Why is it that Intel can’t or hasn’t developed microprocessors that can compete with those based on the ARM architecture? Perhaps it’s time for Intel to start a new processor development that isn’t burdened with having to be compatible with legacy software like Windows. Windows-based servers and desktops will be with us for a long time, but the tablets and smartphones have changed what consumers are looking for in portable computing and browsing.
Even Microsoft has admitted there’s a post-legacy Windows world by developing Windows Phone 7 and its current development of Windows 8 for use on ARM-based tablets that’s reportedly scheduled to be completed in mid-2012. However, Microsoft and PC makers will be shocked to find that many large corporates have already opted for Apple or Android tablets rather than wait to see what Microsoft comes up with.
Intel has attacked the problem at the edges with the MeeGo OS that it was developing with Nokia, which has now abandoned MeeGo for Windows Phone 7. By the way, what does Nokia plan to do for a tablet OS? Run Windows 8 sometime in 2012? And have incompatible Windows Phone 7 and Windows 8 to support and try to attract apps for? Does that make sense?
MeeGo is gaining some ground in smart TVs and smart TV adapters, which could be an enormous market for Intel. However, Nokia made sure that MeeGo can also run on processors with the ARM architecture.
Google has moved ahead of Microsoft with Android in market share for tablets and smartphones, most all of which use ARM processors, not Intel’s low-power Atom.
Google has also developed the Chrome OS for cloud computers. Chrome and cloud computers have not gained much traction yet, but it’s early in the cloud computing game. Amazon’s Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) poses a real threat to Windows PCs, desktops as well as notebooks. EC2 lets users “rent” virtual computers on which to run their computer applications. It’s not ready for consumer use yet but cloud computers like those with the Chrome OS could make it make it viable cost-wise.
Intel showed two Chrome laptops in its booth at CES in January.
As hard as it is to imagine, maybe Intel will have to re-enter the ARM processor market like it once did with XScale.
The rising importance and the increasing size of the consumer-oriented technology market have changed forever the microprocessor market. Intel and Microsoft, except for the Xbox 360, have missed it so far.
Intel should change too, not just adapt its legacy-loving products.
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