A number of LG’s brightest attractions are actually the twin-core Optimus 2X and Optimus 3D smartphones and similarly equipped Optimus Pad tablet. The one problem with them? Those multicore chips are produced by NVIDIA for the 2X and Pad and Texas Instruments for the Optimus 3D, leaving LG a transparent step behind its arch-nemesis Samsung who’s producing its own dual-core system-on-chip . So what else could LG possibly do but buy its own ARM license — specifically for the Cortex-A9 design that’s dominating today and the Cortex-A15 with Mali-T604 graphics that promises to rule the mobile world from 2012 onwards — and begin churning out its own processors? The Korean company certainly has the budget, if not the producing facilities, to supply such chips at volume, and we’re considering seeing another competitor enter the ARM arena. This licensing deal also reminds us that the last fresh licensee to ARM’s blueprints was Microsoft — with a purpose to now look ahead to two industry giants bringing their technical expertise to this rapidly growing marketplace. See LG’s full press release after the break.
Comprehensive license agreement reinforces strategic partnership with access to latest semiconductor IP, including ARM® Cortex-A15 MPCore™ processor and ARM® Mali™-T604 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
CAMBRIDGE, Uk–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ARM today announced a brand new licensing agreement with LG Electronics that offers access to the high performance, low-power ARM® Cortex™ processor and ARM® Mali™ GPU families. This includes the Cortex-A15 MPCore and Cortex-A9 MPCore processors, in addition to the ARM Mali-T604 GPU and ARM CoreLink™ interconnect and system IP. The great license will reinforce LG Electronics’ already strong technology leadership and should be used to drive the corporate’s platform strategy in applications that come with digital TV, set top boxes (STB), cellphones, tablets and smart grids.
“LG’s relationship with ARM over a lot of years has provided significant value to our overall business. Moreover, the ARM ecosystem has provided LG with partners to assist differentiate our product offering,” said Boik Sohn, VP and Head of System IC Center, LG Electronics. “The scalability of ARM processing solutions combined with the software ecosystem will enable smart, open platform systems, and drive connectivity and web enabled interactions. This new licensing agreement will provide LG with the subsequent generation processor technology which will let us maintain leadership in display enabled connected devices, corresponding to smart digital TV’s and smart phones, and drive our platform strategy.”
LG, who first licensed ARM technology in 1995, has incorporated ARM processors across its product lines, from handsets to Digital TVs.
“Working with technology leaders, corresponding to LG Electronics, has helped ARM to develop the foremost advanced, energy efficient processors to be used in key markets, which includes home and mobile computing,” said Ian Drew, Executive Vp of promoting, ARM. “With access to the most recent ARM IP, LG will likely be well positioned to keep its technology leadership and drive innovation in display technology and smart connected devices.”
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a worldwide leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and residential appliances, employing greater than 80,000 people working in over 115 operations worldwide. With 2009 global sales of 55.5 trillion Korean won (USD 43.4 billion), LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air con and effort Solution. LG is among the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a protracted-term agreement to become both an international Partner and a Technology Partner of Formula 1™. As a part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights because the official consumer electronics, cellphone and knowledge processor of this global sporting event. For additional info, please visit www.lg.com
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