Intel, AMD unite in new x86 alliance to tackle AI, other challenges

Semiconductor rivals Intel and AMD announced the formation of an x86-processor advisory group that will try to address ever-increasing AI workloads, custom chiplets, and advances in 3D packaging and system architectures.

Members of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group include Broadcom, Dell, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HP, Lenovo, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat. Notably missing: TSMC — the world’s largest chipmaker. Linux creator Linus Torvalds and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney are also members.

The mega-tech companies plan to collaborate on architectural interoperability and hope to “simplify software development” across the world’s most widely used computing architecture, according to a news announcement.

“We are on the cusp of one of the most significant shifts in the x86 architecture and ecosystem in decades — with new levels of customization, compatibility and scalability needed to meet current and future customer needs,” Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger said in a statement.

Generative AI (genAI) is moving into smartphones, PC, cars and Internet of Things (IoT) devices because the processing power on edge devices can access data locally, return faster results, and they’re more secure.

That’s why, over the next several years, silicon makers are turning their attention to fulfilling the promise of AI at the edge, which will allow developers to essentially offload processing from data centers — giving genAI app makers a free ride as the user pays for the hardware and network connectivity.

Apple, Samsung, and other smartphone and silicone manufacturers are rolling out AI capabilities on their hardware, fundamentally changing the way users interact with edge devices. On the heels of Apple rolling out an early preview of iOS 18.1 with its first generative AI (genAI) tools, IDC released a report saying nearly three in four smartphones will be running AI features within four years

The release of the next version of Windows — perhaps called Windows 12 — later this year is also expected to be a catalyst for genAI adoption at the edge; the new OS is expected to have AI features built in.

At the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in April, PC vendors and chipmakers showcased advanced AI-driven functionalities. But despite the enthusiasm generated by those selling or making genAI tools and platforms, enterprises are expected to adopt a more measured approach over the next year, according to one Forrester Research report.

“CIOs face several barriers when considering AI-powered PCs, including the high costs, difficulty in demonstrating how user benefits translate into business outcomes, and the availability of AI chips and device compatibility issues,” said Andrew Hewitt, principal analyst at Forrester Research.