June 14, 2011 -- Imagination Technologies, Ltd. is now licensing its METAflow family of connected processors. The licensable METAflow IP platform is based on Imagination's silicon IP and supporting software solutions. According to Imagination, METAflow embodies all that is best about Imagination's META processor and ENSIGMA communications technologies combining multi-threaded processing and always-available connectivity.

METAflow's tight integration of communications and multi-threaded processing in a single mature IP solution is made possible through key technologies already being deployed as part of Imagination established multi-threaded META processor family and ENSIGMA UCCP multi-standard connectivity and broadcast IP platform, and are already supported by a growing set of middleware and tools.

Imagination's METAflow Connected Processor family combines the META multi-threaded processor, which boasts real-time, general-purpose and DSP capabilities, with ENSIGMA UCCP connectivity solution which includes Wi-Fi technology.

The availability of power- and silicon-efficient "always-on" Wi-Fi connectivity will enable embedded devices to deliver their functionality using an optimal mix of local and internet resources. METAflow will enable the growth and acceleration of markets for products featuring connectivity across an increasingly diverse range of applications such as home automation, security, entertainment, toys, and health care as well as the more established markets of consumer electronics, mobile media and automotive.

METAflow supports a range of operating systems including full Linux, Android and the MeOS embedded RTOS from Imagination.

Imagination's MeOS is a compact real-time operating system (RTOS) ideal for small memory footprint, highly cost-optimized embedded systems. MeOS delivers a comprehensive set of facilities for multi-tasking software designs, while avoiding complex features that increase code size and reduce performance. It has been successfully deployed in hundreds of products and millions of shipped systems.

METAflow and FlowWorld

METAflow connected processors are designed to be used with FlowWorld, Imagination's configurable portal technology enabling the connection of devices to the cloud, to enable an end-to-end solution for delivery of services and content between service providers and users through the cloud.

The METAflow processor and FlowWorld underpin Imagination's Flow Technology, a comprehensive IP platform that establishes a new benchmark for connecting devices to the Cloud utilizing both internet and broadcast channels.

According to Imagination, FlowWorld's fit to the METAflow connected processor enables a much higher degree of efficiency, consistency and utility for developing devices delivering real-time and "always connected"' services. Flow Technology's APIs enable a diverse range of embedded applications supported by web services to be rapidly developed and deployed by Imagination's Flow ecosystem partners.

FlowWorld delivers both baseline and enhanced services using a series of APIs through which partners can centrally control and manage service configurations for any METAflow based connected product.

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