Qualcomm Pioneers Industry First IMOD Color Display
- Future Sport MP3 Players by Freestyle Audio First Onboard -
LOS ANGELES, May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), today at the SID 2008 Conference demonstrated the first reflective Interferometric Modulation (IMOD) color mirasol(TM) display, bringing unrivaled capabilities to the industry and into the hands of the mobile end user. This move is another step forward for Qualcomm MEMS Technologies and its phased approach to move mirasol displays into mainstream mobile devices.
The first 0.9-inch IMOD color mirasol display will be introduced by Freestyle Audio, creator of the world's first and only waterproof, shockproof and virtually indestructible mp3 player, in its next-generation MP3 player product line. IMOD technology requires no backlighting and reflects light so that wavelengths interfere with each other creating pure, vivid colors. Mobile devices, such as MP3 players and mobile phones, stand to benefit from mirasol displays which require significantly less power and harness ambient light sources to automatically scale for optimal viewing in virtually any lighting condition.
"The delivery of Qualcomm's color reflective display constitutes a major milestone for Qualcomm MEMS Technologies and the industry," said Jim Cathey, vice president of business development for Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc. "Our initial shift from bichrome displays to color will help move mirasol displays into the devices that matter most to consumers and enable mobile devices to finally come out of the shadows and perform in various lighting environments. Freestyle Audio customers will truly benefit from mirasol displays' low power consumption and sunlight viewability -- whether it's on land or in water."
San Diego-based Freestyle Audio is the leading provider of action sports audio technology and prides itself on developing products that can withstand all environmental conditions, including water, snow and other extreme environments. Freestyle Audio's waterproof and shockproof MP3 players allow athletes to significantly enhance their action sports experience with its durable and fully submersible products. The company has formed co-brands with industry-leading action sport entities such as Billabong and Liquid Force.
"We're taking our award-winning Sport MP3 players to the next level," said Lance Fried, founder and chairman of Freestyle Audio. "Our active customers demand superior music experience wherever they go. Like Freestyle Audio, Qualcomm places a premium on innovation, and we're confident that the inclusion of color mirasol displays will further enhance our customers' experiences and let them take their music anywhere."
SID participants are encouraged to stop by booth #427 to see live demonstrations of color and bichrome mirasol displays. To learn more about mirasol displays, visit http://www.mirasoldisplays.com.
About Freestyle Audio
Freestyle Audio is the leading provider of action sports audio technology for use in water, snow and other extreme environments not friendly for consumer electronics. Freestyle Audio waterproof and shockproof mp3 players allow all athletes to significantly enhance their action sports experience and truly live up to the company's tagline "take your music there." For more information, please visit http://www.freestyleaudio.com
About Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc.
Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc. has developed the industry's first color micro electrical/mechanical systems (MEMS) display for mobile devices - a true technological innovation that offers low power consumption and superb viewing quality in a wide range of environmental conditions, including bright sunlight. Based on a reflective technology, Qualcomm's mirasol displays require no backlighting and therefore consume significantly less power than standard displays in portable devices. To learn more about mirasol displays, visit http://www.mirasoldisplays.com.
About Qualcomm Incorporated
Qualcomm Incorporated (http://www.qualcomm.com) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Qualcomm is included in the S&P 500 Index and is a 2008 FORTUNE 500(R) company traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market(R) under the ticker symbol QCOM.
Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. mirasol is a trademark of Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Qualcomm Contacts:
Cheryl Schwarzman, Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc.
Phone: 1-858-651-6276
Email: qmtpr@qualcomm.com
Emily Kilpatrick, Corporate Communications
Phone: 1-858-845-5959
Email: corpcomm@qualcomm.com
John Gilbert, Investor Relations
Phone: 1-858-658-4813
Email: ir@qualcomm.com
Freestyle Audio Contact:
Lance Fried
Phone: 1-858-458-0730
Email: lancef@freestyleaudio.com
SOURCE Qualcomm Incorporated
Released May 20, 2008