NEWS - Plextek hits young people's market with latest mobile phone development

Plextek's electronics design services include:FPGA design, ESCAN Radar, MMIC design, GPRS design, Communications product design, Microwave design Defence electronics, Electronic product design, RF design, DSP design, Telemetry system, System Integration,Communications system design, Due diligence

Press Release

Plextek hits young people's market with latest mobile phone development

Communications design consultancy Plextek and Alphacell, a designer of advanced wireless multimedia devices, are working together to develop the latest in 2.5G multimedia handsets. The new M5 handset platform offers a powerful and flexible solution for customised rich-media handsets that will attract the booming young people's market, yet still appeal to business users.

Introduced at the 3GSM World Congress in Cannes in February, this unique device with its sleek design, appealing shape and convenient pocket size is sure to become a 'must have', particularly in the recreational market. The new M5 handset, which will work on GPRS networks worldwide, will offer the most up-to-date gaming, multimedia and personal information management software.

As part of the phone's innovative gaming environment, four programmable soft keys are conveniently located around the screen and, according to industry observers at Plextek, this is destined to be a winner with young people. The extensive applications and services in just one phone will include an integrated digital colour camera for videos and stills as well as providing entertainment services (playing and capturing video and music). Users will be able to browse the internet through WAP 2.0 and i-mode and access a variety of information services and more. Its Bluetooth interface will allow seamless connection between other digital devices nearby.

AlphaCell has designed and implemented the multimedia and user interface software using state-of-the-art technology from its parent company Emblaze Systems. The Plextek team has integrated 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.

Plextek managing director, Colin Smithers said: "This handset, with its many applications, services and innovative features, responds to the ever increasing demands of the mobile phone user. Combining our strengths in wireless communications with an acknowledged multimedia technology leader such as Alphacell, has resulted in a groundbreaking product that can be designed in line with whatever the market segment requires."

AlphaCell Vice President of R&D, Yaron Ashri said: "We are happy to partner with Plextek in the exciting development of the M5. Plextek's extensive experience in wireless communications GSM/GPRS technologies, enhances our commitment to providing the best of breed technology to our customers."

Released 18/02/2003