KDE Gear 25.04 already a realityThis new version of the well-known application package for the KDE Plasma desktop environment comes with an extensive list of changes aimed at improve experience, accessibility, and productivity of GNU/Linux users who opt for this ecosystem.
The KDE Gear collection encompasses a diverse set of tools and utilities, ranging from file managers to video editors, document readers, email clients, and communication applications. With each release, advances are being consolidated to keep the suite up to current needs, responding to both community requests and the technological challenges that arise on a daily basis.
Key improvements to the Dolphin file manager
In this issue of KDE Gear, Dolphin continues to strengthen its commitment to accessibility and usability. Highlights include improved integration with the Orca screen reader, making it easier for people with disabilities to access. Notable changes include:
- Support for languages written from right to left (RTL), expanding international accessibility.
- possibility of browse files using the arrow keys and quick selection with Enter, increasing efficiency.
- New icon inspired by a real dolphin and compact status bar for a cleaner, more modern interface.
- Option for rename tabs and a more careful and orderly overall design.
These improvements are accompanied by greater attention to the small details that, little by little, make Dolphin an even more graphic and useful tool for everyday use.
Updates to browsers and desktop applications
The KDE Gear suite includes essential applications for browsing and document management. Konqueror, the web and file browser, receives a Improved "Save As" dialog which now remembers the location of the last download, facilitating repetitive processes. On the other hand, the browser Falkon adds WebSocket blocking functionality, expanding privacy options for web surfers.
KDE Connect also experiences a significant improvement in the file transfer speed via Bluetooth, optimizing the integration between desktop and mobile devices. Additionally, Kongress, the conference and event app, now displays the speaker's name for each talk, providing clarity to attendees' agendas.
Advances in productivity and personal information management
Productivity-focused apps are also experiencing multiple new developments. KRDC, the remote desktop client, now features support for the domain field in the authentication process, as well as compatibility with the latest version of the FreeRDP protocol. The ability to escalate remote desktop to fit the KRDC window makes it easier to work with different resolutions.
The route manager Itinerary It expands its feature set with support for new tickets (Bilkom, PKP, Trenitalia, among others), e-ticket integration, and new language options (such as Danish on Booking.com). It also includes a "My Details" page where users can view memberships, health certificates, saved locations, and trip statistics.
In the area of personal organization, the calendar app merkuro now allows you to configure multiple regions for holidays, view these days in both weekly and monthly views, filter to-dos to show only those from the current day, and perform multiple actions on selected contacts simultaneously.
Email, calendars, and document management
KMail, the email client, incorporates the Checking the validity of unknown OpenPGP certificates to strengthen communications security. For its part, KOrganizer debuts date selector to speed up calendar navigation, while Okular, the document viewer, adds support for the first time PGP/GPG digital signaturesIncorporating these features provides greater confidence and compatibility for managing documents with greater security.
Multimedia applications and video editing
KDE Gear 25.04 doesn't forget about audiovisual creators. KWave, the audio editor, significantly improves performance during playback. Kdenlive, the popular video editing tool, includes support for importing and exporting projects under the OpenTimelineIO format and a Completely revamped audio waveform display, providing greater precision and versatility to the editing processes.
On the other hand, the e-book reader Arianna optimizes its speed and compatibility thanks to the introduction of a new rendering engine, ensuring a smoother and more reliable reading experience.
Chat, social networks and connectivity
The messaging client NeoChat Adds the "copy link address" option to the context menu and allows you to sort rooms in the sidebar by their most recent activity. On social media, Tokodon introduces the ability to save draft posts and schedule them for delivery. These features provide greater flexibility for those managing their activity on Mastodon.
Integration with multimedia platforms continues to grow: the music player Elisa automatically plays files opened from other applications, Box allows you to switch between mobile and desktop modes, and AudioTube Access synchronized lyrics provided by LRCLIB for those who enjoy music from YouTube.
Advanced development and editing tools
Developers find KDE Gear 25.04 a relevant update. KDevelop, the integrated development environment, adds support for the Language Server Protocol (LSP), facilitating work with different programming languages and benefiting assisted code writing. The text editor Kate now includes support for the language server debputy, expanding its range of tools for developers and advanced users.
All of these changes, along with many other minor tweaks and bug fixes, cement KDE Gear as an increasingly polished, versatile suite geared toward delivering a modern and coherent experience within the KDE ecosystem.
It is advisable to consult the full changelog on the official KDE website to discover in detail each of the modified sections.
With the arrival of KDE Gear 25.04, the KDE Plasma environment continues to stand out as one of the most active and dynamic in the GNU/Linux universe, committed to continuous improvement and the addition of practical features for both home and professional users.