ARM announces "Sparrow" multi-core netbook processor

Mobile CPU maker ARM has announced a new multi-core processor aimed at netbooks and cellphones.

The new "Sparrow" processors is based on the company's Cortex A9 multi-core architecture and is based on the A8 processors which powers devices such as the Palm Pre. Speculation is rampant that this new CPU will power the next-generation iPhone, replacing the ARM11 part. This new piece of silicon would give the iPhone a significant performance boost given that it runs about three times faster than the current part.

Devices powered by the "Sparrow" will start hitting shelves in 2010. In the meantime companies such as Adobe and Symbian will be tuning their applications to make use of the extra cores available.