Handheld PDA provides multimedia capabilities.
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Press Release Summary:
CLIE PEG-UX50 integrates with Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth(TM) wireless technologies enabling users to access Web-based content and communicate via Internet. It includes integrated digital camera, voice recorder, digital audio player, and high-resolution color screen. Handheld Engine(TM) processor features Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Management(TM) to maximize battery life. When battery level is extremely low, unit automatically stores information to separate built-in non-volatile memory.
Original Press Release:
New Clie Handheld Features More Power, Mobility and Intelligence
Leap In Handheld Sophistication Takes Multimedia Capabilities to the Max
SAN FRANCISCO, July 18, 2003 - Having defined the "multimedia handheld" category, Sony is now shaping a new chapter based on the notion of a "personal entertainment communicator."
Unveiled in the U.S. today by Masanobu Yoshida, president of Sony Corporation's Handheld Computing Company, and Mark Viken, senior vice president of Sony Electronics' IT Products Division, the new CLIE PEG-UX50 handheld device integrates both Wi-Fi® (IEEE 802.1 ib) and Bluetooth(TM) wireless technologies.
The device represents the first in Sony's anticipated line of many that will enable users to access Web-based content and to communicate via the Internet. It also incorporates hallmark features that helped to set CLIE handhelds apart, including an integrated digital camera, voice recorder, digital audio player and high-resolution color screen.
"When people think of data, they typically think of office documents, or in the handheld world, things like address books or calendars. But at Sony, we see beyond the 'tool' aspect of the handheld market," Yoshida said, "We have the capability of injecting wonder, joy and levels of customization into a portable device so it becomes like a companion or a friend to a lifestyle that uses digital technology."
Processing the Possibilities
For the first time, Sony has designed, engineered and manufactured a new processor for the handheld that has been optimized with three key benefits in mind: multimedia processing, battery life and miniaturization, which are essential factors for a premiere mobile device.
Dubbed the Handheld Engine(TM), the new processor (model CXD2230GA) is expected to find its way into future iterations of CLIE handhelds. The processor features Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Management(TM) (DVFM), a Sony developed technology designed to maximize battery life. Depending upon the application, the new processor automatically operates at a frequency that draws a minimum of power supply voltage by monitoring its operation speed, resulting in the world's first commercialization of voltage control functions.
By integrating various I/F functions including two-dimensional graphics engine, digital camera and Memory Stick PRO media interfaces onto a single chip, Sony was able to reduce the overall size of the CLIE UX50 handheld.
Exploring Wireless Communications Options
Wireless communication is the focal point of the new device. Users will be able to wirelessly access the Internet and share e-mail either via a Wi-Fi enabled local area network (LAN) or a cell phone with integrated Bluetooth technology that is set up with data access service.
When users enter a new geographic location, they can easily detect available Wi-Fi signals through the device's embedded "sniffer" technology. This application will automatically detect nearby access points, virtually eliminating the connection set-up process.
The unit's landscape screen orientation, along with the optimized NetFront(TM) web browser will make for easy viewing of HTML-based Internet web sites on the new 480 x 320 pixel screen.
A Different Approach to Memory
Another breakout feature is the auto-backup capability-- a first for any running the Palm OS® software. When the device detects that the battery level is extremely low, it automatically stores information to a separate built-in non-volatile memory. In the event that battery life is depleted, information is retained and can be accessed by simply recharging the unit with no synchronization needed.
Other firsts include a dedicated 29MB of internal memory for storing multimedia and data files, including MP8 audio, MPEG-4 video, JPEG still image and office document files. For additional storage, the unit features a dedicated Memory Stick PRO(TM) media slot that accommodates both the advanced Memory Stick PRO and standard Memory Stick® removable media.
Pricing and Availability
Sony will offer a new CLIE PEG-UX40 handheld, which is identical to its sibling, but features only Bluetooth wireless technology. Both the CLIE UX50 and UX40 handhelds will be available at retailers nationwide in September for about $700 and $600, respectively. Pre-orders may be placed beginning today at sonystyle.com/die.
