UK chip designer ARM has unveiled a new processor, which should allow manufacturers to make cheaper smartphones. The company hopes the Cortex A7 will enable a mobile computing revolution in developing countries where current technologies are often unaffordable. Consumers in developed countries should also see a benefit. The ultra-efficient chip can be paired with more powerful processors in a “hybrid” model to reduce power use.
ARM’s designs are used in approximately 95% of the world’s smartphones. A range of big name manufacturers have already signed-up to use the A7 processor along with the company’s “big.LITTLE” architecture.
UK chip designer ARM
Samsung, LG, NVidia and Texas Instruments were among those to throw their weight behind the technology. Apple is also known to make use of ARM-designed chips in its mobile devices, although it has historically been reluctant to say so publicly.
Its silicon core is only one-fifth of the size of existing technologies, allowing a reduced production price.