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ARM bets its latest processor can bring 64-bit to 'next billion smartphone users'

ARM outlines its Cortex-A35, an ultra high-efficiency processor that applies to smartphones as well as Internet of things endpoints.
Written by Larry Dignan, Contributor

ARM on Tuesday outlined the launch of the Cortex-A35, a processor that's designed to enable 64-bit computing for "the next billion smartphone users" and potentially play into new applications such as wearables.

The Cortex-A35 has been licensed to multiple customers with devices expected by the end of 2016. The biggest takeaway is that ARM is targeting a much broader market for its technology.

ARM made the announcement at its TechCon conference. The latest Cortex landed with security enhancements in its TrustZone technology as well as its v8-M architecture.

The company has already shipped more than 2 billion entry-level phones with its Cortex-A5 and Cortex A7. Those processors are found in devices with prices ranging from $50 to $200. The next stage for ARM is to target what is currently the feature phone market with the Cortex-A35. Ultimately, all phones will be smartphones.

The other item worth noting is that the Cortex-A35 fits in with the company's ability to target the Internet of things market. While ARM's latest processor technology will make its initial splash in smartphones, the company sees multiple devices in the fold.

This slide highlights where ARM thinks it can take the Cortex-A35.

arm-cortex-a35-markets.png

The Cortex-A35 uses 10 percent less power and has a performance boost of 6 percent to 40 percent.

On the architecture front, ARM is making a push to secure devices, sensors and the Internet of things food chain. TrustZone creates isolation zones for trusted and non-trusted software. The idea is to reduce the attack surface and with built in security for components.

arm-trustzone.png
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