Linux 7.0 Gets Rock Band Guitar Support and Laptop Fixes in Major HID Update

The Linux kernel’s Human Interface Devices (HID) subsystem has just received a significant boost with the merge of new features and hardware support for the upcoming Linux 7.0 release. This latest update brings exciting news for music gaming enthusiasts and laptop users alike, with expanded support for Rock Band 4 guitars and crucial fixes for ASUS laptops.

Rock Band 4 Guitars Finally Get Native Linux Support

Perhaps the most exciting development in this HID update is the mainline kernel support for Rock Band 4 guitars designed for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. For years, rhythm game fans running Linux have had to rely on community patches or workarounds to use their favorite music controllers. Now, with Linux 7.0, that’s all changing.

The update specifically adds support for two popular Rock Band 4 guitar models: the PDP RiffMaster and the CRKD Gibson SG. Both models are supported in their PS4 and PS5 modes, ensuring compatibility across Sony’s console generations. Additionally, the update includes dongle device IDs for the CRKD Gibson SG, making wireless connectivity more reliable.

This development represents a significant win for the Linux gaming community, particularly those who enjoy music rhythm games. The integration of these controllers into the mainline kernel means better stability, easier setup, and broader compatibility with music game software on Linux platforms.

ASUS Laptop Users Get Much-Needed Fixes

The HID update isn’t just about gaming peripherals—it also addresses several issues affecting ASUS laptop users. The changes include fixes for Fn lock functionality and WMI fan control handling across various ASUS models, including numerous ROG (Republic of Gamers) variants and the ProArt P16.

These fixes are particularly important for users who rely on their ASUS laptops for both gaming and professional work. The Fn lock fix ensures that function key behavior remains consistent and predictable, while the WMI fan control improvements should lead to better thermal management and potentially quieter operation under load.

Additional Hardware Support Expands Linux Compatibility

Beyond the headline features, the HID update brings support for several other devices:

The Intel ISH (Integrated Sensor Hub) HID sensor hub driver receives new firmware handling capabilities, improving support for devices that rely on Intel’s sensor technology. This is particularly relevant for modern laptops and tablets that use integrated sensor hubs for various functions.

ELECOM HUGE Plus M-HT1MRBK mouse users will appreciate native support for this popular gaming mouse, ensuring full functionality without the need for third-party configuration tools. The update also adds support for the side buttons on the RAPOO 0x2015 mouse, enhancing productivity for users of this peripheral.

Multi-touch support sees improvements with eGalaxTouch EXC3188 support and multi-touch quirks for the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i. These changes should result in better touch input accuracy and responsiveness on these devices.

Technical Implementation and Future Implications

The changes were merged through the standard Linux kernel development process, with the HID pull request landing during the Linux 7.0 merge window. This systematic approach ensures that the new features undergo proper testing and review before becoming part of the mainline kernel.

For developers and system administrators, these changes mean easier hardware support out of the box. For end users, it translates to better plug-and-play experiences and broader device compatibility without requiring manual configuration or community patches.

The inclusion of gaming peripherals like the Rock Band guitars also signals Linux’s growing maturity as a gaming platform. As more mainstream gaming hardware receives native Linux support, the operating system becomes increasingly viable for gamers who might have previously stuck with Windows.

Looking Ahead to Linux 7.0

With these HID changes now merged, Linux 7.0 is shaping up to be a release that balances practical improvements with fun new features. The combination of gaming peripheral support and laptop hardware fixes demonstrates the kernel development team’s commitment to serving diverse user needs.

As the Linux 7.0 release cycle progresses, users can expect more hardware support improvements and performance optimizations. The HID subsystem changes are just one part of a larger set of updates that will make Linux 7.0 a compelling upgrade for many users.

The successful integration of Rock Band 4 guitar support into the mainline kernel also sets a precedent for future gaming peripheral support. It shows that the Linux kernel community is receptive to gaming-related hardware improvements and willing to incorporate them into the core system.

For now, users can look forward to these improvements arriving with the stable Linux 7.0 release, expected in the coming months. Those running development or testing versions of the kernel can already experiment with these new features and provide feedback to help ensure a smooth release.

Linux continues to evolve as a versatile operating system capable of supporting everything from professional workstations to gaming setups, and this HID update is another step in that ongoing journey of improvement and expansion.

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