Linux 7.0-rc6 will include expanded support for ASUS and HP laptops through updated Armoury and WMI drivers, adding new device IDs for better hardware compatibility.
The Linux 7.0 kernel development cycle continues to expand hardware support with the latest platform-drivers-x86 changes merged ahead of the Linux 7.0-rc6 release scheduled for Sunday. These updates focus primarily on adding support for newer ASUS and HP laptop models through their respective WMI drivers.
ASUS Armoury Driver Expands Support
The ASUS Armoury driver, which was introduced in Linux 6.19 to provide enhanced control over ASUS laptops and gaming handheld devices, has received another significant update. This driver enables features like GPU switching on relevant models, APU memory allocation, P/E core management, custom fan curves, and more.
Three new ASUS laptop models have been added to the driver's supported hardware list:
- ASUS ROG Strix G16 2025 (G614FP) - The latest generation of ASUS's popular gaming laptop series
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 2021 (GA503QM) - A 2021 model that's now receiving Linux support
- ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (GZ302EAC) - ASUS's convertible gaming laptop
These additions mean users of these specific models should experience improved functionality under Linux, with better control over hardware features that were previously limited or unavailable.
HP WMI Driver Updates
On the HP side, the HP WMI driver has been updated to support three new laptop series:
- Omen 16-k0xxx series
- Omen 16-wf1xxx series
- Omen 16-xf0xxx series
These updates to the Windows Management Instrumentation interface driver will provide HP Omen users with access to hotkeys, lighting controls, power profiles, and related functionality that was previously missing or incomplete.
ASUS NB WMI Driver Additions
The ASUS NB WMI driver, which handles hotkeys, lighting controls, and power profiles through the WMI interface, has also been updated. It now includes support for the ASUS ROG Flow Z13-KJP GZ302EAC laptop, ensuring this convertible gaming device has full access to its Windows Management Instrumentation features.
Late-Stage Development Considerations
These hardware support additions are particularly noteworthy because they're being merged at a late stage in the Linux 7.0 development cycle. According to the developers, this is acceptable because the changes consist only of new device IDs rather than modifications to existing hardware support. This approach minimizes the risk of breaking compatibility with currently supported devices.
What This Means for Users
For Linux users with these newly supported ASUS and HP laptops, the upcoming Linux 7.0 release will bring enhanced functionality out of the box. This includes better thermal management through custom fan curves, improved power efficiency via P/E core control, and more reliable GPU switching on hybrid graphics systems.
Release Timeline
The merged code will be included in the Linux 7.0-rc6 release coming this Sunday, with the final stable Linux 7.0 kernel expected in mid-April. Users can expect these hardware improvements to be available shortly after the stable release.
These incremental hardware support additions demonstrate the Linux kernel's ongoing commitment to expanding compatibility with modern hardware, even in the final stages of development. For users of the newly supported ASUS and HP models, this means better out-of-the-box experiences and more control over their laptop's features under Linux.
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