Fn Lock state not readable/queryable – blocks GNOME applet/tray indicator #176

Enhancement Request Summary

The current Fn Lock state (toggled via Fn + Esc to make F1–F12 the default on the top row) is not readable or queryable from the operating system. This is handled entirely internally by the Embedded Controller (EC) firmware, with no exposure via:

• EC host commands (e.g., ectool/framework_tool raw queries)
• HID reports or standard input events
• Sysfs/debugfs attributes (via cros_ec drivers)
• Any other documented interface

As a result, it's impossible to implement a reliable software indicator (e.g., GNOME Shell extension, tray applet, status bar icon, or notification area emulation) showing the current mode (F-keys first vs. media/special functions first).

Community History and Prior Attempts

This has been a recurring request since 2021:

• Multiple forum threads: e.g., "My Kingdom for an Fn' Indicator", "Add 'Fn lock' light to keyboard", "Displaying fn Lock"
• A community PR to report Fn key and lock states via HID "Report fn key and lock states via HID" was submitted years ago but not merged.

Users often resort to manual testing (pressing F5/F7/F8 to check behavior) or hardware LED wishes, but software exposure would enable clean OS-level indicators.

Affected Hardware / Scope

• All Framework Laptop models (explicitly tested on Framework Laptop 13 AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series)
• BIOS/EC Firmware: 0.0.3.5
• Applies across OSes (Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Windows, etc.), but particularly impacts desktop environments like GNOME/KDE on Linux.

Proposed Solution

Expose the Fn Lock state (read-only is sufficient; write-optional for software toggling) via:

• A new EC host command (queryable via framework_tool or ectool)
• HID report extension (ideal for standard integration, like Caps/Num Lock LEDs)
• Or cros_ec driver sysfs attribute

This would allow community extensions to poll the state and display a simple icon (e.g., lock symbol or "Fn" indicator) in the panel/quick settings.

Why This Matters

• No visual feedback beyond manual key testing, which is inconvenient after boot, suspend, or rare EC resets (e.g., full battery drain).
• Blocks useful QoL tools for developers/power users who prefer F-keys by default.
• Aligns with open-source ethos: enables community-driven indicators without needing hardware changes.

Thanks for reviewing—happy to test any prototype firmware or provide more details!