1.3megapixel camera phones on their way, says nVIDIA

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 23 Sep 2003 at 15:32

First fruit of MediaQ acquisition

nVIDIA has launched a new graphics chip for phones and PDAs which it says will enable the production handsets with 1.3megapixel camera capabilities.

Phil Carmack, vice president of handheld products at nVIDIA, said: 'The GoForce 2150 processor is specifically optimised to deliver exceptional image quality and camera functionalities at a small fraction of the power consumption.'

The GoForce 2159 processor has the same pin arrangement as existing MediaQ chips, so manufacturers can quickly upgrade to the new chip. But aside from low power consumption, its 64bit 2D graphics accelerator enables hi-res picture taking, and embedded memory for an LCD frame buffer allows motion (JPEG) video capture.

Additionally, the LCD controller will be a boost for clam-shell designed handsets which feature a smaller screen on the outside for caller identification and so on and a larger main screen within.

The GoForce 2159 also supports a wide range of display interfaces (more than 70), including organic LED screens, and at resolutions up to 320x480.

nVIDIA acquired MediaQ earlier this year.

Dr. Jon Peddie, President of Jon Peddie Research, said: 'The new NVIDIA GoForce 2150, which is specifically designed to support these upcoming megapixel camera requirements, has a tremendous opportunity. With these new capabilities, end-users can take higher quality pictures using their camera phones, ultimately encouraging end users to snap and send photos more frequently.'

Certainly cameraphones are proving the biggest hit of all feature-phones with consumers. Nearly 50 million such phones have been sold to date, and multimedia messaging has found enthusiastic backing from the major network operators such as Vodafone with its Live! service.