v48.0

This release has been tracked in [v48.0
group](https://github.com/orgs/cloud-hypervisor/projects/6/views/4?filterQuery=release%3A%22Release+48%22)
of our [roadmap project](https://github.com/orgs/cloud-hypervisor/projects/6/).

Experimental `fw_cfg` Device Support
------------------------------------

This feature enables passing configuration data and files, such as VM
boot configurations (kernel, kernel cmdline, e820 memory map, and ACPI
tables), from the host to the guest. (#7117)

Experimental `ivshmem` Device Support
-------------------------------------

Support for inter-VM shared memory has been added. For more information,
please refer to the [ivshmem documentation](docs/ivshmem.md). (#6703)

Firmware Boot Support on `riscv64`
---------------------------------

In addition to direct kernel boot, firmware boot support has been added
on `riscv64` hosts. (#7249)

Increased vCPU Limit on x86_64/kvm
----------------------------------

The maximum number of supported vCPUs on x86_64 hosts using KVM has been
raised from 254 to 8192. (#7299)

Improved Block Performance with Small Block Sizes
-------------------------------------------------

Performance for `virtio-blk` with small block sizes (16KB and below)
is enhanced via submitting async IO requests in batches. (#7146)

Faster VM Pause Operation
-------------------------

The VM pause operation now is significantly faster particularly for VMs
with a large number of vCPUs. (#7290)

Updated Documentation on Windows Guest Support
----------------------------------------------

Our Windows documentation now includes instructions to run Windows 11
guests, in addition to Windows Server guests. (#7218)

Policy on AI Generated Code
---------------------------

We will decline any contributions known to contain contents generated or
derived from using Large Language Models (LLMs). Details can be found
in our [contributing documentation](CONTRIBUTING.md). (#7162)

Removed SGX Support
-------------------

The SGX support has been removed, as announced in the deprecation notice two
release cycles ago. (#7093)

Notable Bug Fixes
-----------------

* Seccomp filter fixes with glibc v2.42 (#7327)
* Various fixes related to  (#7331, #7334, #7335)