WIND--Wind River's Software is Adopted by Sony for Network Walkman NW-E3
Consumer Electronics Giant Delivers VxWorks-Based Next-Generation Portable Network Audio Product
ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 24, 2000--With the advent of digital, downloadable music on the Internet, there is an increasing need for a small, reliable device for consumers to store and play their favorite music tracks. Wind River Systems, Inc.'s (Nasdaq:WIND - news) high-performance ``smart-device'' software technology is being used by consumer-electronics giant Sony for a highly visible part of its portable Internet music strategy, a next-generation ``Network Walkman'' platform.
The first Sony-branded and Wind River-enabled device to hit the market is Sony's new Network Walkman NW-E3. The Network Walkman NW-E3 allows up to 80 minutes of compressed digital audio data to be obtained on its built-in flash memory module. The audio data is transferred from a PC's hard disc via USB connecting cable, once downloaded and saved on a PC's hard disc from Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) services over the Internet or from a local source such as audio-CDs or other audio files (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, so called MP3). The audio data is in an SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative) compliant format, marking an important advancement in copy protection.
The software running on Wind River's VxWorks® real-time operating system (RTOS) was developed using Wind River's state-of-the-art Tornado® integrated development tools and is responsible for the Network Walkman's user interface, controls, display, data routing, storage and retrieval as well as the device's PC connectivity.
``The real-time processing and network-connectivity requirements for smart consumer devices bring unprecedented levels of product complexity to the electronics marketplace,'' said J.C. Sarner, vice president and general manager of Wind River's Consumer business unit. ``Next-generation consumer devices need the solid, field-tested technologies and tools Wind River brings to the table, and Sony's Network Walkman is a perfect example of product leadership ambition driving the choice of Wind River's embedded solutions.''
About Wind River
Wind River, www.windriver.com, is a worldwide leader in embedded software. Wind River provides software development tools, real-time operating systems, and advanced connectivity for use in products throughout the Internet, telecommunications and data communications, digital imaging, digital consumer electronics, networking, medical, computer peripherals, automotive, industrial automation and control, and aerospace/defense markets. Wind River is how smart things think. Founded in 1983, Wind River is headquartered in Alameda, California, with operations in fifteen countries worldwide.
Note to Editors: Wind River Systems, the Wind River Systems logo, VxWorks, and Tornado are registered trademarks of Wind River Systems, Inc. All other names mentioned are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective companies. |
