Press Release

Plextek develops next generation smart-phone

Communications design consultancy, Plextek, has been contracted by AlphaCell a designer of advanced wireless multimedia devices to jointly develop a 2.5G multimedia handset.

The mobile phone, which will work on 2.5G networks worldwide, will be launched on the open market early in 2003. AlphaCell has already secured an agreement with leading mobile phone provider, Carphone Warehouse, who will purchase and distribute the mobile phones in Europe.

AlphaCell will design and implement the multimedia and user interface software using state-of-the-art technology from Emblaze Systems. The Plextek team will integrate the GSM/GPRS baseband and radio hardware for the phone, as well as the handset using Bluetooth technology. The core GSM/GPRS software stack has been licensed from TTPCom, a Cambridge based provider of intellectual property for use in the design and manufacture of wireless communication terminals.

The handset promises to offer a rich set of multimedia features and has an integrated VGA camera for image and video capture. The handset has a unique, full colour, 80mm x 40mm TFT touch screen and includes many advanced capabilities for downloading and playing video as well as MP3s. The popular short messaging system (SMS) will be enhanced by the addition of a Multimedia Messaging System (MMS), enabling users to send text with images captured by the in-built camera. MMS picture messaging - a feature some commentators believe will be the first killer application of the mobile data era, can be sent directly from the handset allowing friends and family to share moments in near real-time. For the business user the phone can be connected to a computer or peripheral via various interconnection technologies to allow data synchronisation.

Acknowledged for its particular expertise in designing for manufacture, Plextek's work also extends to the design and development of a production line test suite.

Plextek managing director, Colin Smithers who has been personally involved with the project said: "Working with a recognised multimedia technology leader such as AlphaCell in developing this exciting smart-phone is particularly significant since it places us at the forefront of leading edge product design for mobile multimedia communication. We believe that consumers will welcome the sophisticated multimedia features offered by this phone and rapidly adopt the use of MMS and other mobile video based application."

AlphaCell Vice President of R&D, Yaron Ashri said: "Combining the strength of AlphaCell in multimedia technologies with the extensive and long experience of Plextek in wireless communications and particularly GSM/GPRS technologies, will enable us to deliver a cutting edge product to the evolving marketplace of smart multimedia mobile handsets."

Released 03/09/2002