After having announced its support for the increasingly popular netbook category, by releasing the Ion platform, Santa Clara, California-based NVIDIA has just announced its support for Mobile Internet Devices, with the introduction of a new platform based on NVIDIA's Tegra 600 Series Computer-on-a-chip. According to the chip maker, the new platform will enable OEMs to provide customers with a $99, always-on, always-connected HD MID. In addition, NVIDIA also announced its support for the new Android operating system, designed for mobile phones and smart phones.

 

“Mobile internet devices have evolved to provide consumers with the performance and connectivity required by today’s lifestyle,” said Michael Rayfield, general manager of the mobile business unit at NVIDIA. “Until now, consumers could get just another ‘gadget’ with limited functionality or a PC that’s not ‘always on’. A Tegra-based platform combines the best of both worlds.”

 

The introduction of NVIDIA's Tegra 600 Series computer-on-a-chip solution will deliver support for devices that can provide 720p and 1080p video playback, long battery life, full Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, optimized support for Web 2.0 applications. In addition, the Tegra MID platform provides support for a complete software solution, including Microsoft's Windows Embedded CE OS, application viewers, full Internet browser, UI framework, board support package (BSP), software development kit (SDK), Web mail client, and more. The 3G connectivity has been enabled on NVIDIA's Tegra MID platform, thanks to the company's collaboration with ST-Ericsson.

 

“ST-Ericsson together with NVIDIA have developed a Microsoft Windows Embedded CE implementation using the ST-Ericsson U335 and the NVIDIA Tegra which is ready for customer design development,” stated Jörgen Lantto, chief technology officer, ST-Ericsson. “This solution takes advantage of the high volume, IOT tested and proven U335 modem solution together with NVIDIA which takes multimedia performance to a new level.”

 

In addition, NVIDIA also announced today the support for the Android platform, with the Tegra APX 2600 processor, which will be on display at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

 

“NVIDIA and Google are both working to unlock the visual computing potential of mobile devices and this announcement matches the power of Tegra with the innovation of the Android platform,” stated Michael Rayfield, general manager, mobile business unit at NVIDIA. “NVIDIA will be working within the Open Handset Alliance to continually strengthen the ability of Android to tap into advanced mobile graphics and media acceleration to make interaction with handheld technology more intuitive and instinctive.”