Qualcomm Atheros Launches Skifta Media Shifting Platform for the Connected Home

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Qualcomm Atheros Inc., the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), today announced the introduction of the Skifta™ Media Shifting Platform for entertainment-driven consumer electronics. Skifta powered devices will create the framework for an interoperable wireless platform, ideal for accessing and streaming digital music, photos and videos around the home. The first component to be unveiled is the Skifta Wireless Audio Adapter, which is designed for manufacturers seeking to offer consumers a way to retrofit their legacy audio devices with both connectivity and support for Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP). Regardless of the connection, consumers can use the Skifta Wireless Audio Adapter to stream music and audio effortlessly throughout the home.

The Skifta Platform will provide device manufacturers and their customers with a new hardware ecosystem that builds on the strength of the Skifta Android™ application and promotes the wireless connected home to a broader audience of media consumers. Skifta transforms any Android device into a global media remote control, helping consumers access and enjoy their music, videos and photos at home over Wi-Fi and while on the move with 3G.

"The Skifta Platform is at the heart of a new connected home strategy from Qualcomm Atheros designed to push the boundaries of smart devices and provide endless entertainment opportunities for users," said Dan Rabinovitsj, senior vice president and general manager, networking business unit, Qualcomm Atheros. "We want to introduce more consumers to the experience of unfettered wireless access and control of the content and electronic devices they use in their everyday lives. The Skifta product line is a unique bundling of compatible hardware and software with benefits that will appeal to manufacturers and consumers alike."

Skifta hardware development kits and embedded software for manufacturers will be available in the coming months for products in the Skifta product line, including modules for stereos, wireless speakers, TVs, set-top boxes, wireless routers, network attached storage (NAS) drives and other digital A/V adapters. The Skifta Android application will help consumers stream and enjoy content on the Skifta-ready products, as well as on standard DLNA Certified® or UPnP devices. The Skifta platform additionally incorporates a channel library, which provides manufacturers with a selection of cloud-based content they can offer their customers. Skifta channels give immediate access to Facebook Photos, Picasa, Flickr, Photobucket, Soma.fm, ShoutCast, Revision 3, TED Talks and more. The development kit will have Wi-Fi, powerline communications and Ethernet networking support for distribution of content within the home.

Pricing and Availability

The Skifta Wireless Audio Adapter hardware development kit, as well as other components of the Skifta Platform, will be available in the first half of 2012. Skifta for Android is free to download immediately from the Android Market and is currently available for smartphones and tablets running Android 2.2 or higher. The Skifta desktop application for remote access to media stored at home (PC, Mac and Linux) is available at www.skifta.com. For regular Skifta updates, follow us at www.twitter.com/skifta or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/skifta.

About Qualcomm Atheros Inc.

Qualcomm Atheros Inc., the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, is a leading provider of wireless and wired technologies for the mobile, networking, computing and consumer electronics markets. The organization is focused on inventing technologies that connect and empower people in ways that are elegant and accessible to all. With its broad connectivity portfolio, Qualcomm Atheros provides its global customer base with high-performance, end-to-end solutions featuring Wi-Fi^®, GPS, Bluetooth^®, Ethernet, HomePlug^® powerline and PON technologies. Qualcomm Atheros leverages its substantial expertise in RF, signal processing, software and networking to deliver highly integrated, low-power, system-level solutions that enable customers to create high-performance, differentiated products. For more information, go to www.qca.qualcomm.com.

Qualcomm Atheros and Skifta are trademarks of Qualcomm Atheros Inc. HomePlug is a registered trademark of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

Qualcomm Atheros Contact:
Laurie Falconer
Phone: 1-408-616-3036
Email: [email protected]

Qualcomm Contacts:
Tina Asmar, Corporate Communications
Phone: 1-858-845-5959
Email: [email protected]

Warren Kneeshaw, Investor Relations
Phone: 1-858-658-4813
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Qualcomm Atheros Inc.