Intel is working on a new adaptive sharpening filter for Linux to improve image quality on Moon Lake processors with integrated Xe2 graphics. This filter aims to enhance visual clarity by sharpening only the areas of an image that require it, instead of applying a uniform level of sharpening to the entire image. Users can control the intensity of the sharpening with a slider, ranging from 0 (off) to 255 (maximum intensity).
The new sharpening filter, similar to FSR 1.0/RSR and Nvidia’s Image Scaling Solution, is designed for both photos and 3D games, providing basic improvements for older gaming titles that do not support more advanced upscaling technologies like DLSS, XeSS, or FSR 2.0. Lunar Lake processors will be the first to support this adaptive filter, utilizing new hardware in the Xe2 Battlemage GPUs.
While Linux and Lunar Lake support for the filter is in progress, Intel’s Linux graphics driver and desktop stack will need to be updated to fully integrate the new scaler. Current Linux Xe2 drivers have the feature disabled by default and hidden from users for now.
The new technology is expected to have minimal impact on power consumption and GPU performance, thanks to the hardware in Lunar Lake Xe2 Battlemage iGPU, which executes the sharpening and scaling work. Intel is focusing on creating a contrast-intelligent filter that can match sharpening to image characteristics and provide a superior visual experience compared to traditional sharpening techniques.
The upcoming adaptive sharpening filter by Intel is a promising addition to the world of upscaling technologies in gaming, offering a versatile solution for improving image quality in both photos and games. With the support of Lunar Lake processors and Xe2 Battlemage GPUs, users can look forward to enhanced visual clarity and sharper images across a variety of applications.
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https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/intel-preps-lunar-lake-optimized-adaptive-sharpening-filter-for-linux-deployment