F9 has been released, so here is a neat semi-hidden feature preview.

F9 will contain a preview of the future kernel based modesetting architecture for users of Intel 915 and above.

To use and test this, add i915.modeset=1 to your kernel command line and watch the future unfold

So far it just enters graphics mode when udev hits, and the X server should use the new modesetting architecture from then on. In theory it should give nearly flicker free startup from udev until login and X should start much faster.

Post F9 the developer’s will hopefully merge in proper support for fast-user-switching which will mostly work locally, just need to write a proper protocol for it.