[Updated: May 11, 2009] — BlueRadios announced a “near-eye” portable media player with a SVGA micro-display. The WiFi-enabled WiPC runs Linux or Android on an ARM Cortex-A8 OMAP3530 SoC, weighs three ounces, consumes one Watt, and offers the viewing experience of a 15-inch display, claims BlueRadios.

(Click for larger view of the WiPC)

The WiPC (Wireless internet PC) is classified by BlueRadios as a “near-eye micro imaging” device. Designed for “content snacking,” the handheld portable media player (PMP) device provides access to Internet-based content including audio and video. The WiPC is aimed at Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and large consumer electronics distributors, and supports Linux, Android, Windows CE, and Windows Mobile 7, says the company. The primary focus is now on Android and Angstrom Linux, said a company spokesperson.

Dreamax Indicube i-800 PMP (Click for details)

The Kopin “Golden-I” color liquid crystal micro display provides 800 x 600-pixel resolution and “superb magnifying optics,” says BlueRadios. With the help of a Cortex-A8-based Texas Instruments OMAP3530 system-on-chip (SoC) clocked at 600MHz, the WiPC can display D1 video quality (720 x 480 pixel resolution at 30fps) with a 32-degree angle of view, claims the company. Like head-mounted displays, such as the Dreamax Indicube i-800 PMP (pictured at right), the WiPC requires a close-up view (below) to gain the illusion of viewing a 15-inch display.

The WiPC in use
The WiPC offers built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and “3.5G” modems, and a “cellular handset” capability is planned for a future release. Interactivity is available via voice recognition command and control, as well as a jog wheel and an “optical finger mouse.” However, there were no further details available on these capabilities.

WiPC
(Click to enlarge)
The WiPC offers a full web browser, with access to multimedia content, streaming media, and the ability to open PDF files, says the company. The GPS receiver is backed up with navigation and Location Based Services (LBS) support, and videoconferencing is also said to be available.

Features and specifications listed for the WiPC include:

• Processor — ARM Cortex-A8 Texas Instruments OMAP3530 @ 600MHz
• Flash — 16GB microSD card and SIM socket card-holder
• Display — Kopin SVGA (800 x 600) liquid crystal micro display (LCD).
• USB — 1 x USB on-the-go (OTG) port, also used for recharging internal Lithium battery
• Communications:
  • 2G/3.5G cellular modem
  • GPS
  • Bluetooth
  • WiFi
  • FM (Tx/Rx)
• Other features:
  • Voice recognition command and control
  • Optical finger mouse
    
  • Jog wheel
  • Speech to text with noise cancellation
  • Text to speech
• Power — 1 x rechargeable Lithium cell battery; consumes 1 Watt
• Weight — 3 oz (85g)
• Operating system — Linux, Android, Windows CE

Availability

The WiPC is available now to tier-one OEM clients or re-sellers “with annual purchases of +10,000 units,” says BlueRadios. More information may be found here.

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