Of the project Asahi Linux we have often spoken: its goal is to bring the Linux operating system to Apple devices based on ARM-derived SoCs. Particularly on modern Mac systems based on the chip family Apple Silicon. Led by developer Hector Martin, Asahi Linux aims to offeralternativa open source to the macOS operating system.
The challenge of Asahi Linux is to offer a stable, reliable and high-performance operating system, capable of taking advantage of them optimizations that Apple was able to introduce while having full access and visibility into the hardware. The undertaking carried out by the authors of Asahi Linux is mammoth: macOS is a source closed. The programmers therefore had to carry out an in-depth activity reverse engineering on the Apple software to perform the porting same optimizations on Asahi Linux.
In August 2023, Asahi Linux developers succeeded in developing the first open driver compatible with the Apple Silicon GPU that “equips” the Cupertino company’s recent SoCs.
What is Fedora Asahi Remix and what are its features
The result of collaboration between the Asahi Linux and Fedora teams, Fedora Asahi Remix is the new distribution specifically designed and developed for Apple Silicon systems, including those included on M1/M2 SoC (MacBook, Mac Mini, Mac Studio and iMac).
Unlike Fedora WorkstationFedora Asahi Remix uses the called desktop environment by default KDE Plasma. KDE Plasma is an open source desktop environment that offers a variety of features and a different look and feel than GNOME Shell. Furthermore, it ensures an entirely based experience Waylanda graphics management protocol considered more modern and advanced than the old X, capable of offering greater security and improved performance.
Derived from Fedora 39, the new Fedora Asahi Remix distribution is defined, by the authors of Asahi Linux themselves, as the “Most refined Linux version to date designed and built for Mac systems“.
As explained on the presentation page, theinstallation Fedora Asahi Remix can be started simply by issuing the command curl https://alx.sh | sh from macOS.
KDE Plasma e Wayland
Il desktop environment KDE Plasma is perfect for use on Apple Silicon hardware. It offers features like Night Colorcustomizing trackpad settings, and adjusting the scaling for displaying information on the screen. A wizard simplifies the setup of the work environment.
As previously highlighted, Fedora Asahi Remix offers a fully supported Wayland environment, right out of the box. Providing access to the latest desktop and server technologies for display management, Wayland is perfectly integrated with Apple hardware. The experience is smooth, without flickering or glitch, identical to the one you get with the official macOS system. The support HiDPI it is optimized for KDE Plasma although users can still opt for GNOME.
Indeed, Fedora Asahi Remix is also distributed in images Server e Minimal as well as in customized configurations.
OpenGL support
Fedora Asahi Remix includes support for OpenGL 3.3con shader GPU-accelerated geometry e transform feedback. Geometry shaders are a part of the pipeline di rendering graphic that allows you to manipulate the geometry of 3D models. THE vertex shader transform the vertices of the models, i fragment shader determine the final color of each pixel as the geometry shaders they work at the level of geometric primitives (such as triangles).
Il transform feedback it is the functionality that allows you to capture the results of shader calculations and reinsert them into the rendering process, leveraging a specific memory buffer.
The one just presented is also the first and only certified implementation of OpenGL ES 3.1 for Apple Silicon. The distribution supports open graphics standards, with support for OpenGL 4.xe Vulkan which is currently under development.
Superior quality audio
The new Fedora-derived distribution integrates a fully integrated DSP solution for the Linux desktop ecosystem. L’high quality audio it is guaranteed without the need for additional configurations.
Collaboration with projects PipeWire e WirePlumber made it possible to implement a transparent and flexible configuration of the DSP. Bass enhancement technology Bankstown and implementation Smart Amp they optimize the listening experience while also focusing on minimizing noise energy consumptionfor long battery life during sound playback.