The lack of LTE support for quad-core processors has resulted in manufacturers launching dual-core processor LTE variants along with quad-core processor non-LTE models. The HTC One X and upcoming Samsung Galaxy S III are prime examples of this trend. That could soon change with the announcement that NVIDIA’s Icera 410 LTE data modem chipset has been certified for operation on AT&T’s 4G LTE network.
“Validation with AT&T is an achievement that paves the way for NVIDIA Icera-powered LTE devices on the AT&T network through this year and next,” said Stan Boland, senior vice president of Mobile Communications at NVIDIA.
NVIDIA acquired Icera primarily to add its radios to its Tegra chipsets. The news today hopefully suggests that this work is progressing well and that we will soon see devices that support both quad-core processors and LTE connectivity. The announcement limited itself to “tablets and clamshell devices” with smartphones conspicuously absent. Hopefully these are not far behind.
No timelines were given as to when we could see devices equipped with the Icera 410, whether tablets and clamshell devices or smartphones, launch with AT&T and other LTE carriers. The mention of clamshell devices hints at such a device coming soon (perhaps a Sony Tablet P successor?).
The NVIDIA Icera 410 modem offers LTE performance at category 2 data rates (up to 50Mbps) as well as 4G HSPA+, 3G and 2G compatibility.
Read more: NVIDIA