Building on initial reports of the proposed runtime standby ABI for Linux—inspired by Windows' Modern Standby—a detailed eight-patch series has been posted to the kernel mailing list by Antheas Kapenekakis. Targeting x86 ACPI systems, it enables low-power 'asleep' appearances while keeping essential services active, promising better battery life for laptops, handhelds, and more.
Antheas Kapenekakis, recognized for Linux support on gaming handhelds like the OneXPlayer and ASUS ROG Ally, authored the RFC patch series targeting x86 ACPI systems. It builds on prior work, such as Collabora's ACPI LPS0 interface, and exposes functionality via /sys/power/standby, relocating Device Specific Methods (DSMs) early in the suspend sequence for seamless transitions.
This ABI allows user-space apps to trigger firmware notifications, dimming displays and LEDs to mimic sleep while the kernel and key services run. Aimed at matching Windows 11 Modern Standby's network-aware low-power efficiency, it targets underutilized ACPI s0ix states on Linux.
Posted post-holidays in late 2025, the proposal has sparked optimism on the Linux Kernel Mailing List and platforms like X, addressing battery drain woes. Potential systemd integration could automate triggers, benefiting laptops, desktops, gaming devices, and IoT. Feedback is sought on hardware compatibility and stability.
