A long-standing audio bug affecting the LG Gram Style 14's internal speakers under Linux is finally being addressed with a dedicated kernel patch targeting the Linux 6.20 to 7.0 development cycle, resolving years of user complaints and workaround requirements.
The Linux community has long grappled with a persistent audio issue on the Intel-powered LG Gram Style 14 laptop, where the internal speakers remain silent under Linux without manual intervention. This problem, documented in user forums and bug reports for years, is now on the verge of a permanent solution. A patch queued for the Linux sound subsystem's "for-next" Git branch targets the upcoming Linux 6.20 to 7.0 kernel cycle, introducing a dedicated quirk to enable speaker functionality for a specific model of the laptop series.
The issue centers on the LG Gram Style 14 model 14Z90RS-G.AD77F, which features an Intel Core "Alder Lake" generation processor and a Realtek ALC298 audio codec. According to the patch notes, the laptop's audio routing and volume controls function normally, but the internal speakers remain silent unless a specific user-space HDA-verb workaround is applied. This workaround, while effective for some users, has proven inconsistent, leaving others with non-functional audio. The patch aims to eliminate this dependency by programming the codec coefficient sequence directly within the kernel, mirroring the known workaround and enabling the speaker amplifiers only during audio playback.
This development highlights a broader pattern of audio quirks affecting LG's Gram laptop lineup. The Linux kernel already contains specific sound quirks for other issues on the LG Gram 16 and Gram 17 models, suggesting that LG's audio hardware implementation presents unique challenges for Linux compatibility. For prospective Linux users considering an LG Gram laptop, this history of audio quirks is a critical factor in the purchasing decision, as it can impact the out-of-box experience and require technical troubleshooting.
The patch represents a significant step forward for Linux compatibility on this hardware. By integrating the fix directly into the kernel, it ensures that future Linux distributions will provide working speakers without requiring end-user configuration. This is particularly important for users who rely on their laptops for tasks requiring audio output, such as video conferencing, media consumption, or accessibility features.
For those interested in tracking the progress of this patch, it can be monitored through the Linux kernel's sound subsystem repository. The fix is expected to be included in the Linux 6.20 kernel, with a full release in the Linux 7.0 series. Users experiencing similar issues on other LG Gram models are encouraged to report their findings to the Linux kernel mailing list, as additional quirks may be added based on community feedback.
The broader implication of this patch extends beyond the LG Gram Style 14. It underscores the ongoing effort by the Linux kernel community to improve hardware compatibility, especially for popular consumer laptops. As more users adopt Linux on their primary machines, the demand for robust, out-of-box support for components like audio codecs continues to grow. This patch is a testament to the collaborative nature of open-source development, where user reports and developer expertise converge to solve real-world problems.
In summary, the upcoming Linux kernel update will resolve a years-old audio bug on the LG Gram Style 14, making it a more viable option for Linux users. While the laptop series has a history of audio quirks, this fix represents a meaningful improvement in compatibility and user experience. For those considering an LG Gram laptop for Linux use, this development is a positive sign, though it remains advisable to research specific model compatibility before purchase.
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