Broadcom Radically Changes Wireless Connectivity Paradigm with InConcert(R) Maestro(TM) Software Platform

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 2010 International CES -- Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced its new InConcert® Maestro(TM) software platform that allows developers to easily add different types of wireless connectivity to software applications across communications, computing and consumer products. The unified API (application programming interface) framework, which includes support for Bluetooth 3.0 High Speed and the upcoming Wi-Fi Direct standard, will enable OEMs and carriers to offer easy-to-use services and consumer applications using these technologies together in novel ways.

The InConcert Maestro platform enables a superior customer experience by eliminating the need to manually choose, establish and manage the underlying wireless network. For example, streaming a video from a PC to a TV becomes simple and intuitive as Maestro spares the user from having to actively setup and configure the connectivity technology on both devices. As the personal wireless ecosystem evolves and expands, the InConcert Maestro platform is designed to complement Broadcom's comprehensive portfolio of wireless hardware to enable a transparent, turnkey solution for consumers of today's electronics devices.

Highlights/Key Facts:

• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi continue to grow and evolve in consumer electronics (CE) and other products, with Wi-Fi connectivity expected to ship in 1.4 billion devices and Bluetooth shipping in 2 billion units by 2014 (according to ABI research), driven by increasing adoption rates in netbooks, smartphones, TVs, set-top boxes and other devices.
• Integrating Bluetooth and Wi-Fi into CE products can be challenging due to potential radio interference issues, and the need for sophisticated systems solutions that deliver a compelling user experience. The evolution of these two technologies further complicates integration:
  • The recent Bluetooth v3.0 specification adds a high-speed function that necessitates operation with a connected 802.11 wireless LAN radio.
  • A new low energy Bluetooth implementation for medical and fitness monitoring applications has been adopted and will soon appear in the market.
  • Wi-Fi will also soon standardize Wi-Fi Direct that allows peer-to-peer wireless connectivity.
• The InConcert product line elegantly solves interference issues and enhances the user experience with advanced co-existence technology. However, the multitude of wireless connectivity options also add significant complexity to the development of 'connected applications' that seek to facilitate convenient file transfers, media streaming, gaming, use of wireless peripherals (such as headsets and keyboards), and others.
• The InConcert Maestro platform by-passes the complexity of adding Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to these applications with key innovations that include:
  • A unified framework to provide Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for easy application development.
  • Thin, platform independent APIs that work across product segments (i.e. PCs, smartphones, media devices).
  • Technology-agnostic connectivity that enables a choice of the wireless technology that works best for a given application and available radio components.
  • Wirelessly 'connecting everything' without the consumer needing to worry about the underlying technology, connectivity and usage procedures.
  • Support for the most recent Bluetooth v3.0 + HS standard.
  • Mature, field proven standards-based Wi-Fi software for 802.11a/b/g/n network connectivity and media streaming.
  • Forthcoming support for Wi-Fi Direct including peer discovery mechanisms.
  • An open interface standard (OIS) approach that enables innovation on top of installed wireless functionality.
• With the Maestro platform, Broadcom introduces a new connectivity paradigm by significantly easing the integration of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth into electronic devices. This new software platform complements Broadcom's broad connectivity hardware portfolio and helps to extend its leadership by enabling more connected devices and applications.
• Electronic devices enabled with Maestro software will be able to deliver an easier, more integrated and compelling user experience. For example:
  • Maestro on a PC enables the user to stream video directly to a Maestro-enabled TV using a dedicated software application.
  • A Maestro-enabled PC and a Maestro-enabled mobile phone can share files and play connected games while each device is also used to browse the Internet.
• Broadcom will be demonstrating InConcert Maestro technology at this week's 2010 International CES and is now available to its early access OEM partners.

Supporting Quote:

Robert Rango, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Broadcom's Wireless Connectivity Group

"Two of the most compelling trends in consumer electronics today are the pervasive growth of wireless technologies and the huge popularity of small, downloadable applications that enhance and transform the user experience. Our new Maestro technology is bringing these two trends together, making it easier than ever to add Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to applications that will change the way people share media, communicate and interact with increasingly mobile devices."

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About Broadcom

Broadcom Corporation is a major technology innovator and global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom products enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment. We provide the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and software solutions to manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everything®.

Broadcom is one of the world's largest fabless semiconductor companies, with 2008 revenue of $4.66 billion, and holds over 3,650 U.S. and over 1,450 foreign patents, more than 7,750 additional pending patent applications, and one of the broadest intellectual property portfolios addressing both wired and wireless transmission of voice, video, data and multimedia.

A FORTUNE 500® company, Broadcom is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and has offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at +1.949.926.5000 or at www.broadcom.com.

Cautions regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

All statements included or incorporated by reference in this release, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry and business, management's beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the demand to simplify wireless connectivity for software applications, our position in that market, and references to the way Bluetooth and Wi-Fi will change the way people use mobile devices. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.

Important factors that may cause such a difference for Broadcom in connection with the InConcert Maestro software platform, include but are not limited to:

• general economic and political conditions and specific conditions in the markets we address, including the continuing volatility in the technology sector and semiconductor industry, trends in the broadband communications markets in various geographic regions, including seasonality in sales of consumer electronic products into which our products are incorporated;
• the timing, rescheduling or cancellation of significant customer orders and our ability, as well as the ability of our customers, to manage inventory;
• our ability to specify, develop or acquire, complete, introduce, market and transition to volume production new products and technologies in a cost-effective and timely manner; and
• the rate at which our present and future customers and end-users adopt Broadcom's technologies and products in our target markets.

Additional factors that may cause Broadcom's actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the list that can be found at http://www.broadcom.com/press/additional_risk_factors/Q42009.php.

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss the foregoing risks as well as other important risk factors that could contribute to such differences or otherwise affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of this date. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement, except as required by law.

Broadcom, the pulse logo, Connecting everything, the Connecting everything logo, InConcert and Maestro(TM) are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

    Contacts

    Trade Press              Investor Relations
    Henry Rael               T. Peter Andrew
    Public Relations Manager Vice President, Corporate Communications
    949-926-5734             949-926-5663
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SOURCE Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Mobile & Wireless