ARM computing is becoming increasingly interesting. Of course, much of the buzz surrounds Apple’s M1 CPU, an ARM-based processor that powers the latest generation MacBooks. Microsoft is also involved in ARM computing but so far uses third-party chipsets from Qualcomm in its Surface Pro X.
New reports suggest Microsoft is now looking to follow Apple’s path and develop its own ARM CPUs. In doing so, the company will create new Surface products and use the architecture on the server side.
Microsoft’s Windows 10 on ARM project has been a mixed success. Devices have failed to fulfil the promise of ARM computing. That promise is excellent performance built on market-busting battery life.
Apple’s M1 has seemingly lived up to the hype of ARM computing and taken an instant lead over Microsoft. In typical Apple fashion, the company built on an idea that is already out there and created a market defining product.
Microsoft On Board
Now other companies are pushing to catch up, with Microsoft leading the way. In many ways, this is the obvious next step if Microsoft wants to evolve the Windows 10 on ARM concept from its stumbling beginnings.
According to Bloomberg, Microsoft is now developing such a processor. Like Apple’s M1, Redmond’s CPU will be built on designs from Arm Ltd. And will extend beyond Surface to use in Azure datacenters.
In fact, one unnamed source who spoke to Bloomberg says a server side chip is more likely that a ARM processor for Surface. Certainly, that could be the case considering Microsoft’s chip manufacturing division is under the wing of Azure cloud business chief Jason Zander. It is not the charge of Surface and overall product head Panos Panay.
Tip of the day:
Do you know that Windows 10 now has a package manager similar to Linux called “Winget”? In our tutorial, we show you how to install and use this new tool that allows the quick installation of apps via PowerShell or a GUI.
