Amarok 3.0 Sets Sail After Six-Year Voyage: KDE’s Music Player Returns with Qt5 Upgrade
A six-year odyssey culminates in the release of Amarok 3.0, the KDE music player finally ported to Qt5 and KDE Frameworks 5. This long-awaitedupdate marks a significant milestone for the project, breathing new life into a beloved audio application.
The last major release of Amarok, version 2.9, launched back in March 2018. Since then, the project faced considerable challenges, resulting in a prolonged development cycle. While much of the porting work to Qt5 and KF5 was completed nearly a decade ago, various factors contributed to delays, culminating in a 2021 alpha release of 3.0. Now, the journey has reached its destination with the official launch of Amarok 3.0.
This release isn’t just a simple update; it represents a foundational shift. The migration to Qt5 and KDE Frameworks 5 provides a modernized architecture, laying the groundwork for future development and improved stability. While the team hasn’t yet embraced the latest Qt6 and KDE Frameworks 6, they’ve expressed intentions to beginporting to these newer frameworks in the coming months, aiming for a beta release potentially later this year. This phased approach suggests a commitment to iterative improvements and minimizing disruption for users.
The official release announcement https://blogs.kde.org/2024/04/29/amarok-3.0-castaway-released/ highlights the focus on core functionality. The developers state that common use cases should function smoothly, with a significantemphasis on resolving regressions related to the KF5 port. While specific details on bug fixes and new features are limited in the announcement, the successful completion of the Qt5/KF5 port itself is a considerable achievement.
The release of Amarok 3.0 signifies more than just a software update; it’s a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the development team. The long wait underscores the complexities involved in migrating a large-scaleapplication to a new framework. However, the successful launch paves the way for a revitalized Amarok, poised to benefit from the latest technological advancements and continue serving its loyal user base for years to come. The upcoming Qt6/KF6 port promises further enhancements and improved performance, suggesting a bright future forthis veteran music player.
References:
- Phoronix: Amarok 2.9 Released – https://www.phoronix.com/news/Amarok-2.9-Released
- KDE Blogs: Amarok 3.0 Castaway Released – https://blogs.kde.org/2024/04/29/amarok-3.0-castaway-released/
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