Motion Sensors / Detectors / Transducers
ST's MEMS Sensor Enables In-Air Motion Control in New PC and Media Remotes from Gyration
GENEVA, Jan. 8 / - STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), one of the world's leading manufacturers of MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical System) devices, today announced that its three-axis acceleration sensors are used to enable motion control in the new Air Mouse and Music Remote from Gyration, the consumer electronics brand from Movea, Inc., and the industry leader in motion-sensing devices for the home and office.
Gyration's in-air motion controls translate natural hand movements into immediate on-screen action, accurately responding to changes in position and direction. Driven by ST's Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, Gyration's new devices also use ST's 8-bit microcontrollers for computing and system management tasks.
The small dimensions and ultra-low power consumption of ST's 3D motion sensors contribute to the user-friendly size and weight of Gyration's new remote devices and prolong their battery life. The robust sensor design also provides very high immunity to vibration and shock resistance up to 10,000g.
Gyration's new PC mouse works in the air within 100 feet of its wirelessly connected PC without the need for a desktop surface. Its accurate and faithful response to hand movements make precise tracking possible virtually anywhere, including in cramped spaces, such as in a taxi cab or on an airplane.
Gyration's motion-sensing music remote with an LCD controls all digital home entertainment without the need to turn on the TV or PC monitor. The motion-control and gesture command technologies allow consumers to navigate, select and play media files with a flick of the wrist.
"MEMS motion sensors are redefining the user experience by enabling intuitive man-machine interaction in consumer applications," said Benedetto Vigna, General Manager of ST's MEMS Product Division. "Working with the leader in motion-sensing controllers, ST's MEMS devices can offer unprecedented ease of use and freedom to all consumers who want to navigate their PC or home media center on their terms."
"Our recently introduced UltraSense technology offers the most flexible and responsive in-air mouse capabilities on the market," said Greg Smith, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Movea, Inc. "By working with the leader in MEMS devices, Movea has taken an additional leap, bringing the very best motion-sensing technology to consumers."
Gyration's Air Mouse and Music Remote devices with ST's motion sensors and microcontrollers inside are scheduled to be on shelves at consumer electronics retailers by mid-2008.
About Movea, Inc.
Movea, Inc. is the newly formed company created by the acquisition of all assets of Gyration, Inc. by Movea SA. Movea SA, a spin-off from the French research institute CEA-Leti, licenses CEA-Leti's unique gyroscope free motion- sensing technology for the Consumer and Healthcare markets. Gyration is the inventor and patent holder of gyroscopic motion-sensing technology for in-air navigation and cursor control on a television screen or monitor. Movea, Inc.'s consumer products, including Gyration's range of controllers for the digital media markets, will remain under the Gyration brand name. Movea, Inc. offers products through traditional retail store fronts, value added resellers, system integrators and OEM partners. Additional information about Movea, Inc. and its range of Gyration consumer electronics products can be found at www.gyration.com and www.movea-tech.com.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2006, the Company's net revenues were $9.85 billion and net earnings were $782 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
Source: STMicroelectronics
CONTACT:
Michael Markowitz of STMicroelectronics
+1-212-821-8959
michael.markowitz@st.com
Web site: www.st.com/
http://www.movea-tech.com/
http://www.gyration.com/
ST's acceleration sensors are used to provide a motion- activated user interface in Nintendo's Wii Nunchuk and Wiimotes. ST's unique portfolio of two- and three-axis MEMS accelerometers targets a wide range of low-g applications, from motion-based user interfaces to hard- disk drive and automobile-passenger protection. MEMS is one of the fastest growing and most exciting segments of the semiconductor industry, forecast to grow at around 50% over the next five years, heading towards $10 billion by 2010.*
* ST estimate based on data from market research analysts In-Stat, Nexus and Yole Development.
