Transforming the way consumers access the Internet, media and TV anywhere and anytime, ARCHOS recently announced its new line of Internet Media Tablets (IMTs) are powered by the OMAP 3 applications processors from Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN). Delivering laptop-like performance and multi-format video support, the new ARCHOS 5, ARCHOS 5G and ARCHOS 7 IMTs are the industry’s first implementation of the OMAP 3 processor based on the 600 MHz superscalar ARM Cortex-A8 processor. Since the OMAP 3 solution is optimized for an environment where battery life is critical, the ARCHOS IMTs redefine how consumers access media and data on the go by providing unparalleled performance at power-sipping levels in a handheld tablet. The OMAP 3 processors also feature TI’s advanced video digital signal processor (DSP) technology, enabling ARCHOS to push the boundaries in designing ultra-thin, ergonomic, yet powerful products that features advanced user interfaces, no-compromise web browsing and an advanced multimedia experience with high-definition (HD) video playback.
The new handheld tablets allow consumers to seamlessly explore and navigate the Internet and media on an incredibly high-resolution screen for sharp, DVD or HD quality video. The ARCHOS 5 offers 60 to 250 GB of memory and an optimal mix of Wi-Fi technology, high-quality video and long battery life. The 30-GB ARCHOS 5G IMT features 3.5G-ready technology for seamless connectivity and Internet browsing through a cellular network. The ARCHOS 7 couples greater storage capacity with 160 or 320 GB options, and a larger screen for increased viewing and multimedia comfort.
Harnessing OMAP 3 technology
Taking advantage of the ARM Cortex-A8 processor, the new IMTs achieve more than 1200 million of instructions per second (MIPS) to run faster code execution for a no-compromise web browsing experience. With this unprecedented performance, users gain faster access to full Web pages, TV and video clips, and are able to read, write and download email, audio and video attachments on a five or seven inch touch screen display. This means users no longer need to zoom in or out to view content on a Web page and no more endless waiting for pages to be loaded.
The OMAP 3 processors are highly integrated system-on-chips (SoC) that offer HD video with a TMS320C64x+™ DSP core, video and imaging accelerators, and video-centric peripherals all tuned to support multi-format video. With MPEG-4 ASP and WMV9 advanced profile at 720p as well as DVD-quality H.264 and MPEG-2, the ARCHOS devices can decode popular video formats on the web today for a true media-on-the-go experience.
Battery life was a critical factor when designing the ARCHOS IMTs. ARCHOS leveraged the multi-core design of the OMAP35x devices, which integrates power management technologies that fully optimize the ARM and DSP engines to maximize efficiency. The architecture also utilizes TI's SmartReflex™ power and performance management software to dynamically control voltage and frequency based on the IMT’s activity use and modes of operation. This elevated flexibility yields longer battery life, giving users four hours of video playback on the devices’ 800 X 480 resolution display.
ARCHOSTexas Instruments
