At a press conference today at 3GSM World Congress, Texas Instruments demonstrated the industry’s first application processor to playback 720p high-definition (HD) video for high-end mobile phones. The OMAP3430 solution is also the first application processor to integrate the newly-defined OpenGL ES 2.0 graphic standard, bringing “life-like” 3D graphics to the handset and creating a mobile gaming experience comparable to today’s handheld gaming devices. In addition, TI introduced two new members of the scalable OMAPT 3 processor family that will help handset manufacturers provide smartphones with robust multimedia functionality at a lower cost.
Expanded OMAP 3 Product Family Targets Mid-Tier Phones
Building on the foundation created with the OMAP3430 processor, TI is introducing two new OMAP 3 solutions, adding the OMAP3410 and OMAP3420 processors. The OMAP 3 product family will allow handset manufacturers to scale their product offerings to address a range of performance levels and price points from premium multimedia to feature-rich
smartphones. The software compatibility and scalability of the solutions reduces development time, speeds time to market and increases cost savings. Handset manufacturers can create multiple handsets based on OMAP 3 solutions addressing different market segments with limited additional investments. Capitalizing on the success of the OMAP 2 applications processors, the OMAP 3 product family remains fully software compatible with the OMAP2430, further simplifying the migration path for development of future handsets.
“Together, these three innovative OMAP products will take video and graphics to a new level for mobile phones and accelerate growth of the high end of the market, as well as the mid-tier,” said Alain Mutricy, vice president and general manager, Texas Instruments. “TI continues to drive innovation for the coolest wireless phones, pushing performance boundaries and delivering market-leading graphics and video capabilities.”
720p High-Definition Video Playback Moves to the Mobile Handset
With support for up to 720p HD-video playback (1280×720 pixels), the OMAP3430 application processor gives consumers direct access to personal video content stored in high-definition formats. Users can transfer and view HD-video content on the mobile handset or connect the handset to a projector or large screen TV, giving consumers the flexibility to determine how and where they view video programs.
“As the wireless market continues to evolve, 3D graphics and high-end video will transform the mobile user experience through the availability of new content and services,” said Mario Morales, analyst, IDC. “Semiconductor platforms that provide these value-added features from the high end of the market, and also in the mainstream segments, stand to gain more momentum as consumers require a more compelling list of features like 720p video playback and OpenGL ES 2.0 advanced graphics, for a richer user experience on their new feature phones.”
TI Advances Mobile Gaming and User Interfaces with New Graphics Technologies
The OMAP3430 processor embeds Imagination Technologies’ PowerVR SGX graphics core, making it the first applications processor to support Open GL ES 2.0 and OpenVG, providing superior graphics performance and advanced user interface capabilities. OpenVG provides hardware acceleration of 2D scalable vector graphics for creation of advanced,immersive user interfaces and flash-style animations. TI also is enabling sophisticated and dynamic images in the mobile gaming environment with “smart pixel” technology offered via OpenGL ES 2.0. This unique technology allows each pixel in an image to be programmed individually, giving game developers the power to create rich effects with cinematic realism. Users will now experience “life-like” facial features, advanced reflection effects and multi-textured backgrounds in mobile games.