The Download: open source Copilot chat, personal robots & reinvented BSOD

Key Concepts

• Linux Kernel 6.16: Stability-focused release with file system fixes and driver improvements.
• Android 16: Source code released without Pixel hardware repositories, impacting custom ROM development.
• GitHub Copilot Chat: VS Code client now open source under the MIT license.
• K-Bot: 4'7" open source humanoid robot from K-Scale Labs.
• Git Merge 2025: Conference at GitHub HQ focusing on mesh strategies, mono repos, and AI workflows.
• Microsoft BSOD: Replaced with a black screen for troubleshooting.
• GitHub Copilot Search: AI-powered search tool for GitHub Documents.
• GitHub Enterprise Roundup: Resource created by David Burnison summarizing GitHub Enterprise updates.

Linux Kernel 6.16 Release

The Linux Kernel 6.16 has been released, with a primary focus on stability. Key improvements include:

• File System Fixes: Updates to improve file system reliability and performance.
• Driver Improvements: Enhanced driver support for various hardware components.
• AMD gfx9 Shaders Support: Added support for AMD gfx9 shaders.
• Documentation Updates: Improvements to the kernel documentation.
• Architecture Fixes: Corrections and enhancements to the kernel architecture.
• Minor Tweaks: Various small adjustments to improve overall system stability.

Android 16 and Custom ROMs

Google has released the source code for Android 16. A significant change is the exclusion of Pixel hardware repositories and device trees. This is important because:

• Impact on Custom ROMs: Custom ROM developers rely on these repositories to build custom versions of Android for various devices.
• Uncertain Future: The exclusion raises questions about the future of custom ROM development for Android.
• Call to Action: Developers are encouraged to review the official release notes and provide feedback.

GitHub Copilot Chat Goes Open Source

The GitHub Copilot Chat client for VS Code is now fully open source under the MIT license. This offers several benefits:

• Transparency: Developers can explore the code on GitHub.
• Collaboration: Open to pull requests, issue filing, and direct contributions.
• Insight into LLMs: Visibility into prompts and contexts sent to large language models.
• Customization: Ability to implement custom features and bug fixes using GitHub Copilot agent mode.
• Location: The code can be found at github.com/microsoft/vscode-copilot-chat

Quote: "Open source is the largest team sport on Earth. Let’s keep winning together."

K-Scale Labs' K-Bot

K-Scale Labs has introduced the K-Bot, an open source humanoid robot. Key features include:

• Specifications: 4'7" tall, 26 high-torque motors, 3D printed frame.
• Price: $8,999.
• Target Audience: Designed for tinkerers and robotics enthusiasts.
• Open Source: Details available on their GitHub repository.

Git Merge 2025 Conference

Git Merge 2025 will be held at GitHub headquarters in San Francisco on September 29th and 30th. The agenda includes:

• Topics: Smarter mesh strategies, handling massive mono repos, and AI workflows.
• Format: Deep dives into various topics related to Git and software development.
• Audience: Open source developers and Git users.
• Access: Tickets available, with virtual attendance options.

Microsoft's New BSOD

Microsoft has replaced the traditional Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with a black screen.

• Reasoning: Designed to reduce panic and improve readability during crashes.
• Aesthetic Change: Aims for a more modern and less alarming appearance.

GitHub Copilot Search for GitHub Documents

GitHub Copilot Search is now available for GitHub Documents.

• Functionality: AI-powered search tool to quickly find information within the documentation.
• Benefit: Simplifies the process of searching for specific topics and solutions.

GitHub Enterprise Roundup

David Burnison, a GitHub Enterprise developer advocate, has created the GitHub Enterprise Roundup.

• Purpose: To provide frequent updates and insights related to GitHub Enterprise.
• Content Sources: Aggregates information from the GitHub blog, changelog, resource page, YouTube videos, documentation, and more.
• Feedback Request: Users are encouraged to provide feedback on the roundup.

Conclusion

The episode covers a range of updates and releases in the developer and open source world. Key takeaways include the focus on stability in the Linux Kernel 6.16 release, the potential impact of Android 16 on custom ROM development, the open sourcing of GitHub Copilot Chat, the introduction of the K-Bot, the upcoming Git Merge 2025 conference, the change to a black screen for troubleshooting in Microsoft, the addition of GitHub Copilot Search for GitHub Documents, and the creation of the GitHub Enterprise Roundup. The episode encourages viewers to engage with these updates and provide feedback.