Over the years, numerous Linux distributions have evolved and changed, each presenting a unique approach to user experience. Recently, KaOS decided to part ways with the KDE Plasma desktop environment, adopting a new one called Niri. Initially, this shift raised eyebrows, but it turns out that Niri is an impressive alternative.
KaOS is a "rolling and transparent distribution for the modern desktop," focused specifically on a singular desktop environment (DE), toolkit, and architecture. The new DE, Niri, is a scrollable, tiling compositor that organizes windows in a horizontal plane. This means that as new applications are opened, they sit side by side on the screen, requiring users to scroll left or right to access different windows.
Using Niri is more engaging than it may seem. When you open an application, it appears on the left side of the screen, followed by other apps stacking to the right. If you need to interact with the first app after opening several more, it can be retrieved by clicking and dragging windows horizontally.
Niri successfully blends features of both tiling and traditional window managers, making multitasking seamless. Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of Niri, including its launcher and notification panel, enhances the overall experience. The launcher utilizes a curved design that integrates smoothly into the top and side of the desktop, with an organized layout that is easy to navigate.
During installation, users can choose between different office suites like KDE Office or LibreOffice, along with a few other applications such as the Elisa music player and the Falkon web browser. Despite having limited preinstalled apps, KaOS is built on Arch Linux, allowing access to a vast repository via the pacman package manager and the Octopi GUI app store, so users can easily find and install apps they need.
The elegance and functionality of Niri have sparked a sense of envy among some desktop users. While KDE Plasma is undeniably a robust option, Niri’s unique design and functionality may tempt users to switch their primary operating systems. Those interested in trying out this innovative desktop environment can download an ISO of KaOS and create a bootable USB drive to experience this remarkable distribution firsthand.
This shift to Niri represents a new chapter for KaOS, showcasing how a thoughtful design can transform user interaction within a Linux distribution.
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