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CSR Brings Bluetooth to Linux-based Multimedia Smartphone from ChinaCAMBRIDGE, England --(Business Wire)-- Feb. 21, 2006 -- CSR plc (LSE:CSR): -- Ref: EMD1006 -- Photo ref: PEM4481 -- To download: http://www.csr.com/images/hires/pem4481.jpg CSR plc the world leader in Bluetooth technology, today announced that its BlueCore silicon has been chosen by TCL Mobile Communication Co. Ltd., one of China's largest mobile phone manufacturers, for its latest handset, the TCLe787. TCL's new Linux-based smartphone, currently on sale in China, supports a number of business functions including the ability to share and view Microsoft Office(R) documents on the go. The use of CSR's BlueCore2 technology and Bluetooth version 1.2 software stack brings Bluetooth wireless connectivity to complement the handset's wide range of multimedia features. The TCLe787 handset incorporates a 2.0 Mega Pixel camera with MPEG 4 video recording capabilities. The TCLe787's multimedia features include support for media in MP3, MP4, WMA and AVI formats along with sound recording. CSR's BlueCore2 Bluetooth technology allows for the sharing of photos, video, music, and documents between Bluetooth-enabled handsets and other devices. The handset also supports PC synchronisation and speech recognition via a Bluetooth link. TCL's new handset also includes CSR's BlueCore Host Software (BCHS), which provides a fully integrated Bluetooth software solution. BCHS provides the upper layers of the Bluetooth protocol stack (above HCI, or optionally RFCOMM) plus a large library of profiles. Reduction of overall power consumption is achieved through BCHS implementing all the low power modes such as deep sleep mode. Yi Yuan, the Executive Vice President of TCL commented, "Bluetooth connectivity is a necessity for all of today's business smartphones. We expect more and more mid to high range cellular phones will adopt Bluetooth technology. We would therefore like to partner with the technology leaders to serve this growing market." The TCLe787 features handwriting recognition software for input on its 2.4 inch QVGA touch screen. The handset's dimensions are 108x52x21 mm and TCL claim a battery life of up to 200 hours (standby time). CSR technology supports TCL with industry leading power consumption and the smallest IC on the market. This enables designers to easily integrate Bluetooth connectivity into the smallest of handsets and do so without worrying about adverse effects on battery life. Sebastian Koh, General Manager of Asia Pacific Region for CSR commented, "CSR is committed to working closely with OEMs in emerging markets to provide them with market-leading Bluetooth connectivity at the lowest cost. We also aim to help them bring to market a handset with functionality and design capable of competing on a global scale." 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 has now launched its fifth generation BlueCore suite and is in volume manufacture of 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. In August 2005, CSR completed the acquisition of UbiNetics' software business, providing a strong R&D team to accelerate its existing software development in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and UWB. The UbiNetics team gives CSR the capacity to extend its offering to mobile handset customers. CSR has its headquarters and offices in Cambridge, UK, and offices in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, India, France, Denmark, Sweden and both Texas and Detroit in the USA. More information can be found at www.csr.com and the partner web site www.btdesigner.com More information about Bluetooth technology can be found on the SIG web site at www.bluetooth.com |
