AMD and Intel unite against cell phone technology that threatens the future of computers

In a historic announcement For the computing ecosystem, the main competitors in the manufacture of processors worldwide, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) e Intelthey decided to put aside their differences to face a common enemy. This group, in an unprecedented way, will seek to defend the advancement of the platform ARM which seems to be finally determined to bring cell phone technology to computers.

Both companies announced this Tuesday in the Tech World 2024 from Bellevue, Washington, that will lead a new X86 architecture advisory groupkey to creating processors for notebooks and PCs. The alliance includes a long list of other founding members, such as Microsoft, Google, Meta and Lenovo.

This morning’s conference featured the participation of AMD’s CEO, Lisa Suas well as the CEO of Intel, Pat Gelsingerwho, unsurprisingly, said that the x86 architecture is “alive and well.”

As revealed by the CEO’s, the group will focus on Identify new ways to expand the x86 ecosystem enabling cross-platform compatibility, simplifying software development, and providing developers with the tools to “identify architectural needs and features in order to create innovative and scalable solutions for the future”

When referring to laptops or desktop computers, one of the most essential components is the processor, also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is basically the “brain” of the machineresponsible for executing all the instructions that make the applications and the operating system work. Now, these processors follow a type of architecture, and one of the most important and widely used is the x86 architecture.

The x86 architecture is a design or set of instructions that many processors follow to perform their functions. Basically, it is a “language” that processors use to interpret and execute tasks that users requestsuch as opening a program, browsing the Internet or watching a video.

This architecture was created by the Intel company in the late 1970s, and has since evolved to become the standard for most personal computers (PCs). Today’s processors, such as those from Intel (Core i5, i7, among others.) or AMD (Ryzen 9000 Series or the brand new Ryzen AI), are based on more modern versions of this architecture.

Although x86 remains dominant, there are currently other architectures like ARMwhich is very popular on mobile devices such as phones and tablets. These integrated chips came to prominence in the middle of last year, when Apple fully transitioned from Intel chips for its MacBook and MacBook Air lines.

Its distinctive feature is in the efficiency in terms of energy consumptionthat’s why it is used by devices that depend on batteries. In fact, some modern laptops and tablets are starting to use processors with this architecture to improve battery life.

Behind this initiative is the American Qualcomm (the same one that manufactures chips for Android cell phones from Samsung, Xiaomi or Motorola, for example) who has been seeking to consolidate in this segment for several years by promoting high-end laptops. Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, Dell, HP and Samsung’s Galaxy Book.

Although they continue to compete in the market as the main suppliers of processors for the most important brands worldwide, AMD and Intel share a history of collaboration in mitigating security vulnerabilities within the X86 ecosystem.

Thanks to their joint work, both companies developed key technologies such as PCI, PCIe, and Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). They also played a fundamental role with the emergence of the popular USB porta vital connectivity standard for all computers, regardless of processor.