Mobile computing market may switch to ARM dominance by 2013

Jan 23, 2010 08:46 GMT  ·  By

Despite the current developments and the latest advancements in x86 chips power efficiency, analysts seem to think that, even though Intel currently controls the netbook market with its new Atom chips, this dominance may be short lived. ABI Research suggests that the ARM architecture may make a strong incursion into this segment, likely taking away most of the mobile market share from Intel's units.

Of course, this opinion is not shared by all market analysts. IDC, for instance, does not see ARM chips as a strong candidate, predicting that no more than 10-20% of the netbook market will be grabbed by this architecture. The research firm mentions that not only will the strong relationship between hardware makers and Intel be a strong factor, but the ongoing popularity of the Windows OS will definitely limit the adoption of other types of processors.

ABI, however, seems to think that ARM chips will become more common than Intel processors by 2013. Already, the Cortex A5 MP architecture was released in October. Central processing units based on it are described as capable of handling netbooks. In addition, other market prediction includes the high likelihood of the Linux OS gaining more ground. Given that Linux, unlike Windows, is compatible with ARM, the latter might just get a strong start.

ABI Research predicts that, besides netbook systems, ARM chips will also be more commonly used in mobile Internet devices (MIDs), smartbooks and UMPCs, with the ongoing year being a key period. One reason for this is the fact that ARM-based devices are generally seen as more oriented towards the “always connected” state. This is enabled by the suitable processing power and the very low use of power.

“2010 will be pivotal for building momentum behind non-x86 solutions, and gaining adoption in both distribution channels and by end-user populations worldwide,” said senior analyst Jeff Orr.

While Intel may not feel particularly on edge when thinking of ARM, the Santa Clara-based chip maker has already started to put special efforts in further propelling its mobile platform. The company has established an Atom developer program and unveiled plans to develop the Moorestown chip, a version of the Atom aimed at smartphones.