Is it me or is intel stagnating progress

It seems that the only reason that we don't see any stable 64 bit apps is that the market leader, intel, continues to make 32 bit processors. I mean the technology has been around quite a while and it doesn't seem that any one wants to make or put effort into making good 64 programs and patches.

Any thoughts?

 

whos to say that its intel? they will sell what processors are being bought and are most popular, which currently is mostly 32 bit since there isn't that much 64 bit programs out there to neccesitate phasing out the 32's. If (and when) 64 bit becomes predominent, intel will undoubtidly focus more on 64 bit.

 

there isn't that much 64 bit programs out there to neccesitate phasing out the 32's.
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Perhaps it's the other way around. Because intel, the market leader is too cheap to research and develope the new technology, their aren't enough 64 bit processors out there to necessitate programing for 64 bit architecture.

The technology has to come BEFORE the programs.

 

I think it's gonna be a tough sell convincing the average user that he "needs" 64-bit when the grand majority are just fine with what they have now and see no compelling reason to switch. Unless you're livelihood (graphic designers and such) will benefit greatly from it I don't believe most people are going to be in a big hurry to move over.

 

intel isn't a software company so they wouldn't make 64 bit apps regardless.

intel = too cheap to do R&D? are you really saying this with a straight face? understand that the hardware sector of the technology market is highly highly competitive; probably THE most competitive sector after broadband communications. to state that they don't spend money on R&D is a little naive.

the technology exists and is already in the hands of developers; however, the market has not shifted to a place where they are in demand.

no one can stagnate progess; those that do get left in the dust.

 

I agree - Intel (and AMD for that matter) spend a LOT of money on R&D every year to keep improving already existing technologies and introducing/creating newer, more powerful ones.

Also, as mach_zero said, most users will not make the switch, even if 64-bit is available unless they see some major reason to do so, especially since the computers they have no do what they want and are fairly satisfied. I think the major switch has to come from Microsoft before we see any major revolutions in 64-bit technology. If Vista 64-bit is a hit, we'll start to see some progress in that area, and an eventual shift over. However, if Vista 64-bit flops like XP x64 Pro, we'll be waiting around a while before we see the 64-bit segment of the marketshare grow.

 

It seems to me that software has had a tendency to lag behind the leaps hardware has made. Think about the progress hardware has made since WinXP was first introduced (and how much more progress till Vista is released) for example. Even though there is XP Pro 64, there aren't a plethora of drivers available and from what I understand (please correct me if I'm wrong) there are currently few to no anti-virus programs that work in 64 either.

 

I think you hit the proverbial nail right on the head. Unfortunately, this is usually what it takes for the flock to raise their heads, turn and migrate to the new pasture.

 

intel do make 64bit CPUs. No one buys them tho

 

ntel = too cheap to do R&D? are you really saying this with a straight face? understand that the hardware sector of the technology market is highly highly competitive; probably THE most competitive sector after broadband communications. to state that they don't spend money on R&D is a little naive.

the technology exists and is already in the hands of developers; however, the market has not shifted to a place where they are in demand.
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Forgive my ignorance. I am a hardcore gamer/modder and failed to consider that most people do not demand as much out of their systems as I do.