PacketVideo Announces Release of OpenCore 2.0 for Android Platform

PacketVideo (PV), a provider of embedded software for multimedia services, recently released the first upgrade to its OpenCore multimedia sub-system for Android, OpenCore 2.0.

 

In order to provide support for open source architecture, in 2007 PacketVideo as a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance (News - Alert), developed OpenCORE.

 

OpenCORE is an open-sourced code and multimedia sub-system that offers media features for device development and as well enables playing and streaming of standard formats. It is distributed as part of the planned Android (News - Alert) software developer’s kit (SDK) offered by the Open Handset Alliance.

 

With the help of OpenCORE, Alliance developers will be able to build devices that support music applications, video creation and playback, podcast services, real-time streaming and more.

 

The new release OpenCore 2.0, has a major set of additions, improvements, and changes on top of the first OpenCORE release and includes the initial release of the video telephony ( popularly known as 2way) engine, OpenMAX encoding support as well as integration of OpenMAX cores, said officials.

 

OpenCore 2.0 includes a video telephony feature, which incorporates a two-way engine for circuit switched video telephony, thereby facilitating the development of video telephony applications that are based on the 3G-324M protocol.

 

OpenCore 2.0 also features support for encoders using the OpenMAX IL (Integration Layer) standard, where OpenMAX is a royalty-free, cross-platform API (application programming interface) that offers abstractions for routines especially useful for computer graphics, video, and audio.

 

The OpenMAX IL API defines a standardized media component interface enabling developers and platform providers to integrate and communicate with multimedia codecs that are implemented in hardware or software.

 

Generally, integration with OpenMAX IL core involves an entire set of audio and video codes. But, with the help of OpenCore 2.0 this process is simplified.

 

In addition, the OpenCORE 2.0 will also include enhancements such as wider support of runtime-loadable components which facilitate the easier addition of new capabilities via stand-alone plugins. It will also include enhanced media clock implementation that will simplify the audio/video synchronization and other timer-based logic.

 

Even improvements from interoperability testing, and performance and security improvements have been incorporated, PacketVideo (News - Alert) officials noted.

 

"The real pivot in the industry that accelerated with the introduction of Android is the move toward openness - in networks, in platforms and in services," said Osama Alshaykh, CTO of PV. "Android represents a big leap forward towards a rich media world, where access to desired applications and services is much more intuitive and far more enjoyable. PV will continue to make a significant investment into open platforms for the benefit of the industry, and for virtually anyone to innovate with."