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Considering how most of the software we run is open source, I don't think legacy support is that important. I think lots of organizations would be happy to swit
by Pet_Ant 3y ago
Considering how most of the software we run is open source, I don't think legacy support is that important. I think lots of organizations would be happy to switch for 10% improvement in performance or power.
Open source could really facilitate a golden age in CPU design where backwards compatibility really doesn't matter.
- charcircuit 3y agoNot all open source code is trivial to port to a new architecture.
- sangnoir 3y ago> Considering how most of the software we run is open source, I don't think legacy support is that important At the bottom of the open software pyramid are drivers, and they are often closed-source. Qualcomm is a major contributor to a lot of Android devices having short support periods. Even though Android is open source, Qualcomm's drivers are not, and Qualcomm would rather have consumers buy devices with the latest snapdragon than keep using an upgraded device from 5 years ago.
- Pet_Ant 3y agoDevice drivers aren't really relevant to servers and cloud instances which I had in mind where power savings and TCO rule. But yes, for consumer electronics it's a whole other story.
- pantalaimon 3y agoWhat drivers are you talking about? Most of the divers required to run a Snapdragon SoC are in the upstream kernel.
- zamadatix 3y agoFor the typical desktop user, windows drivers. This includes things like anti cheat in games. For the typical HN desktop user it should be good though.