MIPS and Imagination Technologies Collaborate on SoC Graphics Solution
MIPS announced this week that they are forming a collaborative partnership with Imagination Technologies. Both companies will combine their specialist areas; MIPS, a specialist in processor architecture and cores for connected home devices and Imagination, a specialist in communication and multimedia (graphics and video) and the owners of POWERVRtm, a Universal Scalable Shader Engine (USSE) base graphic accelerator. MIPS said the collaboration is to hemp System-on-Chip (SoC) developers get to market quickly with optimised solutions from both companies.
The POWERVR graphics technology has been developed over the last 15 years and is being used by Sigma Designs in its new 3D media processor for cable, network players and IPTV. As a sign of commitment to the partnership, MIPS has joined the Imagination POWERVR Insider graphics developer community.
"This alliance between MIPS and Imagination brings together two IP industry leaders to address not only digital home solutions--where MIPS already holds a leadership position--but also mobile devices where we are seeing increasing traction," said Sandeep Vij, president and CEO, MIPS Technologies.
As processors become smaller and more powerful we can do a lot more on our mobiles and home appliances. The use of POWERVR technology with open standards such as OpenGL allow for a richer navigation and multimedia experience. The technology makes 3D menus possible and gives richer colours.
"Next generation set-top box, television and other connected platforms will all use OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics technology for creation of 3D menus; advanced user interfaces, support for gaming and other advanced features," said Hossein Yassaie, chief executive officer, Imagination Technologies.