The Linux kernel team is currently developing Linux kernel 6.2 and has already released the third release candidate for testing. Linux kernel 6.1, released in mid-December, is already being adopted by some newer distributions.



The Linux kernel 6.2 rc3 announcement includes general changes, CPU/memory-related changes, GPU-related changes, file system changes, virtualization changes, other hardware changes, and other changes. The third release candidate brings fixes in the DRM drivers of AMD and Intel, the btrfs file system, and the wireless network drivers. Additionally, Linux kernel 6.2 improves the Rust implementation introduced in Linux kernel 6.1 and allows users to disable the split lock detector feature that slows down badly behaving applications. Linux kernel 6.2 also brings Call Depth Tracking mitigation option for Retbleed vulnerability for Intel Skylake CPUs and enables IBT by default, which affects Intel's Tigerlake and newer CPUs. Lastly, Intel's SGX Async Exit Notification feature, AEX Notify, and TGS guest support are landing on Linux kernel 6.2, providing further security measures for Intel CPUs.

Other changes in Linux kernel 6.2 rc3 include multiple compression stream support for ZRAM, support for ChromeOS Human Presence Sensor, Corsair HX1500i PSU sensor support through USB, sensor support for many Asus motherboards, and new additions to the supported touchscreens. To test the third release candidate of Linux kernel 6.2, users can download and compile it from the provided link, but it is not recommended to install this release on a mission-critical system yet.

 The second release candidate, Linux kernel 6.2 rc2, fixed problems in AMD Ryzen 6000 and newer laptops and their S0ix idle behavior, while the first release candidate, Linux kernel 6.2 rc1, saw 13.5k commits from ~1800 people. The 6.2 version of the Linux kernel is expected to be released mid-February 2023 and includes various changes and improvements.

The upcoming release of a new Xe driver from Intel in the kernel is highly anticipated by many. One particular issue that users have experienced with their processor featuring Iris (Tiger Lake) graphics is screen flashing in Wayland.

Intel engineers announced the development of the driver in December and even provided conditional working code. Users assembled the kernel, mesa, from the correct branch to fix the problem, which proved successful. However, there were reported issues with their patches breaking the sound, making it difficult to use the core in that state. The release of the module in mainline is eagerly awaited, possibly in versions 6.4-6.5.

I personally share the same excitement and have been constantly updating my system, especially after purchasing the 6900xt. It's essential to have new firewood with the best performance. For home systems, experimenting is not difficult, and it's okay to do so as it won't cause much harm. However, if the system is for important tasks and everything works well without significant inconvenience, it's preferable to let it continue to function.

The latest release, Linux Kernel 6.2, brings with it a host of exciting changes that contribute to the overall stability, performance, and functionality of the Linux operating system. Let's explore some of the notable features and enhancements introduced in this version:

1. Improved Performance: Linux Kernel 6.2 includes several performance optimizations, improving responsiveness and efficiency across various hardware architectures. These optimizations lead to faster boot times, reduced power consumption, and overall smoother user experience.

2. Enhanced Security: Security has always been a top priority for the Linux Kernel development team, and version 6.2 is no exception. The new release introduces enhanced security measures, including improved buffer overflow protections, stricter access control policies, and updates to cryptographic algorithms. These enhancements further bolster the overall security of the Linux operating system.

3. Updated Device Support: Linux Kernel 6.2 extends support for various hardware devices, including newer graphics cards, network adapters, and storage controllers. This ensures compatibility with the latest hardware components, enabling users to take full advantage of their system's capabilities.

4. File System Improvements: The new release brings improvements to various file systems, such as ext4 and Btrfs. These improvements enhance data integrity, increase performance, and offer new features like faster snapshot creation and management.

5. Containerization Enhancements: Linux Kernel 6.2 includes updates to containerization technologies, such as Docker and Kubernetes. These updates improve resource allocation, networking, and security for containerized applications, making it easier to deploy and manage container-based environments.

6. Networking Enhancements: The networking stack in Linux Kernel 6.2 has been further refined to offer better performance, improved network throughput, and enhanced support for emerging network protocols. These enhancements enable more efficient data transfer and higher network speeds.

7. Improved Power Management: Linux Kernel 6.2 introduces advanced power management features that optimize energy consumption and extend battery life for laptops and mobile devices. These enhancements are particularly beneficial for users who rely on their devices when on the go.

Linux Kernel 6.2 showcases the ongoing commitment of the Linux community to enhance the open-source operating system, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological advancements. With its improved performance, security, device support, and containerization features, this new release empowers users to leverage the full potential of Linux in various environments.