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> a path to freedom Free how? Just because RISC-V is an open ISA doesn't mean that the silicon is open. None of the manufacturers release the full design of th
by LeonM 3y ago
> a path to freedom
Free how? Just because RISC-V is an open ISA doesn't mean that the silicon is open. None of the manufacturers release the full design of the SoC. Many RISC-V SoCs are still relying on blobs.
Most (all?) current available RISC-V SoCs are designed and produced in China. So I wouldn't be so sure about a SoC designed by Alibaba to be free of blobs, license violations, patent infringement or even hardware backdoors.
- BarsMonster 3y agoIt's just a step. We are not there yet. But we have to continue one step at a time.
- Dylan16807 3y ago"a step" is not always progress in such a complicated landscape with so many dimensions to make progress in. I like having an open development process for an ISA, but it's one of the least important factors in total computer openness. Many other boards are probably more free despite using a less free ISA. The patents on basic x86_64 with SSE2 have all expired anyway.