Analyst: nVidia To Provide Chips For Video iPods

In a story relayed by consumer website GameSpot, speculation has again mounted that Apple may be planning a portable games console or iPod related device, following analyst suggestions of a possible deal with nVidia to supply the 3D-capable GPU for the next-gen video iPods. According to research firm American Technology Research analyst Satya Chillara suggests that nVidia will be providing graphics processing technology for next generation video iPods, which will add 3D graphics functionality in addition to the current video features enabled by Broadcom. But ATR did not speculate in particular that game functionality was the reason for this shift, and the ability for future iPods to render complex 3D graphics does not necessarily indicate that Apple has any plans to enter the video games market, which it has been traditionally shy of – especially after the failure of the Pippin home console. Chillara’s comments do follow a spate of rumors surrounding Apple’s plans for the iPod range, though, with various Internet conspiracies suggesting that Apple has already set up a “secret” games research & development lab. With Microsoft’s Project Argo series of portables apparently encompassing music, video and game portables, Apple’s interest in the game sector would be understandable, but the company has made no formal announcement of any move into the area.