According to the report from Bloomberg, Microsoft is currently evaluating its own ARM-based processors for its cloud and consumer products.
Microsoft rumored to develop its own ARM-based processors for Surface
The manufacturer and software company Microsoft is reportedly working on in-house processors for the upcoming Surface PCs. The decision to move from Intel-based CPUs in favor of more power-efficient processors is yet another blow to Intel after Apple developed its own M1 processors that are already available for consumers.
Micorosft SQ1 chip for Surface Pro X
Microsoft’s decision would be of a lesser magnitude when it comes to Surface PCs, but it would certainly not go unnoticed when Microsoft’s cloud servers are considered. Those servers are currently used by the company for its Azure platform.
The company has allegedly made the decision to move to an in-house ARM-based processor in order to reduce reliance on Intel technology, Bloomberg reports.
The world’s largest software maker is using Arm Ltd. designs to produce a processor that will be used in its data centers, according to people familiar with the plans. It’s also exploring using another chip that would power some of its Surface line of personal computers. The people asked not to be identified discussing private initiatives.
— Bloomberg
Microsoft has already co-developed custom ARM-based SQ1 processors for Surface Pro X last year. The company has already released a successor called SQ2 which is already available for its updated Pro X series at a slightly higher price. Those, however, were based on Qualcomm 8cX series so they were not designed exclusively by Microsoft.
Bloomberg updated the story with a vague statement from Microsoft spokesman:
Because silicon is a foundational building block for technology, we’re continuing to invest in our own capabilities in areas like design, manufacturing and tools, while also fostering and strengthening partnerships with a wide range of chip providers,
— Microsoft spokesman Frank Shaw
Source: Bloomberg via The Verge
