Computer chip firm Intel have revealed that they can now make their Atom chips run Google’s operating system Android. Carefully designed chips which are low powered and developed to be integrated into netbooks and smartphones, it marks an important development for the industry which, until now, saw the majority of mobile phone chips produced by UK based company Arm.
Revealing the significant development, Intel’s software and services group general manager, Renee James, said “Intel is enabling all OSes for Atom phones.” Adding that Atom’s were already running Android in several instances, Mr James said that a number of companies had already shown interest in applying the development.
In particular the announcement is likely to spell positive news for Google, who have been attempting to entice Apple into using their Android system on devices such as the new iPad. In addition, whilst the system is currently mainly used in smartphones, Intel’s development will almost certainly allow Google to push the boundaries of the products that they can take a stake in, allowing both firms to push beyond their current technological boundaries.
Intel is not however the first firm to have managed to get the Android OS working on such a chip. Acer has already proved the capabilities, incorporating such components into their netbooks, whilst the chip company MIPS has utilised the technology in media players, set-top boxes and digital picture frames. It does however bring the developments into the hands of technology giants, creating possible great success if the phenomenon of netbooks and tablet PCs proceeds as industry experts believe.
Resource:
http://www.newsintech.com/2010/04/android-to-run-on-intel%E2%80%99s-atom-chips/1981
