Broadcom offers the first combined Bluetooth +WiFi solution

     Broadcom announced the launch of three new Bluetooth +Wi-Fi modules to enable the best wireless capabilities for laptops and netbooks. These new BroadcomInConcert modules are the industry's only solution that combines standard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips in the smallest form factor (half the size of a mini-card). Broadcom's highly integrated modules enable PC manufacturers to add more wireless capabilities to shrinking hardware designs, while providing unique coexistence technologies to ensure the best possible user experience.

     These new InConcert modules extend Broadcom's industry-leading wireless portfolio, which is driving Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi and FMRadio into a range of handheld devices. While laptops generally have more board space to accommodate discrete Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips on different modules, the growing demand for smaller netbooks and ultra-mobile PCS (UMpcs) has led to the need for more integrated wireless solutions. By combining two of the most popular Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chips into a module half the size of a mini-card, Broadcom can help PC vendors capture this opportunity by delivering market-proven wireless performance in a smaller, more affordable platform.

     MichaelHurlston, vice president and general manager of Broadcom's Home and Wireless business unit, said: "We have delivered millions of single-chip portfolio products, and using this wealth of experience to develop better solutions for PCS is not far-fetched. Most laptop designs can benefit from higher wireless performance and fewer components, but the most effective application areas for InConcert modules are netbooks and ultra-mobile PCS. Several of our PC customers will use these modules in their new designs to deliver the functionality, styling and trouble-free user experience that customers demand."

     According to ABIResearch, netbooks and ultra-mobile PCS currently account for a significant share of the PC market, with annual sales expected to reach 120 million units by 2012. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are standard features on these new platforms because Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable the connectivity and flexibility that consumers expect from their mobile computers. Bluetooth can be used to remove keyboard and mouse connections, sync/transfer data and photos from mobile phones, and make VoIP calls through wireless headsets. At the same time, Wi-Fi provides greater bandwidth for Web surfing, downloading streaming media content, and transferring large data files across networks.

     "The wireless connectivity provided by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enables people to live and work more freely, enabling the mobile applications netbook customers have come to expect, such as fast Internet surfing, multimedia streaming, and easy connection to external devices," said CampbellKan, vice president of Acer's mobile computing business unit. Our next generation of AspireOne netbooks, equipped with Broadcom's new wireless solutions, will do an even better job of helping people stay connected in style and simplicity."