Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:12:18 +0100 From: Alice Sowerby <alice@freebsdfoundation.org> To: Desktop Mailing List <freebsd-desktop@freebsd.org> Subject: Foundation update - May 2026 Message-ID: <CAE=KKV-41Wxghp-CD4vk82585qhBKE3i%2BhdMkayU-Mv8TSarSg@mail.gmail.com>
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[-- Attachment #1 --] Hi Everyone, I'm pleased to share the monthly update from the FreeBSD Foundation's Laptop Support and Usability Project. https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/blob/main/monthly-updates/2026-05.md <https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/blob/main/monthly-updates/2026-05.md>; Note: this repo also contains all previous month's updates. We welcome your help in sharing the update wherever possible. (You may continue scrolling for the full text content of the update.) Thanks, Alice. Please read on with the understanding that you will need to visit the repo for the canonical content. ----------------------------- # FreeBSD Foundation Laptop Update - May 2026 NOTE: For more details on any item, please visit the GitHub links provided, these contain more detail and links to relevant materials such as code commits. ## Newly added in May ### USB passthrough for bhyve We newly captured work in progress for enabling access to USB devices for guest OSs being managed by bhyve. GitHub issue [#117]( https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/117) ### Audio stack technical debt We have created a new issue to track work on technical debt that relates to the audio stack. GitHub issue [#118]( https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/118) ## Completed in May ### Graphics #### Port of the Linux 6.12 Graphics Drivers Work on porting the Linux DRM 6.12 graphics driver is complete and is now available at https://www.freshports.org/graphics/drm-612-kmod/. The corresponding changes to the FreeBSD base system are also available in stable/15 in time for the 15.1 release. NOTE: This is an important milestone as 6.12 is a LTS version of Linux and is the newest available version that is targeted for "super long term support" to 2036 via the [CIP program]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel_version_history). NOTE: Because Linux 6.12 is an LTS version we will continue to port across updates that Linux publishes as they become available. GitHub issue [#41]( https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/41) #### Linux-based WiFi suspend and resume LinuxKPI based wireless drivers can now suspend and resume along with the rest of the system. This work was needed as these drivers were not able to directly implement PCI suspend and resume in the same way as native drivers. The update is available in stable/15 and will be part of the 15.2 release. GitHub issue [#58]( https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/58) ## In Review ### Power #### S0i3 Modern Standby Work continues on addressing critical bugs/blockers to functioning suspend and resume on the reference platform (AMD Framework Laptop). The main focus in May has been rewriting D-state management (how FreeBSD manages the power states of its hardware device components) so that we can more reliably control suspend and resume processes. This is likely to be the only route to resolving the problems we have when trying to control NVMe power states. Testing is ongoing for Intel laptops in order to determine what is missing that can allow us to reach significant power savings. A PCH driver (for older Intel generations), which can provide access to a "sleeping in S0" residency counter, is under review. GitHub issue [#32]( https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/32) #### Power consumption management tooling The work on porting Perfetto to FreeBSD and adding a minimal subset of relevant drivers has been completed and is currently in review. The Foundation has no further planned development on this after this change lands. GitHub issue [#6](https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/6) #### Debugging tools for low power states The work on this is being wrapped up and there are two reviews still open. The Foundation has no further planned development on this after this change lands. GitHub issue [#38]( https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/38) ### Installation #### KDE Desktop Installer Option This work will enable a user to install the graphical desktop environment, KDE, as part of the FreeBSD installation process using bsdinstall. It is currently being tested by users and their feedback is being processed and acted upon. The work is still targeted for STABLE 15.2. GitHub issue: [#25]( https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/25) ## In Progress ### Graphics #### Port of the Linux 6.13 Graphics Drivers Work on porting the Linux DRM 6.13 graphics driver is part way through. This is the first step towards reaching 6.18 which is the latest long term support version. GitHub issue [#41]( https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/41) ### Wi-Fi #### Support for Mediatek Wi-Fi cards Work is ongoing to solve issues with LinuxKPI which are not related to Wi-Fi but are blocking it. These include: refining LinuxKPI page work, fixing LinuxKPI PCI device teardown issues (with extra conflicts in ports). GitHub issue [#66]( https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/66) ### Hardware #### Webcam code donation from Dell Work