Nvidia Rumored To Be Readying X86 Chip Release

Posted by timothy on Wednesday August 20, 2008 @07:31AM from the probably-not-for-wristwatch-computers dept.

jdb2 writes with the (honestly labeled) rumor from the Inquirer "that Nvidia is preparing to release an x86 microprocessor with its guns targeted directly at its two major rivals — Intel and AMD/ATI," and excerpts from the just-linked Inquirer article: "THE HOT RUMOR going around IDF ... [is] that the company will do an x86 part. The background whispers say that the part will be announced next week at Nvision ... Nvidia's men in white coats certainly have the brainpower to do it, but they also most certainly don't have a license to sell such a part. NV is basically locked out unless Intel and AMD both decide to be magnanimous, and we would not recommend holding your breath waiting for this to happen ... That leaves the lawsuit option open ... Any attempt to enter the market without a license would bring down Intel legal on them like flying monkeys blackening the sky. It would get ugly. Really ugly. Expensive too.""

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Re:Okay, I'll bite... by The+End+Of+Days · 2008-08-20 08:25 · Score: -1, Flamebait

I just don't get why these companies should be allowed to patent these things. Sure, they have to spend tons of money and time to develop it, and they don't have any guarantee of returns so they're basically taking risks, but that doesn't entitle them to use their own work. They should be forced to spend the money, then release everything for free to the people.