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GNU Linux-libre 6.10 Takes Aim At Intel IPU6, Panthor & Other Drivers With Blobs


Following last night's release of the Linux 6.10 kernel, the FSF LA developers have released GNU Linux-libre 6.10-gnu as their downstream kernel flavor that strips out the ability to load binary-only kernel modules and the ability to load non-free firmware/microcode into open-source drivers, among other alterations in the name of software freedom.

Maintaining GNU Linux-libre 6.10-gnu continues to be an upward battle with most hardware these days requiring closed-source microcode/firmware for proper operation. But with the Panthor driver targeting the newer Arm Mali GPUs using the Command Stream Frontend (CSF), it's a firmware blob necessary for support. Aside from the driver deblobbing and other code wrangling in the name of pure free software ideals, there's also the usual new artwork to accompany the kernel update:

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Photo of blobs

blobs

Photo of intel ipu6

intel ipu6

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