ARM Powers New Panasonic Portable TV

Portable TVs aren't particularly widespread, but they nonetheless have a faithful following, one that can now test out a new idea from Panasonic, that of a TV powered by the Android OS version known as Eclair.

The Android OS may have started out as a software for mobile phones, but it quickly evolved into something suited for tablets.

Though primarily made for the ARM architecture, it also works fine on the x86, this being the reason why there are Intel-powered tablets with dual-OS support.

In fact, the tablet segment is largely made up of ARM-based models with Android 2.2 or later, usually Honeycomb (Android 3.0 or 3.1).

Still, the OS isn't restricted exclusively to that area, as it also powers various other consumer electronics.

The newest product from Panasonic is sheer proof of this. It is a TV set, though it stands apart from most of its kind through its portability.

Indeed, Panasonic officially launched a portable TV known as SV-ME970 and measuring 7 inches in screen diagonal.

Loaded with the Android 2.1 (Eclair) version of Google's OS, it is made with a waterproof case, meaning that travelers shouldn't worry if they get caught in the rain or other such things.

Also, besides the regular TV features, Panasonic implemented some Smart TV capabilities, like IEEE 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, enabling web content streaming.

Furthermore, an SDXC card slot is present, as is an USB port and 300mW×2ch speakers, plus 4 GB of internal memory.

Finally, the product (whose price is set at $555) features a native resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and will start shipping at the end of the month (July 30, 2011).

Those who want something bigger and mightier can simply look at the rest of Panasonic's lineup, such as the high-end VIERA LCD TV Line with Full HD 3D.