Fwupd 2.1.1: A Major Update for Linux Firmware

Richard Hughes, the developer of fwupd, has released version 2.1.1, a significant update to this open-source Linux firmware update utility. This new version introduces numerous features and extends support for various hardware devices.

What’s New in Fwupd 2.1.1?

Fwupd 2.1.1 brings support for updating the firmware on several new devices, including Blestech touchpads, ELAN Haptic MCU devices, and FocalTouch devices. Additionally, it supports Himax touchscreens, HP Engage One G2 Advanced Hubs, KATAR PRO Wireless Gaming Dongles, PixArt touchpads, and Novatek touchscreens.

Furthermore, this release includes support for Lenovo keyboard and mouse accessories, Lenovo Sapphire Folio keyboards, Lightware Taurus HC40 and HC60 devices, Rolling RW101-CAT12 modems, and Sunwinon HID devices.

New Features and Improvements

This update introduces several new features, such as support for changing AMD GPU UMA carveout size, AMD Platform Secure boot, and emulation for Bluetooth devices. A new plugin is also available to verify Intel CSME using SMBIOS data, and a new fwupd security check for HP Sure Start devices has been added.

Other notable changes include the addition of a tpm-eventlog command, CycloneDX and SPDX support to uSWID, and support for allowing systems to use the udev event source without using systemd. A timeout has also been added to the fwupd-refresh systemd unit.

Additional Changes and Fixes

Fwupd 2.1.1 includes several other changes, such as support for 8-bitdo firmware with multiple packed images, allowing systemd service to access block-sr devices, and removing the concept of blocked firmware. The UEFI plugins are now disabled on 32-bit x86 systems, and support for GPG signing of metadata and firmware has been dropped.

This release also checks for integer overflow when constructing a partial stream, caches the payload verification result to speed up installing modem firmware, and is more defensive with invalid Corsair device responses.

Conclusion and Download

In conclusion, fwupd 2.1.1 is a significant update that enhances the Linux firmware update utility. With its new features, improved support for various devices, and numerous bug fixes, this release is a must-have for anyone using Linux. You can download the source tarball from the project’s GitHub page and compile it from sources.

For more information, please visit the fwupd GitHub page.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is fwupd, and what does it do? Fwupd is an open-source Linux firmware update utility that allows users to update the firmware on their devices.
2. What’s new in fwupd 2.1.1? Fwupd 2.1.1 introduces support for new devices, new features, and numerous bug fixes.
3. How do I download and install fwupd 2.1.1? You can download the source tarball from the project’s GitHub page and compile it from sources.
4. Is fwupd 2.1.1 compatible with my device? Fwupd 2.1.1 supports a wide range of devices, including Blestech touchpads, ELAN Haptic MCU devices, and FocalTouch devices.
5. How do I use fwupd to update my device’s firmware? You can use the fwupd command-line tool to update your device’s firmware. For more information, please visit the fwupd GitHub page.