STMicroelectronics expanded its Nomadik multimedia application processor ecosystem with the integration of Linux and Trolltech's Qtopia application environment in the STn8815 Nomadik engine.

This platform provides equipment manufacturers with a complete reference design that facilitates fast development and customization of the latest generations of multimedia applications including smart phones, wireless PDAs, internet appliances and car entertainment systems.

Based on ST's distributed-processing architecture with smart multimedia accelerators, the Nomadik processors enable compelling multimedia applications with ultra-low power consumption.

The newest STn8815 offering combines the application engine with a Linux base port and the Qtopia application framework. The Linux platform integrates major multimedia codecs (MPEG4, H.264, MP3, AAC, JPEG) and a full set of drivers for ST's embedded peripherals, including Bluetooth, WiFi, digital still camera, video output and power management.

Trolltech's Qtopia is a popular application platform and user interface for Linux-based mobile and embedded devices. It offers a rich toolkit and intuitive API (Application Programming Interface), fully customizable user interface and highly efficient development framework. The full software stack supports the key functionalities for a rich user experience, including video and voice calls, video and music playback, internet browsing, camcorder, touch screen and smart energy management.

"Until now, equipment manufacturers were largely left on their own to integrate software on top of the OS. The Nomadik Linux platform with the Qtopia application framework bridges the gap, providing a single-source solution that dramatically reduces product development time for both hardware and software," said Teppo Hemia, Mobile Platform Chipset Director within ST's Mobile, Multimedia and Communications Group.

"Trolltech's Linux-based Qtopia running on ST's latest Nomadik engine enables customers to efficiently deliver compelling multimedia solutions," said Karsten Homann, VP Professional Services at Trolltech. "This powerful combination significantly simplifies the creation of state-of-the-art user experiences as well as shortening the time to market for device manufacturers."