Symbian- Mot, Ericy, Epoc 1st integrated wireless computing platform at CeBIT 2000 Feb 23rd 2000 Symbian Press Release
Symbian licenses reference platform to drive mass market for pen-based Communicator devices
HANNOVER, Germany - February 23rd , 2000 - The day before CeBIT officially opened, Symbian revealed the first of the fully integrated reference platforms that it has been licensing to manufactures of Wireless Information Devices. Code-named 'Quartz', the pen-based Communicator reference design enables licensees to rapidly bring to market devices that are optimized for wireless voice and data communications - all with a quarter VGA portrait screen.
"Symbian's goal is to set standards and create a mass market for Wireless Information devices. We fundamentally believe however that one size does not fit all - hence our range of reference designs, which enable licensees to create a wide variety of Smartphones and Communicators, all based on the same Symbian platform," said Colly Myers, CEO of Symbian. "Today we're introducing the first of our Communicator reference designs - code named 'Quartz. Licensees bringing out devices based on Quartz will offer unparalleled computing and telecommunications integration, providing a previously unknown user experience in the hands of mobile corporate and consumer users."
An important element of establishing Symbian's reference designs as the de-facto industry standard in the Wireless Information Device market, is guaranteeing compatibility between products to device manufactures, network operators, end-users, independent software vendors and content providers.
"Ericsson sees the quarter VGA format as ideal for communicators and personalized mobile multimedia communications," says Jan Ahrenbring, Vice President Marketing and Communications at Ericsson Mobile Communication. "In Ericsson's communicator vision, you have access to personalized services in your pocket, such as mobile Internet, location based services, personal communications and personal information management. With Symbian's open platform, third party application developers are able to bring a multitude of applications to the market that will add strong value to Ericsson products;' says Ahrenbring.
The Quartz reference design includes jotter, contacts, PIM, and messaging applications such as email, fax, SMS and telephony, Web and WAP browsing, Bluetooth and Java integration. All of the applications in the Quartz reference design are optimized to be viewed from a quarter VGA screen in a mobile environment, allowing licensees to create Wireless Information Devices, that sit between a large display and a smaller more pocketable product.
"We are delighted to be developing products on the Quartz platform, the first of which is due to launch with Motorola in the second quarter of 2001. Our new product with Motorola will combine the best of Psion's design talents and understanding of data, with Motorola's wireless capability and Symbian's operating system skills." said David Levin, CEO, Psion PLC.
During CeBIT, Symbian and its partners will be highlighting the power, robustness and enchantment of the Symbian based products at Symbian's booth in Hall 26, Stand F60. With demonstrations that show how wireless integration with computing enables mobile users, visitors will be able to experience the latest including wireless gaming, finance, multimedia and other productivity applications. |
