BenQ Selects SKY-MAP Software Solution for New Handset Development
SAN DIEGO --(Business Wire)-- Jan. 31, 2007 SKY MobileMedia, Inc., a leading provider of application software solutions for the wireless handset industry, today announced that BenQ has chosen the SKY-MAP(TM) mobile applications software solution for use in new handset programs that will go to market in 2007.
"BenQ is pleased to extend our business relationship with SKY MobileMedia to include the SKY-MAP applications software solution for new handset development," stated Dr. Irwin Chen, General Manager of BenQ Mobile Communications Group. "SKY-MAP provides BenQ with a complete applications software solution that helps us bring compelling new handset models to market quickly."
SKY-MAP has been architected from the ground-up for modularity and portability across hardware platforms, operating systems, and protocol stacks. This provides BenQ with the flexibility to extend their product portfolio to next generation handsets with enhanced multimedia capabilities while maintaining a common, pre-tested software solution. In addition, SKY's powerful RapidPLUS(TM) development tools enable BenQ to differentiate their products by customizing the "look and feel" of their phones, providing a compelling user experience and improved branding for BenQ products.
BenQ has used RapidPLUS MMI development tools in the design of multiple mobile phones that are available on the market today including the S88, CL71, and E61 multimedia phones. The E61 was awarded the coveted iF Design Award at CeBIT 2006 for outstanding product design. Current BenQ handset development programs extend the partnership with SKY to include the use of both the SKY-MAP mobile software solution as well as the RapidPLUS tools in the development of new mobile phones.
"BenQ is a very important customer for SKY MobileMedia, and we look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with the launch of new handsets based on SKY-MAP," stated Naser Partovi, CEO of SKY MobileMedia. "SKY is dedicated to delivering the most robust and flexible applications software solutions to BenQ which allow them to develop and deliver a variety of innovative new mobile phones in the shortest time to market."
Availability
Handsets from BenQ built using SKY's RapidPLUS are available today. Additional models based on the SKY-MAP software solution are expected to ship during the second half of 2007.
About SKY-MAP
SKY MobileMedia offers fully integrated software solutions that bring together all of the applications elements required for mass-market handsets, including the complete SKY-MMI reference MMI and applications suite, as well as standards-compliant, market-proven middleware engines such as browser, MMS, multimedia framework, 2D graphics, and more. Segment-specific SKY-MAP solutions are fully optimized for the cost, performance, and applications required for ultra-low-cost, entry-level, feature phones, and multimedia handsets, allowing rapid time-to-market and reduced R&D expenses for manufacturers. In addition, SKY provides the PC-based RapidPLUS(TM) set of MMI and applications software development tools. RapidPLUS enables third-party ISVs and handset manufacturers to quickly customize SKY-MAP to satisfy any handset "look and feel" and allow powerful product differentiation and branding.