Linux and desktop graphics

Linux and desktop graphics

What is more likely is that "minimal" open source 3d drivers will be released, just using a fixed function pipeline, with basic performance ( equivalent to a 9200). The snazzy features (that are most likely to reveal patent infringing hardware) will be locked up in the proprietary drivers.

There is very little that can be done to fix this without getting rid of the patent system altogether:
* Outlawing pure IP speculation ( these are what they are really scared of, there is nothing they can cross licence with these guys. They just want a payoff.)
* Shortening patent terms.

These are pretty unlikely. So what we can hope for is that the APIs ( OpenGL & DirectX) become so high level that they are implemented directly on the card, and the drivers are a very thin shim that just passes data through to them. Then the driver reveals very little, and can be open sourced.