Graphics processor giant NVIDIA and PalmSource, a developer of software for handhelds, announced co-work plans. The move may enhance graphics acceleration in Palm Powered mobile devices running Palm OS as well as NVIDIA’s product portfolio.

As a member of the Palm OS Ready Program, PalmSource will provide NVIDIA with Palm OS Garnet and Cobalt tools and components designed to enable the creation of software drivers for the NVIDIA GoForce family of media processors and make them available to Palm OS licensees.

NVIDIA designs, manufacturers and sells a number of multimedia co-processors for handheld applications. The vast majority of currently offered devices was originally designed and marketed by MediaQ, the company acquired by NVIDIA last year, but the flagship GoForce 2150 chip was announced by NVIDIA itself.

Key features of the NVIDIA GoForce 2150 media processor include a 64-bit 2D graphics accelerator, embedded memory for LCD frame buffer, and flexible CPU interface and 1.3MP camera support. The versatile LCD controller also allows for fast-switching dual screen interfaces, typically implemented as a large active-matrix colour screen inside the handset and a smaller LCD located outside. NVIDIA GoForce 2150 supports over 70 different display interfaces (including CSTN, TFT, OLED and LTPS technology) at up to HVGA (320x480) resolution.

NVIDIA joins existing Palm OS Ready Partners Intel, ATI, M-Systems, Motorola, Samsung Semiconductor and Texas Instruments. After NVIDIA succeeds in developing Palm OS drivers, it will be in a position to offer its GoForce chips to PalmOne and other makers of Palm Powered handhelds.