Aptina unleashes 1080p and 4K mobile sensors, entire point-and-shoot segment cringes

Hear that? That's the sound of the entire point-and-shoot camera industry bracing for yet another blow. As smartphone cameras mature, it's becoming ever more difficult to convince consumers to use anything other than their phone outside of special occasions where ILCs or DSLRs are necessary. Aptina has a lot to do with that. Here at Mobile World Congress, the sensor outfit has announced its 12 megapixel and 13 megapixel mobile image sensors, aimed squarely at next-gen flagship phones that ought to be coming out in Q2 or Q3 this year. The smaller 1.1-micron pixel construction is the standout feature, with the AR1230 capable of capturing 4K video at 30fps as well as 1080p video at up to 96fps. The AR1330 throws in electronic image stabilization support at 1080p, while snagging 4K UHD and 4K Cinema formats at 30fps.

Over on the tablet PC / TV front, the AR0261 is a new 1080p-capable sensor that's destined to redefine what a front-facing camera can accomplish. It relies on a 1.4-micron pixel, and should have no issues capturing faces at up to 60fps when using its 720p mode. Furthermore, Aptina promises that this guy can work with applications involving gesture recognition and 3D video capture, but sadly, no OEMs are coming forward just yet with concrete plans to include it.

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Aptina Delivers Stunning Ultra High Definition 4K Video and Superior Image Capturing Performance in New 12-Megapixel and 13-Megapixel Mobile Imaging Sensors

Aptina advances Smartphone imaging with a family of 1.1 micron pixel-based sensors

Mobile World Congress 2013

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aptina announced today the introduction of its 12-megapixel (MP) and 13-megapixel mobile image sensors targeting high end Smartphone manufacturers. Integrating Aptina's most advanced pixel technology, the new sensors combine 3rd generation Aptina™ A-PixHS™ and 4th generation Aptina™MobileHDR™ technology to deliver superior low light performance and best-in-class still and high speed video high dynamic range (HDR) allowing consumers to take exceptional pictures and video regardless of lighting conditions. The smaller 1.1-micron pixel provides dramatic results with incredibly fine detail rivaling the performance of digital still cameras and enabling advanced features high end mobile devices demand.

"These sensors are the first of a family of new, high quality 1.1-micron based products being sampled by our customers, and which Aptina will be delivering in the coming years."

"1.1-micron pixel technology will be a significant driver in the mobile industry over the next four years providing a path for handset makers to offer higher resolution sensors in the same form factors. The 1/3-inch format will continue to be the dominant form factor for designers of mid to high-end smart phones," said Tetsuo Omori, Sr. Mobile Industry Analyst at Techno Systems Research.

Both sensors take advantage of 4th generation Aptina MobileHDR™ technology which increases dynamic range as much as 24 decibels (dB) while maintaining image sharpness and compensating for motion making it perfect for video and still images. The end result is crisp, clear images and videos across varying lighting conditions.

Fully equipped with innovative features that produce color- rich video and images in full field of view, the AR1230 captures crisp 4K -UHD video at 30fps as well as 1080P video up to 96fps for smooth playback. The AR1330 increases video capabilities by providing enhanced electronic image stabilization support in 1080P mode while capturing video in both 4K UHD and 4K Cinema formats at 30fps. Additionally, both sensors support advanced features like super slow motion video, new zoom methodologies, computational array imaging and 3D image capture which allows OEMs to offer unique solutions in their latest Smartphones.

"Built on Aptina's smallest, and most advanced 1.1-micron pixel technology, the AR1230 and AR1330 image sensors provide the high resolution, impressive low-light sensitivity, and advanced features manufacturers of high end Smartphone are looking for," said Gennadiy Agranov, Pixel CTO and Vice President at Aptina. "These sensors are the first of a family of new, high quality 1.1-micron based products being sampled by our customers, and which Aptina will be delivering in the coming years."

Availability

The AR1230 is now in production and is available for mass production orders immediately. The AR1330 is sampling now and will be in production by summer of 2013. Available in die for OEMs and manufacturers who have their own ISP; these sensors are also available with Aptina's imaging co-processor for a fully tuned, complete camera solution.

The AR1230 and AR1330 sensors are available in standard 8.5 x 8.5mm modules with low Z-heights to leading OEMs and camera module integrators. The AR1330 is manufactured on the latest 300mm CMOS image sensor process at TSMC producing category leading image sensor performance.

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Aptina Introduces 1080p Full HD Mobile Sensor with Gesture Enabling Features for Front Facing Video Applications

Newest Aptina mobile imaging sensor provides feature rich video solution with 1.4-micron pixel performance
Mobile World Congress 2013

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aptina announced today the introduction of the world's highest performance Full HD mobile sensor with industry leading 60fps/ 1080p video and high dynamic range capability. Aptina's newest high performing mobile solution, the AR0261, targets OEMs and ODMs designing in high end features to meet the demand for forward facing applications in Smartphones, Tablet PCs and TV monitors. The new 1080p sensor has a 1.4-micron pixel providing outstanding low light performance with incredibly fine detail. This unparalleled performance is enabled by 4th generation Aptina™ MobileHDR™ technology that delivers superior low light performance and best-in-class high dynamic range which enables Smartphones with video capture performance that rivals video cameras regardless of lighting conditions. Furthermore, the fast 60fps frame rate also enables new gesture applications that open up a new way for users to interact with their devices.

"Gesture recognition, 3-D and HDR will open a whole new world of personal interaction with these devices."

The AR0261 captures native 1080P full HD video (16:9 aspect ratio) or 720p HD video at speedy rates of 60fps for smooth video playback, encouraging an immersive viewing experience. Smartphone users running video applications will benefit from the image senor's built-in video resolution and dynamic range capabilities. MobileHDR technology increases dynamic range to maintain image sharpness and compensate for motion, meaning subjects can sit inside a room with challenging lighting such as a bright window lighting a low light room without having the subjects faces darkened during a video conference chat. The end result is crisp, clear images and videos across varying lighting conditions. Not only is the users' video experience more pleasing, the sensor employs a new design architecture that enables the fast speed while promoting low power for longer battery life as demanded by most portable electronics.

Additionally, other exciting applications such as gesture recognition and 3-D video capture are possible with AR0261. Accurate gesture recognition can be enabled by the fast frame rate, while Aptina's 3-D technology synchronizes two AR0261 output data streams to work collaboratively for 3-D. Exclusive front facing applications for 3-D TVs and other devices can be enabled.

"Designers choosing the AR0261 will find new and exciting ways to enable users to interact with their favorite devices," said Aptina's Roger Panicacci, VP of Product Development. "Gesture recognition, 3-D and HDR will open a whole new world of personal interaction with these devices."

Availability

The AR0261 is sampling now and will be in production by summer of 2013. Available in die and CSP packaging for OEMs and manufacturers who have their own ISP; this sensor is also available with Aptina's imaging co-processor for a fully tuned, complete front facing camera solution.

The AR0261 sensor has a 1/6-inch optical format and is targeted for standard 5.5 x 5.5mm modules with low z-heights. The AR0261 is manufactured on the latest 300mm CMOS image sensor process at TSMC producing category leading image sensor performance.