6 and KDE Gear 24.02 software suites.
The KDE Plasma 6 is set to be released on February 28th, 2024, and is projected to bring a major update to the widely-adopted desktop environment for GNU/Linux distributions. The alpha version is now available for public testing and early adoption, ahead of the final release.
KDE Plasma 6 is developed utilizing the latest Qt 6 open-source application framework. It is set to introduce an array of new features and enhancements such as complete Wayland support, a redesigned icon theme for a fresh look, as well as the reintroduction of the highly sought-after desktop cube effect.
“It has been nearly 10 years since the last major release of our flagship Plasma desktop environment, and the time has come again. KDE is releasing the Alpha version of all the software we will include in a mega release scheduled for the end of February 2024,” KDE Project stated.
Along with the alpha version of KDE Plasma 6, the KDE Project also released today alpha versions of the upcoming KDE Frameworks 6 and KDE Gear 24.02 software suites, also built against the Qt 6 application framework.
These upcoming KDE software releases are made available today for early adopters to attract more members of the Open Source community to test them and report bugs so that the KDE Project can deliver rock-solid stable releases to the Linux community.
Those of you who want to jump onto the alpha-testing bandwagon of KDE Plasma 6, KDE Frameworks 6, and KDE Gear 24.02, can either download and compile the source packages from the announcement page or grab one of the GNU/Linux distributions that already offer a Plasma 6 ISO, such as KaOS Linux.
At the end of this month, on November 29th, the KDE Project will release the first beta versions of Plasma 6, Frameworks 6, and KDE Gear 24.02. A second beta will be available for public testing later this year on December 20th and two Release Candidates are planned for January 10th and 31st respectively.
Image credits: KDE Project
Last updated 1 day ago