KDE developers have succeeded in running the touch-optimized Plasma Active Linux Distribution on Nexus 7.

Earlier Ubuntu developers managed to create a installer for Nexus 7, but those builds also showed that Unity, in its current form, is not ready for touch-based devices. KDE has an edge here as it has optimized versions for netbooks, desktops and touch-based devices so a user doesn't have to make any compromises as one has to do with other DEs or shells which are focusing more in touch-based devices only.

Ruediger Gad writes on his blog that he and "Tuomas Kulve had been working on the Mer 'hardware-adaptation' for Nexus 7 that enables to run Mer-based distributions like Plasma Active on the Nexus 7. Based on this hardware-adaptation and the work from Plasma Active we created an installable “image” that can be used to “flash” the current Plasma Active 3 on the Nexus 7."

As expected this is not a 100% working images and there are glitches, but since Active Plasma is 'meant' for touch based devices, the experience that one would get is similar to that of Android or iOS. These images are meant for testing and feedback to further improve it.

Gad has given detailed instructions on how to install KDE Active Plasma on your Nexus 7. I will be testing it soon and you can expect some videos on our YouTube channel.