https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/RollingLTSEnablementStack
In January of 2017, Ubuntu 16.04.2 will adapt a new way to deliver the latest
kernels in two forms. One that will always deliver the kernel of the most
recent release (hwe-16.04) and one that is more of a "bleeding edge" one that
is hwe-16.04-edge. Do you think that Trisquel will deblob this new kernel as
well? I think it would be nice to have as many of us like to have more recent
kernels from the repos.
If you don't want to read the link, here is the gist:
Description
This represents the path where HWE Stack users on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS will
automatically upgrade to newer HWE Stacks until reaching the final 18.04 HWE
Stack in Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. Users will then remain on this final 18.04 HWE
Stack for the remaining supported life of the Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. If the user
fully upgrades to Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, they will remain on the GA Kernel
delivered in Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and will not continue rolling forward on HWE
Stacks delivered for 18.04. This is the path that users will be put on if
choosing to install the HWE Stack from the 16.04.2 or newer LTS point
release.
Packages
The suggested exact meta packages names are:
linux-generic-hwe-16.04
linux-lowlatency-hwe-16.04
These meta packages will resolve to the appropriate linux-image--hwe-16.04
and linux-headers--hwe-16.04. See example diagram below. In the event we need
to provide extended support for customers for a specific HWE kernel, we can
roll out a linux--lts- indirect meta package into a private PPA.
Update Schedule
We will roll to the newest HWE Stack offering around the time of the point
release introducing that HWE Stack. This is approximately 3mo after the
original series is released. As an example, the 16.04.2 point release should
take place in January 2017. At this time the linux-headers-generic-hwe-16.04
and linux-image-generic-hwe-16.04 would point to the new v4.8 based kernel.
hwe-16.04-edge
Description
This represents the path that provides users early access to the upcoming HWE
Stack that is to be released next for the Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. The aim is to
provide this early preview in order to allow users to test the upcoming HWE
Stack prior to the automatic upgrade taking place. This should help ensure a
smooth upgrade and transition. Once hwe-16.04-edge aligns with the hwe-16.04
target, users on the hwe-16.04-edge path will transition back to the more
conservative hwe-16.04 path and continue being upgraded until reaching the
final 18.04 HWE Stack in Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. Users will then remain on the
final 18.04 HWE Stack for the remaining supported life of the Ubuntu 16.04
LTS. If the user fully upgrades to Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, they will remain on the
GA Kernel delivered in Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and will not continue rolling forward
on HWE Stacks delivered for 18.04.
Packages
The suggested exact meta packages names are:
linux-generic-hwe-16.04-edge
linux-lowlatency-hwe-16.04-edge
As with the hwe-16.04 path, these -edge meta packages would resolve to
linux-image--hwe-16.04-edge and linux-headers--hwe-16.04-edge
Update Schedule
As mentioned, the kernel version provided by the hwe-16.04-edge path will
provide early access to the newer kernel version up to ~6mo prior to the
hwe-16.04 path receiving the same.
We will introduce the newer edge kernel at the beginning of each point
release. For example, 16.04.1 released in July, 2016. At that time,
hwe-16.04-edge would point to the Yakkety kernel currently undergoing
development for the 16.10 release. This will allow for a maximum ~6mo baking
period before being officially delivered and supported in the 16.04.2 time
frame. Once both hwe-16.04-edge and hwe-16.04 both point to the final Yakkety
HWE kernel version, hwe-16.04-edge users users will be transitioned to track
the more conservative hwe-16.04ore of a test bed.