TI Delivers 720p HD Playback to Your Mobile

Texas Instruments has demonstrated the industry's first processor designed to give users 720p high-definition playback through their mobile phone.

While you may be thinking that HD content on a 2.5-inch screen sounds like a joke, consider this: the new OMAP3430 application processor supports up to a 1280×720 resolution and will give users direct access to their HD content, and even allows them to output the video through a projector or TV – now there is something to write home about.

The OMAP3430 processor is also the first to integrate the new OpenGL 2.0 graphic standard which the company claims will bring "Life-like" graphics to your mobile phone.

"As the wireless market continues to evolve, 3D graphics and high-end video will transform the mobile user experience through the availability of new content and services," said Mario Morales, analyst, IDC. "Semiconductor platforms that provide these value-added features from the high end of the market, and also in the mainstream segments, stand to gain more momentum as consumers require a more compelling list of features like 720p video playback and OpenGL ES 2.0 advanced graphics, for a richer user experience on their new feature phones."

The OMAP3430 processor embeds the powerful ARM Cortex-A8 processor to deliver quick response times and the performance levels necessary to accommodate the growing complexity of mobile games, sustaining a fast-paced, graphics-intensive gaming experience in real- time.

The question now is just how users are going to be able to download HD content, will mobile carriers support it, and what is the price? Texas Instruments says the new processor will sample by the end of 2007. This might be a good reason to hold off on purchasing that expensive Apple iPhone.