AMD and Intel have established the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group, in a move that pits the two rivals against the encroachment of ARM-based CPU designs, as well as new AI-based workloads that might use an alternative processor architecture. The stated goal is to “collaborate on architectural interoperability and simplify software development across the ecosystem.” The subtext is that the x86 ecosystem is feeling the squeeze, from the arrival of ARM-based CPU alternatives, and the encroachment of GPU-based compute into the market demand for x86 CPUs. Throw in the potential wave of alternative AI-based silicon designs, and the future does not look particularly rosy for x86. Of course, x86 CPUs are going nowhere fast. There are far too many jobs that…