Monday, May 19,2008 @ 3:10pm
ASOCS intros cell chip with software modem upgrades
ASOCS on Monday announced the MP100, which it calls the world's first wireless Multi-Communication processor able to run three wireless interfaces at the same time. The ModemX core in the chip allows software support to simply be uploaded for such features as Wi-Fi, HDTV, GPS or the latest data networks. Apart from hardware cost savings and reduced power consumption, ASOCS' chip would allow OEM manufacturers to simply upgrade the software instead of selling new phones to enable new-generation data networks such as 4G or WiMAX.
ASOCS developed the MP100 chip in conjunction with Fujitsu, who produced working examples based on the former's patented technology. The ModemX technology will allow the three programmable wireless chips in the M100 to run different applications at different times, unlike the dedicated processors used in modern phones that are limited to individual tasks.
Devices containing the reconfigurable MP100 with ModemX chips are reportedly being tested now, but there is no word on which OEM phone makers will be the first to adopt the technology in their offerings. [via IntoMobile]
