Intel has for reasons unknown deterred buyers from installing any other OS on the Windows-based Compute Stick. The chipmaker launched two version of the Compute Stick; based on Linux as well as Windows version.
Intel Corporation (INTC) – No warranty if you change OS
For some unknown reason, the company kept Linux version less powerful than the Windows. So users wanting more power and Linux, it will be an easy option to buy a Windows version, and install Linus on it. But this is not what Intel wants, says a report from Softpedia.
On this regard, Intel’s website clearly says, “Operating systems other than the ones listed are not supported and do not have drivers available. Installing a different operating system voids the Intel Compute Stick warranty.”
This suggests that installing any other operating system, except Ubuntu 14.04 LTS will mean user losing the warranty. However, users ready to compromise on the warranty can update any other version. The Windows-based Compute Stick is not performing as expected, and the company is not encouraging the product as was expected from it.
No 10nm chips from Intel in 2016
In a separate development, the chip maker has postponed major factory changes, which would have made its next generation chips faster and more powerful. Intel stated that since it is encountering problems with upgrading the fabrication systems, so will stick with manufacturing the components with only 10nm in size. The chipmaker will deploy other methods to enhance the processor performance. The news follows IBM announcement that it resolved problems related to making smaller components.
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich was the first one to announce the delay. In a conference call with the press and financial analysts, the CEO said, “The lithography is continuing to get more difficult as you try and scale, and the number of multi-pattern steps you have to do is increasing.”
As of now, the smallest parts manufactured by Intel are on 14nm, but the company will start moving to the 10nm chips later in 2016. However, the company states, its 10nm chips would not release before 2017, which marks a delay between six to nine months. This delay will affect the company’s “tick, tock” system, which it has been using to enhance the processor power. Krzanich did not talk of the factors that the chip maker will be using to better the performance of its 14nm chips.
