4K - Just what we need... more data that does not stream

Last, the Tegra also supports 4K ultra-high-definition video output and 4G LTE. Huang mentioned that their LTE modems are sampling now, so it sounds like the chip is not quite ready for smartphones. He did, however, show off a preview for Will Smith’s new movie “After Earth” in 4K, streaming from the Project Shield device to an LG 4K TV.

No availability was mentioned at all other than parts being sampled. The prototype tablet they showed was actually a Windows tablet running stock Android. It’s pretty clear that the T4 is fresh out of development and could take some time before it’s ready for prime time.


You never know, we may see it in a device at MWC in February, but don’t be surprised if it takes a bit longer.

NVIDIA Introduces World’s Fastest Mobile Processor

Tegra 4 Features 72 Custom GPU Cores, Quad-Core Cortex-A15 CPU for Superb Performance and Efficiency; LTE Enabled With Optional Chipset

LAS VEGAS, NV–(Marketwire – Jan 7, 2013) - CES – NVIDIA today introduced NVIDIA® Tegra® 4, the world’s fastest mobile processor, with record-setting performance and battery life to flawlessly power smartphones and tablets, gaming devices, auto infotainment and navigation systems, and PCs.

Tegra 4 offers exceptional graphics processing, with lightning-fast web browsing, stunning visuals and new camera capabilities through computational photography.

Previously codenamed “Wayne,” Tegra 4 features 72 custom NVIDIA GeForce™ GPU cores — or six times the GPU horsepower of Tegra 3 — which deliver more realistic gaming experiences and higher resolution displays. It includes the first quad-core application of ARM’s most advanced CPU core, the Cortex-A15, which delivers 2.6x faster web browsing and breakthrough performance for apps.

Tegra 4 also enables worldwide 4G LTE voice and data support through an optional chipset, the fifth-generation NVIDIA Icera® i500 processor. More efficient and 40 percent the size of conventional modems, i500 delivers four times the processing capability of its predecessor.

“Tegra 4 provides enormous processing power and efficiency to power smartphones and tablets, gaming devices, auto systems and PCs,” said Phil Carmack, senior vice president of the Tegra business at NVIDIA. “Its new capabilities, particularly in the area of computational photography, will help improve a whole range of existing products and lead to the creation of exciting new ones.”

Computational Photography CapabilityAmong the Tegra 4 processor’s breakthroughs is its Computational Photography Architecture, which automatically delivers high dynamic range (HDR) photos and video by fusing together the processing power of the GPU, CPU and the camera’s image-signal processor.

Its HDR capability captures images, including those taken with a flash, the way they are seen by the human eye — with detail in both bright and dark areas.