ARM Community: Nokia N900 shows the power of ARM Cortex-A8 - ARM Community

Having seen the ads on YouTube and read the PR I’m looking forward to getting my hands on a N900.


The jump to our latest Cortex-A8 processor in the form of TI’s OMAP3 chip means that users can enjoy greater responsiveness for widgets, browsing and everyday use. A second important feature of the N900 that you will see widely adopted over the next year or two is the take up of OpenGL ES 2.0and the accelerated graphics that lies beneath. This combination of Cortex-A8 or dual core Cortex-A9 together with capable GPU’s like our Mali400 will become the mainstream solution for handheld computing over the next couple of years. OEMs are demanding advanced functionality such as Flash10 and fast Javascript performance for Web2.0 apps which are driving the market to transition from ARM11 to Cortex-A family processors at a breathtaking pace. Already this year we have had announcements of Cortex-A8/v7A architecture based smartphones from nearly every major OEM: Palm Pre, Toshiba TG01, Samsung i8910, Nokia N900 & Mot’s yet to be unveiled Android devices to name but a few. These devices are creating excitement and will help drive up smartphone sales. Most of the announced devices are premium products ready for Christmas/holiday season but the same technology will be coming to mass market devices near you in 2010.

The cellular enabled N900 is based on the Maemo platform which was used in previous Nokia internet tablets that used to be WiFi only. The inclusion of cellular connectivity allows it to be used as an advanced smartphone and will widen its appeal. If you watch the YouTube clip it ends with a retro Nokia ring tone – as if saying – look makes phone calls too!

When asked about the processor selection Nokia said "If you look at the energy management properties we have in ARM, at least today, they are clearly better, miles and miles better." At ARM we are working with our partners to deliver stunning performance with great battery life. With a Cortex-A8 inside your next smartphone you can expect more.

Rob Coombs, Director of Mobile Marketing, ARM, focuses on mobile gadgets that can fit in your pocket and is excited about the next wave of Smartphones that promise to be smarter and wow us with stunning graphics. This new class of Smartphone, which will focus on personal Internet and user experience, will change the industry and delight users. The ARM mobile marketing team are at the centre of the mobile industry and this provides a great place for Rob to look at the trends, and comment on the news that drives the industry and our business.

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