TEGRA, ‘chip’ of Apple future
Nvidia, the world leader in the visual computing technologies, with its own Netbooks (tiny laptops) scheme, has declared that TEGRA graphic processor will be on the same position with the Intel processors, Apple being the early leader. Jen-Hsun Huang, Nvidia Chief Executive, has declared that Apple is the early indicator in these processors, since MacBook Pro and MacBook Air already have GPU. The CE said that combining the CPU (central processing unit) – GPU (graphic processing unit) into one processing is the future of the computing. Huang has given the eloquent example of the performance and efficiency that the updated Air has by containing co-processors: the Intel CPU and Nvidia GPU.
<-300x250 Medium Rectangle - center->
Apple currently uses GPUs in the production of its laptops and Mac OS X will support GP GPU – general purpose graphics processing unit- that enables a graphic chip run other computing job in addition to the job displaying graphics.
Jen-Hsun Huang presented Tegra chip, an ARM-based design that incorporates an Nvidia GeForce processor. ARM – is a type of computer central processing unit suited to control portable electronic devices that use operations powered by low batteries but without damaging the computing performance. This new chip, Tegra, is meant to be integrating in smartphones and Netbooks.
At the Computex Conference to be held in Taiwan, Nvidia will be displaying hardware that runs on Tegra processor and Windows CE. Tegra is a all-in-one chip incorporating a processor based on a design created by UK-based ARM and Nvidia’s GeForce graphics silicon. The purpose is to bring the big PC-like designs to small devices. Michael Rayfiled, GM at Nvidia’s mobile business unit, declared that Tegra will be displayed in devices that are almost ready to be released in production. M. Rayfield added that the company supports two operating systems, Microsoft Windows CE and Google Android, as it becomes more intriguing for the large screens.
Nvidia are producing Android for smartphones and they plan to do hardware acceleration on android since it is programmed for larger displays. At the beginning of this year Nvidia had announced that is working with Google and the Open Handset Alliance to obtain its Tegra processor into phones that are based on Google’s Android operating system.
Android in relation to graphics-based acceleration of video and other multimedia applications does not do hardware acceleration; they have got by far 720p acceleration on Android internally, that being a lower-resolution standard for high-definition video.
According to Mr. Rayfield, the tiny Tegra chip can be integrated in Windows CE, as this one seems to be the most workable operating system before Android makes its way.
Compared to the Netbooks and mobile Internet devices, the Tegra chip will not be part of devices belonging to PC makers like Hewlett-Packard, Dell, or Acer , but from telecommunications companies. Mr. Huang said that with Tegra, ‘chip’ of Apple future, they will be able to come forth to the customers that want to do instant messaging, lightweight productivity and Nvidia assures that all these will be provided.
