KDE for tablets

The KDE Plasma Mobile shell.
Source: notmart.org While the free open source K Desktop Environment (KDE) already features several Plasma shells, including a desktop and netbook shell, until now it did not have one for tablets. KDE developer Marco Martin, also known simply as 'mart', has posted details about a KDE Plasma Mobile shell for tablets on his blog.

According to the developer, when designing a Plasma shell for tablets, it isn't possible to just create a "one design fits all" application as various mobile devices feature different screen resolutions and sizes. Additionally, for example, internet tablets and phones put emphasis on different primary functions.

Based on QtQUICk, the new shell currently features support for touch-based input and allows users to swipe their finger to, for example, change to the search and launch interface. Martin says that the Plasma Mobile shell for KDE that started simply as an experiment by the developers, is currently "just a quick proof of concept, but that shows itself very promising for the future."

A video of the KDE PLasma Mobile shell is available on YouTube. Alternatively, users can download an OGG version(direct download) of the video.

See also:

• Plasma: now comes in tablets, a notmart.org blog post.
• KDE SC 4.5 final arrives, a report from The H.

(crve)