Kernel release cycle

x.y.M -> x.n.N-rc1 -> x.y.N-rc2 -> .... -> x.y.N-rc7 (or -rc8) -> x.y.N)

Merge windows: between x.y.M and x.y.N-rc1 (ca 2 weeks)

Stabilization: between x.y.N-rc1 and x.y.N (8 to 12 weeks)