Its no doubt that Apple, Google and several other silicon valley giants are focussed on the mobile market. Given the fact that handhelds are becoming more and more important for internet and computing purposes, the future is all mobile. Today I use a smartphone which is several times faster and powerful than my first desktop. The mad race for mobile dominance has become so crazy that companies are suing each other left right and center. If lawsuits over technology weren’t enough, Apple went a step further and got its own A4 chip to offer the new iPad. Apple’s need for a custom chip arises from a need to provide a more customized and efficient performance on its handhelds. The A4 though based on the ARM platform, is done by Apple to suit its needs. Acquiring two chip makers PA Semi and Intrinsity, Apple has made it clear that it considers the CPU/GPU very seriously.
Now another interesting bit of news is that Google has just bought a chip design firm Agnilux by folks who exited PA Semi upon Apple’s acquisition. So now Google has also upped the gear to support its Android platform that is competing hard with the iPhone. While it might take time for Google to get its own chips rolling, or get Agnilux to help its Android partners – its certain that the mobile wars is not just about a OS or hardware features now. Its about getting your hands dirty with the designing bit (rocket science, shall we call it?).
Another interesting rumor making a impact here is the grapevines from UK speculating that Apple might be interested in buying out ARM holdings. Now ARM technology is what powers most of the mobile handhelds in the market today. Though ARM isn’t a manufacturer, it has licensed its technology to almost all leading players in the market who make chips for these super handhelds that we use (including the Apple A4 as mentioned before). So if Apple buys out ARM, the future road for mobile manufacturers shall be on thin ice. Apple might try to pull the plug on others (note; speculation, how, when, why, where – is not known ofcourse) and dominate the industry as it likes to. Given that Apple has over $40 billion cash reserves in the bank a big bold move to acquire ARM for the rumored $8 billion amount is certainly in its reach. So will Apple make the big move?
Update: Apple is known as one of the early investors / partners in ARM. And ARM chief has shot down the rumor. Chilling thought though – Had Apple acquired ARM ?