ARM processors are so hot right now, especially in the mobile space, where they power many of the greatest smartphones, tablets, and mobile devices coming down the turnpike. Microsoft is apparently looking to merge in on that action, becoming an official ARM licensee. It’s unclear exactly what MS will be doing with its new found technical rights, but General Manager KD Hallman said “With closer access to the ARM technology we will be able to enhance our research and development activities for ARM-based products.” This likely means Microsoft will be better optimizing Windows Embedded and Windows Phone for the processor architecture, but also opens the door for Ballmer & Co. to create their own magical microprocessor and, ultimately, use it to rule the world with an iron fist. Terms of the agreement were not given, but hopefully nobody in Redmond had to lose any appendages to seal the deal.

Continue reading Microsoft becomes official ARM licensee, could an MS microprocessor be next?

Microsoft becomes official ARM licensee, could an MS microprocessor be next? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

The status quo for the netbook has not shifted much since the Eee PC took over the world, but now Marks & Spencer has come along to revolutionize the segment with the Elonex-sourced MSNB-2009. Delivered using the company’s typically overstated advertising techniques, the machine is said to be “stylishly designed for life on the move,” “both portable and powerful,” and “style and sophistication” wrapped in a “glittery high-gloss finish.” What’s inside is rather less sparkly, the same ‘ol 1.6GHz Atom and 160GB HDD configuration that put us to sleep years ago. M&S calls this “an aspirational laptop for the modern lifestyle” and we totally agree: if you buy this you’ll aspire to buy something better. Available now in three shocking colors for “only” £279 — about $450.

Marks & Spencer exclusive netbook offers lots of hyperbole, little substance originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Elonex  | Email this | Comments

ASUS’ stylish Designo MS monitors might not be quite on the same diet as the world’s thinnest LCDs, but they’re plenty svelte enough to collect glances of envious admiration. Suffering from a rather severe case of techno-lust, the Electric Pig crew got to handle a 23.6-inch sample and couldn’t stop talking about the sex appeal of the exterior — they were even big fans of the circular stand on the back of the display, which we suspect will have as many supporters as detractors. In spite of packing a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, the MS246 failed to impress with the quality of its output, but then if it was as gorgeous on the inside it’d have an Apple sticker on the front. Right? We kid, honestly. Calm down with a gallery of images at the read link.

Filed under: Displays

ASUS Designo MS gets handled, gushed over originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments