The new major release of KDE does not only include exciting upstream improvements and new features but also introduces a new set of packages that makes it possible to only install those applications you like.
All important changes in short:
- split packages; for more Information see http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/KDE_Packages and http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/DeveloperWiki:Splitting_KDE
- Qt uses the Gstreamer backend for Phonon by default. Other backends like phonon-xine can be installed optionally.
- Meta packages ensure a smooth upgrade and emulate the old monolith packages for those who prefer them.
Important hints for upgraders:
- Check if your mirror is up to date.
- pacman will ask you to replace all kde packages with kde-meta packages.
- Don't force an update. 'If pacman complains about conflicts please file a bug report.
- You can remove the meta packages and the sub packages you don't need after the update.
- If you don't like split packages just keep using the kde-meta packages.
Information about upstream changes will be available at http://kde.org/announcements/4.3/