ARM: multicore mobiles coming next year
By Barry Collins
Posted on 29 Oct 2009 at 07:35
British chip designer ARM says smartphones will be running on multicore processors by this time next year.
Speaking at a showcase of ARM-powered devices in central London - encompassing everything from the new Nokia N900 Linux smartphone to a remarkably thin prototype netbook - the company's mobile segment manager, Laurence Bryant, told PC Pro that smartphone performance is set to take a considerable leap forward.
"Wind forward a year, and you'll see multicore processors starting to appear in these [smartphone] devices," Bryant said. Indeed, the the Cortex A5 processor ARM unveiled earlier this month is available in up to quad-core configurations.
ARM claims that smartphones already have comparable processing power to netbooks, and that performance will only increase with the arrival of multicore, especially for multitasking.
However, as with multicore PC processors, ARM admits that performance increases begin to drop off as you add more cores. "Naturally, you get diminishing returns on more cores," Bryant admitted. "You can't have both processor cores running on the same task."
ARM claims it's been working with mobile companies to overcome the challenge of running tasks concurrently on multiple cores. "We announced we were going multicore three or four years ago. Symbian was there working with us at a very early stage. Linux is already there," Bryant added.
Thinner, cheaper netbooks
ARM's ambitions aren't restricted to smartphones. The company is also taking on Intel in the netbook arena, and a device on display at the event gave an indication of how ARM's processors may help breathe new life into the market.
The prototype device, manufactured by Pegatron (which produces netbooks for Asus, among others), was as delectably thin as the 4.4mm Sony VAIO X-Series. ARM explained this was because the energy-efficient processor - which includes the CPU and graphics processor on a single chip - doesn't require any fans or even a heat sink. The low power requirements also allow Pegatron to include a slender three-cell battery, shaving millimetres and weight off the device.
Unlike the £1,300 X-Series, however, ARM claims the prototype device will help rejuvenate the budget netbook market. Bryant said that type of netbook was expected to ship for "considerably less" than £200.
From around the web
It may well do
"Bryant said that type of netbook was expected to ship for "considerably less" than £200. "
Problem is that it will have Linux and no matter what the Linux fans think 95% of people would rather have Windows.
By JStairmand on 29 Oct 2009 
Windows for Netbooks
Well if you want Windows buy your own copy.
I have yet to see Windows outperform Linux on a desktop PC, let alone a low-powered device.
People seriously need to open their eyes and realise that Windows isn't the only (nor the best) way of doing things on a PC.
By Linux_User on 29 Oct 2009
Yeah but ...
"People seriously need to open their eyes and realise that Windows isn't the only (nor the best) way of doing things on a PC."
But then neither is linux or any other OS. They all have their pros and cons some more than others and it all depends on what users need as to which OS suits them best.
By koshthetrekkie on 29 Oct 2009
"Well if you want Windows buy your own copy."
No because it's wont run on the ARM CPU, that was my point. There is a reason all the netbooks no longer come with Linux and have Windows instead. Everyone wanted it, right or wrong they still did.
By JStairmand on 29 Oct 2009
If ARM had a product for release tomorrow, by next week they'd own the market!
Its no good talking about what you plan to do - sometimes its better to take it by storm - otherwise your competitors will beat you to the post!
Linux is faster than windows for almost everything - it's free too - generally. But people should have choice therefore Windows has to be there just as Linux or Mac - so I agree with 'koshthetrekkie' people need choice and they should not be harassed into Windows products
By nicomo on 29 Oct 2009
I think windows is even necessary. In many ways and for some purposes I personally prefer linux, but if I want to make commercial software, I'd make it on windows. (to start with, at least!) A system where it is moreorless guaranteed to work on most people's computers, including some old ones if I care to work that way, and most new ones...
By Penguat on 29 Oct 2009
twisting my ARM
My netbook will not be my laptop - I will not try to run my work software on my netbook, or attempt to sit in front of it 8 hours a day.
I need connectivity, and the ability to consume rather than create will be my priority.
Theoretically, I don't really need windows at all nowadays, and that's why i'm willing to give ARM and alternative operating systems a shot.
By khellan on 8 Dec 2010
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