The Nexus 9’s beastly 64-bit processor may have just been unveiled

NVIDIA on Monday unveiled its Tegra K1 “Denver” processor, which the company says it’ll be the “first 64-bit ARM processor for Android.” Interestingly, the HTC-made Google Nexus 9 has been rumored for quite a while to come with a NVIDIA Tegra 64-big processor on board, and the K1 “Denver” may be exactly that processor.

“This new version of Tegra K1 pairs our 192-core Kepler architecture-based GPU with our own custom-designed, 64-bit, dual-core “Project Denver” CPU, which is fully ARMv8 architecture compatible. Further, Denver is fully pin compatible with the 32-bit Tegra K1 for ease of implementation and faster time to market,” the company wrote.

“With its exceptional performance and superior energy efficiency, the 64-bit Tegra K1 is the world’s first 64-bit ARM processor for Android, and completely outpaces other ARM-based mobile processors.”

The company did not specify what devices will get the 64-bit Tegra K1 processor, and did not mention either HTC or Google. Instead, NVIDIA said “some amazing mobile devices” based on the new CPU for later this year from its partners. “And for hard-core Android fans, take note that we’re already developing the next version of Android – “L” – on the 64-bit Tegra K1.”

Overall, the 64-bit Tegra K1 chip is expected to deliver “PC-class performance for standard apps, extended battery life and the best web browsing experience.”