Among the notable improvements in Plasma 6.5 is the enhanced support for game controllers, enabling users to view more detailed information about their devices within the System Settings. Artists using drawing tablets can now customize rotary dials and touch rings, offering greater control over their creative tools. For users with color sensitivity, a new grayscale color filter option is available, allowing them to desaturate or remove color systemwide. The update also includes support for the experimental Wayland picture-in-picture protocol, which promises to allow applications like Firefox to display properly positioned picture-in-picture windows that stay on top of other windows. This feature could significantly enhance multimedia experiences by ensuring videos or other content remain visible regardless of other running applications. Additionally, the utility that monitors printer ink levels has been improved to inform users when toner or ink is running low or has been depleted, providing better visibility into printer maintenance needs. The Plasma 6.5 release also transforms the Flatpak Permissions page into a general Application Permissions page, granting users more control over application functionalities such as taking screenshots and accepting remote control requests. These changes collectively represent a major step forward in the user experience, offering more customization options and improved system interactions.
The new version of Plasma is expected to be particularly beneficial for users on devices like the Steam Deck, where it powers the desktop mode. The refined UI elements, including the consistent roundness in all four corners of Breeze-themed windows, contribute to a more polished and cohesive look. Furthermore, the addition of overlay planes for GPU-compatible displays can reduce CPU usage and power consumption when running full-screen applications, enhancing both performance and energy efficiency. These technical enhancements not only improve the overall user experience but also demonstrate KDE’s ongoing commitment to innovation in the open-source software community. With Plasma 6.5, the KDE team continues to deliver a robust, highly customizable desktop environment tailored to the needs of a diverse range of users, from casual computer users to professional developers and creative professionals.