Hopefully the software 'as is' would compile and work the same on that product so it's then just a question of whose product to use.If one of the companies developed a Zero 2 compatible RISC-V product, why would I switch from known software.
If all things are equal then it doesn't matter if you do switch or don't but that may not always be the case.
Remember when Nvidia was looking at buying ARM and there were legitimate fears as to how that might adversely impact on users of ARM IP and manufactured silicon, shifted focus, reduced portfolio, fears of increased charges for licensing, loss of low-cost entry options, increased prices ?
Those concerns were great enough to have regulators step in and prevent that. That might not happen in future. SoftBank may find a buyer or could just throw in the towel and make ARM almost extinct overnight, though both seems unlikely.
And what if someone prohibits the selling of the product you use into your country, or threatens that ?
Some see RISC-V products as mitigating any risk of sticking with ARM products. For some that may be a compelling reason to switch, for others it won't be.
You are right, it will be a struggle to convince people to switch from whatever they are using as 'year of the Linux desktop' always being just around the corner has proven. The opportunities are usually in capturing share before users locks themselves in to what they have.
But I'd turn your question round; if there were a better product, extra RAM, more sockets, or whatnot, comparable SoC performance; would you really care who made that SoC ?
Statistics: Posted by hippy — Sat Jul 26, 2025 1:20 pm