continues on cleaning up the code for inclusion in FreeBSD. Targeted for completion in Q2. GitHub issue [#39]( https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/39) ### Power #### Hibernate (S4) Some changes to the kernel/loader interface, and bug fixes. A new test image has been generated accordingly. Loader development continues thanks to these new elements. GitHub issue [#29]( https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/29) ## On hold ### Bluetooth usability We are currently pausing on the scoped Bluetooth usability work as we need to find a solution for getting a usable Bluetooth stack. GitHub issue [#113]( https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/113) ## Acknowledgements The FreeBSD Foundation would like to extend its thanks to everyone who has contributed to this project, both this month and previously. Thanks go out to: * Our developers * Alfonso Siciliano * Aymeric Wibo * Bjoern Zeeb * Christos Margiolis * David Heidelberg * En-Wei Wu * Isaac Freund * Jean-Sebastien Pedron * Konstantiv Belousov * Li-Wen Hsu * Mitchell Horne * Olivier Certner * ShengYi Hung * Siva Mahadevan * Tom Jones * The project team: * Deb Goodkin * Ed Maste * Joe Mingrone * Alice Sowerby * The Laptop and Desktop Working Group * Chris Moerz * All attendees * The FreeBSD Project * Quantum Leap Research * AMD and Framework, who have helped in troubleshooting sleep issues. * Dell, who have donated the UVC kernel driver. * Future Crew, who provided the iwx driver source code. * Netflix, who have been testing our scheduler patchsets Please refer to the [README](../README.md) for more information about the FreeBSD Foundation's Laptop Project. -- Alice Sowerby Part-time Technical Program Manager M +44 7787 953393 [-- Attachment #2 --] <div dir="ltr"><div><div>Hi Everyone,</div><div><br>I'm pleased to share the monthly update from the FreeBSD Foundation's<br></div><div>Laptop Support and Usability Project.</div></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/blob/main/monthly-updates/2026-05.md">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/blob/main/monthly-updates/2026-05.md </a></div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix"><div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix"><br></span></div><div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix"><div>Note: this repo also contains all previous month's updates.</div><div><br></div>We welcome your help in sharing the update wherever possible.<div><br></div><div>(You may continue scrolling for the full text content of the update.)<br><br>Thanks,<br><br><div>Alice. </div><div><br></div><div><div>Please read on with the understanding that you will need to visit the repo for the canonical content. </div><div>-----------------------------</div></div></div><div># FreeBSD Foundation Laptop Update - May 2026<br>NOTE: For more details on any item, please visit the GitHub links provided, these contain more detail and links to relevant materials such as code commits.<br><br>## Newly added in May<br>### USB passthrough for bhyve<br>We newly captured work in progress for enabling access to USB devices for guest OSs being managed by bhyve. <br><br>GitHub issue [#117](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/117">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/117</a>)<br><br>### Audio stack technical debt<br>We have created a new issue to track work on technical debt that relates to the audio stack. <br><br>GitHub issue [#118](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/118">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/118</a>)<br><br>## Completed in May<br>### Graphics<br>#### Port of the Linux 6.12 Graphics Drivers<br>Work on porting the Linux DRM 6.12 graphics driver is complete and is now available at <a href="https://www.freshports.org/graphics/drm-612-kmod/">https://www.freshports.org/graphics/drm-612-kmod/</a>. The corresponding changes to the FreeBSD base system are also available in stable/15 in time for the 15.1 release. <br><br>NOTE: This is an important milestone as 6.12 is a LTS version of Linux and is the newest available version that is targeted for "super long term support" to 2036 via the [CIP program](<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel_version_history">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel_version_history</a>). <br><br>NOTE: Because Linux 6.12 is an LTS version we will continue to port across updates that Linux publishes as they become available. <br><br>GitHub issue [#41](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/41">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/41</a>)<br><br>#### Linux-based WiFi suspend and resume<br>LinuxKPI based wireless drivers can now suspend and resume along with the rest of the system. This work was needed as these drivers were not able to directly implement PCI suspend and resume in the same way as native drivers.<br><br>The update is available in stable/15 and will be part of the 15.2 release.<br><br>GitHub issue [#58](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/58">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/58</a>)<br><br>## In Review<br><br>### Power<br>#### S0i3 Modern Standby<br>Work continues on addressing critical bugs/blockers to functioning suspend and resume on the reference platform (AMD Framework Laptop). The main focus in May has been rewriting D-state management (how FreeBSD manages the power states of its hardware device components) so that we can more reliably control suspend and resume processes. This is likely to be the only route to resolving the problems we have when trying to control NVMe power states.