In the first sign of change following the formation of the new industry group, Intel has confirmed Tom’s Hardcore It no longer applies to the x86S specification. The decision comes after Intel announced the establishment of x86 Ecosystem Advisory Groupwhich brings together Intel, AMD, Google, and many other industry giants to define the future of the x86 instruction set.
Intel initially announced its intention to eliminate x86 instruction set bloat by developing a simplified 64-bit-only version of x86S, and in May 2023and then updated to version 1.2 in June this year. Now, the company says it has officially ended the program.
“We remain deeply committed to the x86 architecture, as evidenced by our partnership with AMD and other industry leaders to create the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group. This move reinforces our commitment to ensuring x86 builds on decades of software compatibility – Intel spokesperson for Tom’s Hardware.
Intel’s decision to discontinue x86S work makes sense. Any significant changes to the specification will require cooperation with AMD to ensure full interoperability and backward compatibility. This was the nature of x86 in ’46 – Intel and AMD were the only two major x86 architecture licensors producing new processors in high volumes, creating a duopoly that required standardization.
It would also be best if large software vendors and other ecosystem players offered their full support, which is key for these companies to create x86 ecosystem advisory groups. As x86 faces new challenges from Arm in both the consumer and data center markets, it’s best to have a unified, holistic ecosystem.
When Intel and AMD announced the group earlier this year in an extremely rare joint announcement, it was unclear how existing initiatives would be affected. However, it certainly doesn’t make sense for Intel to move forward on x86S alone now that it can better ensure interoperability with any changes to the standard. Intel is also committed to Largest layoffs in company history Reorganization may also have played a role. Not to mention the company is Search for a new CEO.
At this time, it’s unclear whether any changes Intel makes to its x86S plans will be implemented through the new x86 group. If they do, it won’t be a unilateral decision by Intel – there will certainly be plenty of discussion between the parties involved before any widespread changes are made. Of course, this can be a problem for standards bodies and other groups, as having a large group of stakeholders agree on details can slow down progress and limit agility (we’ve seen this happen a thousand times).
Intel is also working on other future-oriented x86 initiatives, such as Flexible Returns and Event Delivery (FRED) and the new AVX10 specification. Intel has confirmed that these measures are still in progress.
Edited on December 20, 2024 at 4:20 am Pacific Time: Added that Intel responded that FRED and AVX10 plans are still in progress.