Nvidia Corp. on Monday said that it had worked with Google and Open Handset Alliance to enable Android platform support for its Tegra system-on-chip (SoC) family. In addition, the company unveiled reference design of a Tegra 600-series based mobile Internet device that would cost just $99.

“We welcome Nvidia’s support of Android on Tegra and we look forward to many more Android-based devices that deliver an outstanding consumer experience,” said Andy Rubin, Google’s senior director of mobile platforms.

The new Nvidia Tegra APX 2600 processor (a new version of Tegra APX with enhanced NAND flash support) running Android will be on display in the Nvidia’s booth at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, in Hall 1, Stand IC34. The company will be enabling its OEM customers with optimized and accelerated Android port starting in the second quarter of 2009.

Besides, Nvidia introduced a new platform, based on the Nvidia Tegra 600-series SoC that “enables a $99 mobile Internet device”. Nvidia partnered with ST-Ericsson to add 3G communication capability into this new platform, allowing for seamless connectivity worldwide. ICD, a leading consumer ODM, also announced support of the new class of devices enabled by this new platform.

“ICD has long believed that there will be a new generation of innovative connected devices. Designing these devices around the Tegra platform will bring carriers an amazing level of functionality at prices as low as $99,” said David Hayes, president and chief exec of ICD.

Originally introduced in the first half of 2008, Nvidia Tegra family of chips has not been adopted by any maker of mobile Internet devices or cell phones. The company now claims that the first Tegra-based devices will emerge on the market in the second half of 2009.

Tags: Nvidia, Tegra, Android, Google