ViA, Inc. Introduces Crusoe-Based Wearable Computer

ViA, Inc., recently announced it is working with Transmeta to provide the Crusoe processor in its next generation wearable computers. ViA joins the ranks of Fujitsu, Hitachi, NEC, and Sony who introduced notebooks using the Crusoe microprocessor. ViA is unique with this implementation of the Crusoe in a powerful, full-function, wearable computer designed for mobile users requiring hands and eyes-free computing.
Long battery life and processing power are main concerns for mobile workers. "We looked at other processors for our next generation computer, but chose the Crusoe because of its low power and low heat requirements while still having the processing power mobile workers need," said Ed McConaghay, President of ViA. The Crusoe's unique ability to use software to adjust voltage and frequency on demand, means that the computer only uses the amount of power needed for maximum efficiency, thus extending the battery life and making it the perfect mobile computing processor.

Funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the first versions of ViA's next generation wearable PC are currently being used by the U.S. Army Military Police in field tests at Fort Polk, Louisiana and elsewhere. "The new ViA PC with Transmeta processor has high performance, lower power and no noticeable heat," said Henry Girolamo, Program Manager of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center, in Natick, Massachusetts. "ViA's Crusoe-based computer has the potential to be a central component in a soldier's weapon system, providing communication and information management in critical combat situations." ViA wearable computers are currently being used by industry leading companies such as Northwest Airlines, Nabisco and General Dynamics in customer service, distribution center, inspection and maintenance applications. www.via-pc.com

Source: ViA PC