[Open-graphics] AMD considering open-sourcing ATi drivers

[luc]

>>> Looks like the brown stuff might be hitting the rotating ventilation
>> device:
>>>> Lastly, and remember you heard it here, AMD is strongly considering
>>>> open-sourcing at least a functional subset of ATI's graphics
>>>> drivers.
>> 
>> There are still a lot of potential hurdles for them to take, with
>> external IP and DMCA and things. I'll believe it when I see it. And I'm
>> not sure if we're on the radar screen, but leaking such a rumour to the
>> media seems like something someone would do if faced with a new
>> competitor that has the potential to do to their market what free
>> software did to the proprietary software market. This may just be an
>> attempt to take the wind out of our sails.
> 
> Yup.  It's all a reaction to Intel.  But do not despair, OGP.  This is
> only partial support for ATI chips in open source drivers, and nVidia
> will not quickly follow suit.  Plus, graphics cards aren't the only
> things that need open source drivers.  Wifi anyone?

Don't know if AMD has buyed ATI but that seems, anyway, I don't believe that
AMD will release something substantial in open-source. It can't stress his
alliances with Nvidia or Via.
In fact, what have done Intel with his GMA 3000 is a real response to the
eating of ATI by AMD since historically Intel and ATI worked together.
When a competitor take one of your "integrated" partner, you will feel the
pressure on the OEM side.
Nontheless, this could be the start of a real trend to open graphics
drivers, but it's not for tomorrow since IP issues have to be cleared and
it's expensive. Last but not least, the hardware is not open.
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