Taking place in Las Vegas this week is CTIA, another annual mobile/tech industry conference much like CES that takes place in January. Some well-known names are attending this year’s meetup, companies such as HTC, NVIDIA, LG and Verizon are all in attendance. Demoing their Tegra 4i processor with built in i500 LTE modem is Santa Clara’s NVIDIA, showing the industry that thanks to an update, their chip is capable of flying through large amounts of data in no time at all. 

Using Phoenix, their reference device for manufacturers, the Tegra 4i was able to pull through 150Mbps, an extra 50% boost in speed over their previous speed tests that took place at MWC in February. The gain in speed is thanks to a simple modem software update, no new hardware and not a new chip. Using the above pictured emulator, since no LTE Cat 4 networks currently exist locally, the Tegra 4i was able to demonstrate what would happen in the perfect world test – LTE Advanced speeds.

To close, NVIDIA also showed the chipset demonstrating video and audio playback on AT&T’s 4G LTE network. Sort of makes it exciting for when this chip will be placed inside of an actual retail device.

Via: NVIDIA

NVIDIA Shows Off More Tegra 4i at CTIA, LTE Advanced Speeds Are a Go is a post from: Droid Life

Last week, the vice president of investor relations for NVIDIA, Rob Csongor, spoke of the company’s mobile strategies moving forward through 2013 and beyond. Currently, Samsung and Apple make up exactly 50% of this year’s first quarter mobile sales, so according to Csongor, NVIDIA will look to partner with the “other half” of the market such as HTC, ZTE, Huawei and other lower-placed companies to push its line of mobile processor. 

In doing so, NVIDIA’s upcoming Tegra 4i processor would be seen in direct competition with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 400 chip, a chip that NVIDIA says can be outperformed three to one by the 4i.

The Tegra 4 and 4i were announced earlier this year, but we are still awaiting a flagship device to carry either chip inside. Anyone else hoping to see a device running either one of these before NVIDIA arrives too late for the party?

Via: Fool

Cheers Ben!

NVIDIA to Target Mid-Range “Other Half” of Smartphones Moving Forward is a post from: Droid Life

In response to a growing amount of “buzz” generated around NVIDIA’s SHIELD Android gaming unit, pre-orders went live today. Initially, they were dated to go up on May 20, but if you planned on shelling out the $349.99 and possibly another $60 on accessories in the shape of a case and custom lids, you can do so now. 

You can pick up your SHIELD right from NVIDIA and they will ship out by the end of June according to their website.

On a separate note, it would have been nice for NVIDIA to bundle your pre-order with a free case or something. Incentives are always good.

Pre-order

Via: NVIDIA

NVIDIA SHIELD Pre-Order Date Moved Up to Today, Still $349 is a post from: Droid Life

Details have finally been released for NVIDIA’s highly-anticipated SHIELD. Previously known as Project SHIELD, they dropped “Project” and decided SHEILD was a better way to go. Either way, we first saw the Tegra 4-powered SHIELD at this year’s CES in January, so after months (it felt like years) of awaiting news on pricing and a release date, we finally have it. 

Priced at $349, pre-orders can be placed for SHIELD starting today if you had previously signed up for the “Notify Me” service for the device. General public pre-orders will begin Monday, May 20. If you are interested in placing an order, you can do so through sites such as Newegg, GameStop, Micro Center, and Canada Computers.

So, I think it’s time for a refresher in SHIELD. The device is a portable gaming console that is expected to ship with Android 4.2.1. The device has a 5″ 720p display, the Tegra 4 processor filled with 72 GPU cores and four CPU cores, topped with 2GB of RAM. It sports a mini-HDMI out slot, microSD slot, dual analog joysticks, a full-sized d-pad, triggers, bumpers, and everything else a gamer might need while on the go. And don’t forget about SHIELD’s ability to stream your PC games, a feature that will launch as a beta as they continue to optimize the service. 

