In what could be construed as the deepening of a fruitful relationship, Microsoft and ARM have revealed their mutual understanding on a new licensing agreement for the ARM architecture.
Amounting to Microsoft now having intrinsic access to the innards of ARM's architecture, the move intensifies interest into the company's future plans.
Despite having collaborated since 1997, the strengthening of Microsoft's camaraderie with ARM is rumoured to be a direct signal that the Redmond, WA based company is focusing the power of the ARM architecture to enhance and, perhaps, add to its portfolio of ARM-powered solutions.
KD Hallman - General Manager at Microsoft - hinted that its closer access to ARM technology, will enhance R&D activities for ARM-based solutions.
With the company remaining tight-lipped about how the expansion of its agreement will influence product offerings on its forward-looking roadmap, rumours are rife that a future iteration of the Xbox platform, may benefit. Additionally, it is suggested that whilst Microsoft's consumer line-up would be the most likely beneficiary, that the company may also aim to attack other market segments too.
ARM's architecture is already found powering a vast number of gadgets and it appears that Microsoft's move, may well signify a long-held desire to strengthen its assault on a wider-segment of rivals and ultimately, further diversify its reach.
