Apple Launches Its Own CPU, the 1GHz A4
More than meets the eye.
Today's unveiling of what seemed to be a dull product, also introduced something else even more significant from Apple--its first real CPU, the 1GHz Apple A4 processor.
Apple's purchase of PA Semiconductor not too long ago, yielded its first product today, but it's not the fact that it was used in the iPad that makes it special. What's special is that Apple now has a real processor on its hands. And in case you're wondering whether or not Apple's own CPU can compete with the likes of ARM's Cortex or Qualcomm's Snapdragon CPUs, the A4 has potential to kick the living shnizzles out of those CPUs.
First, the A4 runs at a 1GHz frequency, which by mobile CPU standards, is quite high. Considering that Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon powers Google's Nexus One, the Apple A4 could power the next wave of super-smartphones. In fact, at its current spec and frequency, the Apple A4 can play back HD video for 10 hours before requiring a full battery charge.
As of currently, other specs about Apple's A4 CPU are scant, but we're sure things will be more clear in the next coming weeks. We can see from the iPad's capabilities that the A4 is potent, but things are still fresh and we'll have to wait and see what software developers can come up with.
What the iPad showcases today and what it's an indication of, is a lot more interesting than the iPad itself.
More on the Apple iPad here.
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"the Apple A4 can play back HD video for 10 hours before requiring a full battery charge."
Wow, this really is a first! A cpu that has its own battery!
the Apple A4 can play back HD video for 10 hours before requiring a full battery charge.
Wow! This really is a first! A CPU that has its own battery!
the cpu doesn't have a battery dummies...
"First, the A4 runs at a 1GHz frequency, which by mobile CPU standards, is quite high. Considering that Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon powers Google's Nexus One, the Apple A4 could power the next wave of super-smartphones."
How is the fact that snapdragon is used in nexus one proof that the A4 can power "super-smartphones"
"A4 has potential to kick the living shnizzles out of those CPUs."
"As of currently, other specs about Apple's A4 CPU are scant"
First of all the only thing you know is that its 1Ghz. Since it can run iPhone apps, its probably ARM based.
Beyond that you know nothing. Saying it has the potential to beat those other CPUs is exaggeration to the point of lying. You have no past history with Apple CPUs to look at, and no details of how it compares to other CPUs. Considering it comes in a $500 tablet, it can't be very expensive.
"Apple A4 can play back HD video for 10 hours before requiring a full battery charge"
Are you sure, it seems like the tablet can be used to 10 hours for mixed activities (chat, web, ...). Can it really decode 720p for 10 hours?
I'm quite disappointed with the CPU. I was hoping for more of a Tegra type SoC. BTW, why didn't they just get that broadcom chip that magically decodes 1080p for something like $2?
Considering it comes in a $500 tablet, it can't be very expensive.
Considering it comes in an Apple $500 tablet, it can't be very expensive.
the cpu doesn't have a battery dummies...
I've been blinded by the sudden of obviousness..