Linux support is coming to Snapdragon X2 series (qualcomm.com)

Article summary

Qualcomm has announced Linux support for the Snapdragon X2 Series, although details are scarce. The announcement has sparked discussion about the challenges of getting Linux to work on Qualcomm's chips. Some commenters are cautiously optimistic, while others are skeptical due to past experiences with Qualcomm's Linux support. The discussion also touches on the advantages and disadvantages of Qualcomm's approach to Linux support.

Main themes

• Linux support on Qualcomm chips
• Challenges of upstreaming code
• Business models and fees
• Platform control and integration
• Proprietary vs open-source code
• Android and Linux differences

What commenters say

• Qualcomm's Linux support is incomplete and slow to upstream, leading to issues with drivers and firmware on devices.
• The company's insistence on bespoke kernel and distro pairings is seen as a way to force users to buy new hardware to get the latest software.
• Controlling the entire platform, including hardware and software, can be an advantage, as seen in Apple's approach.
• Qualcomm's business model, which involves charging Linux distros a fee to support their hardware, is criticized as unfair and limiting.
• The use of proprietary blobs and outdated Linux kernels in Android devices is seen as a danger of not upstreaming code.
• Some commenters believe that Qualcomm's approach to Linux support is improving, while others are more pessimistic.
• The availability of a single System-on-Chip (SoC) with integrated components could simplify Linux laptop configurations and make them more reliable.
• Upstreaming Linux kernel support is essential for ensuring that devices can run standard Linux distros without issues.