1997-11-17 , S/IC-733/650

Optimized MIPS RISC-based TwoChipHCG* Plus powers new Smartphone to combine mobile computer functionality with CDMA cellular phone capabilities

COMDEX - Sunnyvale, Calif. - November 17, 1997 - Philips Semiconductors' Handheld Computing Group today announced that its TwoChipHCG* Plus processor has been selected for Samsung's new Smartphone SCS-100 Infomobile, the first Windows CE 2.0-based device which combines a mobile computer and a CDMA/AMPS cellular phone into a single portable unit. By embedding its chipset into the Infomobile, Philips has expanded applications for its TwoChipHCG* Plus and has increased performance of handheld devices through an optimized integration of hardware and software.

Samsung's selection of the TwoChipHCG* Plus over Hitachi's SH-3 and DEC's Strong ARM, in addition to Sharp Electronics' recent announcement that it will use the TwoChipHCG* Plus in its Mobilon? line of handheld PCs, means that Philips Semiconductors has aligned its Handheld Computing Group (HCG) with two of the largest electronics manufacturers in the world. As a result, Philips' HCG customers are able to offer end users high-performance features, such as V.34 modem functionality, faster application access, longer battery life and full color capabilities. Additionally, these partnerships enable Philips to provide optimal WinCE 2.0 functionality.

'The Samsung Infomobile represents the first CDMA smartphone application of the TwoChipHCG* Plus. This alliance not only reinforces our technical superiority in mobile communications, but also demonstrates the versatility of our chipset,' said Stefan Braken-Guelke, general manager, Philips Semiconductors' Handheld Computing Group. 'Samsung is an innovator and leader in the consumer electronics industry. Portable handheld devices, such as the InfoMobile, require unique design approaches to achieve high-performance, multiple feature options -- and the TwoChipHCG* Plus was the clear choice.'

'The Infomobile offers customers the mobile solution they need to execute daily communications and computing tasks,' said Young Ha Lee, director of Samsung's Multimedia Research and Development Center. 'We selected the TwoChipHCG* architecture because it was the only PDA processor that was specifically designed to support WinCE 2.0, while offering the most optimized solution to meet the high-performance, low-power consumption requirements for the Infomobile Smartphone.'

Samsung Infomobile Features
The Samsung Infomobile combines a CDMA/AMPS dual mode cellular phone with a mobile computer to offer interface data capabilities between phone usage and mobile computing. The device features Microsoft's Pocket Explorer, Email, Fax and PC Synchronization applications, as well as user familiar programs. It is designed to support Windows CE and is equipped with a 480 x 240 monochrome display, touchscreen, integrated codecs and V.34 softmodem. The system is also implemented with an onscreen keyboard and handwriting recognition to accommodate various methods of character entry.

Cellular phone capabilities include DTMF function, last number redial, multiple ringer tone, and an operating time of up to two hours (talk time) or forty hours (standby).

TwoChipHCG* Plus
The TwoChipHCG* Plus consists of Philips'  PR31700,  UCB1200 and V.34 softmodem, as well as Windows CE device drivers. The enhancements to the chipset offer end users improved performance (72 MIPS), color LCD support, and integrated touch, phone and audio functions for handheld computers.

The softmodem provides communication capabilities through faster modem speeds, up to 33.6 Kbps. End users receive increased bandwidth for their handheld computers without sacrificing the color quality of the user interface. Cost of the chipset, combined with the software fax/modem, is US$39 in 100,000-unit quantities. For pricing, ordering and availability outside the United States, contact your local Philips Semiconductors Sales Office or Authorized Philips Distributor. For sales information, call 1-800-447- 1500, extension XXX.

About Philips Semiconductors, Inc.
Philips Semiconductors, Inc., a subsidiary of Philips Electronics North America and an affiliate of Philips Electronics NV, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the ninth largest semiconductor supplier in the world. Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video and mobile technology position the company as a leader in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world and are supported by regional customer applications labs. Additional information on Philips Semiconductors can be found on the home page at www.semiconductors.philips.com.