So where is apple going with iPAD and iPhone hardware ? Intrinsity is the key name to remember here.
The acquisition of P.A. Semi (a California chip design start up) was first indication that Apple not happy with current chip offering and wants to do its own chips. Since it early PowerMacs day, Apple is used to influencing the chip hardware directly. Motorola and to some extent IBM were much more willing to be cooperate with Apple on this. Intel is completely different ballgame. Intel likes to be in-charge and complete control of its chips. No wonder Intel Atom has not been able to make inroads into Apple mobile devices.
And now Apple’s acquisition of Austin chip design company Intrinsity gives us confirmation of this direction. From grapevine in Austin “Intrinsity has been directed to do SOC” (System-on-Chip) for Apple. Given Intrinsity’s low power and high performance experience this has potential of producing some awesome custom SOCs for Apple.
So where is Intel headed with Atom ? Answers lies in Finland … next time …
