Qualcomm Updates BREW

SAN DIEGO -- QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), pioneer and world leader of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital wireless technology, today announced the third major release of its Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless(TM) (BREW) client software and BREW SDK(TM) (software development kit) tool. The new BREW 3.0 client software extends a mobile handset's multimedia functionality by adding support for removable storage media and a serial interface that allows users to easily connect their BREW-enabled handsets to other devices, such as keyboards or personal computers. In addition to multimedia enhancements, the BREW 3.0 client software also offers group management features, which will enable operators to segment consumers, including business users and corporations, to deliver tailored wireless applications portfolios. BREW 3.0 software also allows developers to take advantage of its secondary display access capabilities.

QUALCOMM also unveiled the next version of the BREW SDK development tool. The latest BREW SDK tool provides new features, including an enhanced device- specific simulator, to help developers create, produce and test their applications more efficiently and in an environment more similar to the actual device than was previously possible.

"The BREW system continues to connect operators, publishers, developers and device manufacturers in the development and deployment of wireless applications and services that produce positive results for everyone involved," said Jason Kenagy, senior director of product management for QUALCOMM Internet Services. "The release of our BREW 3.0 porting kit and SDK tool illustrates our commitment to continuous technical innovation as we produce products and services with functionality and features based on important feedback we receive from all of our customers around the world."

Extended Multimedia Functionality

BREW 3.0 software provides users with the ability to expand the use of their BREW applications via removable memory storage and serial interface capabilities. Wireless subscribers with BREW 3.0-enabled handsets will be able to access multimedia content, such as sound files or photos, from memory cards -- essentially turning their phones into mobile music players or photo albums. The new generic serial interface port will allow users to plug their phones into keyboards or personal computers via serial or USB cables. Both capabilities are protected by enhanced security features to maintain the integrity of the BREW system.

Group Management Capabilities

BREW 3.0 software enables operators to take advantage of group management capabilities for wireless applications. The BREW 3.0 client software allows operators to segment consumers, including business users and corporations, to deliver tailored applications portfolios. Operators may also push applications directly to target customer devices via auto-install and upgrade features.

Real-World Simulator Feature

Authenticated BREW developers will be able to test their applications in a new BREW SDK simulator using device-specific information. Information regarding various devices will be loaded into the BREW simulator, providing a real-world simulation of the application. Additional new features include Module Information File (MIF) and BREW Application Resource (BAR) command-line compilers to ensure efficient application development, as well as support for the XML-based source format for MIF and BAR files to enable easier management of application resources.

The BREW 3.0 porting kit for device manufacturers is available now, and handsets incorporating the BREW 3.0 client software are expected to hit the market by next summer. BREW developers interested in reviewing and using the BREW 3.0 SDK can download it for free by visiting the BREW Web site at http://brew.qualcomm.com .

QUALCOMM's BREW system provides products and services that connect the mobile marketplace value chain, which includes application developers, publishers, content providers, device manufacturers, operators and consumers.

Publishers and developers worldwide are generating revenue from BREW-based applications and content, and 21 manufacturers have offered more than 100 BREW-enabled device models to consumers. The BREW system is successfully enabling the commercial wireless data services of many very successful operators, including Verizon Wireless, ALLTEL, Cellular One, Midwest Wireless and U.S. Cellular in the United States, China Unicom, KDDI in Japan, KTF in South Korea, Hutch in Thailand, Telstra in Australia, VIVO in Brazil, BellSouth International in Colombia and BellSouth International in Panama.

Qualcomm Inc.