Random Facts #105 · 10:22pm May 31st, 2017
IBM used to produce processors for Apple's Macintosh systems.
ARM, as in the processor architecture, used to stand for "Acorn RISC Machine", as the CPU was originally developed by Acorn Computers. After the company was dissolved into multiple subsidiaries, ARM Holdings, which controlled the use of the ARM IP, changed the name to "Advanced RISC Machine", as Acorn Computers no longer existed.
After the Socket 7/Super Socket 7 days were over, Intel began to quickly tighten up on who was allowed to produce x86 compatible CPUs, leaving themselves and AMD as the two primary producers, and a handful of smaller companies such as VIA and DM&P Electronics. Others, such as IDT, Centaur Technology, Cyrix, and IBM, eventually either dropped out of x86 production altogether, or were absorbed into larger companies.
Starting with Windows 8, new releases of Windows no longer officially supported processors lower than the Pentium 4.
Microsoft, in collaboration with Qualcomm, is currently working on an emulation layer to allow for x86 apps to run on ARM, bridging the two platforms.
How is the last one going?
4559813
It seems that devices based on this new design are already in pre-production, and may be aimed at the education market to combat chromebooks.
4559849
How long do you think it’ll take?
4561921
From what I've heard, it'll be out before the end of the year.
4561944
Good I suppose