We have waited months for this information – $349 for a pure Android gaming device, complete with big speakers, an HD display, and awesome controls. Sound like something you might be ordering?

For more info on SHIELD and details on ordering, hit up the via.

Via:  NVIDIA

NVIDIA SHIELD Release Details Announced, General Pre-Orders Start May 20 For $349 is a post from: Droid Life

We as consumers are still awaiting details on which upcoming devices will be running NVIDIA’s Tegra 4 processor this year. News out of Greece today shows that a tablet made by Toshiba could be one of the first, as it has popped up on the web sporting a few notable features. 

It looks to be a 10″ device, running somewhat stock Android 4.2.1. The next thing to take note of is that it appears to have a specially designed dock that it can be mounted in, which makes it good for people that like the notebook functionality that some tablets offer. Lastly, the Tegra 4 chip, according to TechBlog, is clocked at 1.8GHz when tested using benchmark applications.

No matter what device comes first running the new chip, the sooner the better in my book.

Via: TechBlog.gr

Upcoming Toshiba AT10LE-A Tablet Pictured, Running Tegra 4 Chip is a post from: Droid Life

NVIDIA continues their teasing of Project SHIELD with another video, this time featuring an upcoming Android title, Arma Tactics. With Tegra 4 enhancements, Arma Tactics is an extremely well designed warfare game, with random missions and objectives, meaning gameplay should never be the same twice. 

Of course, it’s not really the game we are truly concerned about, but the hardware it is being played on. NVIDIA, when are we getting release date and pricing information?

Check out the video below to see what to expect when Arma Tactics drops on Android.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via: NVIDIA

Video: NVIDIA Shows Off Arma Tactics on Project SHIELD is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

Were you one of the people that thought Project SHIELD was pointless? Prepare to eat your words. Here at GTC, I caught a glimpse of an NVIDIA employee flying his new Parrot AR Drone, running on Project SHIELD. 

Flying the drone is cool all by itself, but with SHIELD, you are able to view what the drone sees on that crisp 720p display, and control the drone much more accurately with the SHIELD’s joysticks.

Pretty cool, right?

Video: NVIDIA’s Project SHIELD Powers a Parrot AR Drone is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

While walking around the showroom here at GTC, we ran into a demo of NVIDIA’s Tegra 4 developer reference model showing off the nifty new HDR software. This same software was shown off at CES in January, but since Tegra 4 is still unavailable to consumers, it’s still labeled as “new” and “cool.” 

What NVIDIA has done is make HDR on smartphones and tablets actually useful. By cutting out all of the excess time and finger crossing that goes into capturing HDR pictures on phones, NVIDIA is hoping to bring this to the public with a nice list of OEM’s.

Be sure to stick around for more interesting demos and videos from GTC.

Video: NVIDIA Tegra 4 HDR Demo at GTC is a post from: Droid Life

This morning at GTC, NVIDIA’s CEO unveiled an official roadmap for their mobile processor line, Tegra. Currently, many devices feature a Tegra 3 processor, known as the world’s first quad-core processor for mobile devices. At this year’s CES, NVIDIA announced the Tegra 4 with a built in LTE modem, although we have still to see the Tegra 4 hit mass production in phones and tablets. 

We now have two new future chipsets to think about, Logan and Parker. The Logan will feature a Kepler GPU, full CUDA 5 computing platform, and OpenGL 4.3. As for Parker, it will showcase a Maxwell GPU, Denver CPU (CPU+GPU combo), and FinFET 3D software technology. Although they didn’t give official names, one could assume these are the Tegra 5 and Tegra 6.

As we can see at the bottom, we see the years 2014 and 2015 on the timeline, so we don’t have to hold our breath just yet. There will be lots more to come from GTC, as the floor opens up today, so stay tuned.

NVIDIA Unveils Tegra Roadmap, Logan and Parker Mobile Processors is a post from: Droid Life

If you are interested in the world of mobile processors and the next generation of GPU’s, then the GPU Technology Conference in San Jose, CA is where you want to be. I am here live at their keynote, where NVIDIA CEO, Jen-Hsun Huang is set to kick off the conference.

