Next Version of Windows to Support ‘System on a Chip’ Architecture

Microsoft announced that the next version of Windows will support System on a Chip (SoC) architectures including ARM-based systems from partners NVIDIA, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments. Intel and AMD continue their work on low-power SoC designs on the x86 architecture that fully support Windows, including support for millions of x86 applications worldwide.

SoC architectures will fuel significant innovation across the hardware spectrum when coupled with the depth and breadth of the Windows platform.

SoC architectures consolidate the major components of a computing device onto a single package of silicon. This consolidation enables smaller, thinner devices while reducing the amount of power required for the device, increasing battery life and making possible always-on and always-connected functionality. With support of SoC in the next version of the Windows client, Microsoft is enabling industry partners to design and deliver the widest range of hardware ever.

The announcement was made by Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division, at a press conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, in advance of the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

For more information, see  Next Version of Windows Will Run on System on a Chip (SoC) Architectures from Intel, AMD and ARM at the Microsoft News Center.

Bruce D. KyleISV Architect Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation