13 February 2006 12:42 GMT / By Stuart Miles
In the past when you mentioned graphics chips you would only be talking about desktop computers, but Nvidia today unveiled the NVIDIA GoForce 5500 handheld graphics processing unit (GPU) for mobile phones at 3GSM in Barcelona, Spain.The graphics chip is the industry's first handheld GPU to enable true, fluid digital TV, high-fidelity surround sound, rapid multi-shot photography, and console-class 3D graphics.
Nvidia is promising the new chip will bring the function-specific devices such as the home entertainment system, the digital still camera, or the Sony Playstation to the mobile phone.
Amongst its features, the chip promises playback of H.264, WMV9 and MPEG-4 video up to D1 resolution at 30 frames per second as well as being Compatible with major mobile TV standards including DVB-H, ISDB-T, and DMB networks
Additionally Nvidia is promising 3X the performance of the previous generation of chip and graphics power to recreate Quake III on a mobile device.
Finally the chip is capable of supporting digital cameras up to 10 megapixel resolution
“The introduction of the NVIDIA GoForce 5500 handheld GPU marks the beginning of a new era for 3G mobile phones,” said Michael Rayfield, general manager of the handheld GPU group at NVIDIA. “The NVIDIA GoForce 5500 GPU delivers high-quality video playback and capture, high-resolution camera support, and stunning 3D graphics—all at impressive performance levels that we believe consumers are going to demand in the next generation of mobile devices.”
Phones based on the NVIDIA GoForce 5500 handheld GPU are expected to be available from key handset manufacturers before the 2006 holiday season. Phones, Mobile phones, Nvidia


HTC PlayStation certification devices coming 2012, time to get your Crash Bandicoot skills up to scratch EXCLUSIVE: Game on
Samsung not worried by Apple iTV threat EXCLUSIVE: AV boss not concerned
Mattel Hover Board - Back to the Future becomes reality Great Scott!
Best iPhone utilities apps Resistance is futilities?
Samsung O table is for the kitchen of the future Flexible hob
More leaked iPad 3 parts help form bigger picture - including Sharp Retina display iPad 3, in kit form
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) pictures and hands-on Up close with the ICS tablet
Sony bringing Google TV to Europe in 2012 Excited yet?
Forget the iPad 3, we want a MacPad Brilliant concept design
New Apple TV leaked in software update? iOS 5.1 says so
Best iPad apps to turn your tablet into a TV Goggleslate
BlackBerry OS 10 images leaked Widgets galore
Nokia Lumia 610 to be company's cheapest WP7 handset yet? Watch out Android
BAE Systems promising battery revolution Military tech meets consumers
Fujifilm X-S1 The shining star of the superzoom world?
Panasonic Lumix GX1 review
The one?
Sony PlayStation Vita review
Curriculum Vita
Nokia Lumia 710 review
WP7 on a budget
HTC Explorer review
A phone for people who make calls
GoPro HD Hero2 review
Amazing things come in small packages
BlackBerry Torch 9810 review
Middle of the road
Sony Alpha A65 review
Affordable SLT. But is it a DSLR-beater?
BlackBerry Bold 9790 review
To boldly go where we've already been before
Fiat 500 TwinAir Plus review
Two-cylinder beast
Motorola MotoACTV review
Just add exercise
BlackBerry Porsche Design P'9981 review
For the fast lane
Motorola Xoom 2 Media Edition review
Mini Xoom
Sennheiser IE80 review
Tune that bass
Kingston Wi-Drive review
Expand your storage
Huawei Ideos X3 review
Cheap but imperfect