Innovative Conceptual Device Integrates Wireless Video Communication And
Phone, Digital Camera, Video Camcorder, MP3 Audio, PDA, Internet Access,
Email and Microsoft Windows Embedded XP OS in a Unique Folding Design
LAS VEGAS, COMDEX, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- National Semiconductor
Corporation (NYSE: NSM), the leading silicon and systems provider for
information appliances, today unveiled a new handheld conceptual device that
integrates today's most popular Internet and multimedia functions into a
single, portable unit. About the size and weight of a small digital
camcorder, the National(R) Geode(TM) Origami(TM) Mobile Communicator is a
flexible unit that folds and unfolds to perform eight popular consumer
electronics functions in one easy-to-use device. The Geode Origami Mobile
Communicator is a proof-of-concept device for original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs), developed under a joint agreement between National Semiconductor's
Conceptual Products Group, Studio RED Inc., and CoCom International, Ltd.
"Origami is a glimpse into the future. It is a revolutionary convergence
concept that artfully blends National's Geode integrated processor, and
wireless, display and analog technologies," said Michael Polacek, vice
president of the Information Appliance Division at National Semiconductor.
"Origami combines National's silicon and software technologies, innovative
industrial design, and the Microsoft Windows Embedded XP operating system into
a package that's small, incredibly feature rich, and ultimately fun to use."
Key Features of the Geode Origami Mobile Communicator
Measuring just 7 1/2" long, less than 4" wide, 1 1/2" thick and weighing
about 10 ounces, Origami's flexible form factor reflects its multiple uses.
The Origami folds and pivots into a digital camera, video camcorder,
smartphone, MP3 audio player, PDA, Internet access or Internet picture frame,
email device or video conferencing terminal.
"Origami is perfect for people on the move who want to stay connected to
family, friends and business associates while accessing the information they
need," said Michael Polacek.
Key features of the Origami include a 4" TFT LCD 640 x 480 resolution
display with integrated touch screen support, integrated 16-bit stereo sound
capability with built-in microphone and speaker, headphone and hands-free
headset connectors, USB and Compact Flash ports and long battery life for
hours of mobility.
Origami utilizes Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology for network
connectivity. PAN and LAN networks use a Bluetooth-equipped access point,
while WAN uses a Bluetooth GSM or CDMA phone. Origami can also be scaled for
future 2.5 and 3G cellular networks such as GPRS and W-CDMA.
The device runs Microsoft Windows Embedded XP and leverages the broad
array of applications already available for that platform -- applications such
as NetMeeting for videoconferencing, Internet Explorer 6.0 for browsing and
Windows Media Player.
"Easy-to-use multifunction products will be popular with a large portion
of the population," said Egil Juliussen, president of eTForecasts, a computer
and Internet industry analyst firm. "Multifunction or convergence products
tend to be a bargain versus several single-function products, and they take up
less space."
National's Technology Partners
Studio RED, Inc., a Silicon Valley product development firm, has designed
and engineered high-tech consumer products for almost 20 years. National
approached Studio RED to create the industrial design for its revolutionary
Origami prototype.
"The challenge for Studio RED was to develop a totally new product
identity that was the visual equivalent of National Semiconductor's incredibly
advanced technology," said Victor Lazzaro, vice president of design for Studio
RED. "With a tight, unforgiving deadline, we produced a rugged, sophisticated
design that complemented the wizardry housed inside. We enjoyed working with
an imaginative company like National. Their innovation and curiosity freed us
to really push the limits in pursuit of something spectacular."
CoCom International, Ltd., a worldwide leader in the design and
manufacture of a wide range of products and services for business and personal
use, completed the manufacturing process by combining the silicon content from
National with the industrial design from Studio RED.
National Technology Inside
National's award-winning, high performance, low power Geode SC3200
processor is at the heart of Origami. This processor features integrated,
high-end video graphics and full 16-bit stereo audio that offers the optimal
balance between cost, performance and power consumption, enabling
manufacturers to build affordable, full-function devices.
National's analog technology brings the Geode Origami Mobile Communicator
to life with sound powered by National's Boomer(R) audio products, a display
enhanced by National's LVDS technology, power management products that prolong
battery life while increasing portability, and temperature sensors that
monitor and maintain overall system health. Origami is also designed to take
full advantage of the complete range of features of National's Wireless
Solutions Bluetooth Compact Flash card.
Origami is the latest in a series of industry-shaping products National
has introduced at COMDEX Fall. In 1998, the company unveiled the WebPAD(TM)
device, which spawned a new category of products: information appliances.
Last year, National received the "Best of Show" award in the services category
for its Geode WebPAD Metro, a wide-area mobile personal access device.
National named its new Origami device after the Japanese art of folding paper
into birds, animals or other artistic shapes. Additional information about
Origami is available at http://www.national.com/origami.
About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the
information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital
technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless
handsets; information appliances; information infrastructure; and display,
imaging and human interface technologies. With headquarters in Santa Clara,
California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for fiscal year 2001 and
employs about 9,700 people worldwide. Additional company and product
information is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.national.com .
National and Boomer are registered trademarks, and Geode, WebPAD and
Origami are trademarks of National Semiconductor. Bluetooth is a trademark of
Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used under license by National Semiconductor. All
other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.
SOURCE National Semiconductor Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.national.com
CONTACT:
Gayle Bullock, +1-408-464-2516,
gayle.bullock@nsc.com, or Mike Brozda, +1-408-721-3628,
mike.brozda@nsc.com, both of National Semiconductor
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