| Windows CE-based PMP features GPS, dual cores |
Mar. 26, 2008
IRiver has introduced a new combination portable media player (PMP) and GPS device that runs Windows CE 5.0. The iRiver NV Life has dual processor cores, a 7-inch screen, FM radio, and an integral receiver for T-DMB (terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting) television, according to the company.
(Click here for a larger view of iRiver's NV Life)
Like iRiver's earlier NV, the NV Life uses Windows CE as a platform for both PMP and GPS functionality. The latter is based on SIRF's starIII GPS architecture, combined with "Mappy United" software. While the NV Life lacks the NV's camera, it is smaller and lighter, but still features a 7-inch display with 800 x 480 resolution.
 The NV Life has a whip antenna and rear-mounted stereo speakers iRiver does not specify the amount of RAM included in the NV Life, but the device is offered with either 2GB or 4GB of flash storage, and apparently also includes an SD expansion slot. Its processor is the MagicEyes MMSP2+, a dual-core multimedia-oriented SoC (system-on-chip) that integrates ARM926EJ and ARM946E processors running at 390 and 300 MHz, respectively.
The MMSP2+ chip also includes a video processor, graphics accelerator, camera processor, and numerous other functions (see diagram, below).
 MagicEyes MMSP2+ block diagram As noted, the NV Life has an FM receiver, plus the ability to receive T-DMB (terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting) television channels, such as Korea's KBS, SBS, and YTN. It also plays back video in MPEG4, XviD, WMA, and MPEG-1 formats, and audio in MPEG, WMA 9, or OGG formats.
Other touted NV Life features and specifications include:- Processor -- MagicEye MMSP2+ dual-core CPU (ARM926EJ and ARM946E)
- Memory -- unspecified amount of RAM, and either 2GB or 4GB of flash
- Display -- 7-inch touchscreen display with 800 x 480 pixel resolution
- Audio/video functions:
- FM receiver
- T-DMB television receiver
- A/V codecs:
- Video -- MPEG4 (SP, ASP), XviD, WMA 7/8/9, MPEG-1
- Audio -- MPEG 1/2/2/5 Layer 3, WMA 7/8/9, OGG Q0-Q10
- Dual speakers with 2-Watt amplification
- I/O:
- 1 x USB host
- 1 x USB device
- Audio line in/out, mic in
- Expansion -- SD card slot
- Power -- lithium-ion battery, 12 or 24VDC input voltage from AC adapter
- Dimensions -- 7.3 x 4.6 x 0.8 inches (186 x 117 x 20mm)
- Weight -- 14 ounces (400g)
- Operating temperature -- 0 to 50 deg. C
The iRiver NV Life appears to be available now in Korea. The price is listed as 328,000 won (approximately $335) for the 2GB version, and 358,000 won (approximately $366) for the 4GB version.
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(Click here for further information)
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