The Linux Kernel 6.8 has been released with Xe DRM driver and other enhancements

In a recent announcement, Linus Torvalds revealed the release of the Linux Kernel 6.8. Contrasting with the previous version, Torvalds stated, “This is not the historically big release that 6.7 was - we seem to be back to a fairly average release size for the last few years.” This release does not introduce any significant new file systems or architectures, maintaining an average release in all aspects.

The most notable feature in Linux Kernel 6.8 is the Xe DRM driver. Accompanying this are the in-kernel IAA accelerator driver, AMD WBRF support, and various other enhancements and optimizations.

Torvalds also pointed out a unique aspect of this release in terms of git numerology. He said, “This is the last mainline kernel to have less than ten million git objects. In fact, we're at 9.996 million objects, so we got really close to crossing that not-milestone if it hadn't been for the nice calming down in the last couple of weeks. Other trees - notably linux-next - obviously are already comfortably over that limit.”

Looking ahead, the merge window for Linux Kernel 6.9 has been opened. Several pull requests are already pending, indicating the ongoing development and enhancement of the Linux Kernel.