Tablets get extra boost with NVIDIA VGX technology

Tablet computers, for all their popularity, have had obvious gaps in functionality and processing power when compared to traditional PCs. That may soon change, however, with the introduction of NVIDIA's new VGX™ technology.

Launched in May 2012 alongside the company's Kepler GPU architecture, the VGX platform accelerates virtualized desktops, which, according to technology news provider TechRadar, could bring the tablet's performance closer in line with that of a desktop or laptop PC.

VGX provides users with a porthole to view programs run in the cloud on a virtual machine. The application still runs on the tablet’s own graphics processor, but certain functions are "remoted" to the cloud, NVIDIA® VGX product manager Will Wade tells TechRadar.

"If you have a high-end application like AutoCAD® or Autodesk® or Adobe®, you just remote that part of the app," Wade says. "If you're running on a server then you're really running the exact right computer function on the exact right hardware. You only remote the viewport because that's what the GPU does really well."

The news provider notes that the tablet's performance is reliant on web access and a fast cloud service as well. This might result in higher prices than tablet users are currently paying, as the applications will likely need to be purchased for a monthly fee. But many, especially enterprise users, will likely find the costs more than reasonable for the added functionality afforded to their devices.