Engdaget is amongst the list of blogs speculating on the ramifications of Microsoft becoming a licensee of ARM processors.
For those of you not in the know, ARM processors are the hot microprocessor in the mobile market, powering everything from smart-phones to tablet devices.
The move has led ARM share prices to jump 7.1% as people are obviously exicited about the possibility of Microsoft designing its own ARM base processor. This move, while similar to Apple developing the A4 chip based on ARM technology, would allow Microsoft to bring to market much more power friendly mobile and tablet devices.
It could also be the beginings of a move by Microsoft to either completely manufacture and release it’s own mobile and tablet devices in much the same way that Apple currently does, or they could develop the chip and specify that manufacturers use the Microsoft Microprocessor in future generations on Windows Phone 7 and mobile devices.
Speculation is rife as to the possibilities and the only official word, from Microsoft General Manager KD Hallman, is:
“With closer access to the ARM technology we will be able to enhance our research and development activities for ARM-based products”
I would wager that we will see generation two of Win Phone 7 devices powered by Microsoft designed ARM microprocessors as well as a slew of Windows Tablets by the end of 2011.
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