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HTC looking to NVIDIA's Tegra platform for high-performance phones?
We've been waiting patiently since Tegra's announcement half a year ago for some seriously awesome Tegra-powered hardware (well, any hardware) to get unveiled, but so far, you could hear a pin drop -- we've gotten nothing. That should hopefully change in a big way in 2009, and at least one analyst is predicting that HTC will play a role in getting that mobile NVIDIA silicon into pockets around the world. There's no question that HTC's supposed leaked lineup contains devices that would fit well into Tegra's high-function, multimedia-heavy aspirations, but on the flipside, we've also got rumors that the company moving toward Ericsson chipsets. Tegra's definitely flashier than anything in Ericsson's stable, and HTC's big enough to pursue multiple chipset strategies at the same time -- they have with software platforms, after all -- so let's hope this high drama all resolves itself by MWC next month, eh?[Via wmpoweruser.com]
ASUS G50 prototype with additional 4.3-inch Tegra-based PC
We have a few more details on that prototype ASUS laptop we caught on video last night. Essentially two computers in one chassis, the modified M50 sports a separate Tegra APX-based 4.3-inch touchpad PC below they keyboard, for an effect somewhat reminiscent of (but nothing like) good 'ol SideShow. More than a second display, Tegra's "system on a chip" architecture allows for lightning fast boot times and excellent picture quality -- and since it runs off the same power source as its Atom-based host, the little guy should get up to 12 hours battery life when playing back video.
NVIDIA still interested in jazzing up the netbook space
A month ago to the day we were weeping our poor hearts out as we heard that VIA and NVIDIA had canned whatever netbook plans the two had going on. Now, however, we're being given a glimpse of hope that all may not be lost... at least in relation to NVIDIA. During a webcast from the Credit Suisse annual technology conference being held in Scottsdale, Arizona, NVIDIA's CFO confessed: "We're not saying we're not interested [in the netbook space]; it's a matter of how the market will evolve." In other words, it's taking a wait-and-see approach before plunging in headfirst. Honestly, we're not too shocked to hear that it may still one day invade the swath of 7- to 12-inch mini-laptops out there -- after all, it already branched out significantly with Tegra and Tesla. C'mon NVIDIA, we've got legions of folks waiting to fire up Crysis on their next Eee, and you could be the one to make it happen.
Microsoft working on its own Tegra-powered superphone? Doubtful.
The popular rumor floating around at the moment is that Microsoft intends to announce self-branded handsets powered by NVIDIA's beefy Tegra architecture for next-gen phones and MIDs at the GSMA's Mobile World Congress in February of next year. Let's put aside for a moment the fact that Redmond continues to vehemently deny having any interest in getting into the hardware end of its Windows Mobile racket -- concealing the truth is a part of doing competitive business, after all -- and turn our attention to the practical matter of whether this makes any sense whatsoever. First off, Windows Mobile's strength lies in its incredibly deep and wide partner base, a base that includes visionary teams at HTC, Samsung, LG, Motorola, and countless others. With Android and Symbian finally becoming viable opportunities for third-party manufacturers, Microsoft doesn't want to do anything that's going to hasten the revolt before it's able to wrap up version 7 (or at the very least, 6.5) -- and competing with your own licensees would be a bang-up way to do that. Granted, Microsoft did exactly that by introducing Zune following the PlaysForSure initiative, but let's be honest: Windows Mobile and Zune don't play in the same league. Zune's a hobby, a side gig; WinMo's a monster, a long-term cash cow that's got to be treated with the same franchise tag as Windows itself.
VIA and NVIDIA sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g
Sweet, and likely salty. That's VIA's "special assistant to the president," Timothy Chen, giving NVIDIA's Drew Henry, general manager of its MCP business, a little sugar. The moment was captured after the unveiling of the Mini-ITX 2.0 spec at Computex last week. Why? We're not exactly sure, but we imagine things can get a bit emotional when old enemies join forces against a foe as formidable as Intel. Now give eachother a firm slap on the back, punch to the shoulder, and possibly, if it feels right... a noogie. There's much to do if NVIDIA's Tegra and VIA's Nano are to supplant Intel's Silverthorne and Diamondville in future MIDs and netbooks, respectively. [Thanks, Richard L.]
NVIDIA shows off Tegra on video
Yesterday we told you about NVIDIA's new mobile platform, Tegra, and today, we've got some videos from the company showing off the system, and giving you a good impression of just how much less juice this architecture uses compared to the competition. Check the videos after the break demonstrating the systems' lean energy needs, HDMI output capabilities, blazing fast gaming, and that fancy UI we keep telling you about.
NVIDIA launches Tegra, hopes to change the smartphone / MID game
NVIDIA is launching a full-frontal assault on Intel, its burgeoning MID market, and smartphone makers with its forthcoming "mobile computer on a chip" architecture, dubbed Tegra. We've shown you snippets of what this would look like before, but plans are now well underway to take this technology mainstream, with numerous partnerships, and products planned for Q4 2008 and Q1 / Q2 2009. We had a chat with the company, and we've got a slew of info about the chips and their intended products after the break.Update: We've added some videos from World Mobile Congress showing off the UI.
NVIDIA might get even deeper into the embedded CPU game
Okay, they're only embedded ARM chips, but le Inq is reporting that NVIDIA's prepping not just the Tegra APX 2500 we heard about before, but also a second line of high performance embedded CPUs. Supposedly the forthcoming CSX 600 / 650 will run in the 700-800MHz range, and be capable of 1080p / 24fps video playback. We'll give these guys until, say, 2010 before they're jockeying for AMD's spot at number two in desktop processors.
