Tao has announced its software multimedia platform for consumer appliances on the Intel(R) Xscale(TM) Microarchitecture.
Tao's intent has been designed to be the complete media platform for embedded devices. intent is the platform for the Open Contents Platform Association [OCPA] that has Intel K.K. amongst its members with founders Kyocera, JVC, Sharp and many other blue chip global technology firms such as Samsung, Sony, Hitachi and Sega.
The intent Media Platform can sit on a wide variety of operating systems including Microsoft PocketPC(R), the Symbian OS, iTRON and Linux(R). The initial implementation, using Intel's PXA250 Application Processor, uses Tao's own deterministic operating system. Available on XScale, Tao's platform includes its sound and graphics libraries and support for multiple programming languages. Tao's partnership with Justsystem Corporation provides localisation on the platform to support the requirements of manufacturers seeking to meet global demands. intent includes both browser and PIM applications. It also supports its fully compliant and Sun Microsystems branded Java(TM) technology for both
PersonalJava and CLDC with MIDP, with support for other handset profiles to be announced shortly, as well as support for standards such as MHP [Multimedia Home Platform] from the DVB. Tao is providing vertical market solutions for blue chip technology giants manufacturing or developing digital television, handsets, cameras and many other products.
Mark Casey, director of marketing for Intel's Handheld Computing Division stated, "One of the objectives of the PXA250/210 Application Processors is to help with the manufacture of client devices that can run content that meet the expectations of the consumer. This is fundamental to meet the economic needs of the broadcasters and carriers. The objective of Tao's intent is to provide a comprehensive solution for embedded consumer and professional products with both the functionality and the performance to meet user requirements. This is something that it achieves through its co-operation with Intel."
Francis Charig, Chairman of Tao Group said, "There is a huge demand in the market for a comprehensive and global multimedia solution for networked digital appliances. The absence of appropriate technologies has delayed the progress of markets such as 3G. Tao has overcome the barriers and enables X-Scale customers to be market leaders. I'm hugely encouraged that the pick-up for the combination of the technologies from Intel, Justsystem and Tao is so aggressive and validates our position."
Kazunori Ukigawa, President and CEO of Justsystem said, "Our ATOK engine, the market leader for Japanese input methods, is critical for the next generation of mobile platforms based on the combination of Tao's intent multimedia engine and Intel(R) PXA 250 Applications Processor. We're excited because this platform meets the objectives we, as an applications developer, have long been waiting for, enabling the whole client device market to progress on to the next level."
