CSR Adds Bluetooth to the Gizmondo's Long List of Functions
Written by CSR
Friday, 12 August 2005
CAMBRIDGE, England--Aug. 8, 2005--CSR PLC (LSE:CSR.L), world leaders in Bluetooth technology, today announced that its BlueCore technology is now to be found inside Gizmondo - the new multi-entertainment handheld from Tiger Telematics.
Gaming, digital camera, MP3 and MPEG4 video player are just some of the functions of the Gizmondo that can benefit from the Bluetooth wireless connectivity provided by CSR's BlueCore3 silicon. Using BlueCore, the Gizmondo is able to connect to other Gizmondo devices within a 10-metre range for multiplayer gaming. It is also possible to transfer MP3 files or photos, taken using the Gizmondo's built-in digital camera, to a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or PC.
By employing CSR's BlueCore, Gizmondo is automatically compatibility with the full range of Bluetooth products on the market today, 60 percent of which incorporate CSR's market-leading silicon for the short-range wireless technology. Given the large range of functions on the Gizmondo and its inherent need for portability, it is essential that any technology incorporated does not have an impact on either the overall unit design or its power consumption. BlueCore3-ROM offers the industry's lowest power consumption rates and is available in chip-scale packages (CSP) of less than 4x4mm. These hardware features, supported by the industry's most flexible and robust Bluetooth firmware options, make CSR's BlueCore ideal for converged devices such as the Gizmondo.
"The Gizmondo is a very innovative design that is leading the way in electronics convergence. This device incorporates an amazing array of features going far beyond just adding camera or PDA functions to a phone - Gizmondo is certainly a sign of things to come," commented Ian Diaper, Business Development Manager, CSR. "There is a growing trend of manufacturers adding essential wireless functionality to their products, but at the same time they are increasingly demanding that it has the least impact on the product's physical design and power consumption. CSR's experience in having already brought Bluetooth technology to a vast range or market-leading products, including some of the smallest mobile phones on the market, enables us to understand and to cater to such demands."
David Levett, Chief Software Architect, Gizmondo, says: "CSR's Bluetooth solution delivers versatile and user friendly connectivity that's perfect for the Gizmondo audience. Peer-to-peer multiplayer gaming is the first area that will exploit this functionality, and we look forward to announcing new and exciting ways Bluetooth can be incorporated into other entertainment aspects of the device."
About CSR
CSR plc is the leading global provider of Bluetooth technology and has developed expertise in other single-chip wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11). CSR offers developed hardware/software solutions for Bluetooth based around BlueCore, a fully integrated 2.4 GHz radio, baseband and microcontroller.
CSR is now producing its fourth generation BlueCore devices. BlueCore4 supports the Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) standard which was ratified at the end of 2004. BlueCore4 remains the only EDR silicon to be shipping in volume today. In November 2004 CSR launched UniFi, the first single chip 802.11a/b/g embedded solution specifically targeting the mobile phone and consumer electronics markets.
BlueCore features in over 50 per cent of all Bluetooth devices shipped and over 60 per cent of all qualified Bluetooth enabled products and modules listed on the Bluetooth website with industry leaders including Nokia, Dell, Panasonic, Sharp, Motorola, IBM, Apple, NEC, Toshiba, RIM and Sony using BlueCore devices in their range of Bluetooth products.
In March 2005, CSR acquired Clarity Technologies Inc., for its Clear Voice Capture (CVC) technology that enhances the audio performance of any voice-based product or system. Applications for CVC include wireless headsets, handsets and automotive hands free systems.
CSR has its headquarters in Cambridge, UK, and offices in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Denmark, Sweden and both Texas and Detroit in the USA.
More information about Bluetooth technology can be found on the SIG web site at www.bluetooth.com
About Tiger Telematics and Gizmondo
Gizmondo Europe Ltd. is an owned subsidiary of Tiger Telematics Inc (TGTL) and is the maker of Gizmondo, a next-generation mobile entertainment device. Launched in 2004, the gaming device includes built-in music, video, messaging and picture functions and GPS.
Tiger Telematics is a designer, developer and marketer of mobile telematics systems and services that combine global GPS functions and voice recognition technology to locate and track vehicles and people down to street level in countries throughout the world. The systems are designed to operate on GPS and are currently being marketed to GSM current and potential subscribers, primarily by the company's United Kingdom based subsidiaries.
The Gizmondo is powered by Microsoft Windows CE advanced real-time operating system, boasting a 2.8-inch TFT colour screen with a Samsung ARM9 400Mhz processor and incorporates the GoForce 3D 4500 NVIDIA graphics accelerator. It provides cutting-edge gaming, multimedia messaging, an MP3 music player, Mpeg4 movie playing capability, a digital camera and a GPRS network link to allow wide-area network gaming. Additionally, it contains a GPS chip for location-based services, is equipped with Bluetooth for use in multi-player gaming and accepts SD and MMC card accessories.
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