with an "associative processor array" multimedia engine, according to the company.
(Click here for larger image)The N2 includes Neonode's patented zForce optical touchscreen, and associated Neno user interface. Applications are launched and items selected by sweeping over or tapping the screen with the thumb, breaking a series of light beams running over it, the company explains.
The N2 is a little smaller than its predecessor, measuring 3.0 x 1.9 x 0.6 inches (77 x 47 x 15 mm). Upgraded features include a 2 Mpixel camera, up from 1.3 Mpixels, and USB 2.0, replacing USB 1.1. The new unit supports quad-band GSM telephony. Memory size was not specified.
The application processor is NeoMagic's own
MiMagic 6+. The chip is based on a 200 MHz ARM926EJ processor, in tandem with a multimedia engine that NeoMagic describes as a "massively parallel associative processor array" (APA). The core of the APA is an associative memory that merges computing elements and memory, to eliminate performance bottlenecks and reduce power consumption, the company says.
MiMagic 6+ Block Diagram
(Click image to enlarge)"The programmability and high performance along with its very low power operation makes MiMagic 6+ an ideal platform for the N2 and future generation products from Neonode," said Neonode CTO Thomas Eriksson, in a statement. "New software can be easily deployed on MiMagic 6+ to add new multimedia features. This makes it very quick, easy and cost effective to build upon the N2 to bring more products to the market in the near future."
The N2 is expected to be available in Europe sometime in the spring, according to Neonode. Pricing was not disclosed.
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