Texas Instruments introduces the OMAP4470 processor

     At CES 2012, Texas Instruments showed off an OMAP4470 processor tablet running on the Windows 8 pre-release operating system, demonstrating how the new OMAP4 platform fully supports Microsoft's latest computing experience that reinvents Windows. Designed for the ultimate tablet experience, the OMAP4470 processor delivers rich multimedia, end-to-end security, and powerful multitasking, all key features of Windows 8. This includes a fast and smooth touch-driven user interface, a rich hardware-accelerated graphics experience, an always-connected experience, and multiple enhanced security features.

     The OMAP4470 platform's intelligent multi-core architecture perfectly combines its main CPU with several differentiating features including programmable accelerators, hardware composition engines, and dedicated ISPs. In addition, Imagination Technologies' ultra-fast PowerVR SGX544 GPU and enhanced memory architecture adds even more functionality, while OMAP's dedicated distributed architecture enables advanced image and video layering for sharp HD vision. The OMAP4470 processor uses these and other features to enable uninterrupted, high-speed multitasking at ultra-low power consumption, providing a significant advantage for many applications running on Windows 8.

     As tablets play an increasingly important role in home and business environments, the need for rich graphics and imaging capabilities is rising along with the need for comprehensive security. Tablets used to support cloud applications, access working documents or advanced streaming content can benefit from TI's system-level M-Shield™ mobile security technology, which provides the highest level of endpoint and content security available today. In addition, the M-Shield solution runs a hardware-protected Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) that eliminates the need for dedicated chips or additional CPU cycles, freeing up the CPU to perform important Windows 8 computing functions.

     Deepu Talla, general manager of OMAP Mobile Computing, TI's wireless business unit, said: "An always-connected user experience requires advanced processing architecture, which is where OMAP technology is strong. The OMAP4470 processor can be specialized with its intelligent multi-core architecture to improve the PC and mobile computing experience. Combining the unique features of the OMAP 4 platform with the seamless interaction between touch, mouse and keyboard of Microsoft Windows 8 makes for a fast and smooth optimized experience."

     Aidan Marcuss, senior director of Windows Core Markets and Industry Environment at Microsoft, said: "With the tweaks, Windows 8 is now a fast, smooth, touch-driven operating system that delivers a whole new set of features without compromising. "Our collaboration with leading platform companies such as TI allows us to take full advantage of the ARM architecture and gain new capabilities that enhance the processing power of the entire board."