With Apple Silicon, the Cupertino company has shown that it is possible to do without Intel for the development of its own equipment, and MediaTek wants to take advantage of this opportunity . The Asian manufacturer has revealed this week its intention to create ARM processors for Windows PCs in the future.
In this way, MediaTek will be able to compete against Qualcomm, who has also announced its intention to develop ARM SoCs capable of fighting against Apple's M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. The American semiconductor manufacturer, in fact, already has several processors for PCs, such as the Snapdragon SC8280. The Chinese company, on the other hand, is currently in the initial stage of the project, according to XDA Developers. So it could be months and even years until we see the first MediaTek ARM processors designed for Windows computers.
Following the announcement, Eric Fisher, vice president of corporate sales and business development at MediaTek, has not forgotten to praise the strategy that Apple began in 2020, when it announced its intention to do without Intel processors to equip its Macs with ARM chips of its own. . Fisher also believes that the relationship between Intel and Windows (known as 'Wintel') must be “under some pressure” for there to be “opportunities for companies” like MediaTek.
With MediaTek it is not enough: Microsoft will also have to put on its part
Photo by Windows on Unsplash MediaTek is one of the leading processor brands in the smartphone market. However, their products are usually found in low or mid-range products, while the more expensive ones usually incorporate Qualcomm chips.
Your interest in the PC market is undoubtedly good news, although the path will not be simple considering the starting point. Qualcomm, which has been on this path for several years, has encountered multiple obstacles, including various compatibility issues with Windows applications.
Beyond MediaTek, Apple has stopped dispensing with Intel for most of its computers. Its entire range of notebooks, made up of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, have ARM processors; the well-known M1, M1 Pro and M1 Max chips . In the desktop PC lineup, only the 24-inch iMac and Mac mini feature an Apple Silicon processor. The company is expected to launch new models of the 28-inch iMac and Mac Pro, which remain with an Intel chip, throughout 2022.
