Linux kernel version 3.13, the latest release of the open source operating system, is out as of Jan. 20. Alongside the usual slew of code updates that only geeks can fully appreciate, this release brings with it some key new features that could impact the future of open source platforms for e-commerce, personal computing and more.

Like most updates to the Linux kernel, the code that does the heavy lifting behind the scenes to make Linux-based operating systems work, kernel 3.13 includes a lot of new features that users at home are unlikely to find exciting, if they understand them at all. Improvements to the btfrs and XFS file systems, network-protocol tweaks, enancements to the SELinux security framework and much more are all on the long list of new features in this latest release.

But several of the most prominent changes will likely prove attractive beyond programming circles. In particular, Linux 3.13 introduces the following:

This impressive feature list reflects Linux developers' concern not just for the platforms where Linux and open source software have traditionally been predominant, such as servers and some PCs, but also emerging and next-generation devices. Many of these updates benefit mobile users, a group whose embrace of Linux—whether in the form of Android or, perhaps someday, Ubuntu—is not likely to abate soon. They also help to ensure that Linux remains an attractive solution for a variety of applications in the worlds of the cloud, Big Data, personal computing and the enterprise.