Intel is developing a 64 bit version of the Android OS to work with Bay Trail chips, along with 64 bit Windows tablets, likely to debut next year.
Intel has announced Windows and Android OS tablets running on 64-bit Bay Trail processors will be launched by next year. The decision was announced in an investor’s meeting where Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said that tablets with 64-bit versions of Android OS and Intel Atom chips code named Bay Trail will be available by next year.
The first to launch will be Windows tablets running on the 64-bit version of Windows 8.1, then will come Android tablets, though it’s still not clear if it will be using the 64-bit processors. Kraznich says that the Android tablets could be launched for $150, which seems highly unlikely that the device will use a 64-bit processor.
As of now, the tablets running on ARM and Intel processors are equipped with 32-bit versions of Android. 64-bit Android tablets, Intel Bay Trail chips to come next year.
It is still not decided which version of Android will be used in the 64-bit tablets. Intel is currently working on developing an image of the Android 4.4 OS dubbed as KitKat.
These Intel-based Android tablets will not be the first with support for 64-bit OS, Apple’s iPad Air and the iPad Mini with Retina Display already have the A7 processor and iOS 7 operating system that have support for 64-bit. Apple says that the 64-bit addressing has improved application and graphics performance.
An Android tablet with 64-bit Kernel support will provide increased system memory along with support for Ultra-HD video in mobile devices, said Doug Fisher, vice president and General Manager of Intel’s software and services group, at a speech during Intel’s developer conference in September.
Intel has been contributing towards the x86 Android software stack. Intel has plans to quadruple shipments of tablets with its chips to 40 million by this year, said Kraznich.