Broadcom announces new dual-core ARM Cortex chip

It seems just yesterday that Broadcom announced their dual-core BCM2157 chip (Dec. 2010 to be exact), but now the American supplier is back with another processor that packs a stronger punch than its predecessor. Announced yesterday, the new ARM processor is tailored specifically for Android devices and low-power gadgets.

According to Broadcom’s press release, the BCM28150 will feature two 1.1 GHz ARM Cortex-A9 with support for cameras with up to 20MP sensors, 1080p video playback and recording, HSPA+ and HDMI out. The new Cortex chip is a combination between Broadcom’s Merlyn processor and VideoCore IV graphics technology. For comparisons sake, the Blackberry PlayBook will supposedly contain a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex A-9, so the BCM28150 should provide better performance with lower power usage.

The new chip will be debuted at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week, and more details should be available then. And while it is aimed at Android devices, other operating systems should be able to take advantage of the new processor and we await future tablets and devices that feature the BCM28150. 

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