Gameduino2 Kickstarter project features the FT800 Embedded Video Engine

FTDI Chip has confirmed that its ground–breaking FT800 Embedded Video Engine (EVE) is a key component in an exciting new Kickstarter project – the Gameduino2 game adaptor shield from Excamera. In 2011, the Kickstarter–funded Gameduino made major industry impact by successfully bringing vintage gaming to the popular Arduino platform. Now, with the introduction of Gameduino 2, users will be able to transform their Arduino units into modern handheld gaming systems that feature touch control, 3–axis accelerometers, headphone audio outputs and microSD data storage for game assets. In addition, they will benefit from the shield’s support of next generation graphics via its built–in 4.3–inch display.

The Gameduino 2’s graphical capacity, which stems from FTDI Chip’s highly–integrated and easy–to–use FT800 IC, is much greater than that of its predecessor, thereby dramatically enhancing the gaming experience that results. Furthermore, its OpenGL-style command set makes programming far simpler to carry out. It can load JPEGs, support alpha transparency and has a full 32–bit colour pipeline.

Incorporating a 4-wire touch controller and a single channel audio controller that allows midi-like sound quality, the FT800 EVE graphic controller employs an object–oriented approach (where objects are images, fonts, specific sounds, templates, overlays, etc.). This renders images in a line by line fashion with 1/16^th of a pixel resolution, while still maintaining high–quality graphical representation. It means that system designs based on it are a lot more streamlined – requiring fewer supporting components, less board space, a lower power budget and shorter development times.

For more information about FTDI Chip go to http://www.ftdichip.com

Dean Meyers

BE BRAVE AND ITERATE! Dean is visual thinker who blends experience and expertise across multiple disciplines (technology, marketing, design, art, performance and management) as a Design Thinking and Innovation Management Consultant, Trainer, and Transformational Coach. He is happiest when working visually in innovation, user experience, education, and transformation—even more when they are all combined into one! His goal with VizWorld is to create and hold the space for visual thinkers who are looking for news and information about applied design thinking practices and innovation in life, education and work.