Nvidia officialy launches Next Generation Tegra platform at CES 2010

Read on for specifications and a look at the prototypes

Basic architecture of Nvidia's Tegra 2 platform

Pegatron Neo smartbook prototype based on Tegra 2

Quanta's prototype device based on next generation Tegra 2 architecture

Good news for all you tablet/MID/slate lovers, Nvidia has officially announced the Next Generation Tegra processor i.e. Tegra 2, which has been specially designed to enhance the internet experience of tablets. This news came in as a press release from Nvidia during the CES 2010 which was held in Las Vegas from 5^th Jan – 7^th Jan.

The Next Generation Tegra features the world’s first dual core ARM Cortex A9 CPU running at 1 GHz. Tegra 2 has a set of eight independent processors including a dedicated image processor, HD video encoder, HD video decoder, audio processor, and a graphic processor. These processors work in tandem or independently to optimize performance and save battery life. The salient features of this new platform are as follows:

• Based on 40nm process featuring active power management
• Enhanced battery life – Tegra 2 can deliver over 16 hours of HD video or 140 hours of music on a single charge
• Support for Full HD streaming and HDMI output
• Blazing fast browsing experience
• Adobe Flash Player 10.1 support for streaming video and 3D games
• Capable of much higher resolution
• 3D touchscreen user interface
• Supports form factors ranging from 5-15 inches
• Crystal clear audio
• Supported OS include Windows CE, Windows Mobile, Android, and Chrome (will be added)

CES 2010 was host to certain prototypes based on this next generation Tegra platform. First up, was a tablet/MID from Compal which features a 7-inch resistive touchscreen display, WiFi connectivity (although there was no Bluetooth nor GPS), SIM card slot, microSD card slot, HDMI out, and Android 2.0 operating system. According to engadget, who got a hands-on view of this device and also a video demo, the resistive touchscreen is not so good but the device is capable of playing stutter free 1080p videos. This means that Tegra 2 is quite capable of handling HD video.

Next netbook/smartbook on display at the CES 2010 carrying the Nvidia Tegra 2 logo came from Asus Pegatron in the form of an all white Pegatron Neo smartbook. The device has a 10-inch display which is capable of pumping out 1080p video, has WiFi connectivity, and offers an extended battery life all thanks to the Tegra 2. The device is feather light and quite slim too with a chiklet style keyboard. The device is still a prototype but we expect to see it soon.

Another device based on Tegra 2 made an appearance at the Nvidia stall at CES 2010, this one was manufactured by Quanta. This device runs Android OS offers WiFi and 3G connectivity and can output 1080p video on your HDTV.

The most interesting device featuring the Next Generation Tegra platform is the Notion Ink tablet PC. This device runs on Android 2.0 and has the standard connectivity features like WiFi. The best part about this device is its 10.1-inch Pixel Qi transflective screen which can easily switch between a backlit LCD mode and a low power electrophoretic reflective mode which is similar to E-ink. This device is also a prototype and according to sources we might see more of this device at the Mobile World Congress which will be held next month.

Well, the Tegra 2 platform looks promising to me but, we all will have to wait for the above mentioned devices to make a formal appearance.