The KDE development team has released the beta for Plasma 6.7, which includes a new desktop environment called Plasma Bigscreen—built specifically for home theater PCs (HTPCs). Unlike Steam’s Big Picture mode or SteamOS, this mode is fully open-source and does not require apps to be wrapped in Steam, allowing users to launch any application installed via their distribution’s package manager or Flathub.
Plasma Bigscreen shares the same underlying architecture as standard Plasma—Kwin, Qt, KDE Frameworks, and Kirigami—but with a controller-friendly interface that mimics row-based navigation similar to SteamOS. However, it goes further by offering deep customization through KDE’s theming system, which SteamOS lacks without third-party plugins.
Key Specs
- Controller-First UI: Row-based layout optimized for remote or gamepad navigation.
- App Flexibility: No need to add apps to Steam; works with any app installed via package manager or Flathub.
- Customization: Supports KDE’s full theming engine, unlike SteamOS.
- Underlying Tech: Built on Kwin, Qt, KDE Frameworks, and Kirigami—same as desktop Plasma.
The beta is now available for testing, with a full release expected in June 2026. If the beta phase proceeds smoothly, Plasma Bigscreen will be included in the final Plasma 6.7 rollout.
Why It Matters
Plasma Bigscreen addresses a gap in open-source HTPC solutions by providing a more flexible alternative to SteamOS or proprietary media centers. Its deep integration with KDE’s theming system means users can tailor the interface to their preferences without workarounds, while its compatibility with non-Steam apps makes it practical for general computing tasks beyond media playback.
The mode’s reliance on standard Linux app distribution methods also avoids the fragmentation seen in some gaming-focused OSes, where applications must be specifically packaged. This could make Plasma Bigscreen a strong contender for users who want an open-source, controller-friendly HTPC experience without sacrificing flexibility.
