KDE has just announced the release of Plasma Mobile 6, specially designed for mobile devices running postmarketOS. This version is a direct port of the recently launched Plasma 6 desktop environment. While there are still some features that need fine-tuning, the overall release is considered stable.
Plasma Mobile 6 is highlighted in the release notes as the most significant port of Plasma in the past year. It can be utilized on postmarketOS, an open-source operating system compatible with numerous phones, tablets, and devices like the PinePhone. Among the new features of Plasma Mobile 6 is a revamped home screen with customizable pages, offering options for unique backgrounds and transitions. Additionally, the installation screen has been updated to facilitate user configuration, including managing WiFi connections.
Furthermore, Plasma Mobile 6 includes familiar authentication windows, allowing users to install apps, minimize or maximize them. The settings menu has also received enhancements, with adjustments made to vibration and flashlight settings. Previously, these settings were limited to the PinePhone, but with Plasma Mobile 6, they are designed to function on all compatible devices.
The release introduces new applications and updates to existing ones. The photo app is now known as Photos, and alarm clocks take precedence over other media.
Despite these improvements, developers acknowledge that some features are still a work in progress. Currently, only the widgets available on the desktop version can be used, and not all of them work seamlessly. Gesture control is yet to be implemented, and the app switcher may experience slowness.
KDE Plasma 6 marks a significant milestone in desktop environment development. The official release of the desktop version occurred just last week, showcasing the continuous evolution of KDE's software offerings.
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