AMD Not Pursuing ARM License, Sticking to X86

From PC World: Advanced Micro Devices shot down rumors that it is pursuing an ARM license, saying it will stick to developing chips for tablets around the x86 architecture.

AMD is not seeking an ARM license as it has a strong CPU and graphics technology around which to build chips for tablets, said John Taylor, director of client product and software marketing at AMD. AMD currently makes computer chips based on the x86 architecture, and next year plans to release its first dedicated tablet chips based on the x86 instruction set.

"We've made a big bet on APUs, which are x86," Taylor said in an interview, referring to accelerated processing units.

There was speculation this week that AMD was considering taking an ARM microprocessor license to make low-power chips after Jem Davies, vice president of technology at the media processing division at ARM, was invited to speak at an AMD developer conference in June. ARM CEO Warren East added fuel to the fire by commenting on the opportunity his company sees for AMD to use ARM processors in the future.

"Clearly, AMD has signaled that they are going through a bit of a rethink of their strategy at the moment. And therefore ... that presents as far as we are concerned ... a heightened opportunity," East said on a conference call to discuss financial results earlier this week.

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