ARM deny the rumors about the 128-bit chips in development and point out that 64-bit CPU is the beginning of a new era
So far the only device featuring a 64-bit processor is iPhone 5S
Samsung met with ARM to discuss 64-bit CPU for its Samsung Galaxy S5 that will launch in 2014, but that didn’t go without speculations. According to DailyTech, an unnamed senior at ARM who attended that meeting suggested that the 64-bit chips weren’t the only topic of the discussion. Apparently, it was pointed out the possibility for ARM to start working on 128-bit chips that will be pushed to smartphones and tablets the next two years. Before you say anything, keep in mind that this information was in a rumor state. I know, even PC processors haven’t reached the 128-bit level yet, but the statement of ARM also points to this ludicrous idea as a possibility, not a definite plan.
Meanwhile, an official statement reported that smart devices will soon start to offer more than 4GB memory that will mandatorily require 64-bit processors in order to address that memory. Technology is surely moving on really fast as now almost everything requires more powerful memory capacity. Furthermore, 32-bit chips will be forced to use older and less optimized processors like ARMv7. In fact, 64-bit processors are the beginning of the era and it’s way too soon to start looking for 128-bit ones.
As expected, the 128-bit rumors that spread out the network claiming to be official news, received much criticism and sceptical feedback. This made the senior ARM official to address the readers that the statements aren’t actually true. According to him, the 64-bit processors are capable enough to support the needs of the industry for many years to come and the company has no plans for 128-bit chips. He believes that such aren’t needed and all rumors to the contrary are incorrect. In fact, Apple iPhone 5S is currently the ONLY smartphone that features a 64-bit chip and despite the 4GB RAM x 64-bit CPU theory, the device works with 1GB of RAM.
In the end, this is a topic subjected to further discussions. Do specs matter that much? Do you we really need 64-bit processors or, not to mention, 128-bit ones in order to use smart devices better that we do now? Let us know what you think in the comment section.