We were told to expect some “surprises” on Tegra and gaming, so let’s cross our fingers and hope for something sweet.

Watch: GTC Keynote From San Jose With NVIDIA CEO is a post from: Droid Life

At the 2013 CES, NVIDIA took center stage with Project SHIELD, showing off an upcoming Android title called Real Boxing. Well, we still don’t have SHIELD (and you know how I feel about that), but Real Boxing hit Google Play this AM. Real Boxing is the most life-like fighting experience you will find on Android currently, bringing enhanced 3D graphics and lighting. The game is so detailed, you will see every drop of blood as you pummel it out of your opponent. 

That’s all find and dandy, but what sort of puts a bad taste in my mouth is that the title is currently a Tegra exclusive title. So, most phones are already out of the picture and it’s basically limited to anyone that owns an ASUS tablet. Hooray for the openness of Android. Rant over.

The game costs $5 in Google Play, which may not be too bad if boxing is your sport of choice.

Play Link ($4.99)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Real Boxing Hits Google Play, Remains a Tegra Exclusive Title For Now is a post from: Droid Life

This morning, NVIDIA is continuing to tease us with a few upcoming Tegra 4 enhanced game titles that take full advantage of all of those GPU cores. Two of the five games look to be zombies games, but that’s just fine by me. The new titles include Burn Zombie Burn, Dead on Arrival 2, Carie: Blood Mansion, CODEX: The Warrior, and RU Golf. 

Since we don’t even have a date for a Tegra 4 launch, there is no date listed for these either. Although, they are currently showing them off in Barcelona at MWC, so hopefully there are a few lucky people that get to play them.

In true NVIDIA fashion, here is a trailer for Zombie Driver (another T4 enhanced title teased earlier) that shows off the special FX that the Tegra 4 chip allows for. As you can see, the difference between T4 performance and non-T4 performance is night and day. Whenever these chips do finally hit the market, it should be a fun experience.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A Sneak Peak at 5 Great Games Optimized for Tegra 4 

Tegra 4 kicked off our presence at Mobile World Congress by grabbing headlines and jumping into “hyperspace.” But all the processing capabilities in the world do you no good without a graphically immersive gaming experience.

Let’s take a look at five upcoming games primed for the TegraZone spotlight:

Burn Zombie Burn

Developer: Tick Tock Games

Burn Zombie Burn blasts onto the mobile scene for the first time with fast-paced, console-quality action that has you striving to survive against a never-ending horde of zombies. With a slew of weapons available for your zombie-blasting pleasure, you’ll master the art of eradicating the undead.

Carie: Blood Mansion

Developer & Publisher: Neowiz

Tegra device users will get an exclusive map in Carie: Blood Mansion, with even more immersive graphics on Tegra 4 devices. You’ll guide Carie through bloody battles in this action adventure title. Keep an eye on the high-res textures, enhanced physics simulations and optimized fire and smoke effects in the below video.

CODEX: The Warrior

Developer & Publisher: Devclan and Playbean

With an emphasis on action and fighting, Tegra 4 brings to life the 3D action RPG CODEX: The Warrior. In the game, you’ll battle monstrous enemies in search of an ancient document after a war in heaven. The already impressive graphics get a console-like boost with the real-time dynamic shadows and HDR lighting.

Dead on Arrival 2

Developer & Publisher: N3V Games

We asked you a couple weeks ago if you could survive a zombie apocalypse. Well, can you? Dead on Arrival 2’s custom-built blasters are being put to the test – for the first time on mobile – here in Barcelona. The game features high resolution models and PhysX™, for full-bore map destruction and even bigger explosions.

