LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 10, 2000--
Software House Selects Maverick(TM) Chips for Internet Audio Design Package That Can Reduce Design Cycle by More Than Half for New
Consumer Products
At the Consumer Electronics Show here, Cirrus Logic Inc. (Nasdaq:CRUS) and Interactive Objects Inc. (OTC BB:OBJX) announced an agreement that will provide the technical jumpstart manufacturers need for integrating Internet audio support into a wide range of consumer electronics products.
Combining the flexibility of Cirrus Logic's Maverick(TM) Internet audio system-on-chips (SOCs) and advanced functionality of Interactive Objects' (Iobjects) Portable Stereo Reference Platform, the Bellevue-based software specialists unveiled a package of Internet Audio Design Services that could cut system design time by more than 50 percent.
Targeted at next-generation Internet audio players that could leapfrog the functionality of currently available products, Iobjects' Design Services enable manufacturers to outsource the design of standard system elements, thus freeing OEMs to focus their resources on features that will differentiate their products.
As the market for Internet audio matures, manufacturers are likely to compete by offering players with improved download times, storage capacity, media formats, and audio codec support. The Cirrus Logic/Iobjects partnership will provide manufacturers the functionality necessary to compete in this field.
In support of evolving system requirements, Iobjects has developed key system software components and a flexible design architecture that expand on the programmability of Maverick chip solutions. With customizable modules for audio decoding, storage subsystems, connectivity and file system format, Iobjects' Design Services provides "one-stop shopping" for manufacturers looking to pull together a system processor, firmware, design architecture and peripheral support.
While convenience is a clear advantage of Iobjects' Design Services, an equally important benefit is reducing time to market given the rapid adoption of Internet audio. Building on the power of the Maverick chips, the comprehensive package allows customers to truly get "from zero to market in Internet time(TM)."
"Depending on size of the team and complexity of the system, the Iobjects' package could allow a manufacturer to complete an Internet audio design in a few months, versus a few quarters," said Mark Phillips, chief technology officer at Interactive Objects. "We are devoted to helping OEMs master the time-to-market demands of the Internet age. By harnessing the power of the Maverick Internet audio chips, and collaborating on flexible design architecture, this partnership enables manufacturers to support new Internet audio technology without having to invest heavily in software engineering. We expect this will open the market for new Internet audio-enabled consumer products."
In addition to supporting stand-alone Internet audio players, Iobjects' Design Services provide a jumpstart for adding Internet audio support to other consumer electronics products, including home entertainment systems, portable stereos, car stereos, personal digital assistants, electronic books, set-top boxes, and game platforms.
Unlike the relatively large existing talent pool for systems such as computer motherboards, the skills needed to develop a playback device make complete in-house system design a daunting if not impossible task from both a financial and technical perspective. By embedding the intellectual property and expertise of both Cirrus Logic and Iobjects, the Internet Audio Design Services address a critical engineering gap for some companies.
"Our mutual customers are eager to respond to consumer demand for Internet audio," said Matthew Perry, vice president and general manager of the Embedded Processors Division at Cirrus Logic. "Our partnership with Iobjects will enable OEMs to focus on the features that will differentiate their products, and to meet aggressive schedules. This agreement is also great news for consumers -- it not only offers OEMs a chance to gain a foothold in a rapidly evolving and expanding market, but it also offers consumers the prospects of innovative new products."
With Cirrus Logic providing the processor and Iobjects providing the system firmware, design architecture and integration services, this complete design package fully utilizes the programmability of the Maverick SOCs. Iobjects offers a menu of system choices, including support of both MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA); options to use flash memory, CD-ROMs or even microdrives for the storage subsystem; and USB connectivity for faster audio transfer rates.
In addition to offering currently available system options, Iobjects and Cirrus Logic will collaborate in supporting additional audio standards and peripherals as the technologies evolve. Designed to be "future-proof," the design architecture allows for the flexible integration of both Iobjects' and Cirrus Logic's technologies into a myriad of consumer electronics devices.
Interactive Objects' Internet Audio Design Services are available now on a contract basis for manufacturing volumes above 50,000 units. For royalty pricing information, contact Interactive Objects.
Interactive Objects
Interactive Objects was founded in 1995 by former Microsoft employees to develop object software for commercial Internet and Intranet applications. Today, Interactive Objects continues to evolve and expand its offerings by leveraging revenue-generating intellectual property and technical talent. Headquartered at 12600 SE 38th, Suite 150 Bellevue, WA 98006, Interactive Objects is listed on the OTC BB under the symbol "OBJX" and on the "Third Segment" of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "IOX" and German securities code WKN: 913011. The Company can be reached on the web at www.iobjects.com
Cirrus Logic
Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of high-performance analog circuits and advanced mixed-signal chip solutions. The company's products, sold under its own name and the Crystal product brand, enable system-level applications in mass storage, audio and precision data conversion. Additional information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.
Note to Editors: Cirrus Logic is a registered trademark and Maverick is a trademark of Cirrus Logic Inc. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.
CONTACT: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
Anne Carr, 510/226-2374
anne@corp.cirrus.com
or
Interactive Objects, Inc.
Gentry Lange, 425/653-5505 ext. 219
gentryl@iobjects.com
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