Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) hosts an OMAP4470 processor-based tablet running on a pre-release version of Windows 8 at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, demonstrating how the latest OMAP™ 4 platform distinctly supports Microsoft’s new computing experience, Windows 8, that reimagines Windows. Designed specifically to enable the ultimate tablet experience, the OMAP4470 processor’s rich multimedia, end-to-end security and powerful multitasking capabilities prove the ideal match for Windows 8 key features including a fast & fluid touch-first user interface, a rich user experience with hardware accelerated graphics, an always-on-always-connected experience, and multiple security enhancements.
Secure, visually-immersive computing in HD
The OMAP4470 platform’s smart multicore architecture pairs its main CPUs with several differentiated features including programmable accelerators, hardware composition engines and a dedicated ISP. Imagination Technologies’ super-fast PowerVR SGX544 GPU and enhanced memory architecture add still more functionality while an OMAP-specific distributed composition architecture enables advanced image and video layering for crisp, HD visuals. These elements and more are the force behind the OMAP4470 processor’s ability to enable fast and fluid multitasking in Windows 8 while maintaining ultra-low power consumption.
As tablets become more prominent in household and enterprise environments, the increased need for rich graphics and imaging is mirrored by the increased need for complete security. Tablets used for cloud-based applications, access to work documents or streaming premium content benefit from the TI’s system-level M-Shield™ mobile security technology—providing the highest level of terminal and content security available today. The M-Shield solution also operates a hardware-protected, trusted execution environment (TEE), which does not require a dedicated chip or extra CPU cycles, freeing the CPUs for critical Windows 8 computing functions.
“The always on, always connected experience requires the sophistication of a processing architecture best offered by OMAP technology,” said Deepu Talla, general manager, OMAP mobile computing, wireless business unit, TI. “The OMAP4470 processor makes expert use of its smart multicore architecture to enable enhanced PC and mobile computing experiences. Combining the OMAP 4 platform’s unique capabilities with Microsoft’s seamless interaction of touch, mouse and keyboard via Windows 8 will deliver a streamlined, fast and fluid experience.”
“Reimagined, Windows 8 is a fast and fluid, touch-first OS that brings a new range of capabilities without compromise,” said Aidan Marcuss, senior director of Windows Core Marketing & Ecosystem, Microsoft Corp. “Our partnership with platform leaders such as TI help take full advantage of ARM architecture, with new capabilities that enable compelling new PCs and user scenarios.”