Taiwanese chip maker MediaTek is probably best known for making the processors powering many of the affordable smartphones coming out of China. But the company is unveiling three new chips at CES, and none of them is designed for phones or tablets.
Instead the new processors take aim at smartwatches, Internet of Things products, and Ultra-HD video players.
MediaTek MT8581 for media players
This is a processor designed for Blu-ray players and other TV boxes with support for Ultra-HD 2160p video and high-dynamic-range (HDR) imagery.
MediaTek says the chip can support:
- H2.65/HEVC and VP9 playback of 3840 x 2160 pixel videos at 60 fps
- MPEG-2, VP8, and VC-1 palyback of 1920 x 1080 pixel videos at 60 fps
This chip should be ready for mass production in the second half of 2016.
MediaTek MT2523 for smartwatches
This low-power system-on-a=package chip is designed for smartwatches, and includes GPS and dual-mode Bluetooth Low Energy support.
MediaTek says the chip should offer support for high-resolution screens and up to a week of battery life.
The MT2523 will be available to smartwatch makers in the first half of the year.
MediaTek MT7697 for Internet of Things
MediaTek’s latest chip for smart home and IoT products includes support for Bluetooth Low Energy and dual-band Wifi, giving gadgets like smart light bulbs, thermostats, and cameras multiple ways to connect to your phone and/or IoT gateway.
Not many other details area available at this point, but the MT6797 shold be available in the first half of 2016.