Qualcomm Incorporated, a developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies, products and services announced plans to expand the market for its Gobi connectivity technology.

 

Company sources say that following the success of the technology in PC markets, more companies are being roped in to serve new market segments such as e-readers, gaming devices and M2M commercial applications. It will also enable connected computing beyond WiFi (News - Alert) hotspots with embedded modules and USB modems. The Gobi technology can also support technologies like HSPA+ and LTE.

 

“As a leading innovator in the consumer electronics industry, our choice for 3G connectivity is Gobi technology,” said Ryosuke Akahane, deputy president of VAIO Business Group, Sony.

 

Akahane added, “We are pleased to be working with Qualcomm (News - Alert) to expand the market for connected consumer devices while reaping the benefits of having a consistent software platform across our wireless products.”

 

Qualcomm will collaborate with other companies to arrive at an expanded portfolio of flexible Gobi solutions suitable for multiple chipsets which will result in enhanced Gobi-connected devices. Device manufacturers can benefit from a common software API on all Gobi-enabled products enabling different module requirements.

 

Also the common software API serves a larger market for independent software vendors or ISVs which can leverage connectivity of Gobi-equipped devices to launch new mobile applications in the market.

 

The Gobi technology has been adopted in more than 50 notebook and netbook models. Further Gobi2000 modules will be launched in over 100 notebook and netbook designs. The technology features in e-readers like IREX’s DR 800SG, and in routers for M2M and enterprise applications. Top Global (News - Alert) MB7900, recently launched by Sprint and the Digi WR44 are Gobi-enabled routers, said company sources.

 

“Gobi has become synonymous with reliable, transparent and ubiquitous 3G connectivity for the laptop and netbook markets, and we are now expanding to include new market segments,” said Barry Matsumori, vice president of connectivity and wireless modules at Qualcomm CDMA Technologies.

 

Matsumori expressed his pleasure on working with Gobi partners to bring connectivity to new types of devices. This gives instant access to real-time information making it more integral and seamless, he noted.

 

Qualcomm develops innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other technologies.