Linux 7.4 adds early hardware support through a large batch of SoC and device-tree changes, including Apple’s M4 and A18 Pro, Google’s Tensor G5, new Qualcomm chips, and Valve’s Steam Frame VR headset. The Apple additions are an initial milestone rather than full Linux compatibility: the kernel can boot and show a console, but most hardware features remain unsupported. M4 device trees cover the 2024 14-inch MacBook Pro, both USB-C configurations of the 2024 iMac, the 2025 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air, and the 2024 Mac mini. The A18 Pro is identified as the chip in the MacBook Neo.
Qualcomm’s contribution includes support for two not-yet-announced SoCs, codenamed Hawi and Nord, which use custom Oryon CPU cores, plus 22 boards. Seven of those boards are handheld gaming devices built around Qualcomm Dragonwing silicon. The kernel also brings mainline support for Tensor G5 (“Laguna”), used in Pixel 10 phones, and the Steam Frame. On RISC-V, the sole new board is the Milk-V Meles single-board computer, based on the T-Head TH1520. A planned removal of substantial 32-bit ARM code has been postponed until at least Linux 7.5 because it is still unclear whether 7.3 or 7.4 will become the year’s long-term-support kernel.
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More than 300 Boston Dynamics employees urged executives to stop a deal supplying ICE with modified robot dogs, citing risks to the company and its workers. Executives stood by the sale, saying the robots would not be weaponized. (arstechnica.com)
Micron Taiwan’s new labor agreement raises pay for more than 80% of employees, with production workers’ annual salaries increasing from NT$630,000 to over NT$2 million. It also boosts employer pension contributions to 10% and triples day-shift allowances for production workers. (ec.ltn.com.tw)
Boston Dynamics employees petitioned the company to cancel a $1.3 million ICE contract for four Spot robot dogs and related technology. ICE says the robots will help assess dangerous scenes before agents enter, while workers argue the sale damages the company’s reputation. (wbur.org)
AI coding tools are making it easier for hobbyists to modify smart TVs and revive abandoned gadgets, including removing ads and replacing outdated interfaces. These changes can improve old devices but also introduce security and reliability risks. (zdnet.com)
Intel agreed to acquire quantum software company Classiq, combining its synthesis platform with Intel’s spin-qubit hardware and software. The deal aims to create an accessible, full-stack quantum computing platform that can scale toward mainstream use. (intc.com)
Nagare Labs is developing Z2RAM, an oxide-semiconductor memory designed to combine SRAM-like speed with much higher density and easier manufacturing. Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger and Playground Global are backing the startup, though the technology faces a difficult path from research to production. (theregister.com)
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