<br><br>Testing is ongoing for Intel laptops in order to determine what is missing that can allow us to reach significant power savings. A PCH driver (for older Intel generations), which can provide access to a "sleeping in S0" residency counter, is under review.<br><br>GitHub issue [#32](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/32">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/32</a>)<br><br>#### Power consumption management tooling<br>The work on porting Perfetto to FreeBSD and adding a minimal subset of relevant drivers has been completed and is currently in review. The Foundation has no further planned development on this after this change lands.<br><br>GitHub issue [#6](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/6">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/6</a>)<br><br>#### Debugging tools for low power states<br>The work on this is being wrapped up and there are two reviews still open. The Foundation has no further planned development on this after this change lands.<br><br>GitHub issue [#38](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/38">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/38</a>) <br><br>### Installation<br><br>#### KDE Desktop Installer Option<br>This work will enable a user to install the graphical desktop environment, KDE, as part of the FreeBSD installation process using bsdinstall. It is currently being tested by users and their feedback is being processed and acted upon. The work is still targeted for STABLE 15.2. <br><br>GitHub issue: [#25](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/25">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/25</a>)<br><br><br>## In Progress<br>### Graphics<br>#### Port of the Linux 6.13 Graphics Drivers<br>Work on porting the Linux DRM 6.13 graphics driver is part way through. This is the first step towards reaching 6.18 which is the latest long term support version.<br><br>GitHub issue [#41](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/41">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/41</a>)<br><br>### Wi-Fi<br>#### Support for Mediatek Wi-Fi cards <br>Work is ongoing to solve issues with LinuxKPI which are not related to Wi-Fi but are blocking it. These include: refining LinuxKPI page work, fixing LinuxKPI PCI device teardown issues (with extra conflicts in ports).<br><br>GitHub issue [#66](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/66">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/66</a>)<br><br>### Hardware<br>#### Webcam code donation from Dell<br>Work continues on cleaning up the code for inclusion in FreeBSD. Targeted for completion in Q2.<br><br>GitHub issue [#39](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/39">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/39</a>)<br><br>### Power<br>#### Hibernate (S4)<br>Some changes to the kernel/loader interface, and bug fixes. A new test image has been generated accordingly. Loader development continues thanks to these new elements.<br><br>GitHub issue [#29](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/29">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/29</a>)<br><br>## On hold<br>### Bluetooth usability<br>We are currently pausing on the scoped Bluetooth usability work as we need to find a solution for getting a usable Bluetooth stack.<br><br>GitHub issue [#113](<a href="https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/113">https://github.com/FreeBSDFoundation/proj-laptop/issues/113</a>)<br><br><br>## Acknowledgements<br><br>The FreeBSD Foundation would like to extend its thanks to everyone who has contributed to this project, both this month and previously.<br><br>Thanks go out to:<br>* Our developers<br> * Alfonso Siciliano<br> * Aymeric Wibo<br> * Bjoern Zeeb<br> * Christos Margiolis<br> * David Heidelberg<br> * En-Wei Wu<br> * Isaac Freund<br> * Jean-Sebastien Pedron<br> * Konstantiv Belousov<br> * Li-Wen Hsu<br> * Mitchell Horne<br> * Olivier Certner<br> * ShengYi Hung<br> * Siva Mahadevan<br> * Tom Jones<br>* The project team:<br> * Deb Goodkin<br> * Ed Maste<br> * Joe Mingrone<br> * Alice Sowerby<br>* The Laptop and Desktop Working Group<br> * Chris Moerz<br> * All attendees<br>* The FreeBSD Project<br>* Quantum Leap Research<br>* AMD and Framework, who have helped in troubleshooting sleep issues.<br>* Dell, who have donated the UVC kernel driver.<br>* Future Crew, who provided the iwx <br>driver source code.<br>* Netflix, who have been testing our scheduler patchsets<br><br>Please refer to the [README](../README.md) for more information about the FreeBSD Foundation's Laptop Project.</div></span></div>-- </span><br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(136,136,136)"><div dir="ltr"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Alice Sowerby</font><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Part-time Technical Program Manager</font></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><img width="96" height="51" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4wjP1JywV51T1uncasRi5dh2tUFJeZix_vPxSVpOhkm2zu1JmXD4jfm2U5IKBxTuPyUCfKI10o"></font></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">M +44 7787 953393</font></div></div></div></div></div></div>home | help
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