Even though there are numerous ARM or even x86 options available now for various mobile Internet devices (MIDs), Texas Instruments and its chips are still the best for the aforementioned type of gadgets. Still, according to ABI Research, Nvidia Corp. and Freescale can get huge market shares when multimedia-rich MIDs become more popular going forward.

Texas Instruments has been ranked at the top of the latest vendor matrix released by ABI Research. Nvidia and Freescale Semiconductor claimed the second and third spots in the company’s new evaluation of worldwide MID platform vendors.

The vendor matrix is an analytical tool by ABI Research created to provide a clear understanding of vendors’ positions in specific markets. Vendors are assessed on the important parameters of “innovation” and “implementation” across several criteria unique to each vendor matrix.

“TI’s current MID platforms, incorporating ARM processor cores, excelled in several categories, including the implementation of every mobile operating system we examined – from Windows Mobile to Palm’s webOS.” Seven PC and mobile operating systems were factored into scoring. Nvidia and Freescale represent the next generation of multimedia-rich MID platforms, which are expected to debut during the second half of 2009,” said Jeff Orr, senior analyst.

For this particular matrix, under "innovation”, ABI Research examined these platforms’ connectivity options, their level of voice support, the capabilities of their processors, their displays, and the integration and support services available to licensees and manufacturers of the MID platform.

“TI received perfect scores for its range of voice support, display capabilities and integration support services. The company offers development tools, reference designs and consultative services necessary to accelerate MID design programs into manufacturing,” said Mr. Orr.

Under "implementation”, ABI Research scrutinized the following criteria: existing customer types (e.g., what PC system, mobile handset and consumer electronics vendors are currently buying or licensing the MID platform or architecture); commercially available products, current PC operating system support, and existing mobile operating system support.

Tags: Texas Instruments, Nvidia, Freescale, ARM, Tegra