Having designed the world’s first MID (Mobile Internet Device) reference device in 2007, EB, Elektrobit Corporation (OMX: EBC1V), a leading developer of cutting-edge embedded technology solutions for automotive and wireless industries, is leveraging its MID design and development expertise to unveil today, at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2009, a next-generation MID reference device, based on Intel’s second generation MID platform, codenamed “Moorestown.” The reference device will offer EB’s customers, including wireless and PC original device and equipment manufacturers, wireless operators, among others, the ability to introduce a customized MID product to market faster and with lower development costs.

With core competencies in hardware and software design, EB has created a complete MID reference device that can be tailored to a customers’ brand and target market requirements. By licensing EB’s sophisticated MID reference device technology coupled with device customization services, customers gain the framework to quickly and cost-effectively bring to market innovative MID solutions that aim to increase market competitiveness and revenue-potential.

“Our approach to MID reference device development was to show our customers that we truly understood their business objectives - and - understand their end-customers’ needs - which include staying connected with friends, family and work via social networks, and having always-available and portable digital content,” said Vesa Kiviranta, vice president, EB Wireless Solutions. “We focused on delivering an Internet-centric, trendsetting device with wireless broadband connectivity that offered a powerful PC-like experience, yet was completely pocket-able.”

Key Collaborations

With a strong ecosystem-in-place, which includes collaborators Intel and Ericsson, EB has developed a flexible MID reference device which allows various form factor and feature combination possibilities.

“The Intel Atom processor has enjoyed outstanding success in the marketplace over the last year. The technology is helping to make it possible for customers to deliver rich, interactive PC-like Internet experiences in pocketable devices,” said Pankaj Kedia, director of global ecosystem programs in Intel’s Ultra Mobility Group. “Our long-standing collaboration with EB began with the first generation Atom processor-based MIDs and is now moving to the next generation platform codenamed Moorestown. Intel’s ability to deliver high performance in dramatically low power envelopes, combined with EB’s system-level expertise, will make it easy for our customers to bring innovative products to market in a timely fashion.”

Mats Norin, vice president and head of Ericsson Mobile Broadband Modules, continued, “Having a powerful MID that operates at HSPA speeds will enable end-users to communicate and leverage Internet services in new ways. Our built-in mobile broadband technology enables consumers to take the computing power of the Internet and familiar PC applications with them anywhere, anytime.”

By working across the wireless value chain, EB’s MID reference device delivers a truly media-centric mobile experience; one that makes it possible to access familiar Web-based applications in the mobile environment. Not only does it offer a small, attractive form factor, but it offers multiple technology advancements, including:

* An optimized Linux-based user interface (UI), which is Moblin compliant. Up until this point, the MID UI technology had only been used in laptops; however EB has creatively engineered the technology enabling this advanced UI to be integrated into such small device, for the first time;
* The latest 3D and haptics touch-screen technologies for sensation-based feedback and control at the user interaction-level;

These technology enhancements enable:

* Entertainment-Rich Experiences: High-definition quality video playback and out-of-the-box multimedia connectivity via HDMI, even with dual screen output;

* Robust Communication Features - Instant and flexible communication connections for voice, text (e.g. SMS, IM, e-mails), video, and social networking forums;

* Value-Added Applications: EB provides exciting applications that add to the end-user experience, such as its award-winning navigation software, EB Street Director, a customizable white label solution that offers a high-end, speech-enabled, turn-by-turn-navigation experience.