RU Golf

Developer & Publisher: Nutgee

RU Golf swung onto the mobile scene last year for Tegra 3-powered devices and will follow through with Tegra 4. Experience mano-a-mano multiplayer online battles with dynamic specular lighting, soft shadows, and bloom and lens flare effects. With various levels and character customizing features, get ready to tee off with RU Golf.

If you’ve made it to Barcelona for MWC, make sure you stop by the NVIDIA booth in Hall 7 to check out these great games. And if not, stop by TegraZone to keep up with all the hottest games optimized for Tegra processors.

Via: NVIDIA

NVIDIA Announces Five Tegra 4 Optimized Games, But With No Release Dates is a post from: Droid Life

The Tegra 4i has us all excited. It’s basically the Tegra 4 with matched performance and matched battery life, but finally brings integrated 4G LTE capabilities. All of those specs make this upcoming processor something to keep an eye out for. NVIDIA is currently at MWC and put out a short video showing off some of the features of their newest mobile chip. 

We get a good sense that the 60 GPU cores in the Tegra 4i and the Phoenix reference phone that it’s packed in are being put to good use. The graphical power of this chip shines in the display of an HD boxing game and a 1080p trailer for an upcoming Tom Cruise flick. NVIDIA also explains how the CPU and GPU in the 4i help the phone to take better HDR photos than the competition.

As for the Phoenix phone, don’t expect to get your hands on it anytime soon. It’s a sleek and simple device, with no real physical features to speak of other than the addition of HDMI-out. Think of it more as a developer platform that OEMs will get to tinker with and build off of.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via: NVIDIA

Video: NVIDIA Shows Off Phoenix Reference Phone, 1080p Display and Beastly Gaming Performance is a post from: Droid Life

Just minutes ago, NVIDIA and ZTE announced that the first smartphones equipped with the Tegra 4 processor would hit the market sometime before mid-2013. ZTE is a Chinese OEM, which means the device will probably not hit our shores, but it is great news that manufacturers are taking the initial steps in investing in the processor and its capabilities. 

Also, NVIDIA announced that they are working closely with ZTE to release an additional LTE “super phone” using the all-new i500 LTE chipset. As always, no word on if we will see that device come to the U.S. either.

It may not be the OEM we were hoping for, but in reality, the Tegra 4 was only announced last month and even then, it was still technically unfinished. Now that the LTE variant is a go, we will probably see more manufacturers like ASUS, HTC (maybe), and others start hopping on board.

ZTE and NVIDIA Partner To Launch First Tegra 4 Super Phones 

New Devices to Feature 72 Custom GPU Cores, Quad-Core Cortex-A15 CPU, Icera i500 LTE Chipset for High Performance, Power Efficiency, Fast 4G Networking 

20 February 2013, Shenzhen, China – ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment, network solutions and mobile devices has announced that it is partnering with NVIDIA to deliver the first super phones powered by the NVIDIA® Tegra® 4 mobile processor, with the first models to reach the market before mid-year.

ZTE has a long-term strategic partnership with NVIDIA and expects to launch the first Tegra 4 super phones in China in the first half of 2013. The Tegra 4 processor was only announced by NVIDIA in January, at the CES 2013 exhibition in Las Vegas.

“This is a clear demonstration of ZTE’s ability to quickly develop, and bring to market, market-leading devices running the industry’s latest technologies,” said Mr. He Shiyou, ZTE EVP and Head of the Terminal Division.

The NVIDIA Tegra 4 will enable the ZTE devices to deliver ultra-fast web browsing, improved app load times, more realistic gaming experiences and great battery life – thanks to the processor’s 72 custom NVIDIA GeForce® cores and quad-core ARM Cortex-A15 CPU. Tegra 4 also enables worldwide 4G LTE voice and data support through an optional chipset, the NVIDIA i500 processor. ZTE and NVIDIA are also planning a new LTE super phone using the i500 LTE chipset for blazing-fast networking.

