Intel released open-source drivers for its graphics cards on Wednesday, a bid to win Linux allies and give the operating better support, but graphics rival ATI Technologies has indicated it won't follow suit when it comes to the software that lets operating systems communicate with its workstation and PC graphics cards.
"Proprietary, patented optimizations are part of the value we provide to our customers and we have no plans to release these drivers to open source," the company said in a statement. "In addition, multimedia elements such as content protection must not, by their very nature, be allowed to go open source."
It's possible that position could change if Advanced Micro Devices' acquisition of ATI goes through, but so far AMD hasn't committed one way or the other.
Intel is expected this week to reveal new details on work involving open-source graphics drivers, according to sources familiar with the situation. Intel has mentioned graphics driver work but has been cagey about details. However, the move could alter the landscape for those using the Linux operating system.
Stand-alone graphics chip companies ATI and Nvidia release proprietary drivers that can be used with Linux, but many in the open-source world have ethical, legal and practical objections.
- prev
- 1
- next
