If you’ve tried installing Ubuntu or other GNU/Linux-based operating systems on a computer with an Intel Atom Bay Trail or Cherry Trail processor, there’s a decent chance you ran into problems with WiFi, audio, or other hardware.

But Ian Morrison notes that the upcoming Linux 4.11 kernel fixes one of the last remaining issues: HDMI audio.

Since Ubuntu 17.10 and other operating systems set to launch later this year will probably use the new kernel, that means there’s a better chance that you’ll be able to use the official install images to get Ubuntu (or other Linux-based operating systems) up and running with minimal fuss. Until then, Morrison has a workaround.

Intel has pretty much given up on producing new Atom chips for low-power laptops, tablets, and notebooks. But if you’ve already got a Bay Trail or Cherry-Trail powered device that you’d like to use as a Linux PC rather than a Windows or Android machine, the latest kernel should be helpful.

Among other things, it’ll let you let you plug your device into a TV using a single HDMI cable. Previously you would have either needed to apply a software patch or use a separate audio cable to deliver sound to a TV.

Morrison has released a script that lets you build your own Ubuntu disc image by patching the official ISO with the latest Linux 4.11 kernel release candidate.

It’s not quite as simple as downloading a pre-built disc image, and the script only runs on a computer that’s running Linux. But it provides more flexibility than simply downloading one of Morrison’s existing disc images, since you can choose pretty much any version of Ubuntu (including newer and older releases and different flavors including Lubuntu and Xubuntu).

You can also find some additional scripts to get Ubuntu working with common WiFi and Bluetooth hardware used in Atom-powered systems at Morrison’s website.

 

 

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12 replies on “Linux 4.11 brings improvements for Intel Atom PCs (Bay Trail and Cherry Trail)”

  1. Mr Ian, I’m really impressed of your work. However I am currently using a Baytrail tablet and want to install Ubuntu could you plz do me a favour? I currently have no computer running Linux and all around my area people only know and use windows. Forget about asking them what is Linux. I see that you have isorespin.sh to respin the OS. But I am unable to access a Linux computer also my baytrail device is not powerful enough for emulating(only 1 GB ram). Could you please provide atleast 1 link for me to download Ubuntu iso for baytrail? It will be a very big help. Windows is very slow for development on low hardware andi am not in the state of buying a new machine. I want to dive into the world of linux.

    Hope you will help me. Thanks in Advance!

  2. i hope on ubuntu 17.10 to make linux usable on my asus e200ha with intel cherry trail atom , but the hope ends here. new kernel, same problems, audio not working, cpu over heated on full throttle, half battery duration than windows 10, keyboard not working, audio not working.

    patch found on github don’t fix.

    i tried to move on linux every year in the last 10 year, but everytime microsoft windows is light year forward.

    i will try again.

  3. I’m using 4.11 on arch Linux right now. Chrome book with baytrail audio and it still doesn’t work. Infuriating part is that it worked in the 4.4 kernels. Two years and it’s still broken. Linux just isn’t what it used to be. Could scream. I guess the world is moving on to chrome and Android.

    The kernel devs are the suck. Linux is dead.

  4. I was waiting for so long for this Intel atom bay trail fix, so is it true or not ?

  5. 4.11 also includes the nvme powersaving patch that makes battery life better on newer laptops that use this interface.

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