NVIDIA unveiled the NVIDIA GoForce 5500 handheld graphics processing unit (GPU) - enable true, fluid digital TV, high-fidelity surround sound, rapid multi-shot photography, and console-class 3D graphics. For many years, these capabilities have been the domain of function-specific devices such as the home entertainment system, the digital still camera, or the Sony Playstation. Today, this new GPU brings all these features, and more, to the mobile phone.

The newest member of the NVIDIA GoForce family of handheld GPUs, the NVIDIA GoForce 5500 delivers a host of multimedia features, including:

• able playback H.264, WMV9 and MPEG-4 video up to D1 resolution1 at 30 frames per second (fps)
• Compatible with major mobile TV standards including DVB-H, ISDB-T, and DMB networks
• include surround sound processor to deliver an immersive audio experience in the palm of a hand
• Crossfade and multistream technologies help to prevent annoying breaks between songs and music cut out when the ringtone is activated
• 3X the 3D performance of the previous generation2
• Sharp, crystal clear digital photography
• Rapid multi-shot capabilities so users never miss a photo
• Support for up to 10 megapixel resolution
• Ultra-low power consumption
• Dedicated low-power hardware design delivers more hours of entertainment on the phone with less drain on the talk time

"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.