NEWS
EB ACCELERATES THE PACE TO MOBILE INTERNET DEVICE (MID) ADOPTION
Working with Intel and Ericsson, EB will Make a MID Reference Design Available for Licensing - Further Allowing Customers an Easy and Cost-Effective Way to Bring Customized, Brand-Specific MIDs to Market
BARCELONA, (GSMA Mobile World Congress Hall 1, Stand 1F07), February 16, 2009 - Known for bending the limits of technology to design market-moving wireless devices, EB, Elektrobit Corporation (OMX: EBC1V), a developer of cutting-edge embedded technology solutions for automotive and wireless industries, announced today plans to bring a sleek, battery-efficient MID reference design to market in 2009, which can be easily customized for different MID product variations. By licensing EB's sophisticated MID reference design technology coupled with advanced R&D services, customers gain the framework to quickly and cost-effectively build innovative MID solutions that can be tailored to specific brand and audience requirements.
EB first became recognized in the MID development arena when the Company joined Intel's MID Innovation Alliance in April 2007. It was here that EB developed a MID proof of concept for Intel's MID category. Building on this momentum, EB is now strongly positioned to accelerate the pace to MID adoption in 2009, as it is focused on delivering a truly complete MID reference device based on Intel's second generation MID platform codenamed "Moorestown" scheduled to come to market by 2010 - from initial research to creative design/development services, customizing MID hardware/software, and integrating sophisticated applications into the MID framework. By focusing on the user experience, EB is committed to incorporating more robust features into the design, such as: enhanced navigation software that utilizes online data and services, and an optimized, next-generation touchscreen user interface, built on the latest 3D and future-forward haptics technologies ¾ incorporating sensation-based feedback and control at the user interaction-level.
Discovering the MID Experience
EB is focused on understanding end-user demand for next-generation PC and mobile device usage. By gathering research from global focus groups, surveys and other sources, EB develops wireless solutions that enable its target customers - from mobile and PC original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and leading media companies to mobile operators and chipset suppliers - drive the next big wireless experience through more competitive product portfolios.
Specifically, EB pushes the MID boundaries leveraging the strengths of leading wireless innovators, including Intel Corporation and Ericsson, to deliver customer-specific wireless MID solutions that offer media-rich mobile entertainment and connectivity experiences - anywhere, anytime.
"The Mobile Internet Device market segment continues to take hold with a broad range of devices now shipping in the marketplace," said Pankaj Kedia, Director of Global Ecosystem Programs in Intel Corporation's Ultra Mobility Group. "EB has been an early innovator in the MID segment with reference designs based on the Intel Atom processor and now based on our next generation "Moorestown" platform. The combination of high performance, software compatibility, and low power being delivered by the Intel roadmap, combined with EB's technical innovation and business model approach, will make it easier for our customers to bring new sleeker MIDs to market."
Mats Norin, Vice President and Head of Ericsson Mobile Broadband Modules, continued, "The next phase of mobility involves a deeper exchange of rich content and the sharing of one's personal experiences. Our built-in mobile broadband technology enables MID users to communicate at 3G speeds; gaining exciting new infotainment and making stronger personal connections in the palm of their hands."
Driving Customer Profitability
"As a pocket-able computing device with one or more modes of network connectivity, the Mobile Internet Device is the new battleground for mobile communications, as it sits at the cross-section of mobility, computing and consumer electronics," said William Stofega, program manager, Mobile Device Technology and Trends, IDC. "Each of those sectors will seek to grab early market share, but they will need the services of companies like EB to design and develop trendy, personalized device concepts that offer powerful PC-like experiences for social information consumption and location based services."
Engaging in a collaborative approach with customers, EB delivers exceptional value by providing tailored MID solutions that enable customers to drive end-user loyalty, increase market competitiveness and achieve higher revenue potential.
EB's Vesa Kiviranta, Vice President, Mobile Internet Device Solutions, EB stated, "We are confident we will deliver on innovation, and wireless sophistication. By pairing our wireless expertise and partners' technologies, we believe 2009 is poised to be the year we enable our customers to seize the MID opportunity."
For more information about EB's presence at Mobile World Congress, please visit EB in Hall 1, Stand 1F07, or online at www.elektrobit.com.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Joakim Granholm
Director, Marketing
EB Wireless Solutions
Tel. +358 40 344 3733
EB, Elektrobit Corporation
EB creates advanced technology and turns it into enriching end-user experiences. EB is specialized in demanding embedded software and hardware solutions for wireless and automotive industries. The net sales for the year 2008 totalled MEUR 172.3. Elektrobit Corporation is listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.
www.elektrobit.com .
