MediaTek has announced the launch of the MT6589 which is says is the world's first commercialized quad-core system on chip (SoC), available for mid- to high-end Android smartphones and tablets worldwide. The new quad-core SoC integrates MediaTek's advanced multi-mode UMTS Rel. 8/HSPA+/TD-SCDMA modem, a power-efficient quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU subsystem from ARM, a PowerVR Series5XT GPU from Imagination Technologies, and is delivered in 28nm process technology.

The MT6589 is also claimed to be the world's first HSPA+ smartphone platform supporting dual-SIM, dual-active functionality to address increasing multi-SIM demand around the world. The integration of these features makes the MT6589 a universal platform that delivers premium multimedia capabilities with extremely low power consumption. It also enables handset makers to reduce time to market, simplify product development and manage product differentiation in a more cost effective way, for any market worldwide, said MediaTek.

The MT6589 supports 1080p 30fps/30fps low-power video playback and recording, a 13-megapixel camera with integrated ISP, up to FHD (1920 by 1080) LCD displays, and enhanced picture processing for DTV-grade image quality. In addition, the MT6589 also supports MediaTek's "Cool 3D" suite, which includes support for stereo 3D cameras and displays, real-time 2D-to-3D conversion and an optimal 3D user interface.

The MT6589 also supports Miracast technology for multi-screen content sharing and pre-integrates MediaTek's leading 4-in-1 connectivity combo, which supports 802.11n Wi-Fi, BT4.0, GPS and FM.

The MT6589 is currently being incorporated into smart devices by MediaTek's leading global customers, and the first models based on this new chipset are expected to ship commercially in the first quarter of 2013, said MediaTek.