The ability to snap photos, play games, and listen to music has become a huge selling point for handhelds. Yet today's discerning wireless consumers are already looking for better multimedia performance. The great leaps and bounds of the wireless industry have taught them that new gadgets should show grand improvements over previous devices. To satisfy these consumer cravings, Intel (www.intel.com) will soon hatch the next generation of its Xscale-technology-based processors.
The upcoming processors are code-named "Bulverde." They'll flaunt several features that allow wireless devices to capture higher-quality pictures. Bulverde-powered handsets also vow to extend battery life and deliver fast multimedia performance.
Inspired by the ability to send digital photos and video clips, the company also has developed the Intel Quick Capture Technology. It allows imaging devices to connect to a cell phone or PDA. Quick Capture claims to improve image quality and reduce the cost of adding digital-image capabilities to mobile devices. The interface provides the ability to get live video and high-quality still images from a wide range of camera sensors in current and future camera-enabled handsets.
In addition, Bulverde will be the first processor to offer Wireless Intel SpeedStep Technology. This technology dynamically adjusts the processor's power and performance based on CPU demand. It can result in a significant decrease in power consumption for wireless handheld devices. SpeedStep advances the capabilities of Intel Dynamic Voltage Management by incorporating three new low-power states: deep idle, standby, and deep sleep. By intelligently switching the processor into the various low-power modes, it can change both voltage and frequency on the fly.
For one last Bulverde teaser, take a peek at the Intel Wireless MMX technology. This advanced set of multimedia instructions is expected to help bring desktop-like multimedia performance to Bulverde-based clients. At the same time, it promises to minimize the power that's needed to run rich applications. By building on the company's original MMX technology, Intel Wireless MMX enables software developers to quickly make their applications available for Intel-based cell phones and PDAs. Additional details surrounding the Bulverde processors are expected to be available in the first half of next year.