CSR brings Bluetooth to Serene handset from Samsung and Bang & Olufsen

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CSR plc (LSE:CSR) has announced that its CSR's BlueCoretechnology for Bluetooth is inside the new eye-catching Serene mobilephone, the product of a collaboration between Samsung and Bang &Olufsen. The handset's minimalist design demanded Bluetoothconnectivity that would enable the user to connect easily to anextensive range of wireless devices without compromising form orfunctionality. CSR's BlueCore was chosen because it offers theindustry's leading power and size. The Serene is available from Bang &Olufsen stores and selected Samsung resellers.

The design-conscious Serene handset simplifies communication andconnectivity by adopting only essential features. Its ergonomic designincorporates a novel circular number pad with a thumb-operated touchwheel. The Serene's approach to simple communication integratesBluetooth connectivity as a necessity and thanks to the use ofBlueCore with its deep sleep power saving modes, does so withoutaffecting the battery's impressive 250 hr standby time. The Serenealso comes with a DECT docking station, which enables the phone tosynchronise with Bang & Olufsen cordless phones. The tri-bandGPRS-enabled phone features a 640 x 480 VGA camera and a 240 x 320pixels TFT 256K colour screen.

With the Serene, Samsung aimed to create a high quality phone thatenabled communication in its purest form, thus reflecting B&O's designphilosophy. They therefore needed the same level of quality andreliability from their partners. CSR's BlueCore technology providedhigh-quality, stable Bluetooth connectivity without forcing theSamsung engineers to compromise on their design objectives.

CSR's BlueCore3 silicon with Bluetooth version 1.2 software stackwas chosen to bring essential Bluetooth wireless connectivity to thehandset's simplistic design and it demonstrates the importance ofBluetooth for today's mobile phone. The extensive portfolio ofprofiles included with CSR's BCHS allows the device to connectseamlessly to a whole host of Bluetooth-enabled devices offeringenhanced flexibility in a high-fashion, minimalist design.

Matthew Phillips, VP Asia for CSR commented, "The use of Bluetoothconnectivity in the Serene handset is a clear demonstration of theimportance of the technology for any mobile phone manufacturer today.Samsung's decision to choose CSR as a connectivity partner furtherdemonstrates the market leading quality and innovation of our wirelesssystems." Phillips, added, "CSR works closely with its customers toensure manufacturers have access to most complete and reliablewireless technologies on the market today and we have an excellenttrack recording in helping our customers' products to become winners."

About CSR

CSR plc is the leading global provider of Bluetooth technology andhas developed expertise in other single-chip wireless communicationstandards such as Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11). CSR offers developedhardware/software solutions for Bluetooth based around BlueCore, afully integrated 2.4 GHz radio, baseband and microcontroller.

CSR has now launched its fifth generation BlueCore suite and is involume manufacture of its fourth generation BlueCore devices.BlueCore4 supports the Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) standard, which wasratified at the end of 2004. BlueCore4 remains the only EDR silicon tobe shipping in volume today. In November 2004 CSR launched UniFi, thefirst single chip 802.11a/b/g embedded solution specifically targetingthe mobile phone and consumer electronics markets.

BlueCore features in over 50 per cent of all Bluetooth devicesshipped and over 60 per cent of all qualified Bluetooth enabledproducts and modules listed on the Bluetooth website with industryleaders including Nokia, Dell, Panasonic, Sharp, Motorola, IBM, Apple,NEC, Toshiba, RIM and Sony using BlueCore devices in their range ofBluetooth products.

In March 2005, CSR acquired Clarity Technologies Inc., for itsClear Voice Capture (CVC) technology that enhances the audioperformance of any voice-based product or system. Applications for CVCinclude wireless headsets, handsets and automotive hands free systems.

In August 2005, CSR completed the acquisition of UbiNetics'software business, providing a strong R&D team to accelerate itsexisting software development in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and UWB. TheUbiNetics team gives CSR the capacity to extend its offering to mobilehandset customers.

CSR has its headquarters and offices in Cambridge, UK, and officesin Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, India, France, Denmark, Sweden andboth Texas and Detroit in the USA.

More information can be found at www.csr.com and the partner website www.btdesigner.com

More information about Bluetooth technology can be found on theSIG web site at www.bluetooth.com