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Intel has recently announced that it is halting development on the x86S specification, as reported by Tom's Hardware. This decision aligns with the company's formation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group, which includes collaboration with AMD, Google, and other key industry participants in shaping the future of the x86 instruction set.
Intel had initially intended to streamline the x86 instruction set by focusing on a simplified, 64-bit only x86S version. This plan was shared in May 2023, followed by an updated draft in June. However, the company has now officially abandoned this initiative.
An Intel spokesperson commented, "We remain deeply committed to the x86 architecture, demonstrated by the creation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group in collaboration with AMD and other industry leaders. This initiative strengthens our commitment to ensuring a robust future for x86, building on decades of software compatibility. Although we have pivoted away from the x86S initiative, we continue to focus on promoting innovation and collaboration within the x86 ecosystem."
The decision to discontinue x86S seems logical, particularly since any major alterations to the x86 specification would necessitate collaboration with AMD to maintain interoperability and backward compatibility. This collaboration is essential given the long-standing history of the x86 architecture, where Intel and AMD function as the primary processors' licensees in a duopoly that underscores the need for standardization.
Furthermore, support from major software vendors and other industry stakeholders is critical, which is precisely why the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group was established. In light of increasing competition from Arm processors in both consumer and data center markets, fostering a unified ecosystem is paramount.
When Intel and AMD jointly announced this group early in the year, it remained uncertain how their ongoing projects might be affected. However, pursuing x86S independently would not have been prudent when cooperation could enhance the standard's interoperability. Additionally, Intel is currently navigating a significant restructuring, including its largest layoffs to date and an active search for a new CEO, further influencing this decision.
At present, it remains unclear if any of the x86S modifications will be integrated through the new x86 group. If changes occur, they will likely be the result of extensive discussions between all involved parties rather than unilateral moves by Intel. Such consensus-building can slow progress and reduce agility, often a challenge with standards groups.
Intel is also exploring other future x86 initiatives, including the Flexible Return and Event Delivery (FRED) specification and a new AVX10 specification. However, the status of these initiatives in light of the recent changes remains uncertain, and inquiries have been made to Intel for clarification on these ongoing projects.
Intel had initially intended to streamline the x86 instruction set by focusing on a simplified, 64-bit only x86S version. This plan was shared in May 2023, followed by an updated draft in June. However, the company has now officially abandoned this initiative.
An Intel spokesperson commented, "We remain deeply committed to the x86 architecture, demonstrated by the creation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group in collaboration with AMD and other industry leaders. This initiative strengthens our commitment to ensuring a robust future for x86, building on decades of software compatibility. Although we have pivoted away from the x86S initiative, we continue to focus on promoting innovation and collaboration within the x86 ecosystem."
The decision to discontinue x86S seems logical, particularly since any major alterations to the x86 specification would necessitate collaboration with AMD to maintain interoperability and backward compatibility. This collaboration is essential given the long-standing history of the x86 architecture, where Intel and AMD function as the primary processors' licensees in a duopoly that underscores the need for standardization.
Furthermore, support from major software vendors and other industry stakeholders is critical, which is precisely why the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group was established. In light of increasing competition from Arm processors in both consumer and data center markets, fostering a unified ecosystem is paramount.
When Intel and AMD jointly announced this group early in the year, it remained uncertain how their ongoing projects might be affected. However, pursuing x86S independently would not have been prudent when cooperation could enhance the standard's interoperability. Additionally, Intel is currently navigating a significant restructuring, including its largest layoffs to date and an active search for a new CEO, further influencing this decision.
At present, it remains unclear if any of the x86S modifications will be integrated through the new x86 group. If changes occur, they will likely be the result of extensive discussions between all involved parties rather than unilateral moves by Intel. Such consensus-building can slow progress and reduce agility, often a challenge with standards groups.
Intel is also exploring other future x86 initiatives, including the Flexible Return and Event Delivery (FRED) specification and a new AVX10 specification. However, the status of these initiatives in light of the recent changes remains uncertain, and inquiries have been made to Intel for clarification on these ongoing projects.