Features/Evdev2.2

evdev 2.2

Summary

Update to version 2.2 of the X.Org X11 evdev driver (xorg-x11-drv-evdev)

Owner

• Name: Peter Hutterer
• email: peter DOT hutterer AT redhat DOT com

Current status

• Targeted release: Fedora 11
• Last updated: (2009-03-09)
• Percentage of completion: 100%

Detailed Description

Update the version of the X11 evdev input driver to upstream version 2.2 (once it is released).

Benefit to Fedora

The current version of evdev (2.1) only supports x and y axes (and pressure on some devices). The development version (and future 2.2) supports all axes the device reports through the kernel interface. This enables users of any device supported by the kernel to use this device with all axes as an X input device.

In addition, evdev 2.2 streamlines the event propagation logic and reduces the number of system calls to increase responsiveness.

Scope

Requires upstream development, release of version 2.2 and updating the Fedora package. Upstream is now waiting for one more feature in the server that won't affect users running against server 1.6 (and Fedora 11), so from the Fedora point-of-view, this feature is virtually complete.

How To Test

1. Install xorg-x11-drv-evdev-2.2.0-1 or later.
2. Restart X
3. Install xorg-x11-apps (for xinput)
4. Run xinput --list --short to list all devices detected. Select the device you want to test.
5. Run xinput --test <device name> and move the device. Each axis on the device should send data you move the device.

User Experience

1. Users of evdev 2.2 can now make use of all input devices in applications using the X Input Extension.

Dependencies

None.

Contingency Plan

• Leave evdev version 2.1

Documentation

• evdev (4) -- manpage

Release Notes

The update to evdev 2.2 enables users to use any input device that is supported by the kernel as an X input device. The driver will recognize all axes and buttons reported by the device and make these available through the X Input Extension interfaces.

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