Kineto, NXP expand relationship on UMA handsets

Kineto Wireless Inc. announced that it has expanded its relationship with NXP Semiconductors to provide Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology for the Nexperia cellular system solution 5210, a baseband platform ideal for dual-mode handsets.

The two companies previously collaborated on a UMA-enabled version of the Nexperia cellular system solution 6120, which is currently used in commercial UMA-enabled handsets from a number of manufacturers including Samsung.

"By 2011, shipments of dual-mode wireless handsets will be well in excess of 300 million worldwide," said Philip Solis, principal analyst at ABI Research. "Handset manufacturers are bringing new handsets to the market quickly, and service providers are beginning to offer UMA services commercially."

"With fixed-mobile converged services gaining traction in Europe and Asia, consumers are not only seeking low-cost calling but also uninterrupted voice clarity even if they are indoors," said GertJan Kaat, senior vice president and general manager of NXP's mobile and personal business unit. "NXP's Nexperia cellular system solution 5210 builds on Kineto's UMA software to enable consumers to truly enjoy the economic benefits of dual-mode phones without compromising on call quality as consumers switch unnoticed between mobile and WiFi networks."

According to the press release, the Nexperia cellular system solution 5210 combines high integration with an efficient architecture and eliminates the need for a separate coprocessor or audio chip. The 5210 solution integrates Bluetooth/ WLAN co-existence solution, allowing consumers to make high quality voice calls with dual-mode handset in combination with a Bluetooth enabled headset.