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Fraunhofer IIS AAC Audio Codec Powers New Livescribe Pulse SmartpenERLANGEN, Germany --(Business Wire)-- The Pulse(TM) Smartpen from Oakland-based start-up Livescribe(TM), Inc., is a computer within a pen that captures handwriting while simultaneously recording audio and synchronizing it to the writing. Users can simply tap on their notes to replay what was recorded at the exact moment they were writing, so they never miss a word they hear, write or speak. These advanced audio features are supported by Fraunhofer's high-quality MPEG AAC codec implementation. Fraunhofer contributes the power-efficient AAC encoding and decoding technology for the real-time audio features of the Pulse. "We are very happy to see our efficient, high-quality AAC technology enabling the outstanding acoustic features of this truly smart Livescribe Smartpen device. It was great working with a company that shares our passion when it comes to superior audio quality," says Harald Popp, head of the Multimedia Realtime Systems department at Fraunhofer IIS. Excellent audio capabilities are an essential part of the Pulse user experience," says Jim Marggraff, CEO of Livescribe, Inc. "Since Fraunhofer is well-known as a leading, high-quality source for audio codecs our decision to work with them was easy." You can find further information on our technologies at www.iis.fraunhofer.de/amm About Fraunhofer IIS Founded in 1985 the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Erlangen, today with 520 staff members, ranks first among the Fraunhofer Institutes concerning headcount and revenues. As the inventor of mp3 and co-inventor of the MPEG AAC audio coding standard, Fraunhofer IIS has reached worldwide recognition. It provides research services on contract basis and technology licensing. The research topics are: Audio and video source coding, multimedia realtime systems, digital radio broadcasting and digital cinema systems, integrated circuits and sensor systems, design automation, wireless, wired and optical networks, localization and navigation, imaging systems and nanofocus X-ray technology, high-speed cameras, medical sensor solutions and communications technology in transport and logistics. The budget of 61 million Euro is mainly financed by projects from industry, the service sector and public authorities. Less than 20 percent of the budget is subsidized by federal and state funds. About Livescribe, Inc. Located in Oakland, Calif., Livescribe has developed a new low-cost mobile computing platform that enhances productivity, learning, communication and self expression for anyone that uses pen and paper. The Pulse smartpen revolutionizes the act of writing by recording and linking audio to handwriting, so users never miss a word. Livescribe was founded by Jim Marggraff, an entrepreneur and inventor of paper-based computing, including the LeapPad and Fly Pentop Computer. For more information, visit Livescribe at www.livescribe.com. |
