There is a new experimental processor being developed as "Royalty Free" RISC-V Processors This appears to be a different code-based processor other than x86 and ARM But what does "Royalty Free" mean? Am I paying Intel every time I boot up my computer? Am I paying Google every time I boot up my Galaxy mobile? https://venturebeat.com/2020/10/29/sifive-unveils-plan-for-linux-pcs-based-on-risc-v-processors/
I'm confused as to what "Royalty Free" means too. The idea that you can be charged for every cycle is unsettling. But I wouldn't put it past Intel.