Unlike the previous Linux kernels that weren’t compatible with the latest mobile chipsets, Linux 4.6 supports all the new ARM system-on-chip (SoC) models that are available in today’s market. This means that you can experience the latest Linux version even on a device that has the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset. Also, the new open source kernel is compatible with newer technologies like USB 3.1 and NFC.
In addition to new mobile chipsets, the new Linux version has support for IBM’s Power9, too. Although the microprocessor is yet to be debut on devices, it is already being supported by Linux.
Users who are using systems like OrangeFS, XFS, Btrfs and EXT4 can experience some new enhancements. Likewise, there is an improved flash storage support for F2FS.
While Linux 4.6 is yet to be installed by masses, Torvalds hinted its successor. “So 4.6 is out there at the normal schedule, and that obviously also means that I’ll start doing merge window pull requests for 4.7 starting tomorrow,” he writes in a kernel mail.
Linux 4.7 is likely to be released in a couple of months from now. Meanwhile, you can check the new experience by downloading Linux 4.6 on your system.
