The history of MediaTek gives to write an epic epic . Originally, the Chinese manufacturer was known for offering hot chips, poor performance and serious GPS problems. Nobody wanted a mobile with SoC MediaTek. However, over the years this changed and since 2020 they stepped on the accelerator.
Today, MediaTek is the world’s largest mobile chip maker. In addition, it recently launched its Dimensity 9200, the most powerful mobile SoC, to surpass Qualcomm once and for all. But it seems that this is not enough for them, because now MediaTek wants to conquer the market for Chromebooks, Smart TVs and Virtual Reality with its new chips. Will they make it?
First for the low-end Chromebooks with the Kompanio 520 and 528
Although MediaTek has been in the Chromebook market for some time with its Kompanio processors, the undisputed queen of this niche is Intel. However, the Chinese company has just announced that they want to start gaining ground and they will do so as in the mobile market: from top to bottom.
The new Kompanio 520 and 528 chips target lower-end Chromebooks, focusing on “power efficiency, good performance, and reliable connectivity.” In addition, the company itself ensures that with them it will bring many of the latest AI technologies, graphic display and image capture to all users.
The first Chromebooks with these SoCs will arrive during the first half of 2023 , according to MediaTek. These are its specifications:
High-end Smart TVs will bear the MediaTek seal with the Pentonic 1000
Another market in which the Chinese company has participated for years is that of Smart TVs, although its presence is quite timid. In this sector, most manufacturers rely on Amlogic or Unisoc chips , but MediaTek wants to change that.
To do this, it will seek to position its new SoC, designed for high-end Smart TVs. In the company’s own words: ” We designed the MediaTek Pentonic 1000 specifically for on-trend smart TVs, including 4K streaming, cloud gaming, video conferencing, and streaming content parties.”
The Pentonic 1000 is not only a powerful chip, but also has interesting technologies such as: Intelligent View, which allows you to navigate between your favorite channels, viewing up to 8 different previews simultaneously without interrupting what you are watching on the screen; Wi-Fi 6E triple band, for a very high level connectivity; and sound and video technologies for a high – fidelity audiovisual experience . These are the main features of the MediaTek Pentonic 100:
MediaTek also launches its first SoC for virtual reality glasses hand in hand with Sony
If MediaTek’s intentions with the above chips aren’t enough for you, then wait until you hear the following. The manufacturer will also fully enter the Virtual Reality (VR) market , as they have just presented their first chip for VR glasses. How important is this step? A lot, since this market until now was practically exclusive to Qualcomm.
They will reach this market hand in hand with Sony, as it will be the SoC that powers the new PlayStation VR2. MediaTek did not offer too many details about this processor, but we do know that the PlayStation VR2 will have an OLED screen with 4K resolution (4000 x 2040 pixels) at a maximum frequency of 120 Hz and HDR.
Likewise, it is known that this processor will be able to handle up to 5 cameras simultaneously for eye tracking, sound and control. Oh, and don’t forget haptic feedback, 3D sound, and more.
The PlayStarion VR2 will be available from February 22, 2023 , with reservations from November 15, 2022. Its release date will be the same as that of the MediaTek chip.
Without a doubt, MediaTek’s ambition is great for the coming years . Do you think it will manage to dominate these markets as it did with the mobile one? We don’t know, but what is true is that it has become a giant in the industry by doing an excellent job.
