Ericsson’s HSPA platform to enable mobile TV, Vlogs

Ericsson announced its U335 WCDMA mobile platform, the first to enable the introduction of mass-market HSPA multimedia devices capable of new services such as mobile TV, mobile video blogging and other services demanding both high uplink and downlink data speeds.

The Ericsson U335 combines high-speed uplink data with state-of-the-art multimedia functionality at a price level that makes true mass-market consumer devices possible. It differs from Ericsson’s previously announced HSPA platforms, which have focused primarily on network access for PC-card products and high-end feature phones, making the U335 the first platform enabling HSPA devices for all segments on the market.

The latest addition to the mobile platforms portfolio of multimedia platforms, the U335 is expected to become a flagship product by supporting not only higher uplink data speeds than its predecessors but also incorporating several mobile TV standards and advanced multimedia features.

“By enabling mobile TV through MBMS, DVB-H and Unicast, together with outstanding imaging, video and music capabilities in a cost-efficient package, we expect to see many consumer models built on this platform,” said Robert Puskaric, head of Ericsson’s mobile platforms’ unit.

By launching the U335 platform, Ericsson brings HSPA to the mass market almost one year ahead of schedule. Strong R&D efforts, together with the flexibility to adapt to market changes, make this possible, and show why Ericsson is the market leader in the WCDMA segment for independent platform suppliers.

Products built on the U335 platform are expected to be available in volumes in the second half of 2008.