Qualcomm Announces Expansion of uiOne™ Handset Portfolio with O2 in Europe
Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies and mobile data solutions, today announced it will extend its strategic collaboration with O2, a leading provider of mobile services to consumers and businesses in the United Kingdom, to expand the network provider's portfolio of handsets based on Qualcomm's uiOne offering. O2 now plans to increase the functionality and the number of uiOne handsets available to subscribers over the next 12-18 months.
In September 2006, O2 launched the O2 Ice, the first handset within its U.K. and German European markets based on uiOne. Since its launch, O2 has received positive customer feedback on the O2 Ice device, showing that O2's goal of developing a customized, intuitive user interface has helped to deliver encouraging market acceptance. The implementation of the uiOne framework has enabled O2 to lay the foundation to create a consistent user experience across a range of O2 branded devices. This has enabled O2 to develop an experience that enhances customer satisfaction, loyalty and drives service usage.
The uiOne offering provides an open and flexible combination of products and services that assist in the creation and deployment of customized mobile user interfaces (UIs) and content. By expanding the number of uiOne-enabled devices to its customers, O2 is able to provide superior user experiences to its end-users. O2 was the first European service provider to take advantage of uiOne - developing its own brand of devices that are both fashionable and highly functional.
“O2's launch of uiOne was a pioneering achievement and we're thrilled that the success of the O2 Ice has led to the expansion of new uiOne handsets in its portfolio,” said Herbert Vanhove, vice president and general manager, Qualcomm Internet Services, Europe. “In an increasingly crowded mobile market, operators are seeking ways to separate themselves from the competition and subscribers need better ways to access the services that matter to them. We feel uiOne helps achieve these goals and we look forward to continuing our work with O2 on these fronts.”
“Providing our subscribers a unique, personalized experience while maintaining the value of our brand are paramount goals for O2. Qualcomm's uiOne offering has helped us to accomplish this,” said Ian Clarke, head of devices, O2 UK and president, O2 Asia. “The O2 Ice has gained affinity amongst our customers for its stylish look, ease-of-use and intuitive UI, and support for compelling data services. We anticipate similar subscriber satisfaction for the uiOne devices we plan to deliver in the next 12 to 18 months.”
Qualcomm Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Qualcomm is included in the S&P 500 Index and is a 2006 FORTUNE 500® company traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market® under the ticker symbol QCOM.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the Company's ability to successfully design and have manufactured significant quantities of CDMA components on a timely and profitable basis, the extent and speed to which uiOne is adopted, change in economic conditions of the various markets the Company serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 24, 2006, and most recent Form 10-Q.
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