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Intel has a 64-bit Android kernel ready to go

Intel’s annual developers’ forum in the eastern hemisphere is taking place in Shenzen in China this week. Among the numerous announcements being made is the news that Intel has the first 64-bit version of the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat kernel available for developers.

“Intel also released Android KitKat 4.4 with a 64-bit kernel optimized for IA (Intel Architecture). With this release, the company ported, validated and tested the Android Open Source code on IA, taking on the work that developers typically would need to do on their own. This release will provide the ecosystem with 64-bit kernel support for development of next-generation devices. Fisher said Intel will regularly make Android code for IA available as part of the company’s effort to speed up the device development process and improve quality.”

– Intel Corporation executive Doug Fisher

The 64-bit operating system for smartphones and tablets only became a big deal recently with the release of the iPhone 5s and the new generation of iPads which all use Apple’s first ever 64-bit processor to power them. Since then, processor manufacturers like Qualcomm have been bringing 64-bit capable processors to market so that companies looking to close the apparent gap in specs with Apple would have the option to do so.

The actual Android operating system will remain a 32-bit OS until Google updates it fully. However, Intel’s new kernel will mean that developers and – more importantly – hardware manufacturers will have the chance to address a greater pool of memory with their devices and apps. The good news for Intel in this equation is that it won’t have to update its line of processors for 64-bit operating systems because it has been making 64-bit chips since 2003, when Windows first made the change to a wider memory architecture.

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