NVIDIA might soon introduce a new mobile device that works as both a laptop and a tablet, likely for gaming and entertainment.
This is according to information shared by XDA-Developers who found evidence of the secret new device's existence from software code created by none other than NVIDIA itself.
NVIDIA Shield Experience Reveals Details
It is said that the code can be found in NVIDIA's own Shield Experience software that currently runs on NVIDIA-branded set-top boxes and tablets. The code is for a feature that reportedly allows compatible devices to switch between a number of different UI modes.
These UI modes include desktop, tablet, and something Nvidia calls "dynamic." The code also shows that there is an option to start a compatible device in desktop mode if a keyboard is attached to it.
Beyond the aforementioned software features, the findings also included a codename for NVIDIA's mysterious and possibly upcoming 2-in-1 device. The codename is said to be Mystique, and further source code sleuthing has revealed a few of its possible hardware specifications.
The report states that certain source code info from last year shows that NVIDIA's Mystique device uses a 13.5-inch LCD screen from Panasonic. It has an aspect ratio of 3:2 and a native screen resolution of 3000 x 2000. It got more than enough pixels for the average movie fanatic or mobile gamer if that turns out to be real.
Considering the fact that a screen this size would be too big for a tablet, it is suggested that perhaps Mystique is in fact a 2-in-1 PC that belongs on top of a desk. It's also noted that Microsoft's Surface Book comes with a similar display, down to the size, aspect ratio, and screen resolution. Those are, of course, considered to be 2-in-1 devices.
Possible Outcomes For Mystique Project
The caveat, however, is that NVIDIA has been working on this project in secret for quite a while now. Whatever hardware choices they have made for it could turn out to be outdated. Not to mention, the market hasn't exactly been friendly to 2-in-1 devices powered by Android, which is why hardly any of them exist now.
Regardless of all of that, the arrival of a new hybrid device powered by new hardware and software technologies from NVIDIA could prove to be quite interesting. After all, the company has had its fair share of dabbling in the Android-powered mobile device in the past.
Notably, the NVIDIA Shield showed great promise, as did the NVIDIA Shield TV. At the very least, a move back to the hardware market shows that the company has kept its focus on trying to innovate in the background at least as far as these kinds of gadgets are concerned. With the absence of any real competitors, they could very well take over for tablets or simple tablet-desktop hybrids.
For now, the future of Mystique is sort of up in the air, but it will certainly be interesting to keep an eye on.
