Upstream Graphics - Too Little, Too Late

Explore the challenges and complexities of upstream graphics drivers in this thought-provoking conference talk from the Linux Plumbers Conference. Delve into the current state of DRM driver development, including the recent additions of lima and panfrost for ARM Mali GPUs. Examine the paradox of achieving widespread upstream support while still facing significant obstacles in implementation. Analyze various approaches companies and teams have taken to ship graphics drivers using upstream, and understand why these methods often fall short. Gain insights into topics such as atomic modeset, rendering APIs, userspace drivers, and the impact of vendor lock-in. Consider the implications of Android's influence, the absence of long-term support, and the complexities of maintaining a stable driver ABI. While not offering solutions, this talk provides a critical look at the current landscape of upstream graphics development and its challenges in the Linux ecosystem.