ARM announces development kit to reduce time-to-market of mobile gaming platforms

ARM has launched the ARM Mali Software Development Kit (SDK), which enables game developers to quickly transition from generic application development to ready-to-use designs for a wide range of handsets. Mobile handset manufacturers require that games are available at launch to capitalize on the shelf life of new devices. The Mali SDK enables developers to create and test games before silicon exists, thereby ensuring that new games are available on the day the handset is released and maximizing the time for which their games are marketable.

The Mali SDK is the latest addition to the ARM graphics portfolio, which addresses the market need for high performance and low power consumption for games and user interfaces. With its advanced processors, Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) including the Mali55 and Mali200 processors, and RealView development tools, ARM provides its silicon Partners with a complete system implementation that is as efficient as possible within the constraints of an embedded environment.

"ARM is taking its mobile strategy to the next level by introducing a new method of development which fully utilizes the hardware capabilities in mobile phones," said Dr. Jon Peddie, president, Jon Peddie Research. "Unlike other graphics software development kits, mobile application developers can now benefit from a silicon-independent platform that offers leading ARM CPU emulation and development tools. This enables mobile game creation to start earlier in the handset design cycle, maximizing commercial return after product launch."

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