RumorMill™: Faster XScale Processors Coming this May

Though Intel has tweaked its XScale processors several times, the fastest chip in this line has been 400 MHz since early 2002. If recent rumors are correct, this company is about to release new XScale processors that finally offer higher clock speeds.

According to information posted in the Brighthand forums, Intel plans to release two PXA263 processors in the coming months. The fastest of these will be 540 MHz, while even the low-end model will be 412 MHz.

Intel has been heavily pushing Wi-Fi for notebooks with its Centrino line. Supposedly, it is going to extend this push into the handheld realm by designing the 540 MHz version specifically to power Wi-Fi enabled handhelds. Therefore, all handhelds that use this processor will have integrated Wi-Fi.

These new processors are expected to debut in May. It is not known when the first handhelds sporting them will arrive. The first Pocket PCs to use them may run Windows Mobile 2004, which is also anticipated to be released in late spring or early summer. The first handhelds with Palm OS 6 are expected before these New XScale Chips are available.

Bulverde

Last fall, Intel outlined plans for its next generation of XScale processors, codenamed Bulverde. These processors will offer Wireless Intel SpeedStep Technology, which dynamically adjusts the power and performance of the processor based on CPU demand. This can result in a significant decrease in power consumption for wireless handheld devices.

Next-generation XScale processors will also offer better multimedia capabilities through the inclusion of Intel's Wireless MMX technology and Quick Capture Technology.

Intel has not officially announced what clockspeeds the Bulverde chips will run at.

Related Links

• Intel Previews Upcoming XScale Processors