Linus Announces Linux Kernel 4.4

Jan 13, 2016

Latest Linux engine comes with better graphics and support for Intel's new power-saving chips.

Linus Torvalds has announced the release of Linux kernel 4.4. Like all new kernel versions, Linux 4.4 has been in a pre-release state for some time, so the final release offers no big surprises. According to the announcement in the Linux Kernel Archive, “The changes since rc8 aren’t big. There's about one third arch updates, one third drivers, and one third 'misc' (mainly some core kernel and networking), but it's all small.”

The driver updates appear to be the most notable change with the new release. The latest version includes drivers that should deliver better graphics with several graphics processors. A new kernel mode-setting (KMS) driver from Broadcom will benefit Raspberry Pi users.

The biggest change might be the expanded support for Intel’s new Skylake chip series. New drivers and components will help Linux systems capitalize on Skylake's improved performance and power usage.

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