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QUALCOMM Bundles WLAN into Mobile HeadsetsTMCnet VoIP Minute Watch Columnist
Wireless technology provider QUALCOMM Incorporated will support Royal Philips Electronics' wireless local area network (WLAN) module, the companies announced on Thursday. The integrated system will connect to WLAN networks as well as to existing cellular networks, featuring compatibility with 802.11b and 802.11g protocols on CDMA2000 and WCDMA (UMTS) networks.
"Our work with Philips helps us to address the demand for additional functionality in mobile devices," noted Mike Concannon, vice president of strategic products for QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. "This strategic relationship delivers a number of new possibilities, which we look forward to making a reality." The WLAN system will enable mobile devices to use high-speed wireless local area networks when available for connections of up to 54 Mbps. Initially supported on the MSM6550 chipset, the 802.11b/g-compatible broadband capabilities enabled by Philips' WLAN module are scheduled to be commercially available by the end of this year. WLAN technology supports VoIP apps, voice calls with simultaneous data transfer and other data-intensive apps.
"We are pleased that QUALCOMM has chosen Philips' WLAN solutions to help meet the growing demand for greater connectivity in mobile devices," said Paul Marino, vice president and general manager, Connectivity, Philips Semiconductors. "Combining our highly-integrated, low-power WLAN solutions with the industry leading QUALCOMM MSM chipsets, brings a new level of mobile functionality to wireless users."
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands manufactures color television sets, lighting, electric shavers, medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring and one-chip TV products.
QUALCOMM made news back in May when it was hit by a lawsuit filed by Broadcom for alleged patent infringement. Broadcom claimed that San Diego, CA-based QUALCOMM infringed the company’s patents related to wired and wireless communications and multimedia processing technologies.
QUALCOMM then hit Broadcom back with a lawsuit in July for infringement of seven QUALCOMM patents. QUALCOMM noted in a news release that it was suing the company because "Broadcom is infringing six of the patents by the manufacture and sale of integrated circuits for use in GSM Standards handsets and is infringing the remaining patent by the manufacture and sale of semiconductors for WiFi devices."
QUALCOMM is in the process of seeking an injunction against Broadcom's continued manufacture and sale of these products as well as monetary damages.
QUALCOMM Incorporated
Royal Philips Electronics
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Johanne Torres is contributing editor for TMCnet. To see more articles by Johanne Torres, please visit:
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