The idea behind KaOS is to create a tightly integrated rolling and transparent distribution for the modern desktop. KaOS is build from scratch with a very specific focus on one DE (KDE Plasma), one toolkit (Qt), and one architecture (x86_64). Its focus is on evaluating and selecting the most suitable tools and applications.
What is new in KaOS 2020.07
Most important you will find Plasma 5.19. Highlights of 5.19 include incorporation of a consistent design and header area for system tray applets as well as notifications, refreshed look of the media playback applet in the System Tray, System monitor widgets have all been rewritten from scratch and Sticky notes get several usability improvements.
If you use Wayland, you will also appreciate the new option that lets you configure the mouse and touchpad scroll speed.
Frameworks is at 5.72.0, Plasma at 5.19.3, and KDE Applications at 20.04.3. All built on Qt 5.15.0.
For the installer Calamares, KaOS has started a move to using as many QML modules as possible. For the Welcome screen that means any text or needed info can now be shown as a qml file within the Calamares window. There is no need for pop-ups or external applications.
The keyboard module is also rewritten in QML, which now gives a much clearer overview of possible keyboard models, languages and variants.
The Midna theme used for KaOS has been redone for 2020. Biggest change there is the move from QtCurve to Kvantum for the application style. Implemented is a custom Midna Kvantum theme, following the same style as used in Croeso and the Welcome application.
Since LibreOffice 6.2, it is now possible to supply this as a pure Qt5/kf5 application. LibreOffice has thus replaced Calligra as the default Office Application for KaOS.
The artwork includes custom icon themes for light and dark themes. Midna and Midna Dark both create a complete unified look from boot-up all the way through logout.
Bottom Line
In conclusion we can say that KaOS follows the latest innovations. Always shipping the most up to date there is available for the Plasma Desktop. KaOS targets users who want a Linux distro that puts all of its resources toward working in one environment.
