It looks like NVIDIA is quite busy with its new Tegra family of “computers-on-a-chip” these days, as it has been revealed that besides the usual mobile platforms it should be working on to support (i.e. Windows Mobile, Windows CE and Google Android), it has also been working on the up-and-coming Google Chrome OS with Google itself. NVIDIA’s GM of Mobile Business Mike Rayfield spilled the beans to JKOnTheRun’s Kevin Tofel saying, “Nvidia is “working closely with Google,” on the Chrome OS platform” and that it isn’t just meant for handheld devices.

Why would anyone want a mobile computer with Tegra on it, you ask? Well, its main selling point according to NVIDIA is that it easily supports hi-def video playback and that it uses less power than Intel’s Atom processor for the said task. Some people may find this adequate in a mobile device, but sad to say, I am not one of them. NVIDIA makes a good point in saying that the “cloud” can be a good alternative for desktop apps, but for me they will never be able to replace the best desktop programs I use (or at least not any time soon). But Chrome OS is supposed to change this, so let’s hope the products hit the market in time for a closer evaluation.

Via JKOnTheRun

Back in June, Mobinnova introduced the Elan netbook, a new portable computer that offered 5-10 hours of high definition video viewing thanks to it being based on NVIDIA’s Tegra platform. It has been showcased recently and according to a report from DigiTimes it has already received orders from telecom service providers in Europe and North America, where it will appear before the end of 2009. Foxconn has been identified as the primary manufacturer of this Tegra-based “smartbook” while it is said that Compal Communication is also supposed to make one before year-end. Apart from supposedly excellent high-definition video playback and slightly longer battery life (than average), there doesn’t seem to be anything special about Tegra. I suppose I will have to see when I get my hands on a unit of my own for testing.

Via DigiTimes

We’ve already told you about NVIDIA’s upcoming Tegra chips that could theoretically power $99 MIDs, but now you can see it on video. Not the chip itself, but a proof of concept device that’s got it inside, which NVIDIA showcased in its booth in the now on-going MWC 2009. One of NVIDIA’s proof of concept units was shown with Android, while another was playing 1080P video effortlessly as handheld device. Engadget’s got a bunch of videos showing the chipset’s performance, and it should be enough to convince any non-believer: Tegra “just works.” At least for now. Hopefully, they plant this into at least a couple of devices that will be released in the summer.

Via Engadget

NVIDIA has announced its plans to launch a $99 mobile Internet device that’s equipped with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard similar to what we have pictured above. This device will be powered by the company’s Tegra 600 chipset and Windows CE with some sort of skin on top, HD video playback, several days of battery life and always-on wireless connectivity, among other features. At the moment, no manufacturer has taken up the task of actually designing and working on building NVIDIA’s conceptualized MIDs, but if any company does and they get it right we just might have a promising product in the horizon.

Via Engadget