Semis/Firmware Envision New Media Player Horizons

In two joint ventures, the company foresees a number of unique innovations in the media player market. First up is a personal media player with integrated HSDPA modem to deliver an always-connected service. Partnering with Icera, the goal is to create a platform to simplify the design of cellular-enabled digital media devices. The second venture entails a team effort with CSR to add both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to personal players. Wi-Fi promises to simplify synchronization to a PC as well as opening up new ways to download and stream content, while Bluetooth will enable wireless stereo headset connectivity. The end product will rely on the PP5022 applications processor and firmware development kit. For further information and future availabilities, call PORTALPLAYER INC., San Jose, CA. (408) 521-7000.