Tiny Chips Could Lead to Giant Power Savings

Intel has lost its latest legal challenge against a 16-year-old antitrust case initiated by the European Union, which has significant implications for the company's operations in Europe. This ruling reinforces the EU's long-standing scrutiny of Intel's business practices in the semiconductor market.

The European Union has upheld a significant antitrust ruling against Intel, reducing the company's fine from €1.06 billion to €237 million, stemming from anticompetitive practices identified two decades ago. This decision reflects ongoing scrutiny of Intel's business practices within the EU regulatory framework.

Taiwan has invoked its National Security Law to safeguard trade secrets of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) following the departure of an executive to Intel, raising concerns about potential threats to national security. This move underscores the government's commitment to protecting its critical technology assets.

Lip-Bu Tan, appointed as Intel's CEO in March, is also a seasoned venture capitalist, leading to questions about the prioritization of his dual roles. His extensive experience in venture capital since 1987 adds complexity to his responsibilities at Intel, particularly as the company navigates a competitive semiconductor landscape.

Intel has signed a term sheet to acquire chip startup SambaNova, marking a significant step in its expansion within the semiconductor industry. This agreement indicates Intel's strategic interest in enhancing its capabilities in AI and advanced computing technologies.

The stack circuitry of the Intel 8087 floating point chip has been successfully reverse-engineered, revealing intricate details about its design and functionality. This development highlights the ongoing interest in understanding legacy technology and its impact on modern computing.