These new devices build on ZTE and NVIDIA’s success with previous smartphones such as the Grand X, the first smartphone powered by both the Tegra processor and NVIDIA’s Icera modem; the Grand Era super phone with Tegra 3; and the U950, the first premium quad-core smartphone with Tegra 3 priced below $160 USD.

“We’re proud to continue our pioneering partnership with NVIDIA and are looking forward to offering more Tegra-powered devices, which are defining a new generation of phones offering premium mobile computing experiences,” said Mr. He. “Our Tegra 4 smartphones will provide full HD entertainment and multimedia experiences that consumers will love.”

“ZTE’s newest super phones will show off Tegra 4′s processing power, efficiency and unprecedented capabilities,” said Phil Carmack, Senior Vice President of the Mobile business at NVIDIA. “They’re a great example of what the market expects from one of the world’s largest phone makers.”

About ZTE

ZTE is a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every sector of the wireline, wireless, service and terminals markets. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to over 500 operators in more than 140 countries, helping them to meet the changing needs of their customers while achieving continued revenue growth. ZTE’s 2010 revenue led the industry with a 21% increase to USD10.609 billion. ZTE commits 10 percent of its revenue to research and development and takes a leading role in a wide range of international bodies developing emerging telecoms standards. A company with sound corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZTE is a member of the UN Global Compact. ZTE is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer, publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.

ZTE Announces Itself As First OEM to be Putting NVIDIA’s Tegra 4 In a Phone is a post from: Droid Life

This morning, NVIDIA announced the newest member to the Tegra 4 family called the Tegra 4i. This is their first LTE integrated chip, so if it’s adopted by phone manufacturers, we should finally start to see more Tegra-equipped smartphones in the mass market. In the past, Tegra chips were separate from LTE modems, which gave Qualcomm and their integrated Snapdragon processors a head start on LTE phones. With this new Tegra 4i chip and the technology behind it, NVIDIA may have a winning formula, one that will target the mainstream phone market, with Tegra 4 still powering superphones. 

Tegra 4i

The Tegra 4i features a quad-core (4-PLUS-1) CPU based on ARM’s R4 Cortex-A9 CPU, along with a fifth battery saver core. It has a 60-core GPU, an integrated version of NVIDIA’s i500 LTE modem, NVIDIA’s new Chimera computational photography architecture, and is about half the size of the new Snapdragon 800. It’s not quite the beast that the Tegra 4 is, but it does bring power and efficiency to the mass smartphone market that was once only seen in superphones. NVIDIA and ARM are calling this processor, which can be clocked at 2.3GHz, the “most efficient, highest performance CPU core on the market.”

Specs

Phoenix Reference Phone

To help get the Tegra 4i to market quicker, NVIDIA created the Phoenix reference phone platform, which sports a 5″ 1080p display, Tegra 4i processor, 4G LTE, computational photography architecture (for awesome HDR photos), and is only 8mm thick.

Chimera Computational Photography Architecture

If you watched NVIDIA’s press event at CES, then you likely remember their CEO standing on stage with an attractive female in some sort of beach setting, so that they could demo some sort of new photography tech. That tech, is called Chimera, and it’s included in both the Tegra 4 and the Tegra 4i.

Chimera introduces “always on” HDR, HDR panoramic or “fish eye” modes, and tap-to-track, allowing users to lock the focus onto a specific object, even as it moves around.

Camera and phone manufacturers can already add support for Chimera. In fact, Sony already has with its Exmor RS 13MP sensor.

Wrap-up

Quite a bit of big news out of NVIDIA’s camp this morning. We have the new Tegra 4i, a tiny processor with tons of power and efficiency, along with an integrated LTE chip to help bring NVIDIA’s processors to the mainstream market. They provided more details on Chimera, their photography architecture that takes HDR smartphone shots to a new level. And last, the Phoenix reference design, which should help manufacturers quickly build out devices using the new Tegra 4i.

NVIDIA Announces Tegra 4i With Integrated LTE Chip, 60-core GPU, and Half the Size of New Snapdragons is a post from: Droid Life