Linux 2.6.29 Kernel Released; Hello KMS and Btrfs!

With much anticipation, the Linux 2.6.29 kernel was released just moments ago by Linus Torvalds. Besides introducing an interim logo to stand-in for Tux, the Linux 2.6.29 kernel most notably introduces support for kernel mode-setting on Intel hardware. Also in the graphics realm are a few updates to the Graphics Execution Manager and DRM updates for various pieces of hardware.

Also making the Linux 2.6.29 kernel exciting is that it brings support for Btrfs. Btrfs is the next-generation Linux file-system, but it's still in development so do not expect it to be the default on any Linux distribution in the immediate future. Until Btrfs is ready to shine in the Linux limelight, there is EXT4, which did receive some updates in this kernel release after it was marked as stable in the Linux 2.6.28 kernel. SquashFS, which is used by many Linux LiveCDs, also finally entered the mainline kernel this time around.

Beyond the file-system and graphics processor excitement, there is now a 802.16 WiMax stack in the Linux kernel (not that you will find many consumer WiMax devices yet), eCryptfs filename encryption, and various new and updated hardware drivers.

The Linux 2.6.29 kernel release announcement can be found at LKML.org. After celebrating for a day or two, it's time to start thinking about Linux 2.6.30! We will have benchmarks of the Linux 2.6.29 kernel on Phoronix in the very near future. The weekend was spent benchmarking the kernels since Linux 2.6.24 to provide you with an interesting Phoronix Test Suite